Cavity wall insulation improves the energy efficiency of homes with cavity walls, which are two layer external walls with a small gap between them.
Cavity walls are very common in UK homes that were built after the 1920s and were initially designed to reduce dampness, but they can also let a lot of heat out. Insulating cavity walls keeps the heat in, reduces outside noise, and keeps energy bills to a minimum.
Insulation consists of small holes being drilled in the outside walls, before the injection of insulation material into the cavity; the process is relatively quick, cavity wall insulation typically takes a few hours.
While an energy-efficient method for many houses, not all homes are suitable for cavity wall insulation, such as solid walls with no cavities. If your home has existing damp problems and poor brickwork, trapping moisture can worsen these issues.
Professional insulation is key for completing the job effectively.
Wall panelling involves covering a wall with functional or decorative panels. Various panel materials can be used, including MDF, PVC, fabric, metal and stone.
Not only does it enhance the visual appeal of a wall, but it also protects it from damage like scuffs and moisture, and some acoustic wall panelling can even help provide soundproofing from external noise.
Wall panelling is commonly fitted in living rooms, behind beds, in hallways and staircases, as well as in office and hotel buildings. It’s becoming increasingly popular with homeowners, due to it being fairly simple to do yourself, given the complexity of the project.
What Material Should You Choose for Wall Panelling?
Want to lay a patio but aren’t sure where to start?
Read on as we provide a comprehensive guide on various materials options, and the steps involved when it comes to laying a patio.
Finding the Right Patio Material
There are a variety of different patio materials available, but finding the right one depends on your specific vision. Here are some of the materials that you can use to lay a patio:
Porcelain - Porcelain paving slabs offer a clean and modern look. The material is very durable, weather-resistant, and does not require much maintenance work.
Standard Paving Slabs - If you are wondering how to lay a patio without cement, paving slabs could be your answer. While it is possible to lay them with cement, it isn’t a necessity. This can speed up the installation process.
Sandstone - Another durable option, sandstone is textured, which prevents people from slipping on it, making it a popular choice in areas that receive rain.
Knowing how to lay decking on uneven ground sounds difficult in theory, but in reality, it isn’t as complicated as you may think. It requires the right tools, materials, and a bit of planning.
It could be a gently sloping garden or a steeper incline, regardless, we will will walk you through laying decking on uneven ground, step by step.
Do You Need Level Ground to Build Decking?
No. While a level base will make life easier, it’s absolutely possible to build a secure deck on sloped or uneven terrain. The key is to create a level frame using either ground anchored posts or adjustable pedestals to support your timber decking boards.
Don’t forget: You’ll need to account for water runoff too, decking should slope slightly away from your home at around a 2.5% gradient.
Planning for a Sloped Deck
Before you start digging, plan your layout carefully. Mark out the area, factor in expansion gaps (around 6mm), and decide whether you’ll need decking steps or a multi-level design.
Knowing how to build a fence is an incredibly handy life knack to have in your skill set. It’s a skill you can lean on time and time again, particularly after nasty storms.
It’s also one of the most practical improvements you can make to your garden or property boundary. It could be for privacy, security, or simply to smarten up outdoor space, no matter the use case, knowing how to build a fence is great.
We’ve helped countless homeowners and tradespeople source the right fencing materials. We also know the best practices for installing a new fence or simply repairing. This guide will break that all down for you.
How Much Does a New Fence Cost?
Fence costs can vary, but on average fencing panels typically cost between £30 and £60 each. Featherboard or close board panels come in slightly higher, averaging around £60 per panel.
