Mortar between bricks can deteriorate over time and require renewing. The joints between bricks need to be refilled with mortar and this is called repointing. Repointing can be tackled as a DIY project if the area to be renewed is relatively small. There can sometimes be problems getting old and new shades of mortar to [...]
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has been used for hundreds of years, and for 30 years from World War II it was used extensively in buildings as a fire retardant and material strengthener. It is found in many public buildings, offices and private buildings. Unfortunately, asbestos fibres released when the materials are damaged can be [...]
In spring and autumn, homeowners should run through a quick checklist of property inspections to prevent household disasters from occurring. Homeowners should start at the perimeter of the house, at the front. They should check their gates for sticking and squealing and should clear, rub down and lightly oil the gate in the event that [...]
Horizontal cable runs are generally laid in the space underneath suspended wooden floors to keep them out of sight and harm’s way. When a cable is run parallel with floor joists, it needs to be clipped to the sides of the joists or just left alone to lie on the surface of the ceiling below, [...]
Even with regular care and cleaning, there will be times when the grout between tiles will need to be removed or repaired. This is because grout is a porous substance that absorbs dirt over a period of time and, as tile and grout are usually used in areas that get damp and dirty such as [...]
As the bathroom is one of the most visited rooms in the home, there are steps that you will need to take to ensure that it is kept at its best. Certain areas of your bathroom will often be exposed to water and will need treatment to prevent them from rotting or becoming mouldy. A [...]
Understanding cost-effectiveness is an important consideration when thinking about insulation. Although insulation costs money to install, it can provide two important benefits. Heating bills can be reduced as there will be less heat wasted from inside the house, and less fuel will have to be used to maintain internal temperatures. The annual saving on heating [...]
Preparing to Lay a Carpet The first thing to do is ensure the floor area is clean, dry and relatively even. Assuming you have already disposed of the original carpet, remove any remaining tacks or carpet nails; if they are too firmly attached to pull out, use a hammer to flatten them flush with the [...]
Redecoration in kitchens or bathrooms will often involve replacing or removing tiles from the walls. It is a fairly straightforward task, but can become monotonous after a while. Also, depending on how the tiles have been stuck to the wall, you could be in for a lengthy job to get them off. The older method [...]
Modern boilers used in central heating systems tend to give minimal trouble and this is especially true when they are regularly serviced. In the event that your boiler fails to work, there are a number of things you can do yourself to address problems prior to calling for the help of a heating engineer. This [...]