UK Home Improvement Blog

Are  you looking for ways in which you can spice up your garden, while still  remaining eco-friendly? Utilizing recycled material in your garden can  spice things up, give it a unique look, and allow you to remain  environmentally friendly. A few fun, innovative, and interesting  recycled decorations for your garden and landscaping include;

Wood for Decorations and Mulch

Instead of just throwing away your old furniture and wood, have you  ever considered utilizing it in your garden as a decoration, or breaking  it down along with other natural substances such as bark, plants and  grass clippings to turn it into mulch? Adding wood as decorations to  various areas of your garden can give it a unique look, while keeping  that natural feel. Furthermore, utilizing the wood for mulch will  certainly improve your garden, and act as a fertilizer. Next time,  instead of throwing that old piece of wood away, consider what type of  uses it may have in your garden.

Plastic Bottles For a Variety of Uses

Everyone knows that plastic material is about the least  environmentally friendly thing currently on earth. It is not  biodegradable, and can last hundreds of years before breaking down.  Instead of throwing plastic away, and having it end up in your local  landfill, consider what other uses it may have. You could cut off the  top of the 2 L bottle and use it as a planting pot, or utilize old  Tupperware as a gardening tool. Finding multiple uses for plastic items  extends their life, and reduces the likelihood that they will not be  properly recycled.

Dead Plants As Fertilizer

Instead of ripping dead plants out of the ground and throwing them  into your yard waste bin, consider starting a compost pile and throwing  dead plant material and grass clippings into that. A compost pile only  gets better with age as more plants decompose in a, providing you with a  high-quality fertilizer that can be used in your garden and improve the  growth rate and life of future plants in your garden.

Old Metal Items For Rustic Decorations

Instead of just throwing away your old metal items, consider what  types of uses they could potentially have in your garden. Metal items  might not seem like an ideal decoration for a garden, but over time as  the items begin to rust, they can give your garden a rustic look and  feel, which is a unique way to go about decorating the area. Instead of  throwing away your old metal bucket, utilize it as a planting pot. Old  car parts that will rust and oxidize quickly are great decorations for a  garden, and give it a rustic, unkempt look.

Pallets For Climbing Plants or Layered Gardening

Do you have some old pallets lying around your work after receiving a  shipment? Instead of just allowing them to be thrown away, bring a few  home and stand them up around the edges of your garden. Pallets make for  an excellent service for climbing plants, or can even have plants  planted on each plank of the pallet, creating a layered look.

Author Bio: Stevie Clapton is a part of Roof.net, a Virginia roofing company where can also find news and articles on everything roofing.

Tags: Garden, Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Insulation is one of the best ways to lower your energy costs and ensuring that your home provides comfortable temperatures year around. If you are looking to insulate your roof, there are a number of ways that you can make this expense a bit more affordable without actually scrimping on quality.

1. Shop Around – Before you choose a contractor to insulate your roof, spend a bit of time doing your research. There are likely hundreds of roofers in any given area and all of them are not going to charge the same price for insulation. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for so you do not want to go really cheap but you should be able to compare contractors and choose the one that offers a lower price, provided this is a legitimate company and has a good reputation for providing quality work.
2. Do It Yourself – While you will still need to purchase insulation, you can save a bundle if you install the insulation yourself as opposed to hiring it done. Many homeowners install their own insulation and it is a relatively easy process. If you are unsure of what you are doing, consider calling in an expert but if you can do a bit of research, you can learn to install your insulation properly. You may have family or friends who know how to do this as well so enlist their help if needed.
3. Choose Insulation Wisely – Saving money is not only about the actual installation of your roofing insulation. You should also take some time to research various roof insulation products and choose the one that best fits into your budget. Remember again that you get what you pay for so if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time and learn a bit about the various types of insulation and which ones are best for roofing. Choose the one that will give you the most protection from the elements and still fit nicely into your budget.
4. Check Your Old Insulation – If your attic or outer wall is already insulated, check to ensure that it actually needs to be insulated again. You may find that you do not actually need to purchase new insulation. Take your time and do a complete evaluation of your home to see if insulation is needed. If it is, you will need to properly measure the area to be insulated so that you can purchase only the amount that you need. Many homeowners spend a small fortune by buying too much insulation and not needing it. Make sure that you only buy what you have to have.

