Videos

The Code of Practice for single lap tiles now requires every tile to be mechanically fixed but roofing merchants will tell you that they sell a lot more tiles than clips, which suggests that roofers are not doing the job to code. The implication for the homeowner is that Insurance companies will refuse to pay out on storm damage claims …

Roger Bisby demonstrates Worcester’s Greenskies Solar water heating system. It is a popular misconception that utilising solar energy is only possible in hot, sunny climates. The reality is that it is daylight and not just direct sunshine which is the important factor — which is why Worcester Greenskies solar water heating uses specially coated panels developed to collect as much …

Roger Bisby has a look at Metabo’s new battery operated mitre table saw to see how it performs. “Personally I have never needed the level of portability from a mitre saw that is provided by cordless technology, given the choice, I would always rather find a power supply and plug in to the mains and given the fact that you …

In this installation video Roger Bisby demonstrates a great product for anyone looking for heating ideas that save space and money. The key is that the Smith’s Space Saver heater runs off the existing central heating. You’re probably wondering how this tiny little heater is going to heat a kitchen, and you’re almost certainly thinking it’s an electric fan heater …

In this quick How-to video Roger Bisby shows how to cut an inset sink into a worktop. The same technique an be applied to cutting a hob.

Roger Bisby puts Medite Tricoya Extreme to the test, a waterproof outdoor quality MDF from Medite Tricoya. The potential applications for Medite Tricoya Extreme are far ranging  particularly in environments where humidity and weather are usually concerns. It is possible to imagine Medite Tricoya Extreme used virtually anywhere, including: Façade cladding/siding Fascia and soffit panels and other secondary exterior applications …

Ernie Cook, the master bricklayer, who I had the pleasure of working for in my teens used to say “The worst thing that has happened to the building industry is cement”. It was a bit of an exaggeration but we spent a lot of time travelling around London and the South East putting right the work of bricklayers who were …

In this video Skill Builder brings you a demonstration of the CT1 Sealant & Adhesive, a sealant and construction adhesive that replaces numerous products from just one tube. CT1 provides unique adhesion on virtually any material in most applications without the need for additional fixings. CT1 is marketed as the ultimate solution for sealing. CT1 will bond: Metals (including lead) …

Roger is working on a shower room but not everything is going to plan.

Roger talks about ladder safety after a recent tragedy on a site he was working at. In this episode we see Roger using the Youngman Fibreglass Stepladder and the versatile Hunter Ladder from Ladder Safety Devices, we also see his neat ladder seat which sadly isn’t available anymore, so you’ll have to borrow Roger’s. “A few weeks ago I was …

Skill Builder takes a quick look at an installation of the Vario PRO underfloor heating system.

Builder demolishes work: Builder Nigel Gray got so fed up waiting to be paid £15,000 for a construction job at a council owned property in Shoreham he decided to destroy his own handiwork. The tennant, Anita Dovey, who had been given permission by the council to make the changes to the property, was given several chances to pay the bill …

Roger shows you just how easy it is to cut and fit coving using SuperCove. SuperCove lightweight coving is available from many good builders merchants and DIY stores throughout the UK and Ireland, in various length options up to 4 metres. With super-light SuperCove, you can fix coving quickly and easily – adding value to your home with the minimum …

This is an instantaneous thermostatic electric shower that’s designed to be easy to fit. It’s a modern-looking case, and it’s designed to cover over existing footprints of showers, so if you’re replacing an electric shower, then hopefully this will cover over all the screw holes; you won’t get involved in any retiling. But here’s the other thing; they make it …

How do impact drivers work? Roger visits Triton and finds out how impact drivers manage to punch way above their weight. “Impact drivers seem to be the future – when you’re out on site you hear them everywhere. “Triton have got their 20V model out which as Steve Hewson, Triton’s product manager explains is particularly aimed at the trade buyer …

In this video Roger demonstrates how to use a fake brick effect render from Bostick. The system is applied in two easy steps, starting with a grey mortar undercoat. Once this is touch-dry it’s followed by a coloured face coat which is cut through with a specialised tool included in the pack to expose the grey mortar underneath, creating a …

In this ten minute video, Roger shows us how to solder copper pipework and achieve leak-free plumbing that will last. “The first thing is cleaning the pipe. If you got a bit of tarnished pipe like some of this which I have just taken out of the shed, it really is no good, even with self-cleaning fluxes. That won’t polish …

Roger gives a few diamond core tips on using diamond cores to make holes for soil pipes and boiler flues including information on how to get the most our of your diamond core bit.

Roger Bisby provides a detailed installation of bifold doors guide for Quickslide bi-folding doors making a complex installation easy to understand. Roger talks through some of the key considerations and challenges for the installation of bi-folding doors. Quickslide Quickslide is a well-established business specialising in the manufacture of sliding sash windows, casement windows and doors, bi-folding- and sliding patio doors …