GBG 10 - Temporary support for openings in external walls: assessing load

Many buildings will require minor structural alteration or repair around openings; others will need new or enlarged openings. This Guide gives a simple procedure for assessing loads above lintels in traditionally built brick or brick and block housing. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 13 - Surveying brick or blockwork freestanding walls

Shows what to look for when assessing masonry boundary walls that may need to be repaired or rebuilt. Includes guidelines on the significance of different types of crack. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 15 - Providing temporary support during work on openings in external walls

Shows how to provide temporary support when replacing lintels or changing the size of window or door openings. Gives guidance on choice of materials and typical methods for supporting walls floors and roofs. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 16 - Erecting, fixing and strapping trussed rafter roofs

Guide for site supervisors and building inspectors, showing normal arrangements for fixing and strapping domestic roofs up to 12 m span, to provide a sound platform for roof coverings and contribute to the stability of the roof and gable ends. To be used with GBG 8. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 17 - Freestanding brick walls - repairs to copings and cappings

Gives recommendations for repair of deteriorated copings or cappings on existing walls, or for replacement of copings or cappings where a wall is being lowered in height to reduce risk of collapse. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 18 - Choosing external rendering

This guide gives outline advice for buildings up to four storeys to assist specifiers and builders in choosing render for different backgrounds and exposure zones. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 19 - Building reinforced, diaphragm and wide plan freestanding walls

This guide gives guidance for stable construction of a range of common brick or blockwork wall types (staggered, chevron, diaphragm, hollow block reinforced with steel, and brick piers reinforced with steel). It includes notes on materials selection and good construction practice. 10 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 2 - Surveying masonry chimneys for repair or rebuilding

During the life of a building, chimneys may need repair, be required to act as flues for different fuels or appliances, or become redundant. This Guide shows what to look for when assessing chimneys for repair, re-use or decommissioning. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 20 - Removing internal loadbearing walls in older dwellings

A common alteration to older properties is the creation of an open-plan ground floor by removing part of an internal loadbearing wall. This guide is aimed at those responsible for specifying, carrying out and inspecting such alterations. Guidance is provided on the assessment of the property to ensure that the alteration can be carried out safely and, on completion, will be structurally sound. 8 pages. The 1999 edition replaces the earlier 1995 edition.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 22 - Maintaining exterior wood finishes

This Good Building Guide advises on which type of finish to use for exterior doors and windows, discusses the pros and cons of finish types and how they compare in practice, advises on successful maintenance methods, and gives guidance on the method and extent of surface preparation necessary. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 23 - Assessing external rendering for replacement or repair

Gives advice on the systematic inspection of failed underlying structures, and guidance on whether to repair or replace. With GBG24, this guide gives advice on the systematic inspection of failed underlying structures, and guidance on whether to repair or replace. Aimed at building surveyors, contractors and site supervisors. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 24 - Repairing external rendering

This guide gives advice on the possible causes of failed rendering and suggests what remedial action to take. Aimed at building surveyors, contractors and site supervisors. Use GBG 23 for advice on the systematic inspection of failed external rendering and the underlying structures, and for guidance on whether to repair or replace. Use this guide (GBG 24) to identify the defects and to help you decide on the appropriate repair, and GBG 18 for choosing the render. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 24 - Repairing External Rendering

This guide gives advice on the possible causes of failed rendering and suggests what remedial action to take. Aimed at building surveyors, contractors and site supervisors. Use GBG 23 for advice on the systematic inspection of failed external rendering and the underlying structures, and for guidance on whether to repair or replace. Use this guide (GBG 24) to identify the defects and to help you decide on the appropriate repair, and GBG 18 for choosing the render.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |

GBG 25 - Buildings and radon

Divided into four sections, this highly-illustrated guide draws together different areas of BRE radon-related research: 1 Passive radon sump systems; 2 Communal radon sump systems; 3 Spillage of combustion products; 4 Protecting new extensions and conservatories. It supplements existing guidance. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 26 - Minimising noise from domestic fan systems, and fan-assisted radon mitigation systems

Fan systems can be noisy. This guide describes how to design a fan system for removing from dwellings condensation and odours with the minimum of noise disturbance. Applies to domestic fan systems and to fan-assisted radon sump systems. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 27 - Building brickwork or blockwork retaining walls

This guide is for builders, designers and planners. It deals with types of retaining walls, soil classification, walls in sloping ground, materials, foundations, construction and - most importantly - safety. NHBC accepts design solutions based on this Good Building Guide. It covers walls to a maximum retained height of 1.725m. Walls of greater height should be designed by an appropriately qualified person. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 28 - Domestic Floors: Assesing them for replacement or repair (Part 2)

