PVC downpipes can handle heavy rainfall if installed correctly. The document provides instructions on measuring the roof area served by each downpipe based on roof pitch. It also describes how to assemble and install the downpipes using pipe clips to attach them to the wall. Downpipes should be solvent welded together except where they connect to the rainwater head. Basic maintenance involves an annual cleaning with soapy water.
The document provides instructions for hanging wallpaper, including necessary tools, planning wallpaper placement, how to get started, common obstacles, and tips for a better finish. Key steps include using a plumb line to ensure straight hanging, cutting pieces of wallpaper to align the pattern before hanging, pasting and hanging one piece at a time, and trimming edges neatly around obstacles like doors and light fixtures. Tips suggest checking paste for vinyl paper, removing air bubbles while wet, and being careful with seam rollers and paste application.
This document provides instructions for constructing a simple garden pond. It lists the necessary tools and materials, which include a spade or shovel, concrete mixer, polythene sheet, fine builders mix, cement, and flat stones. The instructions explain how to mark and dig the pond area, lay the polythene liner and stones, pour and level the concrete, and fill the pond. Additional tips are provided for pond construction in colder climates. The document also describes how to make and use a simple bucket and hose water level tool to check heights and ensure levelness during construction.
The document provides instructions for building a low garden retaining wall along an existing fence to transform a dull yard. It details materials needed like treated wood posts and boards. Instructions include laying out the perimeter, digging post holes, setting posts in concrete, fixing retaining boards and capping, bracing the fence posts, and installing drainage before backfilling. Building the retaining wall can create an exciting new garden space.
This document provides instructions for building a raised formal pond using railway sleepers. The pond is a simple rectangle measuring approximately 8 feet by 4 feet and 1 foot deep. Materials needed include a pond liner, fabric insulation, 3 railway sleepers, fasteners, sand, and timber or slabs for the coping around the top of the pond. The instructions are presented in 5 steps: 1) prepare the base and lay the sleepers, 2) add sand and liner insulation, 3) install the pond liner and fill with water, 4) add an overflow pipe and coping, and 5) finish with plants or a fountain.
This document provides instructions for building a wood deck. It discusses preliminary planning considerations like intended use, location, and local building codes. Key parts of deck construction are then outlined in steps, including laying out the deck area, installing footings and posts, adding beams and joists, and finishing with decking and railings. Tables are included to help select proper lumber sizes for beams, posts, joists, and railings based on design factors like wood type and span distances. Safety equipment and tools are also listed.
There are two popular types of lighting circuits. The loop circuit runs power from the consumer unit to the first ceiling rose, then through the switch and back to the ceiling rose before moving on to the next. The junction box circuit runs power from the consumer unit to the first junction box, with the switch interrupting the live wire between boxes. Usually 1mm squared cable is used for lighting circuits, which can support up to 12 100W bulbs over 95 meters. Circuits are split between floors to avoid total darkness if a fuse blows. Homeowners must follow regulations carefully and have any new circuit work checked by an electrician when selling.
1. Basic home security involves securing doors and windows by checking they are locked before bed or leaving the house. An intruder alarm or smoke detector provides additional protection.
2. Most burglaries are opportunistic, so taking security measures like installing quality locks, using timers for lights/appliances when away, and not openly sharing travel plans can help deter intruders. Contact your local police for specific security advice.
3. Windows of various types can be better secured by installing locks, bolts or bars that require a key to open. Instructions are included with security devices or ask for advice on the best options.
Electric heat guns have largely replaced paraffin and bottled gas blowlamps for stripping paint due to being less dangerous and more convenient. Heat guns work by blowing hot air across a heating element through a nozzle. They have temperature and airflow settings and are useful for tasks like paint stripping, drying, and heat shrinking. Safety precautions must be taken when using heat guns due to the high temperatures involved.
The document provides instructions for hanging wallpaper, including calculating the amount of wallpaper needed, preparing the walls, determining the hanging order, marking and cutting lengths, pasting and hanging the lengths, trimming, and hanging into corners and recesses. Key steps include measuring the room, calculating rolls needed, filling any holes or cracks, starting in a corner and working away, cutting lengths to fit adding extra for trimming, pasting one length at a time and smoothing onto the walls, and trimming edges.
The document provides instructions for hanging an internal door. Some key points:
1) Doors often need to be trimmed to fit the opening as houses can shift over time. It is best to start with a square frame and cut the door to fit rather than adapting the frame.
2) Common internal door sizes are listed in both metric and imperial measurements. Doors can also be purchased as "door blanks" and customized.
3) When hanging the door, mark where it will be cut by holding it in the frame. Always leave the cutting line so the door is not cut too small. Hinges are typically 7 inches from the top and bottom.
