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Wise old Mr-Skill has often come across water-damaged ceilings, and he rightly advises that the first thing to do is to find and repair the source of the problem. It may be a leaking pipe in the loft, or perhaps a cracked tile on your roof. Once the cause of the problem’s sorted, the damaged ceiling should be allowed to dry out naturally. If it has suffered significant damage, you may need to replace that whole section entirely – simply find a roofing expert right here on Mr-Skill.
Weighing your Options
If you are going to go the route of a DIY repair, there are some important considerations. Maybe that’s all too difficult for you, in which case you can find a painter or decorator here on Mr-Skill. Ceiling and roof work in general are difficult areas to work with, and that’s why it is advisable to call in the experts.
Steps to Ceiling Recovery 
- A proper repair of the damaged area is essential, as simply leaving the moisture to evaporate will not prevent further leaks. Assuming that the source of the leak has been eliminated – this could mean getting a painting quote afterwards – you can now commence the recovery process.
- If you can access the area above the ceiling board, prepare to inspect the area from on top. Drying out the water-damaged area is important, and there is no real substitute for time and some movement of air in the affected space. Attempting to paint too soon will simply result in the water marks re-appearing through the fresh paint, no matter how many coats you apply.
- If the damaged ceiling has severe blackening or water staining, try applying bleach to the area on a sponge or cloth. If the old paint starts to peel or crack, you must scrape the entire area until you get back to raw ceiling board.
- Once the ceiling panel has dried out thoroughly, and you have removed as many of the water marks as possible, apply a liberal coat of universal undercoat. Allow this to dry properly too.
- After a day or two, you can go ahead and apply a good quality ceiling paint with a roller. Allow to dry naturally, and apply as many coats as necessary to cover the old problem zone.
Good as New
One of our regular London painters tells us that he never ceases to be amazed at what water damage can do to a ceiling and how difficult it can be to put right. After all, nobody enjoys walking into a room with a blackened ceiling!
Tags: access, ceiling, ceilings, considerations, cracked tile, DIY, find a painter decorator, leak, leaking, leaking pipe, London painter-and-decorator, moisture, movement, naturally, painter, painting decorating quote, roof work, undercoat, water marks, water-damaged
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A leak anywhere in your roof is more than just an irritation. That is because if the source of the water intrusion is not quickly and smartly fixed, you could soon face problems that are more serious. Most conventional roofs are a latticework of timber beams, brandering and protective membrane over which the tiles align to offer protection from the elements. What starts out as a small leak can turn into something expensive if not quickly fixed.
 Find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert on Mr-Skill Mr-Skill correctly states that a problem roof left unrepaired could end up as a major roof job or even a replacement. He says you should not take a chance – rather find a roofing expert to come and assess the extent of the problem. Water has a strange habit of running wherever it likes, so quite often the source of the leak may be tricky to locate. Roofing experts are skilled and trained to know all that there is to do with issues in your attic space.
The Challenge
Roof repair is not something you should take on lightly yourself. Apart from working in a confined space, it is also dark and airflow is restricted too. One false move could lead to a serious injury or damage to a ceiling in your home. Looking for the problem is quite in order though, because this will enable you to relay your findings, so that a roofing quote or estimate can follow. However, most experts are going to want to check themselves just to make sure they are quoting correctly.
Check the Roof outside First
Sometimes a leak can be as simple as a cracked or broken tile, and it may be possible to see this from outside your home. You will already have an idea roughly where the leak is in your roof, so a sight check may confirm the problem area without too much trouble.
Climbing on the Roof 
If you feel confident enough to get up on your roof, you will have a chance to observe the leak area from close quarters. Remember to wear non-slip shoes and to position your ladder safely, preferably with someone to hold it for you while you climb up. Fred is one of our regular London roofing experts, and he has been on more roofs than most of us have had hot dinners. He has always been cautious though, and that is because he treads carefully while up on a roof checking for problems.
