Combination (combi) boilers are the UK’s most popular choice. Your Bristol plumber will recommend combi boilers for several reasons, not least because they are simple and quick to install. Combi boilers are particularly suitable for smaller homes, as they are space-saving and relatively unobtrusive. As the name implies, combi boilers heat water for both the domestic hot water system as well as the central heating system, all in one neat, self-contained unit. Plumbers have less work to do when installing combi boilers compared to other boilers, because combi boilers do not require additional tanks in other locations, such as a storage tank or header tank. Of course, this benefits both plumbers and also householders, who save considerably on installation costs. This central heating system is also cost-effective to run, with the added bonus of high water pressure.

Conventional boilers require a separate cold water storage tank and heating expansion tank. These are usually installed in the loft space. Also, a hot water cylinder is required. Most plumbers would recommend locating this somewhere where the heat would be beneficial, such as an airing cupboard. Conventional boilers usually replace older boilers on existing systems. Many plumbers would recommend a conventional boiler system where space is not an issue, as the components are simpler and less likely to break down. Most cylinders have an immersion element, so if the boiler breaks down, hot water will still be available.

System boilers are similar to conventional boilers in that they use stored hot water. But system boilers do not need water tanks in the loft. As they take less time to install, this cuts down on costs. Many plumbers would recommend system boilers for larger households with more than one bathroom.

Any of the above – combi, conventional or system boilers – can be high efficiency condensing boilers. Plumbers who install central heating systems are very familiar with high efficiency condensing boilers, because all new boilers sold in the UK have to be this type. Due to their design, condensing boilers reuse heat that would otherwise be lost through the flue. If you want to cut central heating bills significantly, plumbers may advise installing an A-rated condensing boiler, which has impressive 90% efficiency rating, 14% above the standard statutory requirement.

Finally, you’ll need to think about radiators for your central heating system. Compact radiators are the most popular radiators in the UK. They come with single or double panels and combinations of single or double convectors. Plumbers can advise which types you will need for different rooms, depending on the heat output required. They can also suggest the most suitable locations to install compact radiators to suit your home design and lifestyle.

Preventing Slippery Floors

Generally poor basic floor maintenance causes slippery floors, as can wet conditions. In public areas, extra matting may be worth considering — warning signs should also be displayed.

Spillages — Wipe up as soon as possible. Ideally, as well as removing the spillage the area should also be cleaned with a weak detergent mixture — especially if greasy or likely to provide difficult to remove if left un-treated.

Overspray of polish/cleaners — These can cause slippery conditions if they come into contact with your Amtico flooring. The same can apply to some types of insecticides, disinfectants and perfume sprays. There is also a risk of damage to the finish of your Amtico flooring if not removed as soon as possible.

Prevention of Soiling

Careful use of entrance mats reduces the amount of dirt, debris and water being walked onto the Amtico flooring. For a higher volume of foot traffic — such as in commercial premises — use matting covering around two strides before feet come into contact with the flooring. Use fibre as opposed to rubber or latex-backed mats.

Sweep and vacuum daily to keep dirt and debris at bay. Vacuum and shake out the mats, too.

Washing and mopping on a regular basis will help prevent the build up of dirt and help stop your Amtico flooring becoming slippery over time. Use a two-bucket mopping system and a floor detergent. Change the water frequently whilst cleaning, and use ‘cleaning in progress’ signs if the flooring is in a public area.

For larger areas of Amtico flooring, and/or heavy soiling a machine clean may be preferred. Amtico recommend the use of a 3M red or blue nylon scrubbing pad on the machine, and the ‘pre-clean’ method whereby a fine mist of cleaning fluid is applied direct to the floor with a spray bottle in two metre areas at a time followed by the use of a rotary buffer cleaning machine.

Stripping the Floor

At least once a year, you should strip your Amtico flooring to remove in-grained soiling. Apply a generous amount of floor stripper solution, then either machine scrub (using a green 3M pad) or work in using a mop. To remove, use either a wet and dry vacuum or mop and rinse the floor at least twice with clean water.

Dressing the Amtico Flooring

This is not essential, but if desired consists of applying polish to the floor with a mop. Two coats are usually required (allow around thirty minutes between each), and it should not be buffed for twenty-four hours.

Preventing Indentations

Small fibre pads or furniture cups under furniture and heavier appliances are worth considering to prevent indentation marks and scuffing.

