HOW TO INSTALL PVC GUTTERS AND DOWN PIPES

Gutter fixed to fascia board

Tools required :-  Extension ladder, power / battery drill, medium screwdrivers, hacksaw, chalk line, tape measure, half round file, spirit level. Start by measuring what length of guttering and down pipe you will need for the project. List any connectors, stop ends, set angle pieces of gutter, gutter outlets, clips / brackets, usually spaced around 30" (760mm) apart, and fixings you will need.(See post on parts for gutters and down pipes) You will probably need to use an extension ladder to reach the appropriate work height, get someone to foot the ladder whilst you are … [Read more...]

CONCRETE FENCE POSTS

Fig 2 Concrete post

Tools required :- Spade / shovel, spot board, bucket, wood saw, lump hammer, post / 600mm spirit level and tape measure. Safety tip :- Wear gloves when mixing mortar and concrete as cement can irritate and burn skin. Concrete posts need to be bedded in the ground and set in place using concrete. As a rough guide I would recommend having 25% of the post below ground level to provide good stability and strength. As an example I would use an 8ft post for a 6ft high fence or a 4ft post for a 3ft high fence. Once you have dug out the hole for the post to the required depth, have some … [Read more...]

SAFE DIY PRACTICE

p1020350

When starting any DIY project safety has to be your first consideration. The work area should be kept as clean and tidy as possible, anything from tools left lying around to building materials, paint etc can create an unnecessary hazard not only to yourself but to other adults, children and pets. Lots of cleaning products, solvents, paints and adhesives etc, can give off harmful vapours and may be corrosive enough to burn skin. With these and similar products you should, as the saying goes, ALWAYS READ THE LABEL, the instructions usually include :- use in a well ventilated area, use eye … [Read more...]