Letters page for Professional Builder online. If something is troubling you or if you have any other comments on the world of building, let’s hear it. Email pb@hamerville.co.uk or write to: Dear PB…Professional Builder, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Through our extensive manufacturer network, Professional Builder has access to some of the best technical brains in the industry. If we don’t know the answer to a building-related problem ourselves, we almost certainly know someone who does. From cover to cover, eleven times a year, every page of Professional Builder is filled with crucial information for builders everywhere. It is written by hands-on experts in their respective fields, individuals who understand the building business. Professional Builder contains the best, most up to date, accurate information on materials, tools, techniques and deals as well as business matters, including office management, editorial on tax, money, planning etc.

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LETTERS

Letter of the month

SAW POINT
Dear PB
I was on a job in March 2008 fitting central heating. I used my circular saw to cut the floorboards up to install pipework. As I cut with my circular saw set correctly I hit that pipework. It became apparent that the floorboards had been cut out from the underside so they would fit over 28mm pipes, which had not been recessed into the joist properly – in fact they were higher by 6mm or more.

I have been defending my self since as I do not feel responsible for this. The claimant says I should not have used a circular saw to cut floorboards and, as a result of my negligence, damage was caused to the property. Could you please let me know what you think? Is a circular saw the wrong tool to use?

Gary Foster, via email

PB: You were not negligent as this is standard practice, albeit with a margin of a couple of millimetres for safety. Since the fault was with the existing installation, and not you, then the householder's own insurance company should pay up. Your public liability covers negligence, or accidents, but the householders own insurance is always the first port of call.

N.B. We are following this case and will report on it in full later in the year.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Dear PB
In my job as a plumber and general jobbing builder I have come across a lot of bad practice. The latest thing to get me hot under the collar is these blokes who put down electric underfloor heating straight onto a screed without any insulation under it. Half the heat goes straight down into the floor, so it is wasting a lot of money. When I get the chance to talk to the blokes doing it they say that there isn't enough room to get 12mm of insulation, like Wedi board, down there, plus the tiles. The trouble is that the customers are paying for something that turns out not to be fit for purpose. I know a lot of people say that underfloor heating is expensive. Well yes, it would be if you are heating a great bit concrete slab. I know one person who paid £2,000 for electric underfloor heating and can't afford to run it!

Steven Coulter, Truro

PB: You make a good point and those people that neglect to put insulation down are ruining the reputation of a good product.

FLAT OUT
Dear PB,
I was wondering if you could help me with a problem I have with a one bedroom flat I rent out to consistent idiots. I remember reading your magazine and reading a little article on condensation in homes and the very simple ways to control it.

I lived in this property for 19 years and never had any problems, simply opening windows, closing doors and letting bathroom/kitchen de-humidifying fans do there work. The general public seems to ignore everything and let the place go to ruin around them. I’m fed up of sorting out these damp and mould solutions after each tenant leaves.
Could you possibly provide some easy to read and understand advice, so I can provide it to my tenants?

I’ve tried to tell them verbally, but this is no good. I want to make adherence to the advice part of the agreement they sign, and make it clear that their deposit will not be coming back to them if they cant do these simple things. With thanks to a mag that I love to read

Gary Deen, via email

PB: Thanks for your words of appreciation for what we do here at Professional Builder, but we fear that you put too much faith in the power of words to change people's behaviour. The reason that the articles we publish worked for you is that you are interested and looking for answers. There are people among the general public and builders who are interested and those who are not, that is why we have the word 'Professional' in front of Builder because it helps to filter out those we have no hope of influencing. It is all in the attitude. Sadly, many of your tenants don't care about your property and never will.

It is often the case that the the worst damp is caused by drying washing on radiators, we have even seen cases where people lay their washing out on the kitchen floor overnight and let the UFH dry it. They then wonder why they have mould in the backs of their wardrobes. The most constant misconception is that double glazing cures condensation and we get any number of emails from builders and the public who don't understand why they have worse mould and damp after replacing windows. They are looking for someone to blame but the answer lies with them. Perhaps it ought to be taught in the school science lesson. There is a thought practical science that has applications in everyday life.

Incidentally your experience highlights just how ill judged the current requirement for air tightness may turn out to be.

TOUGH GUY
Dear PB,
I started building my latest house at the beginning of December 2009 but since then – largely thanks to a combination of bad weather and mud – I’ve managed to break two mobile phones. One by water getting into the electronics and the other by the usual bumps and scrapes incurred whist laying a block and beam floor. This is getting expensive! Can you suggest a rugged phone suitable for site work?

Martin Andrews, Bromley, Kent

PB: There have been a number of 'builders’ phones' over the years but they have never really been big sellers, so they come at a price that few want to pay. In our test they haven't managed to survive much better than an ordinary phone in a waterproof puch. You can be sure that if anything other than the JCB Toughphone comes along we will tell you about it.

NET PROFIT
Dear PB,
I had a little time on my hands during the snow earlier this year so I dug out my old copies of Professional Builder. There is a mine of information in the old copies but if I want to send off for more details I see that some of the cards are out of date, so it isn't always possible to get details on tools and materials. Is there any way that the sell by date on the cards can be extended so I can catch up?

Neville Hislop, East Dulwich

PB: Unfortunately the Reader Reply Service is very busy answering enquiries about current products but we are now archiving tests and features on our website and you can access further info through the links. www.probuilder.tv

SANDS GOOD
Dear Professional Builder
Some time ago I think I saw a hand sander that can be hooked up to a dust extractor or vacuum cleaner. As I have a customer who is allergic to dust do you know of a manufacturer who provides such a thing?

Simon Jones, Swansea

PB: The product you are looking for is made by Mirka. The most important part is the Abranet abrasive which is a mesh material to let the dust draw through. It is very effective indeed.

COLD COMFORT
Spring might be in the air but despite the bad weather earlier in the year Professional Builder's test team were still out and about. Roger Bisby is seen here relaxing in a DeWalt Gortex jacket and trousers. The neoprene lined Wellington boots are from Buckler (warm as toast) and the gloves come from Snickers cold weather range.

If you’ve got any winter pics you want to share with us send them to pb@hamerville.co.uk