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In Ask Skill Builder episode 38, William cannot smoothly open and close his bi-folding doors.
See how to toe and heel in our How To Install Korniche Bi-folding Doors video:
🔗 youtu.be/UUWGzFARELg?t=640
Starting a renovation project can be a daunting task if you’re new to the world of DIY.
However, there are a few things you can do to help you get off to the best start.
Take a look below to discover some helpful advice on how to prepare for your DIY project.
Have A Budget Plan
When starting a renovation project, it’s good to have a budget plan in place to help your keep on top of your finances and avoid overspending.
It’s easy to get carried away with a renovation project and go over budget, so having a budget plan in place can help you avoid this.
To create a budget plan, try and list all the expected things you will need for your renovation project.
You can then start researching how much everything will roughly cost so you can come up with an overall cost.
You can try hunting for bargains and cutting out unnecessary additions in order to help bring the cost down.
However, you should also come up with a contingency fund for any unexpected costs.
Clearing Up The Mess
Renovating a house is a messy job, and you will need to organise a way of getting rid of waste from the renovation project.
There are a number of ways you can do this, so it will depend on your individual budget or preferences.
If you live near to a tip site, you could pack up a car or van with the waste and transport it there yourself.
You may be charged a certain fee for disposing of the waste there, depending on your location.
There are also waste disposal companies who will charge a fee to come and collect the waste from your property and dispose of it for you.
If you go with this option make sure to check that they are a reputable business that will dispose of the waste legally and not fly-tip.
One of the most popular and convenient options, however, is to hire a skip.
Hiring a skip cuts out the need for you to dispose of the waste yourself. Skip Supply Network gives the option of a range of skip sizes, whether your renovation project is big or small.
Research DIY Tasks Before Carrying Them Out
Thanks to modern technology, there is a wealth of helpful advice and tutorial videos out there to help guide you through new DIY tasks.
Watching videos, following DIY social media pages, and listening to podcasts are all great ways to help you learn more about DIY jobs and feel more confident in your knowledge and abilities.
Know When To Call In The Professionals
However, there are some tasks that need to be left to the professionals. Unless you’re experienced and qualified to be carrying out certain tasks, it’s best not to try and attempt them yourself. These can include things such as:
Attempting to carry out these tasks yourself can result in serious injury and mean the work that’s completed isn’t legal or safe for the housing.
We get the OSB and vapour barrier on the warm deck ready for the GRP roof.
Thanks to the guys at Gee GRP: https://www.gee-grpfibreglassing.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/GeeGRPEssex
How To Install Korniche Bi-folding Doors
🎬 https://youtu.be/UUWGzFARELg
GRP Fibreglass Roofing
Roger has taken a deep dive into the updated Part L of the building regulations for 2022.
FIND OUT MORE AT GOV.UK
This page holds the current and future guidance covering the energy efficiency requirements of the building regulations as set out in Part L of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations and in a number of specific building regulations.
? https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conservation-of-fuel-and-power-approved-document-l
Changes to Part L Building Regulations from ARC Building Solutions
Do you know about the latest changes to Part L Building Regulations?
The changes are part of the Government’s step toward its target to deliver Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2025.
From 15th June 2022, all new homes must produce 31% less CO2 emissions than what is currently acceptable in the present Part L regulations. Therefore, the construction of new dwellings must comply with the increased energy performance standards as set in the new regulations.
An on-site audit will be required to confirm that the designed details have been constructed, and photographs must be taken as evidence to form the BREL report.
What is Thermal Bridging? Why is it a concern for CO2 emissions?
A “thermal bridge” (also known as a “cold bridge”) is a disruption in a building’s thermal wrapping, such as a gap in insulation. Thermal bridging causes heat loss and condensation.
Heat loss has a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a building, making this a crucial problem to target to reduce CO2 emissions.
How can Thermal Bridging be reduced?
Insulation must be continuous. This applies to areas such as walls, roofs, windows & doors, and the junctions between these areas.
For example: Roof insulation should be continuous with wall insulation. The regulations advise that “opportunities should be considered to use products that help to reduce thermal bridges”.