More details on maintenance, including details on types of recommended cleaning materials, can be found in the Amtico technical manual available as a download from their website.

However, there is one simple thing you can do which will help electricians find a fault on your electrical circuit. We’re not talking about a ready supply of tea and biscuits, although these will not be unwelcome. We are talking about familiarising yourself with your consumer unit. Consumer units, which are usually located near the electricity meter, have replaced the old ‘fuse box’. Consumer units are the control centre for domestic electrical wiring systems. If there is a fault on your electrical circuit, a circuit breaker, called a trip switch, cuts off the power supply automatically.

When electrical contractors install new consumer units, they will be able to answer any queries you may have. Also, you should be given a leaflet explaining how consumer units work. All the switches and buttons in consumer units should be clearly labelled, to show which part of the circuit they control.

It helps if you know the terminology that electrical contractors use, so you can understand better how consumer units work. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) have replaced fuses. Miniature Circuit Breakers act as safety devices, cutting off the electrical current if it becomes excessive due to a fault on the circuit. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are fitted in all new consumer units and offer extra protection. Residual Current Devices can detect very small amounts of earth fault leakage and so protect against electrocution. At installation stage, you will be shown how to reset both Miniature Circuit Breakers and Residual Current Devices manually, using the reset button or switch.

If one of the trip switches cuts off the power, you may not need to call an electrician immediately. Using too many electrical appliances at the same time can trip Miniature Circuit Breakers, as this causes overload on the circuit. Residual Current Devices may trip due to a faulty appliance. Reset the trip switch and plug in appliances one by one to check if any appliance triggers the trip switch. If so, only qualified electricians should repair the faulty appliance. A blown light bulb will also trigger the Miniature Circuit Breaker. If you can’t reset a trip switch and restore the power supply, you need to call an electrical contractor. Always inform them if you know that a particular appliance is faulty, even if it’s still working. There may be a loose connection somewhere within the circuit which can be detected using specialist equipment. If the fault can’t be found immediately, a general electrical inspection may be recommended. Electrical contractors who know the location of all plugs, sockets and fittings will be able to find the fault quicker, so use the same one regularly if possible.

Remember – leave any hands-on work to professionals who are qualified to work safely – and choose electricians who are members of trade associations like the Electricians Register.

Vacuum clean regularly

Invest in a good vacuum cleaner to keep your carpets clean. Purchase a vacuum cleaner which has HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and traps pollen and dust mites, keeping your home allergen-free. Be mindful of the suction power, dust bag, container capacity and the speed of the roller brush while selecting the vacuum cleaner. If your carpet has a thick pile, you will need more suction power for the vacuum cleaner to draw out the dirt.

Vacuum your carpets and home regularly at least once a week. For households with children and pets vacuuming every alternate day is essential, as carpets wear out much faster when soil and other dust particles keep accumulating over them. While cleaning, slowly move the vacuum over the carpet, using slow firm strokes that involve four passes of the backward and forward motion over the same carpet area, for an effective clean.

Clean carpet spills and spots quickly

Prevent long-term carpet stains by immediately attending to spills and spots. Avoid rubbing the spill; instead blot the affected area thoroughly with a clean absorbent cloth or paper towels, working them from the outside in. Always keep hydrogen peroxide based carpet cleaners handy to remove carpet stains. These carpet cleaners work better than bleach-based carpet cleaners.

Use doormats to reduce the quantity of dirt

Place doormats at the entrance of your home to keep your carpet clean. Anyone entering your home can dust their shoes on the doormat and get rid of loose-hanging dirt from the shoes. Doormats serve as a transition point from an external hard surface to your carpet, and can greatly reduce the amount of dirt that is transferred on your carpet. It is important to regularly clean the doormat. You can also request other household members to remove their shoes at the door before entering, to prevent your carpet for getting soiled.

Prevent dents on your carpet

Dents or depressions can form on your carpet as a result of continuous wear and tear, or from the weight of heavy furniture or large objects. You can prevent dents from forming, by occasionally rearranging the placement of the objects placed over the carpets.

Engage the services of professional carpet cleaners

Use a professional carpet cleaning company to give your carpets a thorough deep clean at least once or twice a year. Ensure that the carpet cleaners are experienced in the carpet cleaning business. A professional carpet cleaning will restore the carpet’s colour, which would have faded over time owing to several factors such as gradual soiling, fading of the dyes used to colour the fibres and flattening of the carpet pile.

