Replacing Shed Roof Felt
by diysuper on Jan.27, 2012, under DIY Tips, How To Guides
Garden sheds are useful for the storage of gardening equipment but also for use as workshops, detached offices and studies. Garden sheds are not constructed like a house, however. Their fabric is weaker and lighter in weight and this means that sheds need TLC from time to time. The most vulnerable part of a shed is its roof, where the roof felt becomes worn and thin.
The first step in replacing shed roof felt is completely removing the old felt and as many of the nails as possible. The old felt should be ripped off and a claw hammer used to pull out old nails. Homeowners should use safety goggles and gloves to protect themselves from grit, dust and other debris.
Next, homeowners should check the exposed wood for damage and remove any damaged sections, ensuring that they double check fasciae and battens – areas which are vulnerable to rotting. Homeowners should replace like with like, treating any exposed sections.
On a ridged roof, homeowners should start at the lower edge on one side with a strip fixed long ways on each roof edge. They should use galvanised nails every 50 millimetres along the fascia and every 150 millimetres along the top edge. If the ridge has not been reached, homeowners should repeat on the other side before cutting a third length of felt to a minimum width of 200 millimetres, aiming for an overlap of at least 50 millimetres. They should use felt adhesive to seal this joint, covering the nails underneath. On a flat roof, DIY enthusiasts should follow the same procedure from the lowest edge to the highest.
Getting Your Garden Room
by diysuper on Jan.26, 2012, under Garden, Home Improvements, Rooms
If you are thinking of having one of the many garden rooms on offer installed in your garden, then there are some things you need to consider to ensure you purchase one which best suits your needs. Garden office buildings are fast becoming a very popular commodity following the rise of self-employed people who wish to have the space to work from home. Even if you are not self-employed, but simply wish to utilise the space you have in your garden, then a garden room is a worthwhile investment which can be used in many different ways. For example, it can be used as a studio, or a playroom for the children.
One thing you need to consider is what size you want your garden home office to be. You can have any size that comfortably fits in your garden, but it is worthwhile to think carefully about what you will need the room to accommodate once it has been built.
Next, you need to consider the kind of base you want to have installed. The bases on offer are very sturdy and substantial, and mean that your garden office is well supported and can withstand different types of weather. You can also have insulation installed so that the garden room has extra protection against the outside elements.
Most garden office buildings do not require planning permission, as long as they are within a specified size; the company you purchase your garden office from will be happy do advise you on this, and on any other queries you may have.
The Ubiquitous Bathroom
by diysuper on Jan.25, 2012, under Bathrooms, DIY Tips, Interior Design
There is no such thing as a typical bathroom. Bathroom furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, and in many different materials, from traditional porcelain through to flash Italian marble or contemporary glass and chrome. Some bathrooms are based around the bath. Either free standing and set in the middle of the floor, perhaps with the novelty of claw feet or in the more commonplace style of a boxed in rectangular bathtub, set against one wall.
Though a bath lends itself to a long, hot soak, a lack of time often makes it is more desirable to be able to make use of a shower, for quick, efficient hygiene solutions. However, not everybody prefers to wash standing up, and a bath will always be the mainstay of an efficient bathroom, although very small closet-type bathrooms may only contain a shower unit, and not have a bath at all. This is the smallest bathing solution of all.
If you have the luxury of lots of space, then you may have a complete wet room for an exhilarating all over body wash, maybe complete with water jets and a supersize showerhead. However you choose to groom yourself to get clean and to get ready to go out, a bathroom will always be the go-to room in your household for the purposes of personal hygiene. In the 20th century, a bathroom became standard fare in all-British housing, and it is an everyday luxury we can no longer do without.
Contents Insurance for Your Home
by diysuper on Jan.23, 2012, under Home Insurance
Contents insurance covers the things you own inside your home. A good rule of thumb is to remember that a typical home contents insurance policy includes all the items you would take if you were moving house.
It is important to assess the value of your possessions as accurately as possible. If you place a value on your goods collectively, which is less than the actual cost, then you have under-insured. This could mean that you find yourself out of pocket if you should have to make a claim. Equally, if you should over-insure your possessions, that is put too high a value on them, you are in danger of paying more for your policy than you really need to pay.