? https://www.arcbuildingsolutions.co.uk/changes-to-part-l-building-regs
4o
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A deep notch in a joist can have significant structural implications, compromising the integrity and safety of a building. Joists are horizontal structural elements that bear loads, distributing weight across a building’s framework. They are commonly used in flooring, ceilings, and roofs, where they play a critical role in maintaining the stability and strength of the structure. However, when a joist is notched too deeply, its ability to bear loads and resist bending is significantly weakened, leading to several potential issues.
The most immediate effect of a deep notch in a joist is the reduction of its load-bearing capacity. Joists are designed to handle specific loads based on their size, material, and placement. Notching, especially in critical areas like the bottom edge or near the midpoint of the joist, reduces the cross-sectional area of the wood, which in turn diminishes its strength. This can lead to sagging, increased deflection under load, and, in severe cases, structural failure. For example, a floor with weakened joists might feel bouncy or uneven, and over time, the excessive deflection could cause cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors.
A compromised joist can pose serious safety risks. If the notch is too deep or improperly placed, the joist might not be able to support the loads it was originally designed for. In extreme cases, this could result in a partial or complete collapse of the floor or roof system, endangering occupants and potentially causing significant property damage. Even if a collapse doesn’t occur, a weakened joist can lead to other structural problems, such as uneven floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, and increased stress on other parts of the building’s framework.
Deep notches in joists may also lead to violations of building codes. Most building codes specify strict limits on the size and location of notches in structural members to prevent such issues. Typically, notches should not be deeper than one-sixth of the joist’s depth, and they should be located at least one-sixth of the span from the ends to avoid compromising the joist’s structural performance. Violating these guidelines can result in failed inspections, costly repairs, and even legal liability for contractors and builders.
Addressing the problem of a deep notch in a joist often involves reinforcing the weakened joist or sistering it with additional lumber to restore its strength. In some cases, metal plates or brackets may be used to provide additional support. However, prevention is the best approach. Careful planning and adherence to building codes during the installation of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems—common reasons for notching—can help avoid compromising the structural integrity of joists.
In conclusion, a deep notch in a joist is a serious issue that can undermine the strength and safety of a building. Understanding the risks and adhering to best practices in construction and renovation is essential to ensure the long-term durability and stability of the structure.
Class 1 and 2 Hi-Vis Stretch Work Trousers with Sorona® sustainable performance fibres.
Whether it’s dusk, dawn or dark, Snickers Workwear has a superior range of Hi-Vis protective wear for both men and women to ensure comfort, safety and certified protection.
The latest additions to the Hi-Vis range are the new Stretch Work Trousers made from the innovative Sorona® sustainable performance fibre.
Sorona® delivers both environmental benefits and great performance. This recyclable, bio-based fibre offers exceptional softness for maximum comfort as well as excellent durability to help extend the lifetime of a garment.
The new Hi-Vis Work Trousers with Sorona® also offer long-lasting elasticity for ease of movement. Sorona® is also quick-drying, breathable and soft to the touch for optimal comfort and workday performance.
With advanced designs, high-tech fabrics and performance reflection features, all Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis protective wear has durable colour-fast protection that will last through wash after wash, retaining shape, comfort and protection levels throughout the life of the garments.
Added to which, Snickers Workwear High-Vis garments can be custom-profiled to ensure ‘stand out’ coverage for your corporate brand.
For more information on the Snickers Workwear range of Hi-Vis Protective Wear, call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788, check out the website at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk
Every home can benefit from some extra space, regardless of its size. With some clever space-saving tricks and storage solutions, you can make your space feel far more ordered and spacious than ever before. As most homes have unused corners and nooks, these places may become great spaces for storage. While in the past storage solutions often consisted of bulky plastic bins or vacuum-sealed storage bags, today you can find dozens of concepts that are as appealing as they are creative. Below we have listed some of the best examples of smart space-saving ideas, that are designed to make your life easier.
