Recent content by Letsgetitdone

These look good, op if you are insisting on metal and DIY, why not use aluminium box section to build the whole structure? I get your probably more a function over form guy but do you really want to have to put up with scaffolders jokes for as long as you have it up? You can still clamp...

Have you considered just making it out of timber? I think you mention making the roof rafters out of timber, so why not the whole thing. I know you mention rotting/more care etc but if you are using treated timber and paint the structure every few years, then it should last. I reckon you would...

Ha yes only thing is I'd have nightmares forever about the spalling ones.

Yes you are right, even if I replace the spalling brick rain water splashing off that concrete will do it again. I guess I'll have to sort both out at the same time. I'm dreading sorting the path because there's clay drains on either side of that pic ones for a soil stack ones waste water...

Over thinking it, the objective is to get the nail through the rafter and then a good length of the nail into the meat of the beam, to achieve that it will be closer to the horizontal. No one's measuring angles of nails! Another way to do it is use ridge to rafter connectors, I'd recommend using...

With question 2 assuming you're using hammer and nails pre nail the nail into the rafter so that it's into the rafter timber at the top bit where the plumb cut is but don't drive it through so that the sharp bit of the nail is poking through the surface of the plumb cut. Once pre nailed offer...

Hi so I'm looking to improve the exterior brickwork on my late 50s council type house. Any ideas how I deal with this? Repointing is needed but some bricks have spalled should I pull them out and put new ones in or cut back the surface and put a veneer in? If pulling them outs the best thing to...

I've found so much stuff online of people having their houses being repointed with the incorrect mix I don't think many builders are or were that clued up about it. Even if I wasn't going to repoint the house myself I think I'd have to go through the same learning hoops just to do the due...

I'm leaning towards it being sand and cement. Internally the walls seem to be rendered in the same stuff with a smooth surface coating of what looks like cement to me. light grey in colour a few mm thick and easily cracked.

Thanks for the info, there's only about 2m of pointing that's in good condition where you can tell it's weatherstruck pointing. The rest of the house has pointing that's worn away. I think since I'm doing the pointing myself and i'm right handed I'll do the whole house flush pointed or bucket...

None weathered mortar pictures

I'll pop another photo up on Friday from a section that isn't weathered.

Well the mortar doesn't really fizz when I spray it with white vinegar, there's a very slight almost not noticeable bubbling abit like something that's parched and soaking it up rather than a fizzing if that makes sense. So you may be right, bit of a tricky one, hopefully Woody will chime in......

You guys are heroes! Yes that mortar is tough stuff reminds me of cement too honestly had me confused as to what it is. Was thinking of getting it tested to find out but ouch it's expensive.

Forgot to mention the house is made from engineering bricks in the late 1950s on a council estate. Any advice on what the mortar is and general repointing tips when the perp joints aren't uniform widths would be super appreciated.