4) Chisel out recesses
This document outlines the anatomy and specifications for a handrail, including:
(1) The boundary joist must be treated timber and attached to joists with bolts and plates for strength and stability.
(2) Balusters connect the boundary joist to other rails with bolts positioned 25mm from the top and bottom, and their size depends on the rail and baluster spacing.
(3) A top rail is fixed to balusters with nails, with more nails used for larger baluster spans, and must be at least 1000mm high.
UPVC fascias, soffits, and bargeboards provide a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Any services in the existing fascia will need to be relocated by specialists before installation. Proper scaffolding is recommended for safety when working at height. Ventilated soffit boards improve roof ventilation and should be considered when replacing soffit. Thorough preparation of existing wood elements and roofing felt is important for a long-lasting installation.
This document provides advice on properly caring for and protecting timber structures like decks, cladding, sheds and furniture. It discusses the importance of using the right products suited for each application, as many products on the market are ineffective or inappropriate. It specifically recommends the Owatrol line of wood care products. It outlines steps for treating new wood, including using Seasonite to allow the wood to weather gradually while preventing damage. It also discusses options for maintaining or changing the appearance of wood over time.
This document provides guidelines for avoiding hiring an unqualified or dishonest builder, known as a "cowboy builder". It recommends producing a work specification, getting recommendations and multiple quotes, checking references, agreeing on payments and guarantees, and drafting a written contract. Being thorough in selecting a builder and maintaining communication during the project can help ensure the work is done correctly and minimize risks.
The document provides safety tips for do-it-yourself projects. It lists numerous "do's" such as always wearing appropriate protective gear, reading instructions, securing workpieces, and using caution with power tools. Several "don'ts" are also outlined, like never operating power tools under the influence, using damaged tools, or cutting loose materials that could fly off. Safety should always be the top priority for any home project.
Ron installed a new insulated floor system in his workshop to make it less cold. He used Dricore subflooring panels, which are composed of compressed wood flakes and have a moisture barrier. The panels interlock without glue using tongue-and-groove joints. This creates a floating floor that can expand and contract without being attached to the concrete. Ron cut and installed the panels, filling gaps with shims as needed. He then installed G-floor garage flooring over the top, which rolls out without adhesive. The new insulated floor system helped warm up Ron's workshop.
The document provides guidelines for building light garden wall foundations, including those on sloping ground. Foundations should be at least 3 times the width of a half brick wall or twice the width of a full brick wall. When digging trenches for foundations on a slope, the trenches should be cut horizontally in steps to accommodate the slope. Retaining walls should be no more than 4 times as tall as they are thick to provide stability.
1) To properly fix items to plasterboard walls, you need to use specialized fixings rather than ordinary wall plugs, as plasterboard is too soft for wall plugs to grip securely.
2) The strongest fixing is the Redidrive, which involves drilling a small pilot hole and screwing a plastic anchor into the hole to provide an anchoring point for screws.
3) Other effective fixings include plastic toggles, hollow wall anchors, spring toggles, and hammer-in anchors, which all work by expanding behind the plasterboard for a secure grip. Heavier items are best fixed with Redidrives or attached to wall studs.
Lathe and plaster walls are difficult to securely fix items to due to their flexible nature over time. Cutting out a section of the lathe and plaster between studs and securing a timber batten provides a solid surface for fixing. The batten should be sealed with PVA and staples before filling gaps around the edges. With the right materials, the batten can be disguised or made into a decorative feature.
1. A mortice latch is a common type of door furniture used for internal and external doors. It consists of a catch with a handle on each side.
2. To install a mortice latch, mark lines on the door edge and extending into the center to indicate where to drill holes for the latch barrel and handles. Chisel out recesses for the latch plate and drill pilot holes.
3. Insert the barrel and mark then drill holes for the screws. Install the handles and keep plate on the opposite side of the door frame to catch the latch.
The document provides instructions for adding extra electrical sockets to a home. It describes how to convert single sockets to doubles by changing the mounting box and connecting the wires. It also explains how to add new sockets by running spur cables from existing sockets to the new locations, ensuring the cables are properly installed and connected. Safety precautions like turning off the power and checking circuits are emphasized.
This document provides instructions for fitting a toilet and bidet. It outlines the steps to remove the old toilet, including disconnecting pipes and removing mounting hardware. It describes how to install the new toilet, including assembling the siphon and lever, connecting to pipes, and ensuring it is level. Safety precautions like protective equipment and turning off water are advised. Proper installation of supply pipes, waste pipes, and electrical bonding is also covered.