Introduce Wall Shelves
Wall shelves are a great solution to give the illusion of a bigger room. Deep shelves can be used to display a variety of items, such as books, pictures, and plants. It may be beneficial to implement a compact shelf design, which will allow you to decorate without taking up too much space. Moreover, wall shelves can turn bare walls into functional storage areas, as it can make your space look more organised. If the shelves themselves are attractive and the display areas are designed well, they can even become pieces of art. You may consider different types of shelves, such as wood, plastic, and metal.
Invest In A Column Radiator
Column radiators provide ample space to radiate heat into any part of your home. You can explore a range of column radiators at Designer Radiators Direct, where you can choose from a variety of materials, colours and finishes. These radiators allow increased flexibility when it comes to size, as you can go with 2,3,4,5 or 6 columns in-depth, as well as multiple heights and widths. As some of the most attractive yet affordable designer radiators, they are designed to retain heat for longer, resulting in reduced energy bills. What is more, their vintage style can add a touch of class and elegance to any home.
Add A Corner Sofa
If you have a small living room, you can make the most out of your space by opting for a corner sofa. This will not only offer plenty of space for family and friends, but it can also act as a room divider. It can break up open-plan spaces, without crowding the room with too many furniture pieces. Instead of choosing a sofa where the entire seat is built to touch the floor, it may be best to go with a design with narrow and tall legs. The more floor you can see underneath, the more spacious your living room will be.
Choose A Coffee Table
Coffee tables are a key feature in any home and they are also great storage solutions. Most of the time, your coffee table is full of various items, such as magazines, books, remotes, and coasters. Therefore, it may be worth getting a coffee table, that doubles as a place to store your belongings. For example, you may want to look for a coffee table with a reversible and removable top. Although they tend to be small, they stand out due to their storage capabilities and style. To ensure durability, be sure to choose a coffee table made from reclaimed wood.
Store Items Under The Stairs
It is easy to transform the untidy or empty space under your staircase into an organised haven. You can utilise this space by integrating drawers and storage racks. Unlocking the potential of this area can help you find a new home for different items, such as books, toys, and shoes. Also, you may want to turn this place into a cosy sleeping nook, ideal for relaxing and recharging during the daytime. Another creative way to make use of this space is by putting up a bookshelf, where you can show off your collections of books and other collectables.
Incorporate A Stylish Ottoman
Furniture that can double up as storage is always a bonus, especially when space is at a premium. This is why storage ottomans are an effective solution to add style and storage to your living room. They can store anything, whether it’s towels, blankets, bedding, or shoes. Some models come with pockets on the side and provide easy access to everyday items. As they come in all shapes and sizes, this makes them versatile for any room, not just your living area. Additionally, an ottoman with bright and contrasting colours can make the perfect focal point.
Create An Efficient Home Office
It is important to set up a comfortable and efficient home office space. However, with a multipurpose space, it is important to ensure that your home office doesn’t spill over into the rest of your home. Be sure to look for a desk and matching storage, that will easily blend into your existing décor. It may be helpful to go with pale woods and soft-rounded edges to keep the look cohesive. Also, if the walls in your home office are dark, you may want to revamp them to a lighter colour, which will make your space look bigger and brighter.
James King is back to help speed the project along.
🔽 SHOPPING LINKS 🔽
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A Roaming Roger continues his journey around the Reigate area taking a look at various buildings and landmarks.
Topics covered in this episode include:
• Brick types and repointing
• Stone cladding
• Modern house design
• Rusty galvanised beading
• Stained monocouche
• Badly designed parapet walls
• Bad rendering jobs
Church of St Mary Magdalene, Reigate
? https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/766
Make sure you are aware of the limitations of these units.
1. They’re designed for intermittent use only.
2. The earth must be connected (if you’re rewiring the plug).
3. Don’t use the transformer on a carpet.
SHOPPING LINKS
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Defender Powerpod 3300W Transformer
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Leading construction industry intelligence provider, Barbour ABI, brought top industry experts together at an exclusive event after the first day of the UK Construction Week exhibition in London to discuss the need for culture change.
