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 EVERYDAY DETAILS
Cecil C. Handisyde
ARIBA, AADip

Butterworth Architecture
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Butterworth Architecture
is an imprint of Butterworth Scientific

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0 Butterworth 81CO(Publishers) Ltd, 1976

ISBN 0-85139-213-X

First published in book form in 1976 by

The Architectural Press Ltd, London
Reprinted 1977,1978,1980,1981,1984,1988

Printed and bound in Great Britain by

Anchor Brendon Ltd, Tiptree, Essex
Contents

Foreword vii 6 Timber framed walls: dpc at ground level 25

General considerations
1 Ground floor construction 1 Timber frame/cavity/brickouter wall 25
General 1 Solid floor; solid floor and stepped concrete; suspended timber
Ground floor levels 1 %or
Suspended floors; solid floors Timber fiame/battens/tile hanging 27
Oversite excavation 3 Solid floor; suspended timber floor
Hardcore 4 Timber frame/timber cladding 27
Oversite damp-proof membranes 4 Solid floor; suspended timber floor
Wood finishes
Oversite concrete 6 7 Masonry walls; jambs with timber window frames 29
Old and new construction 29
2 Strip foundations to external walls 8 , The jamb 29
General 8 Degree of site exposure; types of proposed mat&ls;
Examples 8 workmanship; order of fixing; position of frame in wall;
Concrete strap footing with brick wall; trench concrete filled up prevention of water reaching to inside of structure; protection of
to wersite excavation level; comparative costs back of frame from d a m p s s ; appearance and convenience;
Checklist 10 position of dpc
Design; speciification; supervision Wall to frame joint-Straight joint: no fill 30
Straight joint: dpc wraps round brickwork 30
3 Raft foundations for small buildings 11 Straight joint: dpc projects into frame 30
When to use raft foundations 11 Frame set in wall rebate 31
Advantages and disadvantages 11 Plaster finish to frame 31
Edge of raft detail 12
Reasonable support of perimeter wall loads B Masonry walls: metal windows fixed direct 33
Protection against weather causing frost heave or drying Fixing 33
shrinkage beneath the edge of the raft 13 Jamb details 33
Simple and efficient damp-proofing 13 Fixing methods; built-in lug fixing; built-in lug fixing for
Accommodation of variations in ground levels 14 fair-faced inside wall; screw fixing; lug f i n g screwed to
Appearance 14 structure
Maintenance 15 Sill details 36
Cost aspects of rafis 15 Brick sill; concrete sill; metal sill
Structural design 15 Windowheads 38
Concrete lintels; metal lintels
4 Foundations to internal walls 16
Choice of foundation 16 9 Tile hanging and timber cladding 39
Types of foundation 16 construction
Wall direct on unreinforced wersite concrete on hardcore; wall Tile hanging on masonry walls 39
on unreinforced concrete, thickened to depth of hardcore; brick Window and door openings; tile cladding withframes projecting;
or block strip footing foundation; concrete strip footing sill detail; tile cladding with frame flush; frame slightly
foundation; reinforced concrete as raft to internal walls projecting; head detail; sill detail; eaves f i ~ h external
;
Cost comparisons 19 angles; abutments; setting out; cost comparisons
Tile hanging on timber fiame walls 43
5 Masonry walls: dpc at base of external walls 20 Projecting frame
External wall dpc 20 Timber cladding on masonry walls 43
Level of dpc at the external face of wall; appearance of dpc at &mbs; head; sill; timber cladding on timber frame
external wall face; external dpc with ren&red walls; dpc level Cost comparisons 45
at inside of external wall; suspendedfloors, minimum air space; Tile hanging; slate hanging; asbestos cement slates; timber
dpc related to cavity; high level ground outside,. linking wall cladding
dpc to floor dpm Cost comparisons of flashing materials 46
Floor dpm 23 Lead; copper; zinc; aluminium; proprietary jlashing materials
Floor membrane beneath wersite concrete; floor membrane as Maintenance 46
sandwikh between wersite concrete and screed; floor dpm as
mastic immediately beneath floorfinish; floor level abwe wall 10 Cavity wall lintels 47
dpc; vertical dpm problemc Avoidance of rain penetration 47
Cost considerations 24 Lintel appearance 49
Check list 24 Fixings 51
Design; spec$cution; supemhbn
vi

