A quieter week on site but still good progress
Sam of Insul Hub completed the soffits and fitted a drip trim to ensure that we have a nice straight line on the roof overhang across the 4 elevations.
Once this was complete, we were able to apply a protective finish to the Siberian Larch. We have used an exterior oil called Champagne, manufactured by local firm Treatex in Thame. We have previously used this on our garden room; it is a mixture of various natural oils, including linseed, which protects the wood from UV light and should not fade. Two coats should maintain the wood looking like new for many years. We applied this ourselves and it was good to actually contribute to the build at last.
Meanwhile, Sam and Rafi, also of Insul Hub, prepared the basement and the area of the middle floor over the beam and block for pouring the screed. We had already installed 200mm of PIR insulation boards over the beam and block area as well as placing 50mm waste pipes for the bathrooms before they are covered with screed. We are using A142 mesh set 10mm above the insulation for the middle floors, where the screed will be around 75mm deep, and 40mm above the waterproofing layer in the basement where the screed will be around 150mm deep.
The screed was due to arrive on Wednesday. However, on Tuesday afternoon, the supplier pulled out. This was the 4th time that we have had a concrete pour cancelled at short notice by a supplier. On investigation, the supplier admitted that they had diverted all of their resources to the HS2 project and they “might” be able to reschedule for 1 April, which sounded like an April’s fool joke! It is frustrating when we have the teams on site ready for a pour and it is pulled at short notice. There is an inevitable delay in rescheduling and we have now reverted to Ashville Concrete to supply the screeds but they cannot do this until next Tuesday, 22 March.
However, the time was not wasted: the team set about clearing some of the snagging list items while they were awaiting delivery of the 22mm tongue and groove CaberDek flooring. This duly arrived on Thursday morning and by Friday afternoon 75% of the top and middle floors had been completed. Good progress!
