 Timber shrinks
Hi Kevin
Sorry for the delay but I have been away.
Have a look at the Building Regulations Approved Document K on page 5 under “Performance” it states that the guidance only applies to “dwellings where the difference in level is more than 600mm”
The after sales inspector is correct. It could be that cavity trays are fitted but if you think that the tray is to ensure any water penetrating the cavity comes out. If they are fitted above the stone lintel the water comes out and then straight into the stone lintel which has not got a cavity tray. You may not get any problems with this but there again you might. If it happens outside the resolution period and the cost of putting it right is less than the minimum claims value of the NHBC policy (about £1000) you will have to do the work.
I thought the property was timber frame which should have vents to allow the timber frame cavity to breath. I noticed that they have put some at high level under the soffit of the main roof but there do not appear to be any in the ground floor porch area.
The window sill is not twisted due to the way it was installed but because the timber frame has settled. The windows are fitted to the timber frame. When the frame shrinks (as timber does) the window will move downwards as it is fitted to the timber frame. The stone sill sits on top of the brickwork that sits on masonry construction which does not shrink. Therefore when the frame goes downwards the plastic sill which is sitting on the stone cill stays where it is and twists as the rest of the window moves downwards with the timber frame.
Hope this helps
Mark  |