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Posts Tagged ‘glass<’
Warm, summery weather makes for a good time to be thinking of essential maintenance, before the days start to shorten and the cold weather returns. At first, painting sash windows may seem simple enough, but you do need to observe some basic rules if you want to get the job done properly. One of our London painting and decorating experts is all too familiar with sash windows, and will be offering some words of wisdom as we go along.
Plotting and Planning 
When painting your sash windows, you must factor in the need to close the windows at night. This means planning the exercise carefully, and having all your ducks in a row before you start. You’ll need paint, brushes, roller sets, sandpaper, cleaning rags and materials. Don’t forget a safe ladder to reach the higher windows.
Perhaps you have decided to rather get a painting and decorating quote? Quite wise, you won’t regret it! When buying paint, remember to have a primer coat in case you have to scrape or sand back to the wood. Then there’s the undercoat and top coat which you can apply only when the surface is dry and ready to receive them.
Preparing Your Sash Windows
- Because the two sliding panels overlap, sash windows are quite difficult to work on. Fortunately, their design does allow for reasonably safe painting from the inside. We are assuming that you have already neatly masked off the glass both inside and out, in order to protect from paint over-runs and splashes.
- Pull up the bottom panel to its fully-open position, and then bring the top section down to about halfway open. You can now work on the lower section of the top panel. Don’t forget to remove all flaky and dry paint, going back to the bare wood if necessary. Then apply the primer or undercoat as appropriate.
- Reverse the position of the two panels, leaving a slight gap at the top and bottom this time. You can now complete the preparation and painting of the top rail and the stiles, before tackling the entire lower sash.
- Next, it’s the frame surrounds. Leave sufficient time for the paint to dry on the surfaces so far completed, before closing the sash windows for the night.
- By tomorrow, the painted surfaces should be dry. Pull both sash panels to their lower positions to expose the inner and outer runners. Leave this to dry for a decent time before raising both panels to reveal the lower inner and outer runners.
Mr-Skill Promotes the Easy Life!
We do realise that painting is not everyone’s favourite pursuit, and that is why we have a selection of approved painters and decorators for you to choose from. Find a painting and decorating expert here right now – you could even benefit from some great summer promtions, but do hurry!
Tags: discounts, essential maintenance, find a painter and decorator, glass, london painting-and-decorating expert, masking tape, on promotion, paint, paint splashes, painting and decoratingquote, planning, plotting, preparation, primer, safety, sand paper, sash window, summer weather, top coat, undercoat
Posted in Painting & Decorating | Comments Off
The first thing to remember when changing to internal bi-fold doors is the space consideration – you have to match the size of the current opening approximately. Bi-fold doors consist of sections which hinge-fold when opened, and stack neatly to one side when closed too. They are popular as inter-leading doors between rooms, as well as in bathrooms and kitchens.
What You’ll Need 
- Tape measure
- A bi-fold door kit to fit the existing space
- Drill, drill bits and screw drivers
- Straightedge or spirit level
You could also find a door fitter right here on Mr-Skill, if you want to save time and enjoy perfect peace of mind.
Guideline Steps
- Begin by reading the bi-fold door fitting instructions carefully, and check to see that you have all the parts needed for the job.
- Now, check the width and height of the removed door. This will be your vital measurement for the new door kit. Remember that when fitted, the bi-fold door will be smaller than the actual doorframe space from left to right. This is to accommodate the folds. Confirm the measurements with your door supplier to ensure that they supply the right kit to you.
 Take a break before you start. You could save a lot of time and trouble by arranging a door fitter quote through Mr-Skill.
- Unpack the bi-fold door kit and install the top track complete with pivots, which must be correctly positioned, and secured by screws to the top of the doorframe.
- Attach the side frames, using your straightedge and level to ensure consistent spacing. Adjust with packing if necessary.
- You can now clip the pivots into the top of the bi-fold door.
- Once you have installed the door correctly on the track and pivot brackets, check to see if the door tracks smoothly, left and right.
- Attach the door to the left or right side frame as required. Fit the locking mechanism, and the job is done.
One of our London door fitters advises that bi-fold doors are becoming very popular – he thinks it’s because of the marvellous range of glass or wood effects that these new products boast.
Tags: bi-fold doors, find a window and door fitter, glass, inter-leading, internal doors, level, london window and door fitter, rooms, side frame, straight, top track, track, window and door fitter quote, wood
Posted in Window & Door Fitting | Comments Off
Posted in Electrical Work on Mar 06
Thankfully as winter starts to move on, now is a good time to check that your outside lights are in good working order. Some of the work is easy and safe enough to do yourself. Changing a bulb is a good example, as is cleaning the glass in the light fitting. If the light is not working though, you would be better off using a qualified electrician to solve the problem. Wiring and switching is too dangerous for an unqualified person to work on. Rather check with Mr Skill, find a qualified electrician, and ask them for an electrical quote.
