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The art of plastering starts with the materials you use and the preparation of the surface.  For outside jobs, the sand must be clean and mixed with good quality cement.   A good plasterer’s term is “gauge” which ensures that the wall is perfectly vertical by using wood and rope to show how the plaster will spread around the walls.  The thickness of the plaster is also very important, and should be around 15mm to 20mm which may be difficult to achieve if the underlying brickwork is out of line. It may be necessary to for the float layer of plaster to dry before applying the skim layer, especially if the float layer is thick.

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The cement used in plastering should be adequate to ensure that it bonds well with the sand causing the plaster to crack which is not only unsightly but is poor workmanship.  The plastering should be free of all defects such as cracks, holes and rough areas as these will undoubtedly cause problems later.  If indoors, the wallpaper will not stick to the cracks and holes will show through.  If the wall is subsequently painted, rough areas will be visible, giving a poor final product.

Preparation of the wall is the key to good plastering jobs indoors. If you are redecorating, make sure you have removed any loose old plaster and wallpaper.  Check that the surface is not damp or dusty or the plaster will not stick. For the best results, apply a mix of PVA glue and water to the surface and let it dry before plastering.   Make sure you add the plaster to the water and not the reverse to ensure a good consistency.  It is easier to control the amount of plaster you add.  The ratio of 50:50 water and plaster is about right.  You can check that the consistency is correct by standing a stick up in it.

Any professional plasterer will tell you that good plastering lies in the preparation work, whatever the task in hand.   If you have tackled even the smallest of plastering task yourself and it looks good without any gaps or cracks, you will get a feeling of satisfaction at a job well done and be ready to move on to the next plastering job!

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No, only when you need it. The more you regulate your heating, the more you’ll save. Use the timer to switch heating/hot water on and off – about half an hour before you require it.

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What about thermostat settings?

Generally, rooms should have the thermostat set for between 18 C – 21 C (65 – 70 F).  Remember that 1 C less on your room temperatures can save 10% on fuel bills.

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Radiator thermostats can save money. Some prefer bedrooms to be at lower temperatures, for example. Rooms that aren’t in use at all can be left un-heated, but make sure the doors are shut. Beware of condensation in un-heated rooms: try a low setting to combat this.

Don’t turn the radiator off in the same room as the main thermostat. The thermostat will ‘think’ your home is too cold and apply heat incorrectly.
Set the main boiler thermostat to maximum if you have a ‘master’ thermostat in another room, and one on your hot water cylinder.

Can I save with insulated loft/cavity walls and double glazing?

Yes. Around 35% of heat is lost through walls – cavity wall insulation can reduce this to  10%. Insulating the loft will combat the 25% heat loss through the roof. Double glazing halves the 20% heat loss through single-glazed windows.

Is it cheaper to heat water continually?

As with central heating, it’s cheaper to heat water as and when you need it. A well-insulated cylinder should keep the water hot for up to 12 hours.

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• If you wish to just remove a few stains and ‘cheer up’ your carpets, then spot cleaning of the individual stains with appropriate cleaning solutions and a basic vacuuming might suffice.
• If you wish to remove general dirt that may have worked into the carpet pile, then a rented carpet shampooer and some purchased carpet shampoo might be sufficient.
• If you wish to deep clean your carpets thus removing stains, deep-seated dirt, bacteria, odours, mites, fungus and other debris then a proper deep clean with a hot water cleaner (steam cleaner) is definitely required.

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Costs and Considerations

When you have decided how comprehensive you wish your carpet clean to be, then calculate the various costs involved. They may be more than you think and, especially if you are considering a deep steam clean, you may feel it preferable to hire a professional carpet cleaning company. There are other considerations to take into account: for example, have you got the necessary time carpet cleaning will take?

The costs and considerations are as follows:

Carpet cleaning machine – You can buy one, or you can hire various types of carpet cleaner from DIY stores and some carpet retailers. Hiring is often the favoured option if carpet cleaning is not something you do on a frequent enough basis to warrant purchasing a machine.

Carpet cleaning chemicals/cleaning solutions – You will have to buy these whether hiring a carpet cleaning machine or buying one. You may have to buy other, specific cleaners for whatever specific stains you are removing by spot cleaning. Bear in mind possible waste: you may use only a little of a bottle of cleaner to remove a particular stain.

