Category: Home reno

The 5 Most Common Boiler Problems

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Is your boiler not working as it should? From unusual noises to low pressure, there are several problems that frequently affect residential boilers!

While many of these problems can be fixed by making a few minor adjustments to your boiler’s settings, others can require more complex boiler repairs. Below, we’ve listed five common boiler problems that affect UK homeowners, as well as the most effective ways to fix them.

Unusual noises from your boiler

The hot water inside your boiler can interact with the materials used in the boiler’s construction over the course of months or years, leading to the buildup of limescale. This can result in your boiler making loud, noticeable banging, bubbling and “kettling” noises.

In order to six this problem, you’ll need to have your boiler’s contents flushed out. This helps to remove the built-up limescale, giving your boiler a cleaner interior that’s less likely to produce any unwanted noise.

Cold areas in your radiators

Over time, it’s far from uncommon for cold areas to develop in your radiators. This is usually the result of air and sludge building up inside the radiator, which can prevent hot water from flowing into certain parts of the radiator.

Most of the time, this can be fixed by bleeding your radiator, removing any trapped sludge and air that could be affecting circulation.

Switched off pilot light

Every boiler contains a pilot light — a small, blue flame that stays lit underneath your boiler at all times, even when the boiler isn’t in use. If your home’s gas supply switches off, or a wind blows through the area in which your boiler is installed, it’s possible for this pilot light to switch off.

Luckily, this is a quick and easy repair. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can use your boiler’s instruction manual to relight the pilot light by yourself. If you prefer not to do it yourself, you can also call in a Gas Safe engineer to relight the pilot light and get your boiler working again.

Drips, leaks and water damage

Over time, it’s possible for your boiler to develop one or several leaks, creating the possibility of water damage to your home. Leaks rarely occur in the tank itself — instead, they typically develop in the pipes that run to and from your boiler. Even a small leak can cause significant damage over time as water penetrates into your home’s walls, flooring and other building materials.

The best way to eliminate leaks is to regularly check the area around your boiler for moisture. If you spot any dampness that could indicate a leak, call in the experts as soon as possible to get it checked and, if necessary, repaired.

Low temperatures and lukewarm water

If your home never seems to reach the same temperature as your boiler’s thermostat, or your hot water is lukewarm at best even after running your boiler for hours, it could be an indicator that the thermostat isn’t totally accurate.

Just like the problems listed above, this is usually an easy fix. If your thermostat is adjustable, you can try adjusting it to better record your home’s temperature. If not, try replacing it with a newer, more accurate thermostat for better heating and hot water.

5 Ideas For Creating More Space At Home

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

 Don’t you just wish you had a little extra living space at home? After all, redecorating your home will improve the value of the property and just give you, well, more space!


Photos By: Living Etc

Whether you invest in an extension, a loft conversion or simply reconfigure your home’s layout, here are our top ides for adding more space to your house.

Enclose The Patio

It might sound like a lot of work but enclosing your patio can give you an extra room for work, entertaining or hobbies. You’ll need to put up a roof and walls as well as a foundation. If done correctly, you’ll be looking at added valuable square footage.

Go Up With A Loft Conversion

Whether you already have a loft or fancy adding one, just consider how much value you could add to your property. Most homes are able to take on another story, but it’s not as easy as popping off the roof and sticking on another. But all said and done, it’s a much better way of gaining space than building outwards. Even if you already have a loft, you might want to consider having it converted to create additional living space such as a study, spare bedroom or teenager’s hang out space. Contact builders Teddington homeowners trust for costs and inspiration.

Create An Open-Plan Living Space

One of the most popular ways to transform a home and create more space is to knock between your existing living room, dining room and kitchen to create an open-plan living space. Aim to ensure that you can access your new kitchen directly from the hallway, since you don’t want to walk through other rooms to get to it. It’s also a good idea to position the kitchen in the darkest part of the room. It’s where you’ll probably spend the least amount of time and it just makes sense to place your dining and living areas close to windows for natural light and views.

If going open-plan doesn’t really appeal to you, you could always install bi-fold or sliding pocket doors between rooms. This will allow you to easily open the space up or close it off as needed.

Convert The Garage

People often believe that it’s not a good idea to put money into converting the garage. They think you’ll gain a low-value space by getting rid of a higher value space. While your car also needs a home, converting your garage for extra living space just makes sense. Whether you need a workshop room, a hobby room or a formal dining area, the garage is a great way to add more space to your home.

