Home Off Topic Extension Living: Spot The Cracks And Dodge The Leaks

Extension Living: Spot The Cracks And Dodge The Leaks

by Jessica Amey

At first, when you viewed the home you now live in, it may not have crossed your mind, but space was going to be a concern. The modern techniques of extending a home are so diverse, and quality assurances are so high, that it may not have been a factor in your decision-making. However, when you had children, you realised it was time to upscale. Building an extension requires you to first come to terms with having a smaller back garden. The construction would be done on a portion of the outside immediate to the rear of the home. This means the actual foundation of the extended room is going to be fresh. It was designed to be built on, as the rest of the home was. Therefore maintaining your extension room requires a certain amount of understanding beforehand. There are some key areas that need to be looked after as they can whither quicker than others.

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Construction and roof styles

For an extended or standalone lounge room like a conservatory roof are large and complex. In essence, they do mimic the roof of a home, but they are beholden to a different size and shape. For example, your conservatory might be a rounded shape with a smooth side and curved windows, it may be a multi-sided room with straight windows and doors etc. Regardless, a poorly constructed roof begins its short life with a poor design. That’s why you could consider looking at specialists for your conservatory roof replacement. No matter what style of room you have such as Elizabethan, Victorian, Veranda, Regency or Lean To, you can decide from an eco-roof, premium or orangery. If you hadn’t really had a choice before, you can now also choose from glass window roofs or the traditional tiled style. Not all styles will be the same, so it’s best to explore what kind of roof will suit your conservatory best.

Foundational and brickwork cracking

Professional builders will make sure that when they’re laying down the foundation for the extension, they have a good amount of dry and warm days to do it. If the foundation doesn’t set, it will be inherently weak. If this is so, you’ll sense it immediately because the weight of the room cannot be supported. Be on the lookout for cracks on the side of your extension room. If you have moved heavy appliances in the room to use as a secondary kitchen or washing room, such as a dishwasher, washing machine and or dryer they will put additional pressure on the border. Cracks may look as if they’re coming out and up from the ground, which will seep into the brickwork. Get down and closely examine these areas to see you aren’t suffering from this. A sealant is a temporary fix, but calling in professionals is the only answer to such a fundamental fault.

Whatever the reason was for you needing or wanting more room, be mindful that it’s not natural for your home. The extra weight and entirely new foundation will need a good sharp eye to notice faults early. On the other hand, an old or poorly constructed roof can be the Achilles heel to what is otherwise a great extension.

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