This document provides instructions for fitting a new bath and washbasin. It describes disconnecting the old fixtures, preparing the room, removing the old bath and basin, and installing the new fixtures. Proper planning and safety precautions are recommended. Connecting the water supply pipes and wastepipes correctly is important for a successful installation. Hiring a professional is advised if any part of the process seems too difficult.
This mantel design from the early 19th century is simple yet elegant. It can be built with readily available materials over a weekend. The design features symmetrical proportions centered around the firebox opening. It has a flat wooden foundation supported by vertical pilasters and topped by a horizontal architrave. Simple moldings are used to accentuate the design elements. The proportions and balanced symmetry make this a timeless design despite its simplicity.
The document provides safety guidelines and instructions for basic home electrical installations and repairs. It discusses checking for safety issues, how electrical systems work with components like cables, fuses, and ceiling roses. It emphasizes that any permanent electrical work requires inspection and certification by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Failure to do so could invalidate home insurance and cause issues selling a home.
Earth bonding in bathrooms is important for electrical safety. All metal parts in the bathroom, like pipes, must be connected together with an earth cable to equalize any voltage or current from an electrical leak. This prevents dangerous shock currents by not allowing voltages to build up on conductive surfaces that could be touched. According to regulations, the earth wires from electrical appliances in the bathroom, like heaters and showers, can be directly connected to the local earth connection rather than running all the way back to the main fusebox. Proper earth bonding helps ensure passenger safety when electricity and water are near each other in the bathroom.
Timber can rot if not properly maintained. There are two main types of rot: dry rot and wet rot. Dry rot fungus thrives in damp conditions and can destroy timber. It appears as cotton-wool like sheets on surfaces. Treating dry rot involves removing infected timber. Wet rot occurs when timber is exposed to high moisture levels over long periods. It makes timber feel spongy and look darker. Ensuring proper ventilation and repairs of structural issues can prevent rot.
Electric heat guns have largely replaced paraffin and bottled gas blowlamps for stripping paint due to being less dangerous and more convenient. Heat guns work by blowing hot air across a heating element through a nozzle. They have temperature and airflow settings and are useful for tasks like paint stripping, drying, and heat shrinking. Safety precautions must be taken when using heat guns due to the high temperatures involved.
The document provides instructions for hanging wallpaper, including calculating the amount of wallpaper needed, preparing the walls, determining the hanging order, marking and cutting lengths, pasting and hanging the lengths, trimming, and hanging into corners and recesses. Key steps include measuring the room, calculating rolls needed, filling any holes or cracks, starting in a corner and working away, cutting lengths to fit adding extra for trimming, pasting one length at a time and smoothing onto the walls, and trimming edges.
The document provides instructions for hanging an internal door. Some key points:
1) Doors often need to be trimmed to fit the opening as houses can shift over time. It is best to start with a square frame and cut the door to fit rather than adapting the frame.
2) Common internal door sizes are listed in both metric and imperial measurements. Doors can also be purchased as "door blanks" and customized.
3) When hanging the door, mark where it will be cut by holding it in the frame. Always leave the cutting line so the door is not cut too small. Hinges are typically 7 inches from the top and bottom.
4) Chisel out recesses
This document outlines the anatomy and specifications for a handrail, including:
(1) The boundary joist must be treated timber and attached to joists with bolts and plates for strength and stability.
(2) Balusters connect the boundary joist to other rails with bolts positioned 25mm from the top and bottom, and their size depends on the rail and baluster spacing.
(3) A top rail is fixed to balusters with nails, with more nails used for larger baluster spans, and must be at least 1000mm high.
UPVC fascias, soffits, and bargeboards provide a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Any services in the existing fascia will need to be relocated by specialists before installation. Proper scaffolding is recommended for safety when working at height. Ventilated soffit boards improve roof ventilation and should be considered when replacing soffit. Thorough preparation of existing wood elements and roofing felt is important for a long-lasting installation.
This document provides advice on properly caring for and protecting timber structures like decks, cladding, sheds and furniture. It discusses the importance of using the right products suited for each application, as many products on the market are ineffective or inappropriate. It specifically recommends the Owatrol line of wood care products. It outlines steps for treating new wood, including using Seasonite to allow the wood to weather gradually while preventing damage. It also discusses options for maintaining or changing the appearance of wood over time.
This document provides guidelines for avoiding hiring an unqualified or dishonest builder, known as a "cowboy builder". It recommends producing a work specification, getting recommendations and multiple quotes, checking references, agreeing on payments and guarantees, and drafting a written contract. Being thorough in selecting a builder and maintaining communication during the project can help ensure the work is done correctly and minimize risks.
The document provides safety tips for do-it-yourself projects. It lists numerous "do's" such as always wearing appropriate protective gear, reading instructions, securing workpieces, and using caution with power tools. Several "don'ts" are also outlined, like never operating power tools under the influence, using damaged tools, or cutting loose materials that could fly off. Safety should always be the top priority for any home project.