As you plan the interior design of any room, you need to consider what size and type of waste bins you’ll need. Let’s start with the kitchen. Whether you prefer pedal bins or touch bins, Brabantia have the one that’s just right for you.

Brabantia pedal bins are the classic choice. They are available in a variety of sizes, from 3 litres to 45 litres. Lids are designed to lock odours in, so last night’s fish supper smell won’t linger. The tough plastic inner bucket is easy to remove and clean. The larger pedal bins have a plastic ring around the base, protecting your flooring from unsightly marks or scratches.

These larger Brabantia bins are also determined to stay upright, even when boisterous kids and curious pets do their worst, thanks to their cleverly-designed bases. If you don’t want to keep stepping on the pedal, there is the option to keep the lid open, too. Made from corrosion-resistant materials, Brabantia pedal bins will stay looking good for years.

Special slimline pedal bins provide the perfect solution when space is at a premium.

Twin pedal bins are also available, containing two 20 litre compartments, so that you can separate waste without the need for two different waste bins. Thoughtful design saves you back strain when changing bin liners, as the inner waste bins can be elevated for ease.

A popular alternative to pedal bins are the latest touch bins: waste bins that open at the slightest touch – and without making a noise. These innovative waste bins have all the important features of Brabantia pedal bins, such as snug lids, smart finishes and the all-important stability – plus sizes up to 50 litre capacity.

You could also check out ultra-hygienic sensor bins, which open and close automatically. For ultimate convenience when preparing a meal, dishwasher-safe 1 litre waste bins for tables and work surfaces are a must.

Bathrooms, bedrooms, living-rooms and offices all need waste bins, too. But when you’ve spent hours planning your décor and colour scheme, you don’t want unsightly waste bins spoiling the look. So you’ll be delighted to discover that Brabantia bins are available in a spectrum of uplifting colours. Choose from lush raspberry red, fresh mint green, cool cobalt blue, brilliant signal violet and many more gorgeous shades. Using the RAL colour notation system for a perfect match, you can be sure that your waste bins complement your environment. There are matching bin liners available for every size and type, for a perfect fit with no ugly overhang.

Built to last, all Brabantia bins come with a guarantee. It’s no wonder they have become a household name!

The Difference between a Carpenter and a Joiner

Basically, the difference can be summarised in saying that a joiner makes it and a carpenter fits it. This is a slight over-simplification, but usually a joiner works indoors in a workshop and specialises in making up internal fittings such as doors, staircases and window frames. The real skill is in ensuring everything fits properly using the correct joints.

A carpenter may work outside or inside, on building sites installing framework, flooring, window frames and doors to new build properties. They may work on site on large engineering projects such as bridges and dams, or on smaller installations in and around the home.

Different Types of Carpenter

In many cases, carpenters specialise in certain aspects of the trade and this is reflected in their specific title.

Trim Carpenter – Specialises in moulding and trim such as windows, doors, casings and mantels.

Ship’s Carpenter – Self-explanatory: works on ship builds but could also include repairs.

Scenic Carpenter – Makes sets and scenery for television, film making and theatre.

Framer – Assembles the main structures for wood framed houses such as floors, joists and  stud work.

Cabinet Maker - Self-evident, but encompasses all types of ‘cabinet’ such as wardrobes, dressers, storage chests and the like.

Carpenters and Joiners Work Roles

The roles cover one or more of the following depending on levels of specialisation.

First fixing (site work) – Fitting the large, main wooden structures such as floor and roof joists, staircases, door and window frames and partition walls.

Second fixing (site work) – Installation of doors, surrounds, skirting boards, cupboards, shelving and door handles.

Formwork - Building temporary shutters to support setting concrete on large projects such as bridges and building foundations.

Shopfitting – Constructing and fitting interiors for shops, hotels, offices and some public buildings such as libraries.

Machining – Shaping and cutting wood for floorboards, window frames and skirting boards.

Design/Bespoke Carpentry and Joinery

Some carpentry and joinery firms offer specific services depending on individual requirements. The use of CAD (computer aided design) can show the customer exactly how, say, hand-made home office furniture would look before any work is undertaken.