- Make sure that the light switch is in the “off” position. Better still; isolate the light circuit on your electrical board.
- Have a stepladder handy should you need to reach up to the light fitting.
- You may have to remove a piece of glass to access the bulb.
- Wipe the interior of the light fitting with a clean rag.
- Now, remove the old bulb. Be careful, it might be hot.
- Replace the bulb with a correctly-rated new one.
- London electricians always recommend using energy-efficient bulbs. They may cost more, but they will last much longer and therefore require less maintenance.
- Refit the glass panel, having cleaned the surface first.
- Test the new bulb once you have installed it, by flicking the light switch to “on” after you re-set the distribution board.
- Never replace a bulb with a wattage-rating higher than the fitting manufacturers recommended maximum.
If, after having been through the above steps the bulb still does not light up when you switch it on, find an electrician by clicking on Mr Skill.
It’s all about horses for courses and being smart. You wouldn’t consider using a plumber to fix your own car, so be wary of trying to fix your own electrical problems!
Tags: bulb, check, circuit, cloth, cost, efficient, electrical board, electrical quote, energy, find an electrician, fitting, glass, ladder, light, london electricians, maintenance, off, on, rag, rate, screw, switch, test, wipe, wiring
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While replacing glass in a UPVC door (or window) is something professionals usually do, there may be times when you have to do the job yourself – like over the Christmas break.  You could do the job yourself provided you can lay your hands on a suitable pane of glass, but do wear gloves and work carefully. At other times it makes far more sense to Find a Window Fitter on Mr-Skill.
- Examine the door frame around the damaged glass to determine from which side it was fitted. One side will have an unbroken line over a strip of rubber. On the other side there will be four pieces of beading that clip in to hold the glass.
- Take up a sharp putty knife or paint scraper and work it under a bottom or a side piece of bead. Hold your other hand out of the way in case the tool slips. Carefully prise out the bottom and side beads, except the top one which will still be holding the glass in place.
 Have an assistant hold the glass in the door frame while you take out the top bead. Hold the pane on both sides while you gently lower it out. Be careful! Wear gloves. The edges will be razor sharp!
- Install the replacement pane in the reverse order, taking care not to crack the glass by applying too much pressure. London Window Fitters often use the trick of applying a little dishwashing soap to the recess in the window frame, when pressing in the final bead.
Under normal circumstances we would recommend that you get Window Fitting Quotes instead and perhaps on Mr-Skill too. That’s because you run the risk of injuring yourself, if for no other reason than that the job may be a little bit unfamiliar to you.
Tags: bead, beading, bottom, broken, clip, crack, damage, dishwash, door, find a window fitter, fit, frame, glass, harm, injure, install, knife, london window fitter, pane, pressure, prise, quadrant, replace, rubber, scraper, sheet, side, soap, strip, top, uPVC, window, window fitting quote(s)
Posted in Window & Door Fitting | Comments Off
Misting or fogging in double-glazed windows is quite common in older homes where the guarantee has expired. Owners often put up this, because it is a cosmetic problem that they feel is not worth the money to repair. As a London Window Fitting Expert I’m often asked what causes this irritating problem, and I thought others might like to know why too.
 Some condensation is natural in the space between two glass panes, because of the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures. In earlier days this drained naturally away. These days another plan is put in place in the interests of thermal efficiency.
- The moisture-absorption material used instead is known an silica – that’s the same stuff as the tiny white balls found in little bags and shipped with electronic goods.
- This silica is in the separation bars that keep the double-glazing panes apart. You’ll find them right up against the inner window frame. The idea is that the silica absorbs the moisture in winter months, and dries out again in summer.
- Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes the silica becomes water-logged in less
 than five years. Most double-glazing is guaranteed for ten years though. If you are lucky enough to have the original warranty then you may have a claim.
If you are unable to prove the claim and want your unsightly problem solved, then I suggest you Find a Window Fitter to do this for you. Many people prefer to have a drain hole inserted instead, because this is half the price of a complete Replacement Window Fitting Quote.
The window fitter who contributed this advice is listed on Mr-Skill. Like our other skilled artisans in all UK trades, he has a reputation that goes back for years, and he is registered as required by law too. Please contact us in the event that you require Professional Window Fitting Quotes.