Ron installed a new insulated floor system in his workshop to make it less cold. He used Dricore subflooring panels, which are composed of compressed wood flakes and have a moisture barrier. The panels interlock without glue using tongue-and-groove joints. This creates a floating floor that can expand and contract without being attached to the concrete. Ron cut and installed the panels, filling gaps with shims as needed. He then installed G-floor garage flooring over the top, which rolls out without adhesive. The new insulated floor system helped warm up Ron's workshop.
The document provides guidelines for building light garden wall foundations, including those on sloping ground. Foundations should be at least 3 times the width of a half brick wall or twice the width of a full brick wall. When digging trenches for foundations on a slope, the trenches should be cut horizontally in steps to accommodate the slope. Retaining walls should be no more than 4 times as tall as they are thick to provide stability.
1) To properly fix items to plasterboard walls, you need to use specialized fixings rather than ordinary wall plugs, as plasterboard is too soft for wall plugs to grip securely.
2) The strongest fixing is the Redidrive, which involves drilling a small pilot hole and screwing a plastic anchor into the hole to provide an anchoring point for screws.
3) Other effective fixings include plastic toggles, hollow wall anchors, spring toggles, and hammer-in anchors, which all work by expanding behind the plasterboard for a secure grip. Heavier items are best fixed with Redidrives or attached to wall studs.
Lathe and plaster walls are difficult to securely fix items to due to their flexible nature over time. Cutting out a section of the lathe and plaster between studs and securing a timber batten provides a solid surface for fixing. The batten should be sealed with PVA and staples before filling gaps around the edges. With the right materials, the batten can be disguised or made into a decorative feature.
1. A mortice latch is a common type of door furniture used for internal and external doors. It consists of a catch with a handle on each side.
2. To install a mortice latch, mark lines on the door edge and extending into the center to indicate where to drill holes for the latch barrel and handles. Chisel out recesses for the latch plate and drill pilot holes.
3. Insert the barrel and mark then drill holes for the screws. Install the handles and keep plate on the opposite side of the door frame to catch the latch.
The document provides instructions for adding extra electrical sockets to a home. It describes how to convert single sockets to doubles by changing the mounting box and connecting the wires. It also explains how to add new sockets by running spur cables from existing sockets to the new locations, ensuring the cables are properly installed and connected. Safety precautions like turning off the power and checking circuits are emphasized.
This document provides instructions for fitting a toilet and bidet. It outlines the steps to remove the old toilet, including disconnecting pipes and removing mounting hardware. It describes how to install the new toilet, including assembling the siphon and lever, connecting to pipes, and ensuring it is level. Safety precautions like protective equipment and turning off water are advised. Proper installation of supply pipes, waste pipes, and electrical bonding is also covered.
This document provides instructions for fitting a new bath and washbasin. It describes disconnecting the old fixtures, preparing the room, removing the old bath and basin, and installing the new fixtures. Proper planning and safety precautions are recommended. Connecting the water supply pipes and wastepipes correctly is important for a successful installation. Hiring a professional is advised if any part of the process seems too difficult.
This mantel design from the early 19th century is simple yet elegant. It can be built with readily available materials over a weekend. The design features symmetrical proportions centered around the firebox opening. It has a flat wooden foundation supported by vertical pilasters and topped by a horizontal architrave. Simple moldings are used to accentuate the design elements. The proportions and balanced symmetry make this a timeless design despite its simplicity.
The document provides safety guidelines and instructions for basic home electrical installations and repairs. It discusses checking for safety issues, how electrical systems work with components like cables, fuses, and ceiling roses. It emphasizes that any permanent electrical work requires inspection and certification by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Failure to do so could invalidate home insurance and cause issues selling a home.
Earth bonding in bathrooms is important for electrical safety. All metal parts in the bathroom, like pipes, must be connected together with an earth cable to equalize any voltage or current from an electrical leak. This prevents dangerous shock currents by not allowing voltages to build up on conductive surfaces that could be touched. According to regulations, the earth wires from electrical appliances in the bathroom, like heaters and showers, can be directly connected to the local earth connection rather than running all the way back to the main fusebox. Proper earth bonding helps ensure passenger safety when electricity and water are near each other in the bathroom.
Timber can rot if not properly maintained. There are two main types of rot: dry rot and wet rot. Dry rot fungus thrives in damp conditions and can destroy timber. It appears as cotton-wool like sheets on surfaces. Treating dry rot involves removing infected timber. Wet rot occurs when timber is exposed to high moisture levels over long periods. It makes timber feel spongy and look darker. Ensuring proper ventilation and repairs of structural issues can prevent rot.