Accurate assessment of the cost of possessions and a careful choice of excess amount will make your policy more expensive or cheaper accordingly. However do not be fooled into thinking a cheap contents insurance policy is the best. It may well be the case in some circumstances but it is more important that you define your needs as honestly as you can in order to gain the correct cover for yourself and your family.
The best way of correctly estimating the cost of your possessions is to make a list and go through it item by item. This hand written list may take you some time which is why it is a good idea to hold on to it and keep it with the policy documents in the event of any claim.
Tips for Caulking a Bath
by diysuper on Jan.22, 2012, under Bathrooms, DIY Tips, Home Improvements
Though water is extensively used in the bathroom, this does not mean it can be allowed to get everywhere as it can rot wood and cause mould. Implementing tips to caulk a bath properly can prevent water slipping into crevices and the skills can be transferred to other receptacles where water use is common, such as sinks and shower cubicles.
Timing Is Key
Remember that caulking must be allowed to dry completely in order to be effective and must be undisturbed during this period. Accordingly, plan the caulking of the bath procedure during a period when it can be allowed to dry.
Keep the Area Clean
Clean and dry the area where the caulk is to be applied before commencing with the caulking process to ensure that the caulk can bond properly. Using a degreasing solvent and a soft cloth will ensure that the surfaces will be cleansed of any grime not visible to the naked eye. Moisture, dust, grime and foreign objects can prevent the caulk from being effective.
Choose the Right Product
Many types of caulk are silicone based as this material helps to prevent the ingress of water from wherever it is applied. However, there is also latex based caulking on the market, which may be preferable depending on the purpose for which it will be used. In addition, some brands of caulk have antifungal properties that make it particularly beneficial for the bathroom.
Application
A caulking gun is the most common method of applying the sealant, which will make it beneficial to test the trigger in order to get used to it. On some newspaper or scrap cardboard, apply the caulk to practice doing so evenly and to get a feel for the pressure needed for the trigger. To ensure a neat result, lay masking or painter’s tape along either side of the seam.
Replace a Double-Bowl Kitchen Sink Drain
by diysuper on Jan.20, 2012, under DIY Tips, How To Guides, Kitchen
Over time, food waste and various solids can accumulate and adhere to the trap beneath a kitchen sink and eventually clog it. The connection is also prone to developing leaks over time through bumping, as other items are stored beneath the sink. You can replace the trap itself or the entire drain assembly.
Use pliers to take out the old assembly and then attach a short tailpiece to the sink basket’s threads. Secure it in place with a nylon washer and a slip nut and then slide the slip nut on together with a nylon washer to secure the longer tailpiece.
The tailpiece can then be connected, its length determined by the precise location of the drain line coming from the wall. It should come to the base of the bottom of the wall drain line, although if it is too long, it can later be cut down to size.
The P-trap is then attached to the tailpiece and tightened before positioning the trap arm of the P-trap and marking where to cut it so that it fits perfectly the wall drain line. The arm is then removed and cut to length with a PVC tube cutter or a hacksaw.
Next, slide the slip nut and washer over the cut end of the arm before inserting the arm into the wall drain. Then align the P-trap arm and tighten before also tightening the arm to the wall drain line.
Attach the short tail piece to the other sink bowl and secure the other end of the connecting drain line to the shorter tail piece before installing an escutcheon plate to cover the gap between the wall and the wall drain line.
Remember to place a bucket beneath the sink before starting work.
Choosing the Perfect Conservatory Blinds
by diysuper on Jan.18, 2012, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements, Interior Design
Conservatories are an expensive addition to any home, therefore great care needs to be taken when choosing and installing blinds for a conservatory. The manufacture of blinds for conservatories is more complicated than for normal windows due to the angle of the roof and the different sizes of blinds required. Conservatories require blinds that can insulate well against the heat and the cold, as well as keep out direct sunlight, while still letting sufficient light through.
Conservatory blinds are usually made out of specially fabricated material that optimises insulation.
Usually, conservatory blinds are fitted by specialists. It is important that reputable professionals carry out installation, as fitting the blinds means drilling holes in the conservatory structure in order to mount brackets and it is vital that the conservatory is not damaged in any way in the process.