11 Window sills 52 Four-way falls to multiple internal outlets 83

Damp on inside of wall beneath window 52 Structure; rwps; drains; appearance
Dampness and rain penetrating wall beneath sill 52 Four-way falls to two outlets and valley 83
Sill to wall bed joint; sill to sub-sill joint; jointed sills; end of Roof falling to internal gutters 84
sill to wall joint Structure
External appearance of walling below sill 56 Internal drainage generally 84
Sill projection; end of sill water run-off; proprietary sills
19 Flat roofs: timber joist construction 85
12 External doors: position of frame 58 Methods of forming falls below the roof deck 86
Effect of frame position upon door swing; securing outward Falls parallel to joist direction 86
opening doors; relation of door frame position to wall dpc in J&ts laid to falls; joht cut to falls; sloping joists and
cavity; effect of threshold upon frame position s u s p d d ceiling; firring on top of joists
Falls at right angles to joist direction 87
13 External doors: thresholds 60 Firring on top of and parallel to joists; firring at right angles to
Design check list 60 joists; joist set on shaped wall plates or wall plates fixed to a
Threshold details 60 fall
Weatherboard; inward opening doms: total water exclusion not Choice of roof construction 88
essential; outward opening doors; metal weatherbar threshold; What possible solutions are there ?
inward opening door: wood threshold plus step; water
penetration beneath threshold; upper floor problems; outward 20 Flat roofs: verges of timber joist roofs 89
opening doors, relationship of walrlpoor dpc Criteria 89
Details where roof joists are at right angles to wall 90
14 Masonry walls: junction of timber upper floors 65 Details where roof joists are at right angles to wall and
Plaster faults 65 project to form a roof overhang 92
Traditional construction; new construction Details where roof joists run parallel to wall 92
Joist deterioration 66 Details where joists are parallel to walls and a roof overhang
Effect of floor upon wall stability 66 is required 93
Floors supported on hangers Water overflow 94
Upstand details 94
15 Masonry walls: junction with concrete upper Support for upstand; the effect of roof falls; the effect of
floors 68 thermal insulation; the effect of method of obtaining roof falls;
Preventing damp penetration 68 conclusions
The use of brick 'tiles' 70 Fall and joists parallel to kerb 96
The 'cold bridge' effect 70 Joists at right angles to kerb; fall parallel 96
Fixing recommendations
16 Low buildings against higher cavity walls 72 Verge drip details 98
Both levels built at same time 72
t o w level flat roof abuts cavity wall; low level pitched roof 21 Parapets in masonry construction 99
abuts high cavity wall Criteria 99
New extension to existing higher building 74 Copings 99
Loev level flat roof; low level pitched roof; a further solution for Coping material; water enty through copings; dpc beneath
both j?at and pitched roofs copings
Damp in parapet masonry 101
17 Wind damage to roofs 76 Water entry to roof structure or rooms below 102
Introduction 76 Waterproofing of roof to wall junction 102
The size of the problem 76
Living with the Regulations 22 Pitched roofs: eaves 105
Application of the code 76 Keeping out the rain 105
Evaluation of wind speed 76 Faults 105
Determine basic wind speed for the geographical location; adjust Main water run-off 105
basic wind speed for topography (SI factor); &just for local Water from top of sarking 106
conditions (S, factor); possibly adjust for building life and Effect on condensation 107
acceptable risk (S,factor); determine &sipwind speed (VJ The problem 107
Dynamic wind pressure 77 Examples of published information 107
Assessment of wind loads on parts of buildings 77 Tiled or slated roof w e t 20" pitch; tiled 01 slated roof w e r 20"
The implications of the calculations 78 pitch: recommntdations for Scotland; tiled or slated roof below
Security of outer roof cwerings; preventing damage to main 20" pitch; low pitched tile roof; steep pitch tile roof; open and
roof structure; the effect of roof uplift on wall stability closed cavities; roof ventilation
summary 109
18 Flat roofs: falls 80
Are falls necessary ? minimum falls
Roof fall arrangements 81
One-way fall to external gutter 81
Structure; gutters and rwps; drains; appearance
Two-way falls to external gutters 82
Structure; gutters, and rwps; drains; appearance
Four-way falls to external gutters 82
Structure; gutter and rwps and drains; appearance
Four-way falls to single internal outlet 83
Structure; mops; drains; appearance
Foreword

