Overview of the Fidler House

The Fidler House, designed by D.G. Fidler, is a notable example of early 20th-century British residential architecture. Constructed between 1926 and 1928, approximately 2,000 of these properties were built. These homes are primarily found in semi-detached and terraced configurations, featuring a medium-pitched hipped roof covered with tiles and rendered external walls. The Fidler House is a significant part of the UK’s architectural heritage, and understanding its construction, typical characteristics, and potential hazards is crucial for prospective buyers and investors.

Historical Context and Manufacturing Details

Designer and Period Built

The Fidler House was designed by D.G. Fidler, a prominent figure in the construction industry during the early 20th century. The houses were built over a brief period from 1926 to 1928, reflecting the architectural and construction trends of that era. This period was marked by a transition from traditional building methods to more modern, system-built approaches, which aimed to address the housing shortages of the time.

Number Built and Typical Locations

Approximately 2,000 Fidler Houses were constructed, primarily in suburban areas. These homes were designed to provide affordable and durable housing for the growing middle class. The typical locations for these properties include various suburban developments across the UK, where they continue to be a common sight.

Manufacturers and Construction Techniques

The construction of Fidler Houses involved several manufacturers who supplied the necessary materials and components. The primary construction technique used was system-building, which involved the use of pre-fabricated components assembled on-site. This method allowed for faster construction times and more consistent quality compared to traditional building methods.

Identification Characteristics

External Features

Fidler Houses are easily identifiable by their 2-storey semi-detached or terraced configurations. The medium-pitched hipped roof, covered with tiles, is a distinctive feature. The external walls are rendered throughout, providing a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Brick quoins at the corners and a reinforced concrete (RC) string course at the first-floor level are additional identifying characteristics.

Internal Features

Internally, Fidler Houses typically feature clinker concrete block cavity walls with a concrete core for separating walls. Partitions are made of brick or block, and the ground floor is constructed of concrete. The first floor consists of timber boarding on timber joists, and the roof structure includes timber rafters and purlins.

Typical Characteristics and Hazards

Structural Characteristics

The Fidler House’s construction involves several key components:

• Substructure: Concrete strip footings and a concrete slab with a damp-proof course (DPC).
• External Walls: Rendered dry-laid 2 1/2″ clinker concrete blocks, a 4″ concrete core, and dry-laid 2 1/2″ clinker concrete blocks with mild steel (MS) wall ties.
• Separating Wall: Clinker concrete block cavity with a concrete core.
• Ground Floor: Concrete.
• First Floor: Timber boarding on timber joists.
• Roof: Timber rafters, purlins, and tiles.

Typical Hazards and Risks

While Fidler Houses are generally robust, they are not without their potential hazards and risks. Some common issues include:

• Vertical Cracking of External Walls: This can occur due to the natural settling of the building or thermal expansion and contraction.
• Localised Spalling of Render: The render can deteriorate over time, leading to spalling, which can expose the underlying concrete blocks to the elements.
• Corrosion of Wall Tie Ends: The mild steel wall ties used in the construction can corrode over time, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the walls.

Defective Premises Act Considerations

The Fidler House is not typically classified as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, it is essential to conduct a thorough survey to identify any potential issues that may require remediation. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate many of the common hazards associated with these properties.

Inspecting a Fidler House: A Surveyor’s Guide

Pre-Inspection Preparation

Before conducting an inspection of a Fidler House, it is crucial to gather as much information as possible about the property. This includes reviewing any available historical records, previous survey reports, and maintenance records. Understanding the typical construction methods and potential issues associated with Fidler Houses will help you focus your inspection efforts.

External Inspection

Roof

• Check the Roof Covering: Inspect the tiles for any signs of damage, such as cracks, missing tiles, or moss growth. Ensure that the roof is watertight and free from leaks.
• Examine the Roof Structure: Inspect the timber rafters and purlins for any signs of rot, insect infestation, or structural damage.

