Q & A

Jan 20 2008 Donny Sheridan

Diy Donny

Q I want to insulate my loft space but cannot afford expensive insulation. Is there a cheaper way of lining the attic than blanket insulation?

A No, stay with the blanket insulation. At this time of year large DIY stores are clearing their winter shelves to get ready for garden furniture in spring, so you will be able to get great deals while stocks last.

Q My front door lock is jamming. When I put the key in to turn the lock it seems to catch and I need to wiggle it before it opens. How do I fix this?

A Once your lock starts to stick, do not keep using it as it will just get worse. To cure the problem, give the keyhole and surrounding lock a squirt of WD40 and you will notice an immediate difference.

Q How do I clear mist from my double-glazed conservatory window?

A Misted double-glazing units need to be replaced, there is nothing else you can do. The problem is the seal has broken, letting moisture between the glass and causing condensation on the cold surface. Replacing the window is an easy job but care must be taken when handling the glass. Most double-glazing firms will be able to fix this in no time.

Q How do I stop birds from nesting and perching under my roof? Their droppings make a terrible mess of my patio area.

A Wise Property Care Ltd (0141 876 0300) have a division specialising in bird control. They can clear the nest and stop them coming back. A DIY solution is to wait until the birds have finished with the nest and remove it and then fit netting under your eaves or install small metal spikes to deter them.

Q I have noticed you use a joiner's square pencil and sometimes an ordinary pencil. What is the difference between the two?

A An ordinary pencil is for simple marking, though strictly speaking a joiner's pencil is a better option because its large flat side and thickness make it easy to hold and its large lead is hard to break.

The large flat edge also stops it from rolling when marking.