Blinds on a conservatory roof may be out of reach and not be able to be closed manually. The blinds are designed to be opened and closed either electronically, or by a long pole or extra-long cords that hang down within reach.
The most popular blinds for conservatories are pleated blinds, followed by roman blinds.
Refurbishing Fireplace Surrounds
by diysuper on Jan.17, 2012, under DIY Tips, How To Guides, Interior Design
Many homeowners do not realise how easy it is to refurbish fireplace surrounds. Refurbishing the surround will almost always be cheaper than replacing it. An attractive fireplace is an excellent selling point, and improves the look and character of any home.
Fireplace surrounds are most commonly made of wood, marble, or cast iron.
When refurbishing a wood fireplace surround, use coarse sandpaper to remove any old varnish and paint from the wood, and then sand it smooth with fine sandpaper. You can also use a chemical stripper, but this will remove some of wood’s natural oils and dry it out. Use filler that is the same colour as the wood to repair any holes or large cracks. When the filler is completely dry, you should sand the surround again. Coat the wood with two or three layers of wax to finish.
Marble surrounds must be thoroughly cleaned with a coarse cloth and warm, soapy water. Combine kaolin powder with epoxy glue to fill in any cracks or small holes. When the filler is dry, use silicon carbide paper to rub down and polish the marble.
If possible, it is usually worth it to have cast iron surrounds professionally stripped. If this is not possible, use a chemical blanket stripping kit to remove all layers of paint from the cast iron surround. Do not scrap or chip at the paint as this will damage the soft iron. Once all the old paint is removed, apply a rust converter and then iron paste to restore the cast iron to its original silvery-grey colour.
Repairing Rusted Gutters
by diysuper on Jan.15, 2012, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements
The regular maintenance of the gutters on your home is important, and you should check them every year. Many older homes still have metal gutters, and these tend to rust over time. If caught early enough, rusted gutters can be saved, and will not need to be replaced. Always make certain to use a sturdy ladder when you are checking and/or working on your gutters.
You can remove small patches of rust with sandpaper or an emery cloth. If there are large areas of rust, you will want to use a wire brush; you can also use a wire brush wheel attached to a drill. Rub the rusted area until you see clean metal. Once all the rust is gone, liberally coat the gutters with a rust-neutralising primer, and let it dry thoroughly.
If you see cracks or small holes where the gutter has rusted through, fill them with roof and gutter sealant. Larger holes should be repaired with glass fibre filler or gutter repair tape. Only apply these after the area surrounding the damage is free of rust and dry.
When all your repair work is dry, paint the gutters with either black bitumen paint or gloss paint suitable for exterior use.
About Polycarbonate
by diysuper on Jan.14, 2012, under DIY Tips
Polycarbonate is becoming increasingly popular with many DIY enthusiasts. Widely used for roofing sheets, this manmade substance is an exceptionally strong plastic, and is also used as a replacement for glass in porch windows, and in the construction of greenhouses. It is a versatile and durable material, and many DIY enthusiasts are using polycarbonate sheets to roof their garden supply sheds; there are even those who are using polycarbonate sheets to build outside playrooms for their kids to use throughout the year. Triple walled polycarbonate is so durable and strong that it is starting to replace wired safety glass.
Polycarbonate looks more attractive than corrugated plastic, and is not difficult to install. This material contracts and expands, and so is usually fitted ‘loose’ by being clipped in glazing rods. Clipping the material in is a lot quicker and easier than conventional glazing.
There are many advantages to using polycarbonate sheets in a variety of DIY jobs. For example, the sheets are shatterproof, and two hundred times stronger than glass panes. Polycarbonate is flexible, and five times lighter than glass. The sheets let in about ninety per cent of natural sunlight, and provide standard grade UV protection. The level of insulation provided depends on whether you use dual, triple, or five-walled sheets, and the material can be cut easily using a fine-toothed saw.
It is very easy to clean polycarbonate sheets; when there is a build-up of noticeable grime, all that is needed is a quick hose down. If the dirt is stubborn, you can use a little mild detergent in warm water with a sponge and wipe the sheets down. It is important to use a mild detergent as the use of a strong detergent will risk permanently scratching the polycarbonate surface. The use of solvents is out of the question, but a little white spirit can be used get rid of paint splotches.