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Category Archive for Home maintenance advice

The nights are drawing in and winter is around the corner yet again so keeping your home warm and dry during this period is vital. First signs of damage such as damp in your home could worsen in the coming months if last year’s weather conditions strike again.

Damp can enter a house in several ways, through condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp. We’ve already given you tips on how to avoid damp but what happens if you already have it?

If your home has damp you can normally see it and you certainly may be able to smell it. Damp can be costly to repair so it is important to catch it early before it becomes a bigger problem. There are various types of damp such as rising damp which will spread from the ground up. Condensation is normally seen on the windows, toilet cistern and cold pipes, and penetrating damp can appear anywhere that damp has made its way from the outside in. If you have damp anywhere in your house it is important to establish where it’s coming from and stop it spreading. Continue reading →

8
Jul 11

How to avoid damp in your home

by One Call

Damp is a huge problem for many home owners and if not dealt with quickly it can lead to extensive and very costly repairs being needed later on.

It’s a good idea to know what to look out for when recognising the early signs of damp and to take steps to avoid damp appearing or spreading. The best way to avoid taking on a damp ridden property is to carefully read the survey when buying a house as damp should show up on this. If damp is mentioned then it’s normal to negotiate a discount on the sale price to take account of the cost of a damp proof course. If you already own the house then you can get a Damp Report from a specialist damp company as a part of the quotation process for a damp proof course.

Where does damp come from?

Continue reading →

27
May 11

DIY hazards

by One Call

If you’re going to undertake the maintenance of your home then you need to be aware of the hazards than can be involved in DIY. Home emergency cover - why bother doing it yourself?

In all cases it is wise to know your limits!  It is always advisable to read your home insurance documents to ensure you are fully aware of what is covered in your home should a mishap occur and if you don’t have home insurance the peace of mind it provides long outweighs the price you pay.

Always be cautious when undertaking any DIY task that you are not fully familiar with as you could injure yourself or those around you. Some home insurance policies may include or allow you to buy additional services which will help you out in stressful situations around the home such as home emergency service or accidental damage. You should even check out an insurer that offers a home security check to make sure that any door or window locks that may need replacing are carried out by a professional.

The Right Tools for the Job

If you’re going to do DIY repairs on your home then make sure you have the right kit.  Don’t use tools that are very old or in a state of disrepair as you don’t want to end up sawing a finger off or knocking yourself out when a hammer head flies off. Continue reading →

You either love it or hate it and it can be described as a favourite pastime or a tedious chore but DIY is a household activity that is essential for the upkeep of your home.

Monitoring and maintaining the condition of the inside of your home will not only improve the quality of where you live but will also mean you are able to spot possible problems with the structure of your house before they become unmanageable. So following on from our outdoor maintenance tips, we give you a few basic checks to undertake that if resolved now could save you a lot of time and money in the future and avoid you having to check your home insurance policy to see whether you are covered ro damage caused by something that may have been prevented.

Floors

Damaged skirting boards and floorboards with holes in – however small – can indicate the presence of woodworm.  This is something that should be treated as soon as possible as it can spread quickly.  Look out also for any broken or loose floorboards as these should be mended or replaced.  Rotting skirting boards can also indicate a problem with rising damp or rotting floor timbers below and should be closely inspected.

If you find that your floors feel slightly bouncy in places, particularly near to the walls, your home may have rotten joist ends that need replacing.  Dry rot in timber can spread quickly so call a Property Care or Wood Protection Association specialist.

Gas and Electric Continue reading →

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