Bespoke carpentry of all types is available from some firms, so a unique solution to making a wardrobe to fit an awkward space or replacing the old patio doors with something more in keeping with the style of the property is possible.

The same bespoke option applies to larger projects such as individual self-build house constructions, or an overhaul/renovation of an existing property.

Heritage Craft

Some carpenters specialise in renovations of historical/listed buildings. This is a particular skill and often requires further training over and above standard carpentry and joinery training. The work here can range from renovating existing structures and contents to a major reconstruction using wood from the appropriate historical period (or as near as possible).

For more on woodworking, see http://www.bwf.org.uk/.

An aerial fitter who is not a member of the CAI must at the very least understand how to fit an aerial, how to orientate it and tune in your television.  If you have done some basic research yourself, you will know that the aerial should be pointed towards the nearest transmitter, and you can determine this by looking at your neighbours’ aerials.  The aerial fitter should also understand about types of aerials and be able to help if you want new aerial sockets in different parts of the house.  The aerial fitter should also be able to give advice on the use of indoor aerials and loft installations if you have more than one TV in the house.

If you have recently moved to a new home and the previous owner has removed the aerial, installing new equipment so you can relax and watch television may be high priority.  You can of course request that the vendor leaves the aerial in situ.  Recommendations from friends and work colleagues are other ways of identifying a reputable aerial fitter.

The costs of fitting an aerial will vary, so make sure you get estimates from two or three aerial installers before making your decision.  This is standard practice when selecting any tradesman.  The main criteria when selecting an aerial fitter is that you will get a good job done, and there will be no necessity for a return visit.

As with other tradesmen, using a reputable reliable aerial fitter is essential.  There is a bewildering array of aerials, and a professional tradesman should be able to guide you through the minefield and ensure that your aerial functions correctly and, in the case of outdoor an aerial, that it is securely fixed to your property.   Your television viewing will depend on the aerial.  Once you have found an aerial fitter you are happy with, make sure you keep his contact details handy in case you need them again.

About the author: Tom Davies runs his own company fitting aerials in Liverpool and has been writing articles for the web for over 5 years.

First of all, treat the oven like you would any other area of your kitchen. If something spilled on the work surface, would you leave it there for three months? No. You’d clean it up within minutes wouldn’t you. Therefore, if a spillage happens in the oven, it’s best to get it cleared up as soon as you can. Granted, if the oven is hot at the time it isn’t always possible to get the spillage cleaned up immediately, but you should be cleaning it as soon as it’s cooled down enough to do so. Leaving spillages to bake on time and time again will only make it harder and harder to remove.

When cleaning your oven, you need to get deep cleaning oven products. Oven cleaners often contain substances that are very dangerous due to the difficulty of burnt on food, so gloves should always be worn. Good oven cleaners will need to be left on for a few hours to soak in and work their magic, so don’t be expecting to get the job done in an hour. You may need to coat the inside of the oven and leave it overnight, then clean it off the following morning. Be prepared to use some real elbow grease! Oven cleaning often takes a good hour of continuous scrubbing to get it back to a like-new state, so you may want to get your favourite songs on and have a sing to keep you occupied and focused on the job.

Don’t neglect the outside of the oven. Of course, spillages still occur on the doors as you’re carrying things out, so make sure that you wipe these up too. If a spillage has been left for a little while, you may need to use a tough cleaning products to help.

It is important that you do your oven degreasing on a monthly basis, but that you also wipe up spillages as they occur to reduce the amount of time it takes to clean it on your big monthly clean. If you’re really struggling to get your oven gleaming, perhaps it’s best to consider using a local cleaning company. Many cleaners these days offer oven cleaning and oven degreasing services and will be able to use industrial strength cleaning products to work on tough stains and burns.

The same rules apply to microwaves. Microwaves can also suffer from burnt on food stains and spillages, but by keeping on top of the cleaning and doing it as a spillage occurs, you can save hours of cleaning time in the future. A lot of professional cleaners also offer microwave cleaning services as part of their oven cleaning packages, so why not get someone to do the hard work for you!

About our guest author: Marie Wade runs a firm of Manchester cleaners and spends some of her spare time writing articles of interest on the internet.

Tenants

The tenancy agreement will almost certainly stipulate a required level of cleanliness when the rental property is vacated. The return of all or part of the initial deposit may hinge on whether a full clean of the property is required. Exactly how clean a property should be is sometimes a grey area, but from the tenant’s point of view the question to ask is ‘how did the property look when I moved in?’ A minimum requirement would be to return the property to the same state.

