Recent content by brum_screwdriver

I don't know if it makes any difference to the weight/chances of lifting intact, but the slabs are porcelain 20mm

And yes ... it is indeed jammed (i successfully popped the handles up though). Suggestions on how to remedy would be gratefully received :(

Genius! Thank you. After posting this I thought "why not just google it" (I actually like to ask on forums as fellow forumites will advise if i'm asking the wrong question, plus it creates content for google to refer to). In this instance google did not identify that the handle is built in! Can...

I used a claw hammer to gently lift up this handle, expecting it to be rubber, but it just snapped. What have I done wrong? How do I get the cover off? Can the broken bits be replaced? There is reference to a "key" which I assume i need to buy?

Cheers, i will use the dpm approach!

I should have said ... some will just be on the patio, i.e. not all will be on soil.

Has anyone found a safe wood stain/preservative for wooden planters? There are a couple of brands on eco websites, but none of the "high street" brands mention whether they are plant/food safe.

The builders said they'd made it suitable for habitation should I ever want to change it's purpose via planning permission. They took pics during construction as evidence (but I did not get them).

If it's poorly installed DPM does it mean lifting up the floor? Or just the edges? Would you expect builder to rectify at their expense? (5yr old building)

Could be ... is there any way to prevent that ... e.g. fill the gap between render and dpc? (I'll take pics shortly) e.g. run silicone between them?

I am baffled ... it coincides with wet weather, and is visible at floor level (but works it's way up). the rear and 2 sides are sheltered by a fence but still show signs of damp. I don't think it is condensation (I have a dehumidifier on 24/7)

It's hard to know whether the dpm/dpc were installed correctly (builder rather than diy). The previous garage (other end of the garden) would have water appearing at ground level when it rained, but we never did find out where from. There are underground rivers up the road, so it wouldn't...

Just to add it is heavy clay soil ... not sure if that matters? I did hear once of someone who criss-crossed their garden with french drains ... the clay dried out so much that their new extension subsided :unsure::oops::LOL:

Great, thank you.

I might build a test one ... along one side of the garage, with an open end sending water on to the flowerbed or something. If that works I'll add the same to the remaining sides.