Tags: brandering, broken roof tile, cracked tile, estimate, find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert, ladder, latticework, leak, london roofing-gutters-and-drainage specialist, membrane, quote, repair, ridge tiles, roof leak, roofing-gutters-and-drainage quote, safety, tile, timber beam, water
Posted in Project Advice, Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
Did you know that by using a well-positioned skylight you could benefit from as much as 40% more light than from conventional windows? Mr-Skill advises that this is one project best left to the experts, because you don’t want to risk fiddling around on your roof unless you really know what you are doing. The good news is that we have several pre-screened experts at your service, so you can find a roofing specialist right here on Mr-Skill.
Whether it’s a loft conversion you are considering, or just more sun and daylight you want to enjoy indoors, there are many designs for roof windows – or skylights as some call them. Let’s have a look at some of the more popular options and then you can get a roofing quote from one of our experienced members: 
Velux Roof Windows – Installing this popular product on your roof can transform an otherwise dark area, fit only for growing mushrooms, into a space flooded with natural light. You also get the benefit of better ventilation throughout your home if you open the roof window, but don’t forget to close it when the weather turns.
Flat Roof Windows – Designed for modern flat roofs, they certainly bring the day in from outside.
Cabrio Balconies – What a transformation you will experience when you use your roof window to make an instant balcony without having to re-build the entire house.
Sun Tunnels – Perfect in passageways where you want to bring in more light. If you think about it, it’s the only way you can install windows in this area.
Certification and Guarantees 
Before appointing your roofing contractor, ask to see their certification of competency, and make sure they still have current registration with the relevant association too. And as Mr-Skill always insists, any job is only as good as its guarantee – be sure to ask about this, and remember to get it in writing as well.
All Said and Done
One of our regular London roofing experts advises that, while you may consider installing roof windows yourself, keep in mind that this is one of those precise jobs that requires specialist knowledge. He goes on to say, “ think of the safety risks you are taking while you work on your roof, and how sure are you that you will seal properly to avoid wind and water leaks?”. Water has an unforgiving habit of finding its way through any weak spot, so don’t be caught short.
Tags: balcony, cabrio balcony, certification, find a roofing specialist, guarantee, home, indoor, knowledge, loft conversion, london roofing expert, natural light, roofing quote, roofwindow, skylights, sun, sun tunnel, transformation, ventilation, weather, windows
Posted in Roofing, Gutters & Drainage, Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
Gutters are an important consideration for every single home, and perform an important function when it comes to clearing rain water away from your foundations. As the rain drains from the roof, it collects in the gutter channel before discharging through the downspout. Modern gutters come in the form of aluminium or PVC (vinyl), and over time, sagging can occur. Repairs are not difficult provided you have the basic knowhow and some tools. As with all projects, Mr-Skill always puts safety first, so make sure you have a buddy to hold the ladder and pass things to you. 
If you are dealing with a double-storey building, a gutter repair job is best left to the experts – you can find gutter specialist right now on Mr-Skill. They have the correct equipment and know just what to do too. If you have decided to fix the gutter yourself though, you will require a safe ladder, somebody to hold it, a drill, the correct bit, a hammer and some sleeves and spikes to effect the repair.
Position your ladder securely and ascend it to inspect from close up. Don’t forget the buddy to hold the ladder and pass you things. Use a paint brush to clean around the working area.
Calculate the centre of the sagging area, and drill a pilot hole at the top of the gutter. Now, place the sleeve inside the gutter channel and align it with the hole you’ve just drilled, before securing the two profiles together with a screw. Insert the spike by clipping it hard against the back of the gutter. You will need to repeat this process at the other end of the sagging section too.
Strengthening the gutter correctly should remove the sagging section, but you need to check above the gutter to ensure that all profiles align neatly. You can also check that everything is working as it should, by using a hosepipe and high-pressure nozzle to simulate rain on the roof. The water should discharge along the gutter line and flow neatly into the downspout. There should be no leakage or spillage whatsoever. 