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |  Out of Stock*

GBG 28 - Domestic Floors: Construction, Insulation and Damp Proofing (Part 1)

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |  Out of Stock*

GBG 28 Part 1 - Domestic floors: construction, insulation and damp-proofing

Describes ground floor construction in new buildings and in rehabilitation work where floors are being replaced. It is the first of five parts, the other parts explain how to assess different types of floor construction for replacement or repair, and how to repair them. This part describes the types of ground floors commonly used in domestic properties: ground supported concrete slab floors, suspended concrete floors (including beam and block) and suspended timber floors. It tells you how to construct each type and gives advice on the positions of damp-proof membranes (dpm) and thermal insulation. In particular, it gives details of: damp-proofing, vapour control layers, drying times for concrete bases and screeds, and positions for thermal insulation. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 28 Part 2 - Domestic floors: assessing them for replacement or repair - concrete floors, screeds and finishes

This guide tells you how to inspect the condition of concrete floors, screeds and finishes and how to assess them for repair or replacement. Deals with the most common forms of deterioration of these floors and includes checklists for use when inspecting a floor. It is mostly about domestic floors but some recommendations apply also to other types of building. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 28 Part 3 - Domestic floors: assessing them for replacement or repair - timber floors and decks

Part 3, like Part 2, deals with the most common forms of deterioration - of timber floors and decks. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 28 Part 4 - Domestic floors: repairing or replacing floors and flooring - magnesite, tiles, slabs and screeds

Gives guidance on replacement and repair of magnesite floors, floor tiles (thermoplastic, vinyl and ceramic), and concrete slabs and screeds. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 28 Part 5 - Domestic floors: repairing or replacing floors and flooring - Wood blocks and suspended timber

Gives guidance on replacement and repair of wood blocks and suspended timber. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 29 Part 1 - Connecting walls and floors. A practical guide

The current Building Regulations require floors and roofs to be tied or strapped to the walls to maximise the stability and robustness of the structures. While this occurs naturally in frame structures, it must be considered at the design stage for masonry structures. New structures can be built with this requirement in mind, but many older buildings, mainly domestic, do not meet it. Part 1 of this Guide examines a number of retrofit systems that can bring safety standards, alleviate bulging in walls and other related stability problems. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 29 Part 3 - Connecting walls and floors Part 2: Design and performance

The current Building Regulations require floors and roofs to be tied or strapped to the walls to maximise the stability and robustness of the structures. While this occurs naturally in frame structures, it must be considered at the design stage for masonry structures. New structures can be built with this requirement in mind, but many older buildings, mainly domestic, do not meet it. This second part of the Guide considers design and performance issues of wall and floor ties. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 30 - Carbon monoxide detectors

The use of combustion appliances in the home can generate levels of carbon monoxide (CO) that may affect the health of the occupants. Each year, about 60 accidental deaths occur in the UK from the use of these appliances and there are many more non-fatal incidents.This Guide makes recommendations for CO detection systems in the home, based on the requirements for early detection, audibility and the need to minimise cost. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 31 - Insulated external cladding systems

Government policy and rising public awareness of the advantages of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and of saving energy has led to the development of systems and materials which meet these aims.This Guide explains how insulation can be applied to external walls and how to reduce some of the associated technical risks. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 32 - Ventilating thatched roofs

Thatch is naturally air and moisture permeable; when constructed traditionally it provides a weather resistant, breathable and highly durable roofing material. However, the introduction of modern impermeable plastics, the requirements of building regulations for additional insulation and reduced air leakage, can increase the risk of condensation within the thatch, so affecting its durability. This Guide explains how to reduce that risk by introducing cavities and ventilation below the thatch. It applies to new roofs and where the thatch of an existing roof is to be replaced completely. The local planning authority may require a consent application for the removal of thatch or if the insertion of new materials would change the behaviour of the roof. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 33 - Building damp-free cavity walls

It goes without saying that cavity walls should be built so that the inner leaf stays dry. Many building details are designed with this express purpose and are long-established. However, dampness is still a common problem in modern buildings, due to faulty design or construction of damp-proofing measures or to wrong choice of material. This Guide shows how to make sure new cavity walls do not suffer from dampness problems. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 34 - Building in winter

