Timber Garage Question

[Doofus]

I've been all over the internet with tnis, and nobody seems to know definitively, so I thought I'd ask here, and then sit back while it all kicks off

I have a timber garage on a property boundary. It's old, so it's legal. However, it needs replacing because it's old and leaky.

I want to replace with timber, so it needs to be "substantially non-combustible". My question is can I achieve that (to the satisfaction of Building Control) using intumescent paint outside and fireproof plasterboard inside?

They have told me that if I replace the garage, I have to adhere to the 1m/substantially non-combustible rules. However, as it's a old building, I can repair it without any such concerns.

Do you suppose I can repair all four walls, and the roof, and make it bigger all at the same time?

I know I could potentially ask the council, but I don't really want to put myself on their radar...


TIA

[Doofus]

herbialfa said:

1. Ask the council but don't give your address!
2. Look at Marley board - that will give you the fire resistance required!

1. Hmm... crafty..
2. Is that instead of timber, or to clad the timber? I can only find something called Eternit.

[Doofus]

GetCarter said:

My house is made of wood. I had to paint (parts of) it with 'Nullifire' to meet regs.

Yeah, but doesn't Scotland have its own rules? Specifically designed to contradict the English ones?

Seriously, though; how long does that stuff give you?

I've been told about Envirograf paint, which gives 30minutes, but I'm struggling to find out if that's long enough to be considered 'non-combustible'.

[Doofus]

I'm not sure that 'my' paint is any posher than yours. I suspect I'll have to get the council to agree to the fire-proofing, just for peace of mind...

[Doofus]

Finally! After all my internet-trawling, I've got an answer I am happy with. I'm going with it, whether or not it's right, because it's what I want to hear

I'll send you a tenner in the post, in recognition of your professional advice.

And then I can sue you if it goes pear-shaped

[Doofus]

bstw said:

What was the answer then?

Also, what are the chances of building control being able to prove that wood hasn't been treated with the stuff?

The answer was that I can paint an intumescent coating on the timber, and the council will agree that the garage is therefore non-combustible.

The chances of them being able to prove I didn't do it are slim, admittedly. However, if they say that intumescent paint doesn't satisfy their requirements anyway, it would be irrelevant.

But Steve (my professional adviser who is, I hope for his sake, fully covered for Professional Indemnity) has told me I'll be fine.

[Doofus]

Oh. It's like that, is it?

Well can I have my ten quid back then please?

[Doofus]

Craikeybaby said:

Your current garage sounds a lot like mine, I'm also planning to replace it this year. It will have to be within 1m of the boundary. I had initially looked at the wooden garages, but I'm not convinced about the longevity - especially if I can't get round to re-treat the wood. So I've come to the conclusion that I need a brick built garage, or should I still be looked at wooden garages?

I really don't want a brick or concrete garage because, in my opinion, they are more prone to condensation than timber. I have always preferred timber, but others don't, of course.

If the eaves overhang is enough, then maintenance to the side on the boundary won't be a problem. In my case, the neighbour's garage is right up against the same boundary, so the weather just won't get to that wall anyway.