Insulation
Preventing burst pipes
Pipes burst when water in them freezes and expands. When it thaws water comes pouring out and can cause extensive damage. Pipes most likely to freeze are those in your loft, in an outside toilet or a toilet or bathroom at the back of your kitchen.
Pipes - lag all pipes, including overflow pipes that are likely to freeze. You can insulate pipes with foam tubes that are cut along their length so that they can be fitted around the pipes and taped to hold them in place. If pipes in the loft are covered with loft insulation they shouldn't need any more protection.
Tanks - you can lag water tanks in the loft with pieces of loft insulation quilt tied or taped around the tank to hold it in place. Insulate the cover also. If your water tank does not have a cover you should consider replacing it with a new one. Don't put insulation under the water tank.
Loft insulation
Rolls of loft insulation material should be placed between
the joints in your roof space. These come in 4 or 6 inch (10 or
15cm) thicknesses and a total of 8 inches is sufficient to prevent
excessive heat losses through your roof - and save you money. Leave
a gap where the rafters and ceiling joists meet, as the timbers at
the edge of your roof need ventilation to prevent rotting. Don't
forget to insulate your roof access trap door and fit some draught
proofing strip to the frame.
When working in the roof space be careful to tread only on the
timbers, and mind your head. You should wear gloves, as the glass
fibre irritates the skin.
Door and window locks and
hinges
Oil all locks and hinges occasionally to keep moving parts working
smoothly and prevent stresses and squeaks. Do this with WD4O or
similar spray lubricant. Screws to hinges may occasionally work
loose and need tightening, although if this happens regularly it
could be that the screw is too small or that the frame has split
slightly.
Plaster
You can repair small areas of damaged plaster with fillers
such as Polyfilla. Remove loose plaster and clean the area before
filling. Fill minor cracks but wider cracks should have quarter to
half inch of plaster either side of the crack cut away before
filling. Put the filler on with a filler knife and when dry, sand
down with medium, then fine sandpaper to a smooth finish.
Wallpapering
Once you have a smooth even wall, you are almost ready for
wallpapering. If you have areas of new plaster or filler you may
need to 'size' the walls before papering. You can buy packets of
sizing at any DIY store. Mix it with water, brush on to the walls
and leave to dry. When papering, start from one of the window
recesses and work your way around the room.
Floorboards
Floorboards are often loosened by the work of electricians
or plumbers. When they remove nails in order to lift a board they
often enlarge the nail hole through the board or split it. You may
need to nail the board where the timber is good or at the next
joist which will be about 18 inches (45cm) across. If you can't get
a good nail fixing you may need to fill the holes and cracks with
wood filler and then screw the board to the joint. Take care not to
nail or screw into any cables or pipes that may run under the
floorboards.
Do-it-yourself hazards
Don't forget the dangers to you and others when you tackle those DIY jobs. This booklet is designed to help you properly plan your work. It isn't a complete safety manual - there are always risks, but you can minimise them by taking a few simple precautions. Don't turn your DIY. into DYI - Doing Yourself Injury.
Hand tools
Always use the right tool for the job - it's safer and you'll get
better results. Give each one a quick check before you use it, mend
broken tools right away or get another. Don't be tempted to do a
temporary repair - a loose hammer head could fly off in use.
Power tools
If hiring tools, only go to a company who give out safety
notes and testing reports with their equipment. Ask to be shown how
the tool should be used. If buying, look for the BEAB quality
kitemark and appropriate British Standard number. Read the maker's
notes on how to use safely. Before use, check the power flex and
make sure that it has the right fuse. Use a Residual Current Device
for extra protection. Wear suitable protective clothing, goggles or
earplugs. Unplug and switch off after use and don't leave on the
floor. Never use in damp or wet conditions.
Blowlamps
Remember that the lamp has liquefied petroleum gas under pressure
inside. A small leak will produce a large amount of gas, which can
burn or explode. Change cylinders outside and check for leaks,
particularly at the hose using washing up liquid. Remember that the
blowlamp stays hot for quite a long time after use.
Ladders
Only use on a firm level surface - ideally with someone at the
bottom to steady it. Lash it at the top if possible. The best rule
to follow to set it at the safest angle is one foot out for every
four feet up. If going onto the roof, attach yourself to a secure
object by means of a safety harness. Don't carry too much up a
ladder and never overreach - just move the ladder to a new
position. Stepladders must be properly braced. Think about your
shoes before you step onto the ladder. If they easily slip, change
them.
Chemicals
Many commonly used chemicals can harm. Paints, glues, cleaners,
thinners, preservatives, strippers and lubricants are poisonous.
Always keep them firmly sealed in their original containers and
follow manufacturer's advice carefully, particularly about mixing
with other chemicals. Don't smoke near chemicals and watch out for
fumes when you use them. Keep chemicals off your hands by wearing
gloves or wash them immediately after use. Keep all chemicals where
children can't get them.
Wood and glass
Wear thick gloves to avoid splinters and cuts. Also, protect your
eyes when working with glass or when sawing, drilling or sanding
wood. Wear sturdy shoes and criss-cross masking tape over glass
when you carry it. Protect any low level glass - a clear plastic
membrane made for the purpose is available from glaziers. Should
any glass below 800mm need replacing, safety glass MUST be
used.
Asbestos cement
Items that contain asbestos cement are not harmful until they are
drilled, cut or sanded. The dust created is dangerous and should
not be breathed. If you have to do any work with material that
contains asbestos cement, then try to remove it in one piece.
Alternatively, soak it thoroughly with water before and during work
to minimise the dust. Place any pieces in sealed bags prior to safe
disposal. If in doubt, contact the Council's Environmental
Services. Protect yourself with a good quality dust mask.