What is the cross-cut test?
The cross-cut test is a simple way to assess how well paint, varnish or a coating adheres to its substrate, by cutting a grid into the film and pulling tape off it.
Surge protection for solar panels: required or not? (and what it costs)
Is an SPD required with solar panels? What the standard really demands, type 1/2/3, the spot in your consumer unit, AC/DC and the costs. Plainly explained.
Removing weeds between paving without chemicals: 7 methods that actually work
Clearing weeds from your paving without chemicals? Compare burning, hot water, brushing and hand weeding on cost and time. Plus why vinegar and salt are a bad idea.
What is a pane of glass?
A pane is an individual sheet of glass in a window or door. The Dutch word ruit also means a diamond — a reminder of how early glass was cut.
What is land consolidation?
Land consolidation reallocates fragmented rural holdings into fewer, larger and better-accessed parcels, together with new roads, ditches and drainage.
What is a back-to-back house?
A back-to-back house shares not only its side walls but its rear wall with neighbours, so it has no back elevation and no rear garden.
What is latex-modified mortar?
Latex-modified mortar has rubber or polymer added to make it flexible — for backgrounds that move, such as timber floors and underfloor heating.
What is a rosette?
A rosette is a round, rose-shaped ornament. In building it is also the round cover plate around a door handle, lock or pipe penetration.
What is roughcast?
Roughcast is a coarse decorative render with heavy, random relief resembling rough rock or tree bark — thrown onto the wall rather than floated.
What is a mountable kerb?
A mountable kerb marks the edge of the carriageway at a roundabout while still allowing long vehicles to track over it without damage.