Drying – Especially if you use the hot water method, you may need to hire fans or moisture extractors to dry the carpets after cleaning. It is vital for cleaned carpets to dry as soon as possible so a means of drying is important. Cleaning carpets in mild or warm weather will clearly help, but for reasons of security and safety it is not always possible to leave doors and windows wide open to facilitate carpet drying.

Time – Carpet cleaning will take up a significant amount of your time. Is this time worth the difference in money between your hiring and purchasing costs compared to hiring a professional?

Competence – Do you have confidence in yourself to operate carpet cleaning or steam cleaning machines?

Common Mistakes

The main two errors made by those cleaning their own carpets are:

• Using too much detergent.
• Using too much water (when wet cleaning).

If you decide to clean your own carpets, do follow instructions carefully and ensure the material of your carpet(s) is appropriate for your chosen cleaning method.

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Roof Repairs Leicester / Roofers Manchester / Roofer Birmingham

Replace or Renovate?

This will be hinge on the state of the existing materials. If the original – or elderly – soffits and fascias, they are likely to be made of wood. If they have just become a little tatty, then sand down and repaint with a good weatherproof paint may well be enough. Even if the condition of the wood in places is poor, it is possible to replace the odd section and repaint the rest. A good roofing contractor can inspect and advise on whether renovation will be enough.

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If you decide on renovation, then it will need doing again in the future. If this does not appeal, or if the condition of the existing fascias and soffits is too poor to be renovated, then replacing will be required.

Replacement Options

It is basically a choice between wood or plastic (UPVC). As with replacement windows, UPVC has become very popular in soffit and fascia roof installations. The main attractions of UPVC – and a selling point the companies offering this roofing service will reinforce – is the lack of maintenance required compared to wood.

The Pros and Cons of UPVC

Theoretically, UPVC won’t need replacing or renovating aside from the occasional wipe down, it will not rot, and certain types of installation can provide roofing ventilation systems to inhibit condensation/moisture build up, and preventative measures can be made to stop birds and insects nesting in the eves or under the soffit.

That said, not all UPVC is equal: some is of a higher quality of manufacture than others. The poorer UPVC will discolour over time – sometimes not that long, either. Maybe only three or four years will pass before the pristine white at installation turns cream or worse a pale green colour.

The Pros and Cons of Wood

The advantages of wood are mainly that you know what you are buying. Unlike the variable quality of UPVC, it is far easier to be sure you are roofing with good quality wood. Some homes simply look ‘better’ with traditional wood roofing, and it is easier to predict how much and how often you may need to renovate over the ensuing years. With UPVC, it may last years before needing any attention – on the other hand, a poor roofing installation may need major and expensive attention sooner.

Ensuring a Good UPVC Installation

There are many companies offering UPVC roofing services ranging from the household name home improvement companies to the one or two man roofing outfits. Prices/estimates vary widely – sometimes by thousands of pounds.

The best approach is to ask people you know who have had similar work done for their recommendations and experiences. Speak to at least five or six companies and get prices – and do not be pressured into a decision.

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Limitations of ‘DIY Checking’ of the Roof

Clambering about on a roof is a specialism best left to professional roofing contractors, so actually going out on to the roof surface yourself is not recommended. Even if you have a head for heights, you can inadvertently cause damage through an incorrect ‘roof treading’ technique. The most you should consider in terms of checking your roof is to go up a ladder so as to view the roof just above gutter level. Another checking activity you can undertake is going into the loft/attic area and inspecting for internal symptoms of possible damage.

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How to Check Without Mounting the Roof

As well as a ladder (ensure it is leaning against the wall not the guttering/fascia) you can try viewing your roof from an adjacent building such as a neighbour’s upstairs window or similar. A pair of binoculars will help, and from this vantage point it should be possible to carry out some useful checks.

What to Look For

From outside:

Algae/moss – After a while many roofs have green or brown algae on them. In some cases, it actually gives the house some character and is often not a major cause for concern. That said, if you feel levels of algae are too high it is worth seeking a professional opinion from a roofing expert.

Loose/missing slates – If you are inspecting soon after a loosening/loss of a slate, consequential damage may not have occurred but it is clearly something that will need attention promptly.