Walls

• Inspect the Render: Look for any signs of spalling, cracking, or detachment. Pay particular attention to areas around windows and doors, as these are more prone to damage.
• Check for Vertical Cracking: Examine the external walls for any vertical cracks, which could indicate structural movement or settlement.
• Assess the Wall Ties: If possible, check the condition of the wall ties. Corroded wall ties can compromise the structural integrity of the walls.

Internal Inspection

Ground Floor

• Inspect the Concrete Floor: Look for any signs of cracking, dampness, or unevenness. Check for any signs of subsidence or settlement.

First Floor

• Examine the Timber Joists and Boarding: Inspect the timber joists and boarding for any signs of rot, insect infestation, or structural damage. Ensure that the floor is level and free from excessive deflection.

Walls and Partitions

• Check for Cracks and Dampness: Inspect the internal walls and partitions for any signs of cracking, dampness, or mould growth. Pay particular attention to areas around windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures.

Roof Space

• Inspect the Roof Space: If accessible, inspect the roof space for any signs of water ingress, rot, or structural damage. Check the condition of the insulation and ventilation.

Services

• Check the Plumbing and Electrical Systems: Inspect the plumbing and electrical systems for any signs of wear, damage, or outdated components. Ensure that all systems are functioning correctly and meet current safety standards.

Typical Construction Details

Substructure

The substructure of a Fidler House consists of concrete strip footings and a concrete slab with a damp-proof course (DPC). This provides a stable and durable foundation for the property.

External Walls

The external walls are constructed using rendered dry-laid 2 1/2″ clinker concrete blocks, a 4″ concrete core, and dry-laid 2 1/2″ clinker concrete blocks with mild steel (MS) wall ties. Brick quoins are used at the corners, and a reinforced concrete (RC) string course is present at the first-floor level. Precast reinforced concrete (PRC) lintels and a timber wall plate complete the external wall construction.

Separating Wall

The separating wall between properties is constructed using a clinker concrete block cavity with a concrete core. This provides good sound insulation and fire resistance between adjoining properties.

Partitions

Internal partitions are typically constructed using brick or block, providing robust and durable internal walls.

Ground Floor

The ground floor is constructed using a concrete slab, providing a solid and durable base for the property.

First Floor

The first floor consists of timber boarding on timber joists, providing a lightweight and flexible floor structure.

Roof

The roof structure includes timber rafters and purlins, covered with tiles. This provides a durable and weather-resistant roof for the property.

Typical Defects and Maintenance Considerations

Vertical Cracking of External Walls

Vertical cracking of external walls is a common issue in Fidler Houses. This can occur due to the natural settling of the building, thermal expansion and contraction, or structural movement. Regular monitoring and timely repairs can help prevent further damage.

Localised Spalling of Render

The render on the external walls can deteriorate over time, leading to spalling. This can expose the underlying concrete blocks to the elements, potentially causing further damage. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent spalling and protect the underlying structure.

Corrosion of Wall Tie Ends

The mild steel wall ties used in the construction of Fidler Houses can corrode over time, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the walls. Regular inspections and timely replacement of corroded wall ties can help maintain the structural integrity of the property.

Roof Maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance of the roof are essential to ensure its durability and weather resistance. This includes checking the tiles for damage, inspecting the timber rafters and purlins for rot or insect infestation, and ensuring that the roof is watertight.

Ground Floor Maintenance

The concrete ground floor should be regularly inspected for signs of cracking, dampness, or unevenness. Any issues should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.

First Floor Maintenance

The timber joists and boarding of the first floor should be regularly inspected for signs of rot, insect infestation, or structural damage. Any issues should be addressed promptly to maintain the structural integrity of the floor.

Services Maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance of the plumbing and electrical systems are essential to ensure their safe and efficient operation. This includes checking for signs of wear, damage, or outdated components and ensuring that all systems meet current safety standards.

Conclusion

The Fidler House is a significant part of the UK’s architectural heritage, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern functionality. Understanding the typical characteristics, potential hazards, and maintenance considerations associated with these properties is crucial for prospective buyers and investors. By conducting thorough inspections and regular maintenance, you can ensure that your Fidler House remains a safe, durable, and valuable investment.

At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.

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