Tags: absorb, cause, claim, condensation, cosmetic, double glazing, find a window fitter, fog, frame, glass, guarantee, hole, home, indoor, insert, log, london window fitting, mist, moisture, money, old, outdoor, pane, price, repair, silica, spacer, summer, temperature, thermal, warranty, waterlog, window, window fitting quote, winter
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Posted in Electrical Work on Oct 11
I was chatting to an old friend of mine the other day, a London Electrician, and we got around to the cost of electricity. That’s not just the increasing bill you pay of course, it’s also the hot air you generate that adds to global warming.  A fair amount of what electricity costs the world comes down to carelessness and stupidity, and owning inefficient electrical equipment too.
It’s no longer good enough to Find an Electrician to install an efficient solid plate electric hob these days; you also have to use it properly. For if you do not, then the savings the clerk told you about could just as well go up as hot air.
• Use fairly heavy-duty cookware that retains the heat as opposed to warming up the kitchen. Forget about buying boxed pot and pan sets – these are actually rubbish although they may be acceptable in China still.
• Buy quality pots and pans sold separately so you can choose ones that fit the hob plates accurately. They may be slightly larger than required, but never smaller unless you want to cook the handles and your hands. Ensure the bottoms are exactly flat by placing them on a sheet of glass – uneven bottoms equal poor hear transfer.
•  As soon as the product starts to cook turn down the setting so you just sustain the rate. This ensures more tender food that shouldn’t stick. Keep the lid on to optimise the use of energy.
• Turn the electricity off a short time before the food is cooked and let the accumulated heat complete the job, then let it rest for a few moments longer before you serve it. You’ll be surprised how much tastier food is when not blasted on high heat, and how your electricity bill comes down.
Getting Electrical Quotes on Mr-Skill to install new cooking equipment is only half the energy conservation battle won. You also have to use it properly to maximise its contribution, which is why we provide this information as a service. Good luck and long service from your new cooking hob.
Tags: bill, bottom, careless, cook, cookware, cost, electricial quote, electricity, energy, find an electrician, flat, glass, global warming, heat, heavy, hob, increasing, kitchen, level, lid, london electrician, pan, plate, pot, rest, saving, size, solid, stupid, tasty, tender, transfer, use, waste
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While wooden windows have been replaced by plastic ones in most modern United Kingdom estates, there are still a huge number of these on listed buildings as every London Painter knows. There are three ways to paint them to keep away the rot.  You could slop paint all over and spend hours cleaning off the glass. You could Find a Painter on Mr-Skill, or you could do the job properly yourself as follows:
• Mask off any hardware with painters tape, including the catches, hinges and the handles
• Clean the window glass carefully to avoid contaminating the paint
• Mask off around the window frame leaving a tiny strip of glass still showing. This is to stop moisture entering the wooden frame.
• Roughen off all wooden surfaces to ensure the paint adheres well. Begin by painting the places where the window and the frame will touch, to allow these maximum times to dry before you close the window.  Always work from the top down to avoid splashes on completed work, and wipe these smooth as soon as you spot them.
• Follow with the window itself. Finish the horizontal bits first, followed by the down pieces and the remainder of the frame. Wait patiently until the paint is almost dry before carefully removing the painter’s tape. When completely dry, remove any splashes on the glass with a sharp paint scraper.
Not a difficult job to do at all, provided you don’t mind the smell of paint and the chore of cleaning brushes afterwards. For those with other things to do in life, Mr-Skill provides the simplest way to get Competitive Painter Quotes instead. Best of all is, it’s completely free! And it saves pounds too.
Tags: adhere, bottom, brush, catch, clean, down, dry, find a painter, frame, glass, handle, hinge, horizontal, london painter, mask, moisture, paint, painter quote, properly, rot, roughen, scrape, slop, smell, spill, splash, top, way, wood, wooden
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Posted in Carpentry & Joinery on Jun 23
Picture framing is becoming an expensive luxury these days with many of us avoiding it completely in place of pre-framed prints sold at the bigger shops.  Sometimes though, we do still need an original framing job, as for example when we want to frame a favourite photograph, or a childish sketch to keep as a memory. I doubt very much that you would need to go all the way to find a Carpenter in London though, because in principle the task is extremely simple.
Place the picture on a backing board. Obtain a suitable wooden profile, making sure it has been routed to receive a sheet of glass if this is needed. Cut the wooden profile using a mitre box, and glue the whole lot together, perhaps using staples or even biscuits to reinforce the job. No need to Find a Joiner on Mr-Skill.
The next step is to paint the frame in a colour if desired, perhaps picking out the moulded highlights to create an interesting effect. If the profile you choose is plain, then here are some unusual ideas to add some fun:
o Cover the frame with textured cloth such as hessian or burlap, or mix some fine gravel into paint, and apply this to create a different effect
o Collect a few seashells on the beach and stick these on, or make up some brightly coloured paper butterflies
o Visit the hobby shop and pick out some attractive beads and ribbons, and let your imagination run absolutely free.