In 1923 The Architectural Press published a delightful and
useful little book, written by an architect named Edwin Gunn,
called Little Things That Matter For Those Who Build.. It did
not claim, in its 82 pages, to do more than give a practical
man’s view on the real problems of pumng a simple, traditional
building together. It was never intended to be-and this was
its great strength-an exhaustive treatise on building construc-
tion. Its style was informal and chatty and the author was never
one to shrink from giving a frank opinion-‘that execrable
material, black mortar . . . ’ 4 r from being whimsical, 1. But
his intentions were serious and his advice sound, 2.
the comments. Despite extensive discussion of drafts by the
xiginal team, followed by submission of their work to at least
two other experts for further checking and comment prior to
publication, readers were able to point out a few errors as well
as adding useful suggestions for alternative details. This em-
phasises how essential it is for working details to be carefully
prepared and checked. Every part of a job must be considered
to ensure that, as far as possible, all necessary site information
is included, that details are practicable for the operatives, that
they are suitable for their particular circumstances, and that
they will be technically and visually satisfactoryin performance.
The preface to the first edition of GUM’S book is equally
applicable to this: ‘The author makes no claim to anything
sensationalin the macer of these notes. Some of the expedients
are very old ones, some are possibly new, and these latter are
not all of his own origination. He believes that every architect
who strikes or avoids a “snag” ought to open the matter to his
fellows. Quacks secrete, scientists publish.’

However, the opinions in these studies, unlike Gunn’sbook, are

not those of one person only. They are the results of a great
deal of discussion (and not a little argument) among a team of
six. This team is headed by Cecil Handisyde, an architect in
private practice with experience of research at BRS and of
teaching; a frequent contributor to The A r c h i t e c t s ’ j d and
author of various books related to building science and con-
cIVENT4 I struction.
1 Gunn‘s whimsical dwecots. 2 Gunn’s recommended eaves. The other team members are:
Allan Hodgkinson, consulting engineer and member of the
Fifty years later, in 1973, The Architects’ journul started a Kenneth Severn Group; also a fiequent contributor to The
series of studies along similar lines, and it is from these studies
Architects’journal and a consultant editor for the AJ H a d -
and from the dialogue they provoked that this book is compiled.
book of Building Structure.
Some traditional building techniques have not changed radi-
Douglas Robertson, quantity surveyor, principal of Surveyors’
c.2uy since Gunn set down his experience for his colleagues to
collaborativeand director of the Building Cost Information
share. But, after half a century, there are many instances where
Service (BCIS) and the Building Maintenance Cost Infor-
changes and developments in basic materials and standards of
mation Service (BMCIS).
design have progressed beyond the boundaries of his book.
Philip Berry, chief supervisor, Yorke Rosenberg Mardall.
Everyday Details sets out to tackle problems in detailing, from
foundations to roof, and gives information and advice on good, F.R. Leeman, senior site agent, John La& Construction Ltd.
Leslie Fairweather, editor of The A r c h i t e c u ’ j d .
sound current practice applicable to small two- and three-
storey structures: the sort of work which forms the bulk of
many practices. When giving costs we have retained the data current when the
Good (and sometimes bad) ways of detailing each building details were originally published in The Architects’ Journal.
element are described in brief explanatorynotes, illustrated by These data cover such things as comparative costs of damp-
sketches isolating particular trouble spots. The details are not proof membranes (detail 1, page l), and of tile hanging and
intended as ‘standard details’, to be traced off and used directly timber cladding (detail 9, page 45). The prinaples of such
on a set of working drawings. They are intended to pinpoint comparisons will not have changed, but we advise readers to
those parts of a building which, small in themselves, are never- bear in mind increases caused by inflation since 1973-74.
theless frequent sources of failure. The book should prove
especially useful to young architects with limited site ex-
perience, and to students with little training in practical
building.
In the introduction to the Everyday Details published in The
Architects’joud, the editor said: ‘Many experienced archi-
tects will perhaps despair that the series is necessary at all.
Others may disagree with particular details shown-we hope
they will write and tell us so.’
The series did produce a considerable amount of comment and
many constructive suggestions. These have been incorporated
into this book, together with, in some cases, editorial replies to
*Nolonpa in print
Everyday Details
This handbook tackles the problems on detailing that
may occur at any stage of construction, from the
foundations to the roof. It provides informationand
advice on sound current practice applicable to 2- and
3-storey structures, the sort of work that forms the
bulk of jobs for many practices. Explanatory notes
and sketches highlight the potential trouble spots and
serve to illustrate a set of general approaches that
can be extended. Since it was first published in 1976,
the book has become a standard part of every
architect's reference library.
"This book is of inestimable value as a supplement to
the current range of books dealing with building
construction. The text is simple and complementary.
to the illustrations...essential reading."
Building Technologyand Management
lSEN 0 85139 213 X
Detailing for Building Construction
A Designers' Manual of over 350 Standard Details
GLC: Department of Architecture and Civic Design
This companion to'GoodPractice Details contains
350 fully drawn details which cover all the easily
standardised parts of the building: hatches, ducts,
drainage details, fences and gates, matwells and
letterboxes, and so on. These drawings will both save
valuable drawing-boardtime, and give the user
confidence that his details have been tested in use
by an organisation whose practical building
experience is virtually unrivalled.
1980 416pp illus 21Ox297mm paper
lSt3N 0 85 139 234 2
Good Practice Details
GLC: Department of Architecture and Civic Design