Close In The Porch

Just like enclosing your patio, having your porch and garden furniture enclosed can potentially add valuable square footage to your home. Remember, you’ll need to consider heating, accessibility through the house and designing the enclosure to effortlessly feel like part of your home.

The Ultimate Home Security Solution – Aluminium Roller Shutters

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

If you are looking for the ultimate home security system, forget CCTV and the latest home alarm systems, as the answer lies squarely in bespoke aluminium roller shutters!

You might be thinking that roller shutters will turn your home into Fort Knox, and while this might have been the case a few years ago, todays sleek systems blend in perfectly.

Made to Measure

Forget off the shelf solutions, as the slimline aluminium roller shutters are made to millimetre accurate dimensions, which means they will fit like a glove. Bespoke solutions ensure that all the units are perfectly sized for the openings, and with a range of attractive colours, your security system will actually enhance the look of your home. Whether you’re looking for roller shutters in Melbourne or Sydney, all it takes to make contact with a supplier is an online search, and with their help, you can design the perfect security system that is always on guard, 24-7. It matters not the shape of your windows, as bespoke solutions allow for any size or shape to be fabricated, and with the doors included, your home becomes impenetrable.

Added Bonus

Installing roller shutters adds an extra layer of home insulation, as well as better home security making your home cooler in the summer, while helping to retain the heat during the colder months. Aside from this amazing thermal insulation, roller shutters also add significant sound insulation, making it ideal when you want some peace and quiet on a Sunday afternoon. Many shift workers have discovered the many benefits of installing roller shutters for this very reason, and no matter what unsocial hours you work, you are guaranteed a sound sleep at any time of day or night.

Shading

Those long hot summers cam really destroy furniture, with strong sunlight coming in through the windows, yet with roller shutters, you can eliminate unwanted sunlight, something your furniture and carpets will appreciate. Windows in rooms that are not used can have the shutters closed, which helps keep the interior cooler, while protecting the furniture.

Auto Locking Mechanism

There’s no chance of forgetting to lock the shutter units, as they incorporate an auto locking mechanism that comes into play when the units are closed, making sure that your home is always secure when you are out. As far as deterrents go, there’s no better way to discourage a thief than installing roller shutters, as any opportunist will simply walk away when they see the shutters in position. The units have been vigorously tested and it is virtually impossible to gain access through a locked shutter, and unless you are storing the Crown Jewels under your bed, no thief would ever contemplate trying to break in.

Professional Installation

As with replacement windows and doors, the installation is a critical component, and with a team that have worked together on all sorts of domestic installations, you are in good hands. The units are fabricated in the factory, and with all the equipment onboard their vehicle, it doesn’t take long to install the units. When looking at potential suppliers, make sure the company directly employ their installation teams, which pretty much guarantees a professional installation. The long product warranty is a reflection of the quality, and with a professional fitting, your roller shutters will perform for many years.

Roller shutters offer a lot more than security, as you have fine adjustment of shade and if you want to blackout the living room to watch that epic movie, just close the shutters. If you would like to explore the potential of bespoke aluminium roller shutters, all it takes is an online search.

Retractable Roofing System – The Ultimate Shading Solution

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

If you aren’t planning to move any time soon, rather than having to encounter the annual shading issues that we are all familiar with, why not have a custom-made retractable roofing system installed?

This state-of-the-art feature would be classed as a permanent addition to the property, which will boost the value of your home and with many years of trouble-free use, you really can’t go wrong.

Bespoke Shading Solutions

Forget off the shelf, as the latest generation of retractable roofing systems are made to fit the area, and with a wide range of designs available, you can select something perfectly suited to your unique environment. If you would like to know more about having retractable roof systems in Melbourne, a simple online search will put you in touch with an established local supplier who can help you to make the right design choices.

Quality Components

With such a major investment, you really do want a system that is tried and trusted, and one that offers a long product warranty. Of course, if you need a new roof there is an element of maintenance involved, which is something the supplier would be happy to handle. Non-corrosive materials will stand up to the worst that the Australian climate can produce, and as the moving parts are concealed, they will not be affected by the weather.

Motorized Units

The latest generation of retractable roofing systems incorporates motorised adjustment, making it effortless to change the shading, and with rain, wind and sun sensors, it is possible to hook up the roofing into your smart home configuration. The folding arm type of roofing offers the maximum expanse, and with bespoke solutions, any sized terrace can be accommodated, and a choice of rich fabrics allows for something that blends in perfectly with your current concept.