There are a great many other things that you could do without ever bothering about Carpentry Quotes. The greatest joy of all is that the materials are so cheap that it does not matter if you have to start all over again.
If you do need to find a carpenter or a joiner through, perhaps for a repair or alteration job around the house, then we have a really good list for you to choose from, and you could get up to 30% off normal quoted rates. Aren’t you glad you discovered Mr-Skill – your partner around the home or office.
Tags: bead, biscuit, board, burlap, carpenter london, carpentry quotes, cheap, colour, cut, expensive, find a joiner, frame, framing, fun, glass, gravel, hessian, highlight, hobby, home, job, luxury, mitre, mould, office, paint, picture, profile, ribbon, route, saw, shell, staple
Posted in Carpentry & Joinery | Comments Off
Posted in Kitchen Fitting on Jun 01
The smooth glass-tops fitted to cookers these days are made from a resilient, relatively shock-proof ceramic / glass composite called Ceran. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficient heat-transferring properties, ease of  cleaning and smooth chic good looks, and this is why Kitchen Fitter Quotes always include them as an alternative to consider.
Here’s how to go about keeping them looking good and in tip-top operating shape.
o After cooking, and while it is still warm, scrape the cooking surface clean using the razor-blade scraper supplied by the manufacturer, or a suitable alternative. Make sure to keep this in full contact at all times, and avoid nicking the surface with a corner of the blade. Remove the loosened dirt and allow the top to cool completely.
o  Apply a tablespoon-sized bead of proprietary cleaner to the centre of the worktop and spread it all over with the rough side of a plastic or nylon washing-up sponge. Work this across the entire surface until you no longer feel any resistance caused by dirt.
o Remove all paste and residual debris with a damp kitchen towel. Rinse, wring out and repeat until the worktop is spotlessly clean. Then buff up with a clean dry kitchen towel.
As you go along do remember to inspect the Ceran cooking top for any cracks or deep chips. If you notice any then you should Find a Kitchen Fitter to advise you before you use your cooking top again, because it might be dangerous. By the way my brother who is a Kitchen Fitter in London tells me than any cream cleaner is equally as good, and is a whole lot cheaper too.
Tags: blade, buff, ceramic, ceran, check, chic, chip, clean, cleaner, contact, cook, cool, crack, damp, debris, dirt, even, find a kitchen fitter, glass, glass top, heat, inspect, kitchen fitter london, kitchen fitter quote, kitchen fitting london, kitchen fitting quotes, paste, remove, scrape, shock, smooth, sponge, spread, top, towel, transfer, warm, wipe, worktop
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Not cleaned the greenhouse yet? It is almost summer already and time to get going. Clean it to maintain the structure. Clean it to get rid of pests. And do it on a warm breezy day so your plants don’t catch a chill and everything dries nicely.  You could Find a Gardener on Mr-Skill to do this for you, or you could take the weekend off and do it yourself.
o Begin with the Exterior by washing it down with warm water and a sponge. By all means use a little washing up soap but do remember to rinse. Use a soft inside broom soaked in warm soapy water to reach the roof and upper sides. Mind the glass!
o Check the frames and glass for any damage as you go along. Replace where necessary to keep your greenhouse looking good and to extend its life. If yours has a wooden frame, sand it down and paint it. Anything less and it will rot away. If rot has already set in however, get Gardener Quotes to build a new one, rather than throwing good time and money after bad.
o  Before cleaning the Interior please make sure that the electricity is turned off and isolated. Remove the contents to a sheltered place away from wind and fierce sun.
o Have a general clean-out of leaves and dirt. De-clutter your greenhouse – throw the junk away. Scrub down, including brick walls and inside pathways and disinfect thoroughly. When you are satisfied that everything is clean and functional inside, you can bring your plants back home and turn on the electricity again.
A Gardener in London who I know quite well always leaves a cyclamen behind as a special thank you, and believe me she gets regular return business. I’m not a gardener myself however I do think that this is a beautiful idea that should be propagated everywhere, just like cyclamens.
Tags: breeze, broom, clean, dirt, disinfect, dry, electricity, exterior, find a gardener, find a landscaper, frame, gardener london, gardener quote, gardening london, gardening quotes, glass, greenhouse, inspect, interior, isolate, junk, landscaper london, landscaper quote, landscaping london, landscaping quotes, leaves, maintain, off, paint, pests, plant, replace, rinse, rot, sand, soap, sponge, summer, warm, wash, water, wood
Posted in Gardening & Landscaping | Comments Off
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