One of our regular London gutter experts tells us that water has a strange way of finding the quickest way through. He suggests that you keep your gutters clean and clear regularly. Get a gutter clearing quote right here on Mr-Skill, and rest easy knowing that your house is ready to handle whatever mother nature has to throw at it.
Tags: aluminium gutters, bracket, downspout, drains, find a gutter and drainage expert, foundations, gutter and drainage quote, gutters, home, house, London gutter and drainage expert, profiles, pvc gutters, rain, rain water, safety, sagging gutter, screw, spike, water
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In its simplest form a tiled roof is a dead-simple thing. You just need to make sure the ridge is intact, and the barge boards are in position. Problems can set in when architects add valleys, hips and chimneys. The situation’s even more complex when there’s a party wall involved. The intelligent homeowner will find a roofer to assess the situation every year.
Generally speaking this assessment process includes:
- Ridges – The ridge tiles cemented on top of the peak and side ridges work loose as the roof timbers settle under the weight. They perform the essential dual role of securing runs of tiles and waterproofing primary roof joints. Every London roofer knows there’s only one way to fix the problem properly, and that’s to lift off and re-cement the entire run.
- Valleys – These are sealed off to avoid problems for the life-cycle of a roof, and should remain trouble-free although the tiles along them may move out of alignment and require re-positioning. When up on a roof it’s always a good idea to apply a fresh coat of waterproofing to the lining.
- Chimney – If you have the slightest doubt that the flashing’s come away it’s essential to get a roofing quote and have it replaced right away. That’s because rainwater builds up against the upper side of the chimney, and if it finds a way through it will drip through the ceiling.
- Tiles – While these should last a lifetime too, they are brittle
 and snap easily underfoot (another excellent reason why not to trust your roof to an amateur). Ask your roofer to cast an eye around when they’re up there and advise you accordingly with a recommendation
Although Barge Boards should be firmly attached to roof timbers, they have been known to work loose during windstorms, and can endanger life and limb should they come crashing down. This is why Mr-Skill recommends an annual roof inspection, so you can sleep peacefully underneath and have absolutely no concerns. And that’s exactly what should happen when you find a tradesperson through us.
Tags: annual, barge, brittle, ceiling, cement, chimney, complex, drip, fascia, find a roofer, flashing, hip, inspect, joint, leak, line, london roofer, party wall, peak, ridge, roof, roofing quote, side, snap, tile, valley, waterproof
Posted in Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
Plastic, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gutters remain popular for removing rain water from the roof, and channelling it well away from building foundations. It’s a hard-wearing and easy-to-work-with product that makes for simpler maintenance and repairs too.
Unfortunately, as plastic ages through harsh weather extremes, leaks and cracks do develop. These are not uncommon around seams where gutters overlap or meet downpipes – fortunately, replacement plastic gaskets are easy to obtain and install. Don’t forget that cracks can be mended as well.
Cautionary:
Before attempting any such repairs on your own, think safety first, and that’s not just for double-storey homes. Falling off ladders is quite a common occurrence, even among some professional tradesfolk!
Better still, why not find a gutter expert here on Mr-Skill and leave the repair to them.
Assessing the Damage
Check the extent of the damage by using a properly secured ladder, preferably with someone else on hand to stabilise it before you start climbing the rungs. Clear out all debris from the area around the leak or crack, using a hand brush and wet cloth to assist.
Likely as not, you can use roof cement, silicone or acrylic sealant to close off the damaged area. Apply the sealer on the inside of the gutter, and spread it around the leak area to ensure a watertight repair. You could also get a gutter replacement quote, if you feel the repair is too much to do yourself. 
For larger holes and cracks, apply patches of duct tape inside the gutter around the leaking area, and then cover liberally with cement or sealant. If the repair area is extensive, you could also cut out the damaged area, and then make a vinyl patch to fit – making sure that you follow the gutter profile. Position the patch and seal it well.
