Staircases
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 30. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
Staircases are often taken for granted yet they are complex pieces of carpentry which give many years of trouble-free use. They rarely need replacing: just as well, since they are often tailor-made to fit. Even so you can buy ready made versions, which cater for common storey heights and these can often be easily adapted [...]
Covering Roof with Asphalt
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 15. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
The method used for constructing a flat roof is outlined in the following way; the joists usually being laid along the length of the extension from the house to the end wall. At the house end, the joists may either rest on top of a wooden wall plate, being toe-nailed in place, or be nailed [...]
Catering for Drain Pipes
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 15. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
An important consideration when building an extension is the position of any drainage pipe run — either an existing one from the house or any new waste pipes from fittings in the new extension. You must sort out the route the pipes will take before the walls are built since they will pass through them [...]
Building an Extension
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 15. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
A ground floor extension can be purpose-designed and built to suit your needs exactly, or it can be constructed from a number of standard prefabricated components purchased from an extension manufacturer. Which type you choose depends on what you will use it for. The former is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms; the latter [...]
Attic Conversion Works
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 15. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
Your lighting and power accessories will almost certainly need new circuits, which mean having sufficient spare fuseways or breakers at the electric panel, or extending the existing service panel. If you intend extending your central heating system, check that the boiler has the extra capacity.
In general, you will probably have to re-route pipes and cables [...]
Converting an Attic
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 15. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
There are many points to consider before you can safely go ahead and convert your attic to living space. The first thing to do is to check the inside and the floor below to get some idea as to whether a conversion is possible or not.
The method of construction of the roof can present its [...]
Fitting an Attic Ladder
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 10. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
When you want to get into your attic there is no reason why you should not use an ordinary ladder, provided it is secured to the opening in some way – by hooks and eyes perhaps, but whatever you do, never use a pair of step ladders. In trying to climb out of the attic [...]
Attics and Extensions
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 10. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
Being able to get into the roof space of your home is important, not just because of the extra storage capacity it offers but also to be able to deal with emergencies like leaking roofs and burst pipes. and also to be able to install extra light fittings to the rooms below.
Most houses already have [...]
Ridge, Eave, Verge, Valley, Hip tiles
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 10. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
The tiles on each side of the roof apex are sealed by ridge tiles. These span both upper courses and are bedded on mortar.
Replacement is carried out by chiseling out the old mortar and levering the old tile off. Then a new one is fitted on a fresh bed of mortar. Slate roofs are treated [...]
Renewing an Area of Slates
Posted by ITC in Do it yourself on 10. Jul, 2009 | 0 Comments
Slates are fixed to the roof in rows, or courses, each course overlapping the one below by at least half a slate length. In addition, the joins between slates in adjacent courses are staggered: in this way the joins are always covered by the slates above or below to ensure a water-tight construction.
Where the roof [...]
