Recent content by DoctorFaustus

Building a small oak framed orangery - completely DIY except for electrician I wanted to hire a structural engineer to check my design / do beam calcs but they are saying: "since the BSA can in to play, we would be considered the PD (different to the CDM PD, confusing named the same thing) and...

This is an exterior wall in an inglenook fireplace, now with woodburner installed. Solid brick wall with cement based render exteriorly. The brick and lime mortar appears dry but is flaking in places and some efflorescence as per photo. In some areas the face of brick has fallen away by up to...

Hi all, I want to lay 600x400mm limestone floor tiles on a newly laid concrete slab. It's laid flat so no need for screed. The room needs to be used asap so I don't have time to wait for the usual 28+ days before tiling. Therefore I'm going to use 1) Decoupling membrane on S2 adhesive 2) Stone...

Hi, We have a disused chimney which has suffered with damp problems caused by a lack of ventilation. The top is now ventilated via a c-cap but I believe it's also good practice to ventilate the bottom. This would actually be at 1st floor level as on the ground floor there's an alcove over...

Hi, I'm removing a old flue from a chimney that's no longer used. The other issue is that the current cowl let's water into the flue during heavy rain. As per the photo there's no pot only the thing that holds the flue. I've removed some of the mortar which had all crumbled anyway. What would...

Hi, I'm installing an electric range into a chimney breast and need a solution for extraction. I've removed an old piece of cement board and the old flue from an Aga. Due to the chimney brickwork the aperture I have to work with is only about 150mm deep and there isn't even room to install a...

Thanks all. I'd replace it if I could but it runs under a tiled floor so no choice but to make the connection. I'll use hep insert as suggested.

Hi I need to make a connection into old 1990's grey polypropylene 22mm pipe to add a new radiator to the circuit. I generally use JG speedfit. Is it possible to use this and would I need to use a pipe insert in the old pipe Many thanks

If you've got an old house, or if you simply want to avoid damp walls then the mantra is Breathability. Which translates as lime plaster on the internal side of exterior walls. BUT - it's hard to get hold off, eye wateringly expensive, difficult to use, and if you can't DIY it then suitable...

The rent is paid to the company who own the building but I'm not sure is this makes any difference

I need to find someone to install some emergency lighting in a rented flat that sits above a commercial property. The flat is registered as a separate address and has it's own electrical supply. My usual electrician is not sure if he is insured to do the work as he only does 'residential' Does...

Every oil based paint I've used since the new EU regs a few years back have turned a nasty cream after a few months of sunlight exposure. Taken to using acrylic water based paint for all interior wood which is great but I've now got to do some exterior painting and would normally have used...

Our porch has an old fiberglass roof which seems to be leaking in places It's only about 5M2 so I'm looking for something to paint/roll on. There seem to be a lot of liquid roofing products available from SF/TS etc - can anyone recommend something suitable? Many thanks

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

I'm a bit confused r.e. the use of batons to ensure an even finish as have read conflicting information. I presume this is the correct order: 1) Fix 19mm thick batons at 900mm spacing 2) Apply scratch coat to estimated 10mm thickness 3) Apply top coat and then use straight edge to level against...