Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

Roger is chatting with Richard Pugh, an electrician from South Wales, about the fantastic bathroom renovation he did himself in his Barrett-built home. The house was built in 2011 using a steel-frame structure, which has caused some creaks and issues over the years, but Richard found clever solutions for these problems during the renovation.

Fire door fitting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings, particularly in the event of a fire. In the UK, fire doors are a legal requirement in various types of buildings, including commercial, public, and multi-occupancy residential properties. The purpose of a fire door is to contain the spread of fire and smoke, providing a safe escape route for occupants and protecting the structural integrity of the building.

Uzerche, a picturesque town in the Corrèze department of central France, is often called the "Pearl of the Limousin." Uzerche’s construction and development are deeply intertwined with its strategic location and rich history, making it a remarkable example of medieval urban planning and architecture. Its origins trace back to Roman times, when the town served as a crucial fortification along the Via Agrippa, an essential Roman road connecting Lyon to the Atlantic coast. This ancient route established Uzerche as a vital point of connectivity and defense, laying the foundation for its future prominence.

See Kirk Johnstone’s Best Bonding Agent test 👇 https://youtu.be/uUalZH398A8 @Onthetrowel Ronafix SBR https://ronacreteshop.co.uk/products/ronafix-25l Ronafix is a single-part SBR admixture for cement mortars that enhances physical and chemical properties, allows mortars to be placed in thin sections, provides waterproofing and resistance to frost, and promotes adhesion to building surfaces. Could Ronafix Be The Best Bonding Agent? Mortars containing Ronafix can be …

Don’t miss out! Join our community ▶ https://skill-builder.uk/signup ◀ Roofing material – Asphalt Shingles: Popularity, Pros, and Cons Asphalt roof shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States, covering most homes. Their popularity stems from a combination of affordability, ease of installation, and versatility, making them an accessible choice for many homeowners. Popularity One of the primary …

The "performance gap" in the context of PIR (Polyisocyanurate) insulation refers to the difference between the expected thermal performance of the insulation as designed and its actual performance when installed in a building. This gap often arises due to various factors that can affect the effectiveness of PIR insulation, such as poor installation practices, incorrect sizing, or gaps and thermal bridges that are not accounted for during the design phase.

London’s Regent’s Canal Roger Bisby’s cycling journey along Regent’s Canal is a captivating ride that blends the city’s vibrant urban life with serene natural beauty. Starting at Limehouse Basin, Roger sets off on his bike, navigating the towpath alongside the canal. ________________________ 📖 CHAPTERS 00:00 Limehouse Basin 03:21 Boat Loading 06:11 Wapping Riots 08:54 Canal Entrance 10:08 Mile End 12:25 …

Roger is back to rant about the new Labour government's big housing mistake - Labour's ambitious plan to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years aims to tackle the UK's critical housing shortage, which has led to skyrocketing rents and home prices.

Intergas has a rich history and a reputation for innovation in the heating industry. Founded in the Netherlands over 50 years ago, Intergas has been a pioneer in the development of heating technology. The company began as a manufacturer of domestic heating products and steadily expanded its product line to include high-efficiency condensing boilers.

Pipe benders are essential tools.. In plumbing and construction they enable professionals to create precise bends in metal pipes, facilitating the installation of piping systems with complex angles and curves.   Rothenberger Robend 4000E 18V Cordless Pipe Bender 15-28mm The Rothenberger ROBEND 4000 E Cordless Pipe Bender is another addition to Rothenberger’s ever-increasing cordless range. The unit can bend copper, …

Floor insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining the comfort of indoor spaces and improving overall energy efficiency in a building. By reducing heat loss and preventing drafts, proper insulation can contribute to a more stable indoor climate, lower energy bills, and a reduction in environmental impact.  Roger looks at floor insulation in a renovation project for Skill Builder viewer Peter.

Lead-based paint, prevalent in homes built before the 1970s, poses significant health hazards when disturbed. Lead, a toxic metal, can cause severe health issues, particularly in children, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems. In adults, exposure to lead can result in hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive issues. The danger intensifies when lead-based paint deteriorates, creating dust and chips that can be easily ingested or inhaled. To safely address the presence of lead-based paint, proper diagnosis is crucial. Several methods can be employed to identify lead in paint..

Removing silicone sealant can be tricky, particularly if it has been in place for a long time or has hardened. The first step in the removal process is to soften the silicone. This can be achieved using a silicone remover or a solvent specifically designed for this purpose. Roger looks at the Silicone Safecut from serial inventor Karl Dorn. 

Fitting cupboard doors, particularly in awkward or unconventional spaces, can be a challenging yet rewarding task. Whether you’re dealing with uneven frames, unusual door sizes, or tight-fitting corners, following a methodical approach and the correct tools can ensure a smooth installation and functional finish.

Experiencing low water pressure in your home can be frustrating, impacting everything from showering to washing dishes. One effective method to increase water pressure is by installing a water pressure booster. The pumps in the Right Pumps range use centrifugal force to increase water pressure throughout the house, delivering the most powerful and quiet performance of our range. They are suitable for use with multiple outlets, including a shower, bath, basin, toilet cistern, and dishwasher.

Understanding why circuit breakers trip and learning to diagnose the problem can save you from unnecessary electrician visits and ensure your home's electrical system remains safe.

London Yellow Stock bricks are an iconic element of British architecture, particularly in the capital. Their distinctive yellowish hue has contributed to the city's architectural identity, shaping the appearance of many historical and contemporary buildings.