Buckling/Sagging – If part of the surface of your roof appears to look corrugated (buckled), then it should be professionally inspected.

Damaged Flashing – The metal sheets/strips usually found where structures, such as chimneys, join the roof. If it looks warped or damaged, then have it inspected. Flashing damage is a main cause of leaks/damp in the house.

Guttering – Any obvious blockages? Build ups of silt being washed from the roof by rainwater or other debris can cause blockages and thus water overflow.

From inside (in the loft/attic):

Leaks/moisture – Be aware that where you see moisture/water may not necessarily be where the leak is. Water can travel away from the leak site and appear elsewhere.

Discolourations – If present, they will be found on the rafters and indicate water/moisture somewhere. Have it checked professionally.

Holes/cracks – Better to check on a bright day as these will be easier to spot.

Remember: seek professional verification of what you discover with your checks.

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At the end of a lease of a residential property, you can minimise the need for a professional cleaner by ensuring that fridges are emptied, carpets are swept, the bathroom and kitchen are scrubbed and the furniture is polished before the landlord arrives to do the final inventory. If there are any stains on the carpet, the landlord will undoubtedly insist that a cleaner be employed to deep clean the carpet, and perhaps the upholstery as well. This will be at your cost and be deducted from the deposit or bond. Some tenants may not care for a rented property as well as they might their own and may not worry about spillages and stains, but a landlord will want to ensure that it is shown in the best possible condition so if there are stains on the furniture and carpets, he will want to engage a cleaner.

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Depending on where the premises are located, professional cleaners can be expensive as they are employed by the hour. They may also charge travelling time and expenses. However, cleaners have specialist equipment available such as steam cleaners enabling them to do a first rate job. They will also use the best cleaning products which will leave the floors, carpets, cupboards and drawers sparkling inside and out. If you are planning on hiring a professional cleaner yourself prior to the end of tenancy, you should always check with the landlord first as he may engage a cleaner as a matter of course and you will have spent money unnecessarily.

It will depend on whether you want to spend time cleaning the property yourself and whether the landlord hires a professional cleaners as a matter of course as to how much time you spend cleaning the property. If you are determined to receive a full refund of the whole deposit, you need to clarify with the landlord as to the end of tenancy cleaning arrangements. It may be that it is more cost effective to just allow the cleaners to do the job.

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The question asked by many a home owner and one which, for some, is an easy one to answer. If you’ve got the space and just need to ‘improve’ your home (by adding built in furniture, improving your kitchen, bedrooms or bathrooms, or just tidying your garden) then this site should give you lots of information on how to , what to and who to use.

No matter if you’re an experienced DIYer or home improver, or if you’re just looking for some inspiration or ideas, Danalu is here to offer you an insight into how best to improve your home.

If you would like information on something that doesn’t appear on this website – and it’s home improvement related – just get in touch with us, or leave us a comment and we will do our best to add the information you’re looking for.

Enjoy your stay and we hope you get something from your visit to us.

• Paint

Nothing can brighten up your walls and make your property look brand-new like a fresh coat of paint. If you have short walls and you wish to make them look longer, you can do so by creating wide, horizontal stripes. Moreover, you can apply faux painting techniques such as colour washing and graining to add texture, depth, and dimension.

• Furniture

You can rearrange the existing furnishings that you have to make better use of your space. Or, if you wish to add variety and visual interest to the area, you can purchase leather sofas UK, which you can pair with loveseats and section off in a corner to create an ideal place for conversation.

• Flooring

Replace your drab and dreary carpeting with new ones. You can save on funds by using area rugs to hide ugly stains and worn spots. You can also opt for a complete overhaul of your floors by having hardwood installed. Laminate floorboards can create the look you want, as well, at a more affordable price.

• Lighting

If you want to create a nice mood in the living room, soft lighting is the best way to go. You can achieve this effect with the use of low-wattage bulbs, which you can get at several home improvement supply stores in your neighbourhood.

• Draperies

You can cut down on your expenses by making use of the extra linen sheets you have in the house as curtains. Instead of hanging them straight up, you can tie them back to alter the look of your room and add more natural light, especially during the daytime.

So, you see, enhancing your abode does not have to require much effort from you. Creativity and resourcefulness, as well as a pinch of practicality, can already take you a long way.