The plywood is made in China (as much of it is now) Diamond Plex 18mm Eucalyptus Grandis Face/Back, Eucalyptus core EN13986 EN314-2 Class 2 EN636-2 S average density 611Kg/m3. It is B/BB E1.

I don’t believe it is ‘marine ply’ and have been told the term ‘marine ply’ isn’t that meaningful and that ‘marine ply’ isn’t necessary for a roof deck. Plywood terms seem to have changed.

The deck structure was installed in November last year and insulated and covered with membrane in December/January. The membrane didn’t cover the edges which were to have almunium fascia etc. The builder showed zero interest in either protecting the exposed edges of the plywood, or in getting the fascia specified/made/installed. I therefore used some polythene to protect the edge but then used aluminium tape instead. Unfortunately damp seems to have got in behind the tape and then the tape has stopped it drying out. The tape has been on since march time. Ironically I was removing the tape to apply some preservative specified by the architect and have got a shock.

Anything other than drying out/cleaning/sanding/treating/mold killing/making good would seem a large problem. Only the outer 25mm or so is effected. The outer layer of ply has delaminated in a couple of spots.

If the rot can be cut out, then it seems to me that's really the best solution. Providing it doesn't get wet again, of course.

This is true, but it's such a difficult balance to strike. With my project I've tried to be the friendly and likeable client working in partnership with the builders to achieve a positive outcome. I've made decisions promptly, been very organised and clear, and paid on time, while otherwise leaving them alone and making it clear that I trust them to do a good job. But I suspect that this has led to me being seen as easy going, and therefore more likely to suck up delays than some of their other less pleasant clients who they are just keen to move on from! Ultimately it's a business relationship, I suppose, and the most important thing is not to come across as a pushover. (Being a single woman probably doesn't help!)

@ Rookie
Not sure I agree being personable and friendly would have you viewed as a pushover; it’s a business relationship but they are also human, if they don’t like you, they are much more likely to cut corners to get onto the next job. No one likes a toxic work environment.


@ Sara G
I sympathise with you re delays but from my experience that seems to be par for the course. I always triple builders time frames and even then I’ve been disappointed in the past. Hopefully the works are on a price and not day rate as that’s not a nice position to be in. Might seem a long way off but when it’s all complete it’s usually always worth it.

A bunch of assumptions. I don’t ‘wear my tinfoil hat’ with the builders because I don’t discuss or push anything to do with covid, lockdowns, mRNA vaccines, climate change or anything else controversial. There is a difference between posting on a forum people can choose to read or not and trying to convert everyone you meet to your own point of view like a religious zealot.

We have done all the stuff to try to establish human working relationships I’m afraid. Copious coffees, teas, biscuits, donuts etc. I bought an 18 year old lad fresh out of bricklaying school that they sent to site some bottled beer to celebrate laying his first professional block. Congratulated people on their weddings, offered sympathy for family funerals, and engaged in bits of friendly smalltalk, thanked them for their work. We have parked our car elsewhere and put cones out so they can park freely, bought tarps and plastic sheets, loaned use of a tool when they have been caught short, cleaned up the site numerous times, I have lifted carpets, and floorboards, moved furniture, kitchen appliances so they can work more easily. I have paid them promptly and not withheld payment when they bill 100% of elements only 80% complete.

In return they have lied to me many times, essentially abandoned site for 2 months (whilst always promising to come ‘next week’), treated the site like a rubbish tip, thrown cans of red bull and vapes into the works, shown zero regard whilst we went all through winter with no central heating, washing machine, or sink and my spouse went down with pneumonia.

Now I am paying high rates for some professional help and the pro tells me you have to be very very firm with them. Of course individuals vary and a couple have been helpful and are equally frustrated with the builder.

You can’t charm a builder into doing an excellent job for you.