Dr David Hancock, Construction Director at Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) highlighted the scale of the issue: “The construction industry has to educate and source locally, teach more trades and skills to improve communities and put the heart back. We have to care what we build and want to do better.
That’s the change this industry needs. We measure costs, not benefits, and the concern is that with rising inflation hitting construction projects, that could become worse. Our industry must not revert to the old ways.”
Trudi Sully, Impact Director at Construction Innovation Hub said: “I deliberately avoided construction for a long time, because it seemed a scary place to work.
The Construction Innovation Hub is all about culture change. Enabling, educating and empowering the industry is what we do. Over the last four years of the hub we have worked with more than 400 construction supply chain companies to support research and innovation.
Much of transformation is about partnerships, to mitigate risk, bring about change more quickly and enable better decision-based outcomes.
Better manufacturing processes are leading to those processes being adopted in construction too. Advances in other industries are providing construction with a playbook to follow to make improvements.”
Rebecca Lovelace, Founder and Chief Dot-Joiner at Building People said: “The built environment is about a world of amazing opportunities, and we need to get out of fragmented silos to realise its potential.
We need boarder diversity in construction, not just more women as diversity brings more innovation and helps culture change. We need to enable anyone interested in becoming involved in the built environment.
Barbour ABI is one of the sponsors and a major exhibitor at the UK’s largest construction industry event. UKCW is a new exhibition held at London’s ExCel from May 3-5, 2022. It brings together the whole construction supply chain and aims to support the industry’s recovery from COVID.
A lintel is a critical process in construction, especially in projects involving the creation of larger openings in load-bearing walls, such as for doors, windows, or open-plan spaces. This task requires careful planning, precision, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the structural integrity of the building and the safety of workers on-site.
Huge thanks to Keystone Lintels for supplying our special lintel.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3yagYRV
The Ultimate Roofing Square by Dan Cox
🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
Forgefix Sheradised Twist Nail
🛒 https://amzn.to/388nK24
Keystone Special Steel Lintels
Keystone supports both architects and designers, pushing the boundaries and possibilities in steel lintel design with a custom, bespoke design service.
Ask for a Keystone Engineer to visit your site or office. They love being on-site with industry professionals on building projects, regardless of size.
They have a technical helpline for immediate answers to all your lintel queries.
Take a look at some of our bespoke steel lintels in the projects featured below.
🔗 https://keystonelintels.com/signature-projects
Is This the Longest Lintel?
A lintel is a horizontal support beam that spans an opening in a wall and bears the load from the structure above. When a new opening is created, the existing wall’s load must be redistributed, typically by installing a lintel. In many cases, especially for larger openings or when dealing with significant loads, a steel lintel is required due to its strength and durability.
These steel lintels are often heavy and unwieldy, necessitating proper lifting techniques and equipment to safely position them.
The process of lifting steels with a lintel begins with a thorough assessment of the site. Before any work starts, the load-bearing wall must be temporarily supported using props or acrow jacks to prevent any movement or collapse when the wall section is removed.
Once the wall is securely supported, the existing masonry is carefully removed to create the opening for the lintel.
Due to the weight of steel lintels, lifting them into place typically requires mechanical assistance. Smaller steel lintels might be lifted manually by a team, but larger ones often require the use of lifting equipment such as hoists, cranes, or lifting beams. It is crucial to ensure that all lifting equipment is properly rated for the load and that workers are trained in its use.
Once the lintel is positioned above the opening, it must be seated correctly on bearing pads, which are typically made from engineering bricks or concrete. The bearing pads distribute the load from the lintel into the surrounding masonry, ensuring that the load is transferred evenly and the structure remains stable. The lintel must be level and positioned according to the engineer’s specifications to avoid any future structural issues.
Safety is paramount when lifting and installing steel lintels. The weight of the steel and the potential hazards associated with lifting and working at height demand strict adherence to safety procedures.
Workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, gloves, and safety boots. Clear communication among the team is essential to coordinate the lift and ensure everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities.