Taking your time, shopping around and choosing wisely is the best way to lower the cost of your roofing insulation. Do a bit of research before you buy to make certain you are getting the best possible price and remember to measure carefully so that you are not wasting any insulation and in turn, wasting your hard earned cash.

This article was written by Roof Cozy, providers of conservatory roof insulation.

Tags: Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Most of us don’t tend to think of damp in terms of it affecting our roof; we’re generally more concerned with damp on our walls or bedroom ceiling.  Damp can also include leaks.  A leaking roof can be the sign of many problems to come.  The best thing to do when you have a leaking roof is to deal with the problem immediately.  If left it can manifest itself into something more serious.

If you do discover a leak there are some things you can check prior to calling a roofing contractor:

Start from in your home and see where the leak is coming from.

Think back to see if you’ve had someone walk on your roof recently, cracked tiles can cause leaks

Check for any moisture in the loft caused by condensation

A local roofing contractor can advise you on what the best solution is for your roof and give you an estimate.  Do beware though; there are many rogue traders so ensure you have checked out a few of their credentials: are they registered with any of the main Building Trade Associations? Can they break down the cost of your roof to you? Some people try to work out how much their roof will cost them through the use of a roof calculator.

This is not a complete accurate assessment of how much your roof will cost, but it can give you an idea.

Tags: Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Roofing is a very hazardous project and so if you are embarking on one, make sure you have an appropriate fall strategy in place. There are many different types of fall arrest equipment available in the market place, and it is important that your supplier is aware of exactly your requirements and offers training or guidance on how to use fall arrest equipment.

There are two main types of fall arrest equipment you can use on your roofing project, and these are:


1.)    Fall Restraint Systems
Fall restraint systems are designed to prevent falls from heights occurring. Temporary guard lines and walkways that protect you from walking near edges, barriers, and scaffolding are all examples of fall restraint systems. A fall restraint system is often preferred to fall arrest.

2.)    Fall Arrest Systems

Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent falls that are in progress, through a body harness or safety net. There are many different types of fall arrest equipment that you can use whilst working atop a building, and they have certain things in common. Fall arrest equipment typically consists of an anchor, a harness, a lanyard, (rope) and body holding device.

3.)    The anchor and lanyard (rope)

When choosing the anchor for your fall arrest system, make sure the place where you are attaching the anchor (the anchor point) is suitable for the job you want it to do. It is a good idea to choose a shock absorbing lanyard for your fall arrest system, as this will take some of the force out of a fall.

The anchor has to support your weight in the event of a fall, so select your positioning carefully and move around it with your rope attached until you are confident that it can carry you in you fall. Try not to move too far away from the anchor point of your fall arrest system, as this will result in swinging and you can swing quite hard into surfaces around you.

4.)    The belt or the harness

A harness is significantly safer than a belt. If you have a safety belt attached to it and you fall, you will fall only as far as the rope allows. Some workers prefer to use a belt, however a fall arrest system that is attached to a belt can still cause serious injury as the force of the fall is distributed around the waist, which is why a harness is always better to use.

When using a fall arrest system with a harness, it is important to wear a good one that is properly fitted. This is not so much for comfort than for safety, as if you do fall, the quality and fit of your harness is what is going to save you from injury.

5.)    Lifeline systems

A lifeline system is a type of fall arrest equipment which increases your mobility by using a long piece of rope which has multiple anchor points so that you can move around the surface of the roof (or any high place).

Tags: Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Roofing repairs and replacements can often take a lot of time and a lot of money. Replacing or repairing your roof quickly will ensure that your home is protected against water damage and leaking. Keeping your roof in good shape will prevent damage and save you on costly repairs. If you are replacing your roof, you may wonder which material is best for your needs. Finding the right material and roofing contractor can seem nearly impossible at times. Of course, when you choose the right material and have it installed properly, you can avoid many costly repairs in the future. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the material for your new roof.

