Timber Garage Question
Discussion
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
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
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 said:
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'.
For what it cost I would hope it would take napalm for 30 mins. Could well be that Scotland is different to England, but I bet your posh paint will hold some sway with regs.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 said:
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...
My paint and your paint are probably equally 'posh' and almost certainly equally expensive. My point is that building regs will okay timber buildings if they are fireproofed 
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.Also, what are the chances of building control being able to prove that wood hasn't been treated with the stuff?
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 said:
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.
Just remember I'm in the Highlands, where planning is a 'best guess' and regs are worked out on a fag packet in a hotel bar. (And you think I'm kidding!)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.
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?
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.
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