Winter weather often makes it difficult for builders to get on with the job. In very severe winters, sites can be at a standstill for weeks on end. Even in less severe weather, building operations are more difficult and working hours are bound to be reduced. Frost, rain and high winds can also play havoc with newly built work unless proper precautions are taken. Some of these problems can be reduced by advance planning, good preparation of the site, care of stored materials and protection of completed work. This Guide gives some tips and advice from BRE on how to keep interruptions to building to a minimum during winter weather, how to protect materials, and when it is vital to stop work. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 35 - Building without cold spots

All new buildings have to meet minimum standards of energy efficiency. Achieving them makes extra demands on site practice and workmanship as well as on designers. Crucial to success is correct design and installation of thermal insulation. If there are gaps or weaknesses in the insulation, there will be cold spots in the building envelope, and these can lead to trouble. This Guide gives advice from BRE on how to build without gaps in insulation and how to avoid the problems caused by thermal bridges. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 36 - Building a new felted flat roof

In recent years there have been big advances in materials and design choices for flat roofs so weathertightness and energy performance of modern flat roofs has improved. This Good Building Guide focuses on one of the commonest examples of a new flat roofed building - an extension built onto an existing house. Here a flat roof may be the only practical option, and may also be the cheapest. This Guide advises on how to make a good job of a new felted roof extension. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 36 - Building a new felted roof

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |  Out of Stock*

GBG 39 Part 1 - Simple foundations for low-rise housing: site investigation. Part 1

Deals with the key features of a site investigation, the information needed to decide whether an engineered design is called for or whether a ’rule of thumb’ design is appropriate, the application of the rule of thumb approach and the key features of good site work for foundations. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 40 - Protecting pipes from freezing

Each winter a spell of exceptional cold weather catches a lot of builders and householders napping, resulting in frozen water supplies, burst pipes and consequent building damage. This is the time to think about taking steps to prevent a repeat performance. The cost of repairing the damage caused by water from a burst pipe is out of all proportion to the cost of installing protection. This Good Building Guide looks at how to prevent freezing of water supplies, inside and out, with advice for both new and existing buildings. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 41 - Installing wall ties

Ties are essential in cavity walls to ensure that the wall is structurally sound and stable. A cavity wall is as strong as a solid wall only if the two slender leaves are securely tied together. Lack of skill or care in installing ties can lead to distortion, cracking, or - in extreme cases - collapse of the outer leaf. The outside leaf is also the vital rain shield for the building. If ties are badly installed, this can lead to rain penetration and dampness in the inner leaf. This Good Building Guide gives good practice advice on installing wall ties in new building. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 42 Part 1 - Reed beds: application and specification

The proposed revised Part H2, of the Building Regulations (England and Wales), and the proposed new Part M of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as amended, both make reference to reed bed systems for treating domestic wastewater. This Guide provides guidance to support building regulation requirements, describing typical applications and current accepted minimum design specifications for reed beds treating settled domestic wastewater. Part 1 of this Guide describes the historical development of the various reed bed systems along with some of the current variations in design. It also covers the expected performance of such systems, and their application. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 42 Part 2 - Reed beds: design; construction and maintenance

The proposed revised Part H2, of the Building Regulations (England and Wales), and the proposed new Part M of the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as amended, both make reference to reed bed systems for treating domestic wastewater. This Guide provides guidance to support building regulation requirements, describing typical applications and current accepted minimum design specifications for reed beds treating settled domestic wastewater. Part 2 sets out the design and construction parameters, and maintenance requirements. It explains the role of the plants in a reed bed and describes a test for determining the suitability of sand to be used in the beds. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 43 - Insulated profiled metal roofs

Profiled metal sheeting has been used for domestic roofs and, more commonly, in commercial and industrial buildings for many years. As with other thermally responsive construction, when elements having a high resistance to water vapour are incorporated there is a potential risk of condensation, which can be increased if thicker insulation is used. Condensation can reduce the thermal performance of the roof and cause disruption to internal finishes. This Good Building Guide highlights typical profiled metal roof constructions, some of the technical risks associated with increased levels of insulation and the design aspects which should be considered. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 44 Part 1 - Insulating masonry cavity walls: Part 1 - techniques and materials

With increasing pressure to provide ever thicker levels of insulation there is concern that thermally upgrading conventional cavity walls, consisting of two leaves of masonry, may prove impracticable. Part 1 (4 pages) of this Good Building Guide highlights techniques and materials for insulating cavity walls. Part 2 (8 pages) provides guidance on how to reduce the associated technical risks. The guidance is for cavity walls having two masonry leaves; it is not suitable for timber-framed construction. NB it relates more to new-build housing than to retrofitting insulation. This entry is for Part 1 only. To order both parts, see separate entry (Stock Code: 139391).