UV and Heat Protection

The fabrics used with retractable roofing offer first rate UV protection, and this will help keep the area cooler in the hot summer months. If you make an enquiry with a local supplier, they would send an expert to your home, where you can both take a look at the many options and decide on the shading solution that best meets your needs. While they might not be the cheapest on the market, you want something that will stand the test of time and to be a reflection of the quality of your property.

No More Ropes and Pulleys

We all remember the days of ropes and pulleys, and by installing a retractable roofing system, those days are long gone. Simply hit the remote button to adjust the shading, and when the unit is fully closed, the mechanism is protected by a covering box. Regular maintenance will ensure the roof always performs as it should, and with a long product warranty, you can expect to enjoy many years of trouble-free shading, as well as seeing a rise in the home’s value. The silent motor will always ensure that your shading is perfect, and as the sun slowly moves across the sky, you can simply adjust your shading with the remote-control unit, making for the ideal permanent shading solution.

Colour Coordinated

The design of the roof will enhance the look of the property, and with so many colours and patterns, finding one that matches is not an issue. This is possible because the supplier is flexible and would go out of their way to ensure that the design is in keeping with the overall look of the property. The representative would carry a large sample collection, allowing you to browse the entire range, searching for the ideal colour or pattern.

If you would like to explore the potential that retractable roofing has to offer, an online search is the best way to locate a local supplier and you can take the first step towards a permanent shading solution. 

What Type of Roof will Last the Longest?

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

There are a few factors involved that would affect the lifespan of your roof. Whether you have shingles, tile, ceramic, or steel there a few things you should be aware of before making any roofr decisions. Here is how you can get a longer lifespan on your roof!

Shingles

Shingles on your roof make a big impact on the style of your roof. While shingles might not last as long as upper-luxury options like slate, tile and cedar roof shingles may outlive several homeowners they are affordable, look good and get the job done. As with most home improvement choices, there is a direct relationship between quality and expense, and in the case of roofing, “quality” usually translates as longevity. Shingles are meant to last at least 20 years.

Underlayment

Your roofing underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material installed over your roof deck. Underlayment goes beneath all of the other roofing materials to offer an added layer of protection against rain, snow and ice. In order to guarantee a leak-free roof for years to come, your underlayment must be installed properly. A good investment in underlayment may add years to your roof. Homes in the Northeast region of the United States, benefit greatly from premium waterproof underlayment designed to withstand harsh winter weather.

Ventilation

Ventilation in your roof is another roof component that is unique to each home. A well-ventilated attic can add years from one roof replacement to the next. A vented roof stays cooler, preventing snow melt and ice damming in the winter. Good ventilation keeps your attic from getting too hot or damp, which can rot out your roofing material from the inside. Affordable products like ridge vents and eave vents are almost totally invisible and they are critical to proper ventilation. Make sure you get a Roofr roofing quote before you decide on a contractor.

Installation

The way your roof was installed is a determining factor on the lifespan of your roof. Most roofs have specific installation instructions. Some examples that would affect your roof installation are:

Nails: There are different sizes, types, and certain nails have placement requirements for fasteners (typically nails) used with different shingles.

Insulation: As mentioned above, ventilation in your attic is very important for the life of your roof. Poor roof ventilation can prematurely deteriorate asphalt shingles from the inside out. Manufacturers like insulation4us often set ventilation standards to maintain a product warranty.

Roof Deck: A clean roof deck is another standard installation requirement under most product warranty terms. What’s a clean deck? It means old shingles and underlayment are completely removed before new roofing materials are applied. Stacking new material on old is a recipe for long-term problems. Make sure your contract with your contractor states the removal of old materials.

Wood Shingle Roof

Wood shingle roofs are made from thin, wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood, such as cedar or yellow pine, which are sawn from logs. While less popular they make for an extremely attractive roof. Many times they can be tricky to install and not suitable for most DIYers. A lot of contractors won’t install a wood shingle roof either. Be aware that growing fire hazards in some regions has caused legal restrictions on the use of wood roofing materials. Wood shingle roofs are not recommended in areas where there are seasonal wildfire hazards. Wood shingle roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

So which will last the longest?

It’s easy to choose inexpensive options that are more commonly built but when you are faced with the immediate challenge of financing a new roof cost many homeowners are forced to pick a roof based on cost alone. Make a list of pros and cons of all types of roofs and make a logical decision based on your needs.