1. Weather Resistance – You will need to think about the area where you live. Do you get a lot of snow during the winter or rain during spring and summer? You want to choose a material that will stand up to your specific climate. Not all materials will tolerate the same weather environments. Slate tiles are a good choice for those in warmer areas while ceramic is a good choice for homes in colder climates.
2. Durability – You certainly want to know that the material you choose is going to last. Clay tile is a good choice for those who want durability. Clay tile roofs can last up to 50 years before a complete replacement is needed. Slate is another long-lasting material and can add a European style to your home. Slate also withstands the harshest climate and is a good choice for those in rainy areas as well as areas that see lots of sun.
3. Energy – Choosing a roofing material that will cut down on your energy costs simply makes sense. Even if you spend a bit more on the roof in the beginning, you will see significant savings over the next few years which makes your initial investment well worth it. Tile roofing is a good choice for those looking to lower their overall energy costs. You can also find materials that sport the Energy Star logo and have been tested to ensure that they offer energy efficiency.
4. Cost – You may find that the material that most suits your needs just happens to be the most costly. Keep in mind however that choosing the right material from the get-go can help you to save money later on down the road. Even if you have to spend a bit more than you had planned to replace your roof, you will save substantially when it protects your home for a longer period of time.
5. Roofing Material – Finally, you will want to learn more about the roofing material that is available to you. You may have a personal favorite and then again, you may simply want to spend some time researching the different materials to learn what will best suit your homes. Check with a roofing contractor to see what materials are best for your climate and get an estimate of your roofing replacement cost.

This article was written by Fascia Expert, specialist online retailers of fitting fascias and soffits and other roofline products.

Tags: Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Roof maintenance is very important to promote a long lasting roof. An effective roof is critical to the overall protection, insulation, security, and fiscal investment of a home. Neglect to this vital part of a property can result in significant damage and costly repairs or needed replacement. The type of roofing material utilized has influence over the best maintenance strategies to promote optimum roof condition. Regular inspection, cleaning, and other tactics will help keep the roof operational as long as possible. A roofing contractor or professional may be an option but there really is no need for the extra expense and most pople will be more then able to protect and maintain a healthy roof.

Inspecting the roof periodically is one of the first steps for proper roof maintenance. Inspections are particularly important in late fall and early spring. Visual inspections should analyse for loose, missing, or curled shingles, cracked tiles, and frayed edges. If applicable, flashings around roof openings such as skylights, chimneys, and vents should be given special attention. Proper cleaning of the roof is some of the most regular preventive care activities that should take place.

The accumulation of dirt, leaves, and debris should be periodically removed to minimise deterioration of the roof. The accumulation of snow is especially problematic for certain types of roofs in the winter and this should be attended too before it overburdens the structural integrity of the roof.

Gutters should be regularly cleaned and have debris removed from them, this can help prevent water build up and blockages that can lead to bursting gutters and possible flooding. Trees that are in close proximity to the house should have branches trimmed that may pose a threat to the roof in high winds, this tactic witll also help prevent leaves, dirt and tree sap from further clogging up the roof. The actual branches can damage the roof if allowed to. These branches can give easy access to the roof by animals such as squirrels and other pests that can easily cause damage to the roof. These animals can actually attack the roof with biting and scratching without motive or to gain access to the attic or inside the home. Algae and moss can be removed from a roof with bleach, water and pressure washing all from a ladder; without actually having to climb onto your roof, otherwise a good old fashioned sponge and elbow grease should do the trick. If you don’t have a head for highs try a family member or find a cheap and friendly roofing contractor.

Topseal is the UK’s premier GRP roofing company, providing the most advanced GRP roofing systems on the market, through a network of highly trained and approved installers. Their products include flat roofs, balconies and much more.

