Steve's How-tos & Trade Advice

Scrim Tape: What Size, Which Type & How Much?

Scrim Tape: What Size, Which Type & How Much?

Julian Jenkins

Scrim tape is a self-adhesive fibreglass mesh you stick over plasterboard joints before skimming, to stop the joint cracking as the plaster dries and the boards move. Standard width is...

Scrim Tape: What Size, Which Type & How Much?

Julian Jenkins

Scrim tape is a self-adhesive fibreglass mesh you stick over plasterboard joints before skimming, to stop the joint cracking as the plaster dries and the boards move. Standard width is...

CT1 BW1 Tanking: How Much Do You Need per m²?

CT1 BW1 Tanking: How Much Do You Need per m²?

Julian Jenkins

CT1 BW1 is a one-part waterproofing membrane, not a multi-part tanking kit. It covers up to 2m² per litre per coat, and tanking needs two coats, so plan on roughly...

CT1 BW1 Tanking: How Much Do You Need per m²?

Julian Jenkins

CT1 BW1 is a one-part waterproofing membrane, not a multi-part tanking kit. It covers up to 2m² per litre per coat, and tanking needs two coats, so plan on roughly...

5.0 x 100mm Wood Screws: Size, Uses & How Many

5.0 x 100mm Wood Screws: Size, Uses & How Many

Julian Jenkins

A 5.0 x 100mm wood screw is a general-purpose structural timber screw: 5.0mm shank diameter, 100mm long. The "5 x 100" is simply diameter by length. Use it to fix...

5.0 x 100mm Wood Screws: Size, Uses & How Many

Julian Jenkins

A 5.0 x 100mm wood screw is a general-purpose structural timber screw: 5.0mm shank diameter, 100mm long. The "5 x 100" is simply diameter by length. Use it to fix...

What size uPVC window fixing lugs do I need? (And how many per window?)

What size uPVC window fixing lugs do I need? (A...

Julian Jenkins

uPVC window fixing lugs, cleats and brackets are three names for the same part: a galvanised steel strap that clips into the back of a window or door frame and...

What size uPVC window fixing lugs do I need? (A...

Julian Jenkins

uPVC window fixing lugs, cleats and brackets are three names for the same part: a galvanised steel strap that clips into the back of a window or door frame and...

Can You Stick Plasterboard with Expanding Foam?

Can You Stick Plasterboard with Expanding Foam?

Julian Jenkins

Can You Stick Plasterboard with Expanding Foam? You might be surprised to learn that the answer to this question is a resounding yes! Sticking plasterboard with expanding foam is not only possible,...

Can You Stick Plasterboard with Expanding Foam?

Julian Jenkins

Can You Stick Plasterboard with Expanding Foam? You might be surprised to learn that the answer to this question is a resounding yes! Sticking plasterboard with expanding foam is not only possible,...

Is Skimming Cheaper Than Plastering?

Is Skimming Cheaper Than Plastering?

Julian Jenkins

Is Skimming Cheaper Than Plastering? In the UK, there are two popular ways to smooth out walls before painting them - skimming and plastering. So, which is the better option? Skimming...

Is Skimming Cheaper Than Plastering?

Julian Jenkins

Is Skimming Cheaper Than Plastering? In the UK, there are two popular ways to smooth out walls before painting them - skimming and plastering. So, which is the better option? Skimming...