Other books in this series This book, a companion volume to Detailing for
Building Construction,provides an invaluable file of
Detailing for Acoustics drawn and annotated details for the external
Second edition envelope of the building -walls, roofs and eaves;
Peter Lord and Duncan Templeton window heads and sills; dpcs etc. Each has been
vetted and passed by a panel of experts.
This manual of drawn details is an essential
1980 148 pp 137 illus 210 x 297 mm paper
boardside companion for architects, acousticians,
mechanical engineers and interior designers, as well
ISEN 0 85 139 242 3
asbeing an invaluable text for students. The new
edition has been thoroughly updated to take account
Tree Detailing
Michael Littlewood
of the UK Building Regulations 1985.
"...the best general referencework for
This is a distilled compendiumof practical information
comprehensive acoustic studies and design that I
on all aspects of tree planting and maintenance. The
have encountered, giving page after page of carefully
ten chapters deal with tree stock and szie:, planting
thought out constructional details drawn to scale and
with specification notes." techniques, pruning and surgery, protection of new
and existing trees, tree surrounds, trees in containers
RIEA'Journal and on roof gardens, maintenance and management,
1986 208 pp 100 diagrams 210 x 297 mm paper proximity to buildings and drains, and survey and
ISEN 0 85139 144 3 evaluation. Each chapter comprises a brief text plus a
set of A4 scale drawings, ready for use by landscape
Landscape Detailing designers or specifiers.There are over 100 pages of
Second edition diagrams in all.
Michael Littlewood
March 1988 176 pp 1 10 illus 297 x 210 mm paper
This handbook of drawn details covers all the more ISBN 0 408 50002 6
commonly-used elements of external works. Each
section begins with technical guidance notes on
design and specification, including a list of the
relevant British Standards. The sheets may be easily
copied, and the information is sufficiently flexible for
designers to apply the details to their specific
requirements. The book should enable the designer
to spend more time on specific details, avoiding the
need to produce repetitive drawings of basic
construction elements.
1986 224pp illus 297x210mm paper
ISEN 0 85139 860 X

I S B N 0-85139-213-X

. Butterworths
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Sevenoaks
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England