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 44 Part 2 - Insulating masonry cavity walls: Part 2 - principal risks and guidance

With increasing pressure to provide ever thicker levels of insulation there is concern that thermally upgrading conventional cavity walls, consisting of two leaves of masonry, may prove impracticable. Part 1 of this Good Building Guide highlights techniques and materials for insulating cavity walls. Part 2 provides guidance on how to reduce the associated technical risks. It includes a map of national exposure to wind-driven rain zones. The guidance is for cavity walls having two masonry leaves; it is not suitable for timber-framed construction. NB it relates more to new-build housing than to retrofitting insulation. 8 pages. This entry is only for Part 2; to order both parts together, see separate entry (Stock Code: 139391).

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 45 - Insulating ground floors.

Since 1990 there has been a requirement by Building Regulations to insulate ground floors to reduce energy consumption. With ever-increasing pressure to reduce energy usage, thicker levels of insulation will be required within the floor construction. This Good Building Guide highlights typical installation techniques, materials, insulation thicknesses and the potential technical risks in achieving improved thermal standards. It covers concrete ground floors insulated above or below the structure, concrete ground floors insulated around the edge, and insulated suspended timber ground floors. Warnings about service entries through insulated floors are given, e.g. water and waste pipes below the floor construction can be damaged by frost, electric cables enclosed within insulation may overheat. 8 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 45 - Insulating Ground Floors

Since 1990 there has been a requirement by Building Regulations to insulate ground floors to reduce energy consumption. With ever-increasing pressure to reduce energy usage, thicker levels of insulation will be required within the floor construction. This Good Building Guide highlights typical installation techniques, materials, insulation thicknesses and the potential technical risks in achieving improved thermal standards. It covers concrete ground floors insulated above or below the structure, concrete ground floors insulated around the edge, and insulated suspended timber ground floors. Warnings about service entries through insulated floors are given, e.g. water and waste pipes below the floor construction can be damaged by frost, electric cables enclosed within insulation may overheat.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |

GBG 46 - Domestic chimneys for solid fuel: flue design and installation

This Good Building Guide gives advice on design and construction of chimney and flue to vent the combustion gases safely to the outside air and induce a good air flow to suit the appliance and its heat output. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 47 - Level external thresholds: reducing moisture penetration and thermal bridging.

Level thresholds, where the internal and external walking surfaces are level, or almost level, are increasingly being specified to give access to the elderly and disabled. Level thresholds present a potential weakness in the weatherproofing resistance of door openings which may let water in. There is also a risk of thermal bridging. This Good Building Guide describes some of the technical risks associated with the design of level thresholds and some detailing solutions. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 48 - Installing domestic automatic window controls.

The installation of automatic window controls can assist elderly and disabled people to use windows where they would not be able to use manual hardware. This Good Building Guide describes available controls and how they work. It advises specifiers, manufacturers and installers on the best use of controls for disabled people and elderly users, and details technical issues relating to the installation to different types of frames. Involvement of the user in the specification process is essential. Questions that are commonly asked and potential problem areas are also discussed. 12 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 48 - Installing domestic automatic door controls

The installation of automatic door controls can assist elderly and disabled people with access into and out of their homes.This Good Building Guide describes available controls and how they work. It advises specifiers, manufacturers and installers on the best use of controls for disabled people and elderly users, and details technical issues concerning the installation of the various components of the system. Involvement of the user in the specification process is essential. Questions that are commonly asked and potential problem areas are also discussed. 12 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 50 - Insulating solid masonry walls

Solid masonry walling was the accepted form of wall construction until it was superseded in the early 1900s by twin-leaf (cavity) masonry construction and recently lightweight framed construction. However, solid masonry construction is estimated to represent some 15% of the existing domestic stock, a considerable number of dwellings which could be thermally upgraded. Additionally, the increased levels of insulation proposed by building regulations may present, in some instances, technical challenges to cavity and framed construction. In these cases, it may be appropriate to consider specifying solid masonry construction for new build. The objective of this Good Building Guide is to highlight some of the risks associated with solid masonry walling and to provide solutions for improving the thermal performance of this construction form. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 51 - Ventilated and unventilated cold pitched roofs

