Miscellaneous

Is it a window?  Is it a balcony? Velux Cabrio are both a window and a balcony in one.  They have become very popular in penthouses and loft conversions, adding a usable balcony space and adding desire and value to the property.   What is Velux Cabrio? Velux Cabrio is a window that when opened transforms into a balcony space. ...

When installing a new roof, or replacing an old one, one of the major purchases is the tiles and it’s important to buy an accurate quantity for your needs.  Too few and your job will be left unfinished, possibly compromising the schedule,  not to mention that the roof will be left open to the elements.  Too many and you will...

In this post, we are going to describe the difference between beams and joists.   Beams and joists are the load bearing horizontal elements of a building which hold up the roof.  They support the weight of the roof and transfer it to the vertical columns and then into the foundations.     What is a beam? A beam is the...

This is a step by step article on how to install your velux integra electric window.  Let’s start at the beginning with unboxing.     1.Unboxing Check the box and make sure the specifications of the window suits your needs.  Note the QR code on the front of the box, this will lead you to some useful installation videos.  Velux...

Pyrite, often known as fool’s gold (as miners would mistake it for gold), is a metallic mineral found naturally.  Pyrite is also sometimes known as iron pyrite and is made up of one part iron and two parts sulphur.  It has a brassy yellow colour and is actually pretty easy to tell apart from gold which is much brighter.  Pyrite...

The ridge of your roof is the part that runs along the top, usually these curved tiles are fixed with cement mortar.  However there are some pitfalls with using this traditional method; Over time the cement mortar can disintegrate or break away in poor weather.   Dislodged tiles can cause a hazard if they fall from the roof. Cement mortar takes...

If you want to begin using your loft for storage space, you will need to board it.   Laying a basic flooring will give you a safe space to walk on and to place boxes or items for storage.  Boarding a loft is relatively easy and low cost, therefore it is a job that can be undertaken by a keen...

Regularly clearing out gutters will stop the system getting blocked which can lead to long term water damage.  We recommend clearing gutters bi-annually, or more often if you have trees that hang over your roof and shed leaves.   Safety first... Clearing gutters is a relatively easy job, but as with all roofing tasks, safety should be paramount and you...

Over time your roof can become dirty from bad weather, build up of debris and moss.  If you look after your roof and clean it regularly, you can avoid costly damage and degrading.  If you feel confident, you can do this yourself, if not, it’s best to call in the experts. Firstly have a good look at the roof and...

The purpose of roof ventilation is to keep warm air in and let cold air out. Most homes lose heat through the attic, you can save thousands of pounds over the years you own your home by fitting effective ventilation. Proper roof ventilation provides your living space with ample fresh air and allows it to circulate in a controlled manner. ...

Working on a roof is one of the most dangerous things you can do in construction.  A large proportion of deaths in the industry are associated with falls from roofs - the risks shouldn’t be underestimated. There are a number of health and safety laws related to working on roofs that you should be aware of, the main ones are...

There are several reasons why you may need to work out the pitch (angle) of your roof.  For example if you’re planning an extension, purchasing a sky light, or replacing tiles. When calculating your roof pitch, you are trying to find out how much the roof rises over one foot.  To do this, you will need to access the roof...