Search results

I'd be grateful if anyone could comment on a schematic diagram I've drawn up of my existing 'Gas Gravity fed / pumped CH boiler' (on left of diagram) combined with a future solid fuel back boiler (on Right of diagram). //www.diynot.com/network/carryoncamping/albums/18674/69910...

Is there a rule of thumb for size of Thermal store relative to boiler output? e.g. If my Wood burning stove's back boiler had a quoted output of 5KW what would be an appropriate size of thermal store?

Do any Regs stipulate the use of Gate valves over Ball valves? I'd rather use ball valves in my solar thermal project, as gate valves tend to cease up (at least that's what I've found) after a few years. Thanks

Hi, I'm about to start drawing plans for a block paved drive before laying it. I have a question regarding rain water runoff and drainage. The road is approximately 150mm higher than the dpc of the house, so there will be a natural fall towards the house and consequently I need a way to...

Does anyone know where I might buy a limestone hearth. I'm thinking a quarry might cut to size, but as of yet not been able to find one. I'm in the Yorkshire area. This is an artist's impression of how my new fireplace will look, minus the hearth. (Oak 'lintel' is real but just cut & paste...

I'm about to start Dot & dabbing my living room, do you need fireline (pink) plasterboard for a chimney breast, or is std 12.5mm fine? I plan to have a log burner in the fireplace but I doubt the plastrered walls would get that warm. Thanks

Just mixed a bag of drywall adhesive (for dot & dab) and it set like a rock in 20 minutes :shock: I used clean fresh water in a 'bath' that was reasonably clean (slightly dusty and the odd 'crumb' of old adhesive, and the use by date was Jul 2008. What would cause it to set so quickly...

Here's a before and after picture of the extension. I had originally enviasged laying the bricks myself, but I simply din't have the time or confidence for such a big project. A local builder did the shell and roof, and I've done all the inside so far except plaster skim. Some...

I'm soon to put up some coving and just wondered what adhesive to use? I have some Bonding adhesive left over from putting up the plasterboard, is that suitable, can't think why not? Thanks

I've just been wallpapering and had reason to take a light switch cover off to tuck the paper behind. I noticed there's a connection strip inside the box, I think it was added when an outside light was fitted. Just curious are they allowed within the metal box or do extra connections need to...

How many 8’x4’ boards should a 25kg bag of adhesive realistically stick, assuming the wall is plum and a gap of no more than 20mm between wall and board? My local Buildbase sells 9.5mm and 12.5mm for exactly the same price of £5.66. I’ve used 12.5mm on ceiling and am tempted to use 12.5mm...

My father is a retired electrician (40 years service) and I'd like him to wire my extension. But as he retired just before the Part 'P' regs came into force he is not certified to pass out the electrics. I've phone a couple of electricians to see if they could certify the work, but neither...

Hello group, I'm after an accurate sliding mitre saw, my budget is around £200. I'll be using it for Architrave, Skirting, basic furniture making etc so a large blade is not necessary, probably an 8" would suffice. Any idea of the quality of these? I'd imagine not that good...

I need to install a mains powered smoke alarm in my new extension. Does it matter which circuit (e.g. lighting or socket ring main) it is powered from? Thanks

I've just checked with Building Control the thickness of Kingspan (or similar e.g. Celotex, Xratherm) to use between the joist on my suspended floor. I need at least 120mm of Kingspan, the trouble is, my joists are only 115mm deep. Please does anyone have suggestions how I might mount the...

I'm about to wire my extension, which has three rooms. So I was wondering whether to have two ring mains or just one. There'll probably be about 5 or 6 double sockets per room Total floor area is 34m^2. What is an acceptable maximum number of 13A double sockets on a single Ring Main, using...

The Shell of my extension is now up, and am about to tackle the inside. I have a suspended wooden floor and was wondering what insulation to use between the joists i.e. Fibreglass wool on netting, or Rigid eg. Kingspan Thermafloor? What are the pros/cons to each? Thanks,

I'm relaying my sewer, as the cowboys who originally laid it put it straight on soil so it resembled a rollercoaster up and down. I've still got some gravel to put down before the Building inspector comes. But I've noticed a slight drip from one of the manholes. So I'm thinking it won't...

I have a new Marshall Town Plastering Trowel 11"x4.5" I find the corners tend to rip the plaster skim, a problem I didn't have when I borrowed a professional's tools. So I presume it's the new trowel that needs filing down or edges rounding off. What do the pros do to 'wear-in' their new...

I've just reopened my fireplace in my living room (house is 70 years old). A quick look up the chimney shows lots of soot and loose bits of mortar sat on the 'throat' of the chimney. I intend to get it swept before I reinstate a coal/wood grate But I am concerned that there should be any...