Tips

Maintaining rain gutters.

It is very important to keep all gutters clear from any blockages by doing so you prevent water damage/stain to all walls, windows and doors.

To clean, ensure that you have a safe and correct ladder, wear gloves and use a trowel to scoop out loose debris. It is easiest to get the loose debris out while slightly damp.

Use a water hose to clear out any remaining debris.

3 ways to reduce condensation in your home.

1. Produce less moisture:

Cover pans and do not leave kettles boiling, dry washing outdoors if possible, tumble dryers must be ventilated.

2. Ventilate to reduce moisture.

Open windows in kitchens and bathrooms and close the doors of these rooms when in use. Where possible position wardrobes and furniture against internal walls.

3. Draught proof and insulate your home.

Both will keep your home warmer which will reduce condensation levels. It is most important that your attic is well insulated.

Energy Saving Tips.

Installing or upgrading your attic insulation to a 300mm level will reduce your heating bill by up to 20%

Using insulated dry lining on your walls will reduce heat loss by up to 33%

Fit a lagging jacket on your water cylinder, if replacing your cylinder purchase a pre insulated cylinder.

Painting tips.

Preparation is Key! To ensure that a paint job is going to look well and last a long time it is essential that the following happen.

- If the surface is poor or dirty it is important that it is washed down with a detergent solution to remove dirt and grease.

- Any areas that are affected by algae, mould or moss will need to be treated with a fungicidal wash.

- Any defects need to be filled to be the appropriate filler.

- Do not use a glossy sealer on a new or bare surface if it does not require it. Most masonry paints allow the wall the breathe, sealers will inhibit the passing of vapour causing condensation which will lead to paint flaking and blistering.

Brush or Roller?

The brush is the traditional method of applying paint and avoids the mottle effect and splashing that you get with a roller. However it is slower and requires some skill to get the best results.

- Rollers come in many different forms but in general a medium pile roller is suitable for general purpose use. You will still require a paint brush for cutting in and reaching awkward areas.

To reach behind radiators there are specially designed rollers that will enable this, these rollers are also very useful to quickly cover areas that large rollers cannot reach.

Painting Skirting boards.

Skirting boards should be the last thing painted in a room. Hoover carpet before starting to reduce fluff from the floor sticking to your paint brush. When painting near the carpet ensure that only the minimum of paint is on the brush. Use a paint scraper to peel back the carpet allowing you to paint below the carpet line.

When finished painting.

Strore paint brushes on handle or flat, standing them on their ends will bend the bristles and spoil them. To reseal a can of paint, wipe the rim and securely replace the lid. Immediately invert the can to form an airtight seal to prevent skimming.

To Varnish a table.

Ensure all surfaces are free from wax, grease and oil by wiping with a cloth dampened with white spirits. Sand to a smooth finish. Always brush the varnish in the direction of the wood grain. Apply 2 – 3 coats, allowing 2 hours in between coats.

To re varnish an existing wooden floor.

Replace or turnover any damaged or marked floorboards .Level off any nails or screws. Sand the floorboards with an electric sander in the direction of the grain. Fill any holes with wood filler, allow dry and sand. Clean the floor with a cloth dampened with white spirits. Apply varnish with a varnish only brush. Complete 3 -5 floorboards at a time.

Unblocking a basin or sink.

A plunger is the most simple and often most effective device. First run the water so that there is enough to cover the base of the plunger. With a wet cloth cover the over flow. Pump the plunger several times, repeat as necessary.

If this is not effective it may be that the trap below the sink is blocked. The quickest and easiest way to remove the blockage is to open the trap and clean it. Turn off the water and place a pan under the trap. Once cleaned check that the trap is airtight by running a little water thought it.

If the blockage still exists remove the trap and use either a straightened clothes hanger or rods to push down the pipe and clear the blockage.