In a ’cold’ pitched roof, the insulation is fitted at ceiling level. With this construction, there is a risk of condensation on the underside of the roof; the thicker the insulation layer, the greater is the risk of condensation and of damage to the materials. Since the late 1960s, the accepted solution has been to introduce ventilation into the loft space by openings to the outside at eaves and ridge. More recently, vapour permeable underlays are sometimes used as an alternative to ventilation. With the introduction of the unventilated cold pitched roof, we need to clarify the general principles and risks and identify approved construction techniques. By giving guidance on the technical risks associated with ventilated and unventilated forms of cold pitched roofs, this Good Building Guide responds to some of the confusion and conflicting views. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 52 Part 1 - Site-cut pitched timber roofs: part 1 - design

Pitched roofs can be constructed in several different ways. They can be built in situ with each piece cut and fitted individually, they can use prefabricated or site-made trusses to support in situ fitted purlins and rafters, or they can be built with prefabricated trussed rafters forming the complete roof structure. Prefabricated roofs have become the most common form of construction in recent years but there are situations where a purpose designed and site-built roof (often referred to as a "cut" roof) may be preferred. In Part 1, this guide explains the principles of this type of construction and describes patterns of roof structure and design considerations. Part 2 describes a method of fabricating and constructing a typical domestic site-built roof. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 52 Part 2 - Site-cut pitched timber roofs: part 2 - construction

Pitched roofs can be constructed in several different ways. They can be built in situ with each piece cut and fitted individually, they can use prefabricated or site-made trusses to support in situ fitted purlins and rafters, or they can be built with prefabricated trussed rafters forming the complete roof structure. Prefabricated roofs have become the most common form of construction in recent years but there are situations where a purpose designed and site-built roof (often referred to as a "cut" roof) may be preferred. In Part 1, this guide explains the principles of this type of construction and describes patterns of roof structure and design considerations. Part 2 describes a method of fabricating and constructing a typical domestic site-built roof. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 6 - Outline guide to assessment of traditional housing for rehabilitation

Rehabilitation work presents particular problems and a need for specialist skills. Problems are often underestimated and final costs often exceed original estimates; building deficiencies may not be identified or corrected during the work. This guide gives advice on property assessment prior to rehabilitation. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 7 - Replacing failed plaster

Shows how to select wet plaster for different background materials and describes how it may contribute towards the fire, thermal and acoustic properties of the structure. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 73 - Radon protection for new domestic extensions and conservatories with solid concrete ground floors

The aim of this guide is to give practical advice and guidance on providing radon protection to new domestic extensions and conservatories with concrete floors and to explain why it is necessary. The Guide will also help house owners and builders in radon-affected areas to determine whether protection is needed for a new extension or conservatory and the level of protection that is required. Two further Good Building Guides will cover radon-protective measures for new dwellings and larger buildings (eg workplaces).

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 74 - Radon protection for new dwellings Avoiding problems and getting it right!

This Good Building Guide gives practical advice and guidance on the successful installation of radon-protective measures in new dwellings. In recent BRE studies an increasing number of new homes built with radon-protective measures are being tested and found to have elevated indoor radon levels. This Guide will help designers, site managers, building control authorities and site operatives to ensure that radon-protection measures work. It should be read in conjunction with BRE Report BR 211 (2007) ‘Radon: guidance on protective measures for new buildings’. Two other Good Building Guides cover radon-protective measures for new extensions and conservatories (GBG 73) and larger buildings (GBG 75).

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

GBG 78 - Below-ground drainage systems

This Good Building Guide gives recommendations on all aspects of installing below-ground drainage systems, including performance requirements, drain systems, calculating wastewater flows, materials, bedding and backfilling, access to drains, rodent control, workmanship, manholes, testing and inspection. It covers systems serving sanitary appliances in low-rise and high-rise dwellings, office buildings and public buildings.(A4, 8pp)

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £18.95 |

GBG 8 - Bracing trussed rafter roofs

Shows how timber bracing may be installed in typical trussed rafter roofs of up to 12 m span and advises on materials and where and how to fix the bracing normally needed for dual-pitched and mono-pitched roofs. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

GBG 82 - Rainwater Harvesting For Domestic Properties

This Good Building Guide covers the use of rainwater in a domestic property. Most houses have some means of collecting run-off from one or more locations including the house, garage, shed and greenhouse roofs and, possibly, paved areas. Local water suppliers have encouraged this collection of rainwater by making available, at reasonable cost, water butts together with diverters to fit in the downpipe. Systems are now available to store collected rainwater and pump it for use for irrigation and WC flushing. The different options are described together with system design, components and materials.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £16.00 |

GBG 9 - Habitability guidelines for existing housing

Lists the key considerations related to the habitability of housing and in each case suggests desirable characteristics or performance for the rehabilitated building. The guide will be of use during planning or inspection of rehabilitation work, either as a site checklist or as a desk-top prompt. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |