Steel Lintels vs Concrete Lintels: Which Should You Use? Quick Answer The right choice between a steel lintel and a concrete lintel depends first on the wall type, opening size...
The right cavity wall insulation depends on the width of the cavity, whether the wall is designed as full-fill or partial-fill, the target U-value, and the fire and moisture requirements...
If you’re building or altering a standard UK cavity wall, you normally need a cavity lintel designed to support both leaves of masonry above the opening. A cavity wall has...
If you are installing lintels for patio doors, the correct product depends on the wall construction, the clear opening, the loads above, and whether the opening is being formed, widened,...
For lintels for 1200mm openings, the lintel you need is selected by wall type, loading and required end bearing, not by the opening width alone. A 1200mm structural opening does...
For lintels for 900mm openings, remember that 900mm is the clear opening width, not the lintel length. The lintel must be longer than the opening so it can achieve adequate...
Direct Answer The lintel you need depends on three main things: the wall construction, whether the wall is loadbearing, and what sits above the opening. The opening width matters, but...
Brick dimensions are defined by BS EN 771-1, the governing European standard for masonry units. Although the nominal UK size of 215 × 102.5 × 65 mm is widely cited,...
Accurate brick matching requires an understanding of clay mineralogy, firing conditions, texture formation, dimensional tolerances and how these variables translate into on-site appearance. A match that looks adequate in a...
Mix the wrong sand, and you’ll know about it when your new patio sinks or your mortar starts cracking. This guide explains the real-world differences between sharp sand and building...
Loft insulation needs to fit properly to be effective, which often means cutting it to size. Different types of insulation require different tools and techniques, so which is best for...
Myth-busting: Load-Bearing Walls and Aircrete Blocks: What UK Builders Need to Know Aircrete blocks are a strong, but light, thermally efficient choice for many construction projects, with lots of advantages...
Did you know? Nearly 1 in 3 cavity-wall homes in Great Britain still have no insulation. That’s around 6.2 million properties left exposed as of the end of 2024. Source:...
The key difference between 7N and 10N blocks is simply a matter of compressive strength, the higher the number, the greater the structural integrity. A 10N blockwork wall will be...
Air bricks are a small, but essential building block of any masonry construction project, and should be amongst the first deliveries to site once the foundation works are complete. Air...
Bricks & Blocks: Common Questions Answered Quick answers to everyday trade questions from Gilmore Building Supplies. 🧱 How many bricks to a block? A standard concrete block (440 × 215...
Concrete blocks come in a range of densities, which has the biggest impact on what a concrete block can weigh. It goes without saying that they should be handled with...
Concrete blocks are an essential part of the specification for many construction projects. Making sure we have enough to do the job, without over ordering, is key to meeting budget...
There are many types of concrete blocks used in construction that can be specified for every situation, from the top of the concrete foundation to the apex of a gable...
How Much Is a Bag of Cement, Sand, and Other Common Building Supplies? Quick answers to everyday trade questions from Gilmore Building Supplies. 💰 How much is a bag of...
When planning any building or renovation project, insulation might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s one of the most crucial components. Whether you’re working on a...
For builders, contractors, and tradespeople, every project requires a seamless combination of quality materials, expert support, and cost efficiency. At Gilmore Building Supplies, we are dedicated to meeting the unique...
When it comes to building robust and long-lasting structures, the choice of bricks is critical. Among the various types of bricks available, Class B engineering bricks play a significant role...