Is My Tenement Block Going To End Up Flat?

Dec 2 2007 Donny

Ask Donny

Q I live in a tenement and have noticed cracks on the external wall. A nearby property collapsed recently and I am worried the same fate may happen to mine and am worrying myself sick. Do you think it will be OK or should I get this checked?

A Get a structural engineer or building surveyor to check it out. They will establish whether the cracks are getting worse and suggest a repair method and costing, which should be split among the occupants.

Q Red painted putty round my wooden window frame is coming loose and falling off, exposing a gap between the window frame and the stonework of the house. Is it easy to repair?

A This is not actually putty but trowelling mastic. It forms a seal between the window and the stonework. Remove remaining mastic with a scraper and reapply it by scooping some on to a bricklaying trowel, then use a pointing trowel to apply it into the joint between the window and the wall. Then paint as normal.

Q I am looking for a sealant or primer to protect the walls in my newly plastered room as I don't plan to paper or paint them.

A Dilute general purpose PVA - five parts water to one part PVA - then apply to the walls with a roller. To change the look later, paint over with two coats of emulsion paint.

Q I want a living-flame fireplace installed. How do I make sure I get a properly qualified person to carry out the work?

A All gas work carried out in your home must be by a qualified Corgi registered gas installer who will provide you with their registration number.

After the work is complete, the installer should provide you with a blue document called a declaration of safety which includes their details and a note of the work undertaken in compliance with Gas Safety Regulations.

Q My daughter's bedroom only has two electrical sockets. I have been using adapters for the electrical goods she has but found they are getting warm. Is this dangerous?

A Yes - you are overloading them. Two sockets is not enough, as people use more electrical goods these days. You should have four double sockets per room and get an electrician to carry out the work. In the meantime avoid overloading.

Are you a DIY disaster? Our expert, Donny Sheridan, will teach you the tricks of the trade with his step-by-step guides. Contact Donny at diy@sundaymail.co.uk - sorry but he can't answer each question individually.