Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

The Evolution of Solar PV Technology https://www.instagram.com/shaws.cottage 📪 Newsletter: http://skill-builder.uk/signup Over the past 15 years, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has undergone significant transformations, revolutionizing its efficiency, cost, and accessibility. This period has seen solar energy transition from a niche, expensive option to a mainstream energy source, driven by relentless innovations and global sustainability targets. Advancements in Efficiency One of the …

An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a system that transfers heat from outside to inside a building, or vice versa, to heat or cool it, depending on the season. This versatile technology enhances comfort and offers an energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems.

Material breathability in building refers to materials ability to allow moisture vapour to pass through them without transmitting liquid water. This characteristic is crucial in maintaining healthy indoor air quality and preserving the longevity of building structures by preventing moisture accumulation that can lead to mould growth and structural damage.

Anyone can fix a tap.. Fixing a loose tap is a straightforward yet essential home maintenance task that can prevent water wastage and potential damage to your sink or countertop. To begin, turn off the water supply to avoid any unexpected sprays. Next, identify the type of tap you have, as the fixing method may vary slightly between different models. …

Is a Heat Pump Cheaper? When it comes to heating your home, two common options are heat pumps and gas boilers. Each system has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the costs associated with each can help homeowners make an informed decision. This article explores whether a heat pump is cheaper than a gas boiler, considering factors such as initial installation costs, operating expenses, maintenance, and long-term savings.

Condensation is often misunderstood and, as a result, not treated correctly in many homes and buildings.

Roger watches Kirk Johnstone The Plasterer, from On The Trowel, do his own plumbing!

China's control over crucial resources like lithium and cobalt, coupled with their advanced manufacturing capabilities, positions them at the forefront of the global Electric Vehicle industry.

The Chinese electric vans you can buy today: more EV for less cash?

Roger gets a plastering lesson from Kirk Johnstone, the plasterer behind YouTube channel On The Trowel.

Extension Build 2024: In 2024, the United Kingdom saw significant changes in its building regulations, marking a pivotal shift towards more sustainable, energy-efficient construction practices.

Rising damp is a condition that affects the walls of buildings when water from the ground rises up through the bricks and mortar, mainly due to capillary action. Despite its well-documented presence and the potential damage it can cause to properties, a contingent of sceptics believe that rising dampness is a myth concocted to sell unnecessary damp-proofing services.

Tackling Tool Theft Roger has a chat with Police Superintendent Andrew Huddleston about tool theft. Andrew is Head of the National Rural Crime Unit / National Construction Agriculture Theft Team and NPCC lead: Theft of Construction & Agri Machinery. National Rural Crime Network 🔗https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net National Police Chiefs’ Council 🔗https://www.npcc.police.uk Northumbria Police 🔗http://northumbria.police.uk ________________________________ Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, Head of the National …

Damp problems in a single brick skin house - Seeking expert advice! Our message from Rachel: I am writing to you today for advice on a persistent damp problem in our old house. We live in a single brick terrace house in Hanover, Brighton built in the 1800s on a timber sole plate...

The transition to sustainable energy solutions is more critical in the UK than ever. With concerns over rising energy costs and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, homeowners increasingly turn to innovative heating solutions. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are emerging as a frontrunner in this shift, offering many benefits that align with the UK's climate goals and the specific needs of British homeowners.

Domestic underfloor heating offers an efficient and comfortable way to heat your home by distributing warmth evenly across floor surfaces and creating a cosy environment from the ground up. This system comes in various types, each with distinct features and benefits.

Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream 🛒 https://skill-builder.uk/stormdry Coastline Composite Cladding & Panels https://www.eurocell.co.uk/external-cladding/coastline-composite-cladding Everbuild Black Jack 908 D.P.M (Damp Proof Membrane) 🛒 https://amzn.to/3vfqne9 https://youtu.be/ob4gqgtQcg4?si=k_E7AK1Vhp7i3X6D ________________________________________ Roger revisits Meadvale Builders to watch them build a simple single storey extension Check out Meadvale Builders: https://www.mybuilder.com/profile/view/meadvale_builders Tel: 01737 227009 The Benefits and Considerations of Timber Framed Single Storey Extensions Expanding your home with a …