More Serious Damage
Longer sections of gutter pipes should be replaced as required. Measure the run to be replaced from the gutter-end to the first join, and then trim your replacement section to fit. PVC guttering comes in 6-foot sections. Use a new gasket on joins if possible, unless you are happy with the seal from the old one.
One of our regular London gutter repairmen says that when it comes to downpipe leaks or cracks, it is probably best to replace the section completely. You can use vinyl even if the remaining gutters are metal-based. PVC pipes are available in the same diameters and profiles as these are.
Tags: accrylic sealant, downpipes, duct tape, find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert, gutters, joins, ladder, leaks, london roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert, plastic gutters, pvc gutters, rain, roof cement, roofing-gutters-and-drainage quote, safety, silicon
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It really is quite astonishing to discover what can enter our drains, and cause a blockage. Often, the problem is not visible as with tree and shrub roots finding ways into drain pipes, and creating havoc. Sometimes, we only become aware of a problem when we see an accumulation of water and other debris near drain covers. Some jobs are going to require you to find a plumber, because of the specialist nature of the work. Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid unnecessary callouts.
What You’ll Need
- A tool to remove the drain cover, such as a crowbar
- A hose connected to the hot water supply
- A plunger that covers the drain diameter
- A drain rod, if you have one
- Gloves to protect your hands
Before you start, why not get a plumber quote to solve the problem? Remember that Mr-Skill’s plumbers are required to guarantee their work, so you can use them in confidence.
Steps
- Remove the cover of the obstructed drain. Drain covers can prove difficult to budge if they have not been lifted for a while so you may need a crowbar
- Turn the hot tap on fully and push the hose as far down the drain as you can. The higher the pressure and the hotter the water, the more effective the solution
- If the water in the drain starts welling back up, place the plunger over the drain and plunge it back and forth. This creates a suction or vacuum effect and helps dislodge the debris
- Tip a large pot of boiling water down the drain – this will neutralize any grease or oil that may have entered.
- If you are confident that your drain is independent of the sewer system, pour a commercial drain cleaner down and wait for the chemical action to complete. Flush after 15 minutes with hot water
- If the waste water is not running freely after all the above attempts and you own a rodding set, you could try clearing the drain with a back and forth motion,
One of our London plumbers advises, “Blocked drains outside our properties are not always easy to clear and may not be our responsibility. Sometimes roots completely clog up a drain. They can even cause fractures, particularly in older clay pipes.”
Tags: blockage, blocked drains, boiling water, clay piping, crowbar, debris, drain cleaner, drain cover, drainage, drains, find a plumber, hose, hot water, hugh pressure, london plumber, plumber quote, plumbers, rods, roots
Posted in Plumbing, Heating & Gas, Project Advice, Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
With winter upon us – and a freezing one at that – many people across the United Kingdom are experiencing problems with their guttering. These can include gutters filled with ice collapsing, and nowhere for water to go when the thaw comes. Is it possible to prevent this? Well, we can’t prevent a blizzard, but we can Find a Roofer to take preventative action for us.
 These are some of the things worth considering when you are busy getting Roofing Quotes.
• When snow gathers on a roof it should thaw gradually without causing problems. But, if you have heat build-up above your ceiling then it might melt all at once, blocking gutters that then freeze up. Two things to do. Check your ceiling insulation, and make there’s provision for any heat to escape.
• Ensure the water entering your gutters can flow smoothly through the down-pipes. This means cleaning them thoroughly twice a year (before and after winter) and testing them from time to time.
• Matt, my London Roofing friend swears by heat tape you can stick along the gutter. Personally, I don’t feel that this is necessary provided you keep them clear.
 • Snow guards can provide an extra line of defence, especially if you live up in the north, and they can help keep the gutters clear in summertime too. In fact, I strongly recommend them.
Hopefully you did this already and your gutters won’t come crashing down from the weight of ice this winter. Please do be careful about venturing on the roof yourself to clear excessive snow. It’s just not worth taking risks.
