Construction tech

Question 1

Can you explain a typical floor build up?

Answer 1

Sub-base: Well-compacted building rubble or loose stone-based material.
Hardcore: A filling material to make the required level, and create a solid base.
Damp-proof membrane (DPM): An impervious layer such as heavy duty polythene sheeting.
Concrete bed: Providing a solid level surface.
Insulation to limit heat transfer with the ground.
Screed: Usually a sand and cement mix laid to prepare for the installation of a floor covering.
Flooring finish: Such as carpet, tiles, and so on.

Question 2

Can you explain the SFS external wall build up?

Answer 2

Plasterboard
VPL
sfs
Cavity insulation
wall tiles
facing brick

Question 3

Cavity external wall?

Answer 3

Plasterboard
block work
cavity insulation
brickwork
or block with render
may have
dampe proof membrane to prevent rising damp
Capour control layer
breather membrane

Question 4

What are the different types of damp and how do you prevent them?

Answer 4

Rising damp
Penetration damp
Condensation

Question 5

How do you detect rising damp and deal with it?

Answer 5

Check for clear signs of damp on floors lower down,
musty smell
salt diposits
peeling plaster/ plaster

Install a damp course into the wall physical barrier horizontal
repair paitn and plaster

Question 6

Why might a building be listed?

Answer 6

special architectural interest, adds value to the area part of national heritage
statuatory protection

Question 7

What are the 3 catergoies of listed

Answer 7

Grade 1 - exception interest
Grade 2 - particularly important
Grade 3- special interes most likely home owners

Question 8

What is curtilage lisitng?

Answer 8

Land protected as it is close to a listed building

Question 9

what is section 106 agreements?

Answer 9

Agreements mitigate the impact to local community

Question 10

What is the difference between warm and cold roof?

Answer 10

A warm roof has insulation placed above the structural deck, keeping the entire roof structure within the insulated envelope, which improves energy efficiency and minimizes condensation risk—making ventilation unnecessary. In contrast, a cold roof has insulation placed below the deck, meaning the deck remains cold and exposed to external temperatures, which increases the risk of condensation unless properly ventilated. Warm roofs are common in modern flat roof constructions, while cold roofs are more typical in older buildings or where external insulation is impractical.

Question 11

Whats a typical floor build up

Answer 11

gf hard core
sand blinding
damp proof membrane
insulation
concrete
screed