Skill Builder

Remember to sign up for the Skill Builder newsletter for news, offers and updates. skill-builder.uk/signup

Polyurethane glue offers a cleaner alternative to mortar, allowing for precise measurements without accounting for mortar joints. Check for right angles using the 30-40-50 triangle rule. #DIYTips #HomeImprovement

Your tool's battery low? It warns you with flashing lights and sounds, urging you to slow down. Ignore it, and it shuts down completely to prevent damage. Smart safety features prevent potential disasters. #TechTips #SafetyFirst

Laying patios? Get your levels right to prevent water damage! Aim for a 10mm fall per meter. A simple string line can help you achieve the perfect slope for any curve or edge. #DIY #HomeImprovement #PavingTips

Heat pump installations aren't one-size-fits-all. Professionals need to assess your existing pipes (galvanized, copper, QualPex) and specify insulation. Glycol and backup heaters prevent freezing, even during power outages. #HeatPump #HomeImprovement #EnergyEfficiency

Ever tried to lay paving slabs only to find a slight thickness difference? The trick is to lay them, mark your cut, remove them, build them up slightly, and then tap them down. This avoids callbacks and keeps profit where it belongs. #DIY #PavingTips

Thinking of fitting a heat pump into your existing system? Experts advise assessing your house first. Current radiators are likely too small, designed for 80°C, not the lower temps needed for efficient heat pump operation. #HeatPump #HomeEnergy

This router's advanced dust extraction creates a 'mini tornado' effect, achieving 97% efficiency. Think of it: saving your lungs and your time. Dust extraction can literally pay for your holiday every year. #Woodworking #ToolTech #DustExtraction

Solar panel fires are on the rise, tripling in frequency. Keep combustible materials away from electrical connections and consider loft smoke detectors for early warning. Arc boxes can contain sparking from loose connections. #SolarSafety #HomeFirePrevention

The secret to a perfect paving job? It's all in the prep work! Skipping this crucial step means your whole project could crumble. Always ensure a solid, compacted sub-base before laying anything else. #PavingTips #DIY

Routers have built-in electronics to understand dance moves like U-turns and tight radii, deeming them acceptable. However, losing control and spinning uncontrollably is unacceptable. #Tech #Innovation

Installer challenges? Prefabricated, pre-plumbed hot water cylinders simplify installations. Designed for heat pumps, these 200-500L units offer faster setup by doing the hard work for you. Bespoke design for specific demands. #HVAC #Renovation

Solar panel connections are safely contained in intumescent boxes. These expand and smother fires, preventing sparks from loose connections from spreading. A crucial safety feature for installations. #SolarSafety #Tech

The pointing is done, and the additive is in place. Ready for the next step! #ProcessUpdate #NextSteps

Roof renovations? Modern solar panels are more affordable than you think! Combining them with Superfoil insulation during your upgrade maximizes energy savings and home value. #SolarEnergy #HomeImprovement

This salt leaching through the mortar, potentially worsened by using washing-up liquid instead of plasticizer, indicates a specific type of sand was used. #ConstructionTips #BuildingScience

Cheap batteries installed in lofts pose a serious fire risk, similar to e-scooter fires. Consider fireproof containers or storing them outside in a non-combustible structure for safety. #HomeSafety #BatterySafety

Chimney pots rocking in strong winds can cause flaunching to crack over time. Water and frost then exploit these gaps, leading to damp issues within the stack. Proper reinforcement with fibers and SBR can prevent this. #ChimneyCare #HomeMaintenance

Don't cement chimney pots directly! Using these Stormdry tubs inside clay pots makes them easy to remove for maintenance. Plus, adding fibers and SBR to the flaunching helps prevent cracking, unlike many traditional methods. #DIYHome #ChimneyRepair

Installing specialized locking slate tiles on an old cottage is complex. High-premium specs, custom bargeboards, and verges require expert solutions for an uneven surface. #Roofing #SlateTiles

Stop moisture in its tracks! Stormdry lines brickwork pores, preventing penetrating damp while still allowing the chimney to breathe. It dries invisible, but water beads right off like magic. #HomeImprovement #DampProofing