Roofing Faq's
- Age: Your roof is 20-30 years old.
- Damage: Shingles are curling, cupping, cracking, or missing.
- Leaks: Light is visible through the roof deck in the attic.
- Granules: You find excessive mineral granules in your gutters.
- Sagging: The roof deck is drooping, which may indicate structural issues.
Q: What is the difference between a roof repair and a total replacement?
A: Repairs are suitable for minor damage, such as a few broken tiles or localized leaks. A replacement is necessary if the roof is near the end of its lifespan, has widespread damage, or if the cost of repairs exceeds 25-30% of the cost of a new roof.
- Pooling Water: Water accumulation due to poor drainage.
- Blistering: Air/moisture trapped under the membrane.
- Leaks: Persistent, spreading water leaks.
- Age: Mineral felt roofs often need replacement after 10 years.
Plastering Faq's
Q: Do I need to remove old wallpaper or Artex?
A: Yes. Plaster will not adhere properly to wallpaper. While it is sometimes possible to plaster over Artex, it is safer to over-board or remove it due to potential asbestos risks in older homes.
Q: What is the difference between skimming and plastering?
A: “Plastering” is a broad term, while “skimming” is a specific technique applying a thin, 2-3mm finishing coat of plaster over a surface (new board or old wall) to create a smooth finish.
Q: How long does new plaster take to dry?
A: It usually takes 3 to 7 days for plaster to dry fully, depending on room temperature, humidity, and ventilation. It will turn from a deep brown to a light pink color.
Q: When can I paint new plaster?
A: Wait until the plaster is entirely light pink and dry (usually 5-7 days).
Q: Why are there small cracks in my new plaster?A: Hairline cracks are normal and often caused by the plaster drying too quickly (e.g., due to heating) or structural movement.
Fencing Faq's
Q: Do I need planning permission for a new fence?
A: You generally do not need planning permission if the fence is under 2 metres high (or 1 metre if adjacent to a highway or footpath). However, always check with your local council, especially if you live in a conservation area or in a listed building.
Q: How high can I build my fence?
A: The standard height for residential privacy fencing is 1.8m to 2m. Anything higher usually requires planning permission.
Q: How long should a garden fence last?
A: With proper installation and maintenance, a timber fence can last between 10-15 years. Concrete posts and gravel boards can significantly increase this lifespan.
Patios Faq's
Q: How long does a patio installation take?
A: A standard installation typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on size, site preparation, and material complexity.
Q: What is the difference between porcelain and natural stone paving?
A: Porcelain is highly durable, non-porous, and modern, while natural stone (like sandstone or limestone) offers a unique, rustic look that blends with nature. Natural stone may require more sealing than porcelain.
Painting And Decorating Faq's
Q: What questions should I ask before hiring?
A: “Are you insured?”, “Can I see references?”, “What is your estimated timeline?”, and “How do you handle preparation and clean-up?”.
Q: Do I need to remove all furniture before you start?
It is best to clear the room, but our professional decorators can help move large furniture and will cover all belongings and floors with dust sheets to minimize mess.
Landscaping Faq's
Q: What services do you provide?
A: We specialize in comprehensive soft and hard landscaping, including garden design, patios, decking, driveways, fencing, turfing (real and artificial), lighting, and planting.
Q: What is the difference between landscaping and hardscaping?
A: Landscaping involves the living, soft elements (plants, trees, grass) and overall design, while hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural, and built elements like patios, walkways, walls, and fire pits.
Q: Do you offer maintenance services?
A: Yes, we provide ongoing maintenance contracts to keep your garden in top shape throughout the year.
Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: Yes, our team is fully licensed and insured, protecting you and your property.
Driveways Faq's
A: A standard-sized driveway for a semi-detached house typically takes 3-4 days, depending on materials and weather conditions.
A: In many cases, if you use permeable (porous) materials that allow water to drain, or direct water to a lawn or soakaway, you may not need permission. However, you should check local regulations, especially regarding dropped kerbs.
A: A new driveway increases kerb appeal, enhances the visual appearance of your property, adds value, and provides practical, off-road parking.
A: This depends on budget and style:
- Concrete: Durable and cost-effective, but can crack.
- Asphalt/Tarmac: Smooth, hard-wearing, and cost-effective.
- Block Paving: Versatile, decorative, and easy to repair.
- Resin-bound: Low maintenance, stylish, and permeable.
- Gravel: Affordable and great for drainage, but requires occasional topping up.
Damp Proofing Faq's
A: Damp proofing is the installation of a moisture-resistant barrier within the structure of a building, such as a damp proof course (DPC) or a membrane, to prevent moisture from traveling through walls and floors.
A: There are three main types:
- Condensation: Caused by poor ventilation and moisture in the air.
- Rising Damp: Groundwater traveling up through walls by capillary action.
- Penetrating Damp: Water leaking through walls or roofs, usually caused by defects.
A: Common indicators include musty smells, tide marks on walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, dark patches, cold walls, and black mould growth.
A: Yes, damp environments encourage black mould growth, which produces spores that can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and aggravate asthma.
Brickwork Faq's
Q: How do I clean brickwork?
A: Use a stiff bristle brush (not wire) and water. For tougher stains, a weak solution of brick cleaner (acid-based) can be used, but it must be rinsed thoroughly.
Q: How often does brickwork need repointing?
A: Well-built brickwork can last 50-100 years, but mortar joints may need repointing every 25-50 years, depending on exposure to weather.
Rendering Faq's
A: Pricing depends on the complexity of the scene, the number of revisions, and the level of detail required. We offer customized quotes for each project based on your requirements.
A: Turnaround time varies by project size. Small projects can be completed in a few days, while complex, high-resolution, or animated projects may take several weeks.
A: Generally, no. Rendering is often considered a “permitted development,” but it is always best to check local council regulations to ensure compliance.