Landlords/letting agents

When letting a property, it is clearly important to present a clean and tidy environment to potential tenants. The property will be more appealing, safe and hygienic as possible and thus be let out sooner. This is important as, if furnished with included appliances, these can become dangerous and unfit for purpose if allowed to become contaminated with, say, dried food in microwave ovens or the kettle furring up with limescale.

By presenting the incoming tenant with a pristine, clean property landlords can reasonably expect it to be left in the same condition when the tenant moves out.

What Is An End of Tenancy Clean?

It is a thorough, deep clean of a property and can cover all aspects of a property from a clean of the largest carpet to a full hygienic clean of a teaspoon. It will vary in its scope depending on the cleanliness of the property. For example, here is an extract from a list of cleaning tasks from a London-based cleaning company providing end of tenancy cleaning services. This list is only some of the tasks listed for one room – the kitchen:

• Wash and polish all work surfaces
• Clean sink and taps and remove lime scale and polish where required
• Clean oven internally to remove built up grease
• Clean and defrost refrigerator removing grime, mildew and food deposits
• Clean exterior of all appliances including kettle, toaster.

Contamination and Health Considerations

Over a period of time contaminants such as chemicals, pollutants and mites can proliferate in even the best-kept property. For example, mites multiply at astonishing rates and a deep clean of carpets (only one area where they are found) will be required. Mites and pollutants can cause a health hazard – mites have been proven to cause asthma, for example.

Use a Specialist End of Tenancy Cleaner or Do It Yourself?

Scope of a deep clean – Just cleaning, say, an oven is a time-consuming and specialist task.

Cost – An end of tenancy clean by a specialist may cost around £200 (price from a Nottingham-based company including carpet cleaning of a small two-bedroom terraced property). There again, a DIY clean will require much time and purchase of materials and possible hiring of cleaning machinery.

Reassurance – A specialist company should be properly insured and offer a satisfaction guarantee.

About the author: Mandy James-Hessle is a Liverpool cleaner who has a passion for cleaning. She regularly contributes articles to the internet.

For the most part, weathering and lack of proper maintenance are the main culprits for roof leaks. The best way of preventing a leak is to ensure you keep your roof well maintained; this will not only halt the effect of weathering but save you time and money in the long term. Flat roofing is especially prone to leakages – ensure the material you are thinking of using for your flat roof is appropriate for your home, but do be prepared that no matter what kind of roofing it is, weathering will have an effect over the years. On top of all this, any additions to your roof – such as antennas, flag poles or any kind of equipment – will obviously compromise the roofing. Whether you’ve been using the services of a roofer in Birmingham or a roofer in Bristol, here an easy solution is to avoid mounting them on your rooftop in the first place and affixing them to a support structure instead.

More specifically, leakages can arise when problems with the flashing occur. Flashing is the seal between the roofing material and the other parts of the roof’s structure. If your roof is leaking, the flashing is the first place to check for signs of wear and tear. Its purpose is to be watertight and, understandably, if there is a fault with the flashing, leaks are more likely and can become quite serious. When it comes to roofing, the drain flashing is important and drain flashing problems can be caused by a number of things, including debris in the drainage system and too few drains being used. Of course, if the water cannot escape via the drains, then leaks will occur.

So what can be done to minimise damage to your home when your roof is leaking? Firstly, you should protect the interior of the house. Plastic sheets and buckets will help catch the water and protect your home. Of course, the next step is to locate the source of the leak. Check the flashing, the state of the roof and whether there any obvious sources for the leak. It may also be helpful to inspect the flashing around the chimney as this can be especially prone to problems. The drains are the next place to check – once you have located the problem you can begin to fix the roofing and stop the leak.

Now you know what can cause roofing to leak, you should regularly inspect your roof and maintain it properly. Weathering is of course something that cannot be avoided, but particularly in the case of flat roofing, you should carefully research the best kind of material to use for maximum protection against the elements.  It is perfectly possible to attempt to fix the leak yourself, but consulting a professional roofer is always recommended for something so essential to your home.

The author’s background: Tony Mallory runs a firm of roofers in Manchester and has experience with virtually all kinds of roofing material.