And that’s where Mr-Skill comes in. Did you know that you can Find a Gutter Man right here who’ll clear your blocked gutters promptly, as long as it’s not actually snowing? All our trades come highly recommended too, and rated by our customers. What’s more, you pay nothing for our services.
Tags: blizzard, ceiling, clean, clear, collapsing, down pipe, find a roofer, freeze, freezing, gutter, gutterman, heat, heat tape, ice, insulate, london roofing, melt, roofer, roofing quote, snow guard, test, thaw, ventilate, water, winter
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Gutters are important. They keep the rainwater away from windows and foundations, and generally protect our homes. A well-laid line of guttering makes a design statement too. All the more reason to follow these simple steps, and keep our gutters in good shape:
 Keep Them Clean. Remove accumulated leaves from your gutters at the beginning of every rainy season to prevent moss developing that leads to stoppages. While you’re up there, give them a wipe-down too. If you don’t have a ladder long enough, you can Find a Roofer right here.
- Check the Downpipes. An overflowing gutter is the sign of a blocked downpipe. Sometimes you can clear it by pushing down a garden hose turned on full blast. If not, you will need a length of stout wire to work around the bend.
- Straighten Sagging Gutters. Gutters are supported by a line of brackets that are set to the correct slope. When a gutter sags, it may either need clipping back into the bracket, or the bracket may need to be re-attached.
 Waterproof Leaking Joints. If a gutter joint starts leaking it’s often simpler to re-seal the joint, than to take the whole run down. Clean the affected area scrupulously, before attaching a piece of membrane with a water-proofing medium across the joint.
Is this the first time that you visited Mr-Skill? If so then welcome to our website! Our service extends to introducing tradespeople of all kinds to customers, from London Roofers to Carpenters in Scotland. Oh, and by the way it’s absolutely free to all our customers too. How’s that for a brilliant idea.
Tags: attach, bend, bracket, care, clean, clip, dizzy, downpipe, find a roofer, foundation, gutter, Guttering, height, hose, infirm, joint, ladder, leak, leaves, london roofers, maintain, membrane, moss, overflow, rainwater, remove, roofing quote, safe, safety, sag, seal, slope, stoppage, straight, waterproof, wipe, wire
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Before you get a roofer in to repair your leaking gutters, it’s wise to know something on the subject. This will put you in a position to better understand the Gutter Quotes you get. That’s because gutters can be quite a complex subject every homeowner should understand.
 Gutter Types
- Traditional half-round gutters are common in UK homes and smaller commercial buildings, and make a classic under-statement.
- Square gutters provide a similar purpose and some regard them as more attractive. They have a slightly larger capacity and have become popular on conservatories for unrelated reasons.
- More ornate ogee gutters have an ornate look about them than make them perfect for older buildings. Their greater capacity makes them well-matched for old-fashioned higher roofs – this makes them popular with London Roofing Firms.
- Deep-flow gutters are similar in design to half-found ones, but with deeper profiles. They look best on larger building where they do not spoil appearances.
 Keeping Gutters Clear
No gutter works well when full of leaves, and clearing ones on upper stories can be downright dangerous. That’s why gutter covers are so popular these days when labour has become so expensive.
These handy devices clip on top of existing gutters where they allow the water to flow freely while keeping leaves at bay. When you fit yours you’ll wonder why you never installed one before, because they really are such a simple solution to blocked gutters.
Finding a decent Roofer these days is difficult, and it’s well-nigh impossible to climb onto a roof to make sure the work’s done properly. Mr-Skill offers a free service to homeowners in the UK to help them Find the Roofer that they really can rely on. Why not contact us today, and get your gutters sorted finally?
Tags: block, capacity, clip, cover, deep-flow, find a roofer, flow, free, gutter, gutter quotes, half-round, large, leaves, london roofing firms, ogee, profile, repair, roofer, solution, square, traditional, water
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