Tags: Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Homes in the UK are always at risk of damage from high winds and it is important to protect yourself and your property from any unnecessary damage. The likes of unstable trees, wobbly fences and falling roof tiles can cause long term harm to your home and potential injuries to your family, so this is why we are offering you a few bits of advice to keep you safe.

One of the first things that we suggest homeowners to organise is to check that you have the correct home insurance in place. The right building and contents cover will keep your important valuables protected in case of the worst.

Any home or garden improvement that needs working on could seem harmless, but will cause problems in the instance of gale force winds. If you leave any general maintenance too long, you could be paying out even more once the damage is done. So what better time to sort it out then now, as stuff such as wobbly chimneys and crumbling brickwork could be potentially serious hazards.

Bad Weather – Safety Checklist 

We have made a list of additional key points that will help you prepare your home for any bad weather that is reportedly coming your way:

• Park your car safely on your drive or in a garage, so that it is not left under any trees. If this isn’t possible then ensure that the trees surrounding the area aren’t weak and could potentially fall by getting a survey done.
• Any loose objects, such as kid toys or light furniture, should be properly secured either in a shed, garage or weighed down to prevent them from flying around.
• Your doors and windows should be safely secured, as a sudden burst of wind could fling them open and break the glass
• The roof usually throws up any weak tiles and corroded nails, so have a look before it’s too late.
• Unsecure drainpipes and guttering are usually the first parts of a property to fall off when the winds start to pick up. Make sure that they are properly attached.
• Keep a torch somewhere accessible in case your power goes off and you’re incapable of turning it back on. You don’t want to be sitting in candlelight all night!

Tags: Other, Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Damp typically affects older housing more so than newer homes, but that is not to say new builds are immune, far from it they can have all manner of damp issues it is just newer houses are usually configured to better deal with damp when they are first built.

Homes built in the last 50-60 years will typically have cavity walls to help prevent damp, along with damp coursing to prevent rising damp as well. A damp course is a waterproof layer near the base of the wall, which prevents rising damp, they can also be at the top of a wall to stop damp water passing from the outside of a building to the inside.

Older properties would often be void of any damp proof coursing, or a non porous stone was used for the first few layers of masonry at the base of the building. However over time these often become porous and allow water to be soaked through into the interior walls and create rising damp.

Ensuring your damp coursing is working fine is of paramount importance, and if it isn’t you should seek out professional advice from a damp proofing company or even a building contractor. The cost of replacing or repairing a damp course can vary, but it is well worth it. There are a variety of DIY options for damp coursing, such as the high pressure injection of specialised liquids into the walls, but if you aren’t sure what you are doing this can be tricky.

Poor guttering can also lead to damp problems, as leaky or blocked guttering will allow the water to poor down the side of the property and if it is consistent without time to dry (such as in the winter, or particularly rainy seasons) it can lead to damp on the outer walls that can soak through to the inner walls. This damp can lead to all sorts of structural issues along with the usual damp problems inside the home such as mould build ups.

Replacing your guttering, or affecting repairs can also be very tricky, and once again it is always best to employ the services of a professional for replacement guttering or guttering repairs. This is even more important if you live in a terrace or semi detached house, as any maintenance you carry out on your guttering can affect your neighbours as well.

The last issue that you need to be aware of is your roof. Cracks and holes in your roofing can cause leakage into your home, and though you may not notice this as it could be very slight, it can cause issues over time. Again many roofs are internally protected against damp with waterproof membranes, but some are not and these can become damages as well and these are there to provide protection from very small water leakage. If you start to notice a stale smell in your loft space you may have a damp issue and you may need some roof repairs.

As always you can do this yourself and it may be a simple enough job, but remember you are going to be high up and if you are not careful and know what you are doing, you could cause even more damage while up there. It is advisable to seek out a reputable roofer or roofing company and you will find that most can easily repair the affected areas without much hassle.

As long as you’re roofing, guttering and damp coursing is up to standard you should be well protected from outside damp. Inside damp can be another issue altogether and this is typically caused by condensation; we will aim to cover this in a future article.

Tags: Builders / Building Work, Damp, Roofing by UK Home Improvement Team
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