It’s also important to consider the structural implications of the lintel installation. Improper placement or inadequate bearing can lead to serious structural problems, including cracking, sagging, or even collapse. Therefore, all work should be inspected and approved by a qualified structural engineer, ensuring that the lintel is capable of bearing the required loads.
Lifting steels with a lintel is a complex and demanding task that plays a crucial role in modern construction. It requires careful planning, precise execution, and a strong emphasis on safety. By understanding the principles behind lintel installation and following best practices, builders can ensure that the structural integrity of the building is maintained, allowing for the safe creation of openings in load-bearing walls.
? PRODUCT LINKS ?
Perfect Jolly Angled Tile Cutter
? https://battipav.com/prodotto/perfect-jolly/
Button-fix panel fixing
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EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Station
? https://uk.ecoflow.com/pages/portable-power-stations?aff=14
BeadMaster Socket Covers
? https://amzn.to/3y9B6pi
ProPAQ Tap Medic Kit
? https://www.tapmedic.co.uk/store/
Graff Cutting Discs
? https://amzn.to/3KCR9Pg
Super Rod CRMX Cable Routing Kit
? https://super-rod.co.uk/mega-set-2/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:13 Perfect Jolly
02:25 Button-fix
03:57 Ecoflow Delta
07:18 BeadMaster
09:02 Tap Medic
11:03 Graff Discs
12:30 Super Rod Kit
Roger looks at some of the problems you could have with wall cavity insulation.
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Lightweight Work Shorts – designed to deliver superior comfort and freedom of movement.
Great for summer working on site, these lightweight Work Shorts have a street-smart fit with a cool working comfort in warm conditions.
They’re made of quick-drying 37.5® technology fabric that delivers efficient moisture transport, ventilation and UPF40 sun protection in sunny weather.
They have a functional design and come with or without extra robust holster pockets. There’s also a 4-way stretch panel at the crotch and reinforcement at critical areas for extra durability.
They’re packed with comfort and functionality and specially designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and always delivering top class work on site. For professionals who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for everyone who wants the ultimate in cool comfort this summer.
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? Tracer Deep Pencil Marker: https://amzn.to/3vMGtbi
The Orangery renovation challenge is the latest Skill Builder project series. Hit subscribe and make sure you don’t miss an episode.
Special thanks to Dan Cox for helping us.
? https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
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In Ask Skill Builder episode 36 Damion Cartwright has some advice about damp problems in an edition we should call ‘Tell Skill Builder’.
Roger looks at the misguided efforts of the Insulate Britain protests.
EWI Store: https://ewistore.co.uk
Weber Training Academy: https://www.uk.weber/training/academy
Insulation Superstore – external wall insulation diagram
https://www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk/help-and-advice/project-guides/insulation/how-to-install-external-wall-insulation/attachment/external-wall-insulation-diagram/
Look out for our future videos that will cover:
• External wall insulation grants
• The external wall insulation DIY options
• Finding external wall insulation installers
• The best external wall insulation
• Using an external wall insulation cost calculator
? Send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send
Roger explains exactly how his injury happened, and wanted to make it clear that the fault was not with the powertool but with his brain.
Tried, tested and certified Kneeguard™ solutions for safety and well-being.
The long-term effects of working on your knees can cause a lifetime of discomfort and restricted movement.
Even the most innocuous bumps to the knees can result in reduced working efficiency and time off work.
Snickers Workwear’s Kneegguard™ PRO system is the market-leading solution to those problems.
It’s a fully certified, trademarked PPE system for knee protection against kneeling injuries and everyday knocks at work.
The combination of highly effective Kneepads and the Kneeguard™ PRO positioning system in Snickers Workwear trousers is a crucial combination for reliable knee protection.
Snickers Workwear also supplies different types of Kneepads to fit different types of trousers which suit different jobs on site.
Such as the unique D30® Ergo kneepads which are made of a unique material that moulds around your knee to provide enhanced impact protection.
They’re great for tradesmen and women who spend a lot of time working on their knees and want to ensure maximum long-term protection and wellbeing.
