Kevin and Colin from WeWillFIxItDubai join the show and we are fixing stuff, very cool!
The notes.
Intro:
- Temperatures- Everybody knows it is
mega-scorchio. However you are wrong. Accuweather shows that from Saturday
onwards, it has actually been below the historical average and will
continue this way for the next week. Hence stop moaning about the heat
& thank your lucky stars! ;o)
- Busy week in our office- Obviously AC’s have
now been on for a while & hence as it does get hotter, more and more underlying
issues are becoming apparent.
- Coil
cleaning – Lots of calls recently with people experiencing bad smells
coming from the units. Clogged drain pipes or the evaporator coil itself.
A/C produces lots of water on the evaporator coil which can turn to mould
creating a damp smell & can cause respiratory illness. When a coil is
blocked up it can also create cooling issues as air cannot pass through
to be cooled.
- How
many pumps does one property need? Pump job in JGE – Why use 2 pumps when
you can have 5? Over-complex design resulting in large expense when
failure occurs. Likely to be 30k+
- Arabian
Ranches Cats – Installed an additional power supply for these awesome
guys this week so they could install a portable AC unit in their shed to
keep our fury friends nice and cool through the summer months.
Section 1: Questions
- Window
Cleaning Environmental Options- Window cleaning has changed radically in
Europe in recent years due to both the Health & Safety laws
(preventing people from climbing ladders unnecessarily) & the
environmental lobby making people more effect of the negative effects of
detergents. Discuss pure water
window cleaning & poles.
- Window
Lock Installation Before Vacations- Modern development properties in Dubai (under
15 years old) generally have very secure window & door systems (UPVC-
with up to 8 latches per window). For older properties, aluminium systems
are often used which are not so secure. Window locks widely available
(Souq, Ace etc.) but make sure you buy the correct version for the type of
windows you have. Possible to buy a restrictor as well so it can be used
for child safety as well as intruders.
- Bird
Spike Update-
Installed 22m & then wife decided she wanted other areas done. Additional
45m! Will this project ever end! Idea of cost? 40dhs per metre &
labour & glue. Flat roof (H&S), construction glue.
·
Paints- Different types & uses:
o Gloss, Satin, Eggshell, Matt- Most shiny and most resistant to least
shiny & least resistant
o Latex= Emulsion (US vs Europe). 2 main types being vinyl silk &
vinyl matt. Silk more durable but shows up every error in the wall.
o Oil-based vs Water based- wood/ metal vs walls (changing due to
environmental regulations but not worth changing in domestic properties yet.
o Textured Paint- Used a lot here on exteriors in UAE- Extra protection against the
elements. Some finishes can be applier using a roller, some using a gun &
compressor, some using voodoo! Generally, the simpler, the better as the time
will come when it needs repairing. Very very difficult to match anyway. If a
specialist finish, almost impossible! That said, some developments in Dubai
went too simple using a basic plaster of paris with spatula marks. Not durable
& 10 years later the lack of protection has blown the concrete behind at
the bottom of the walls. Major repair job to fix!
·
Sticking sliding doors- aluminium seems
worn any way fix, tried soap, no go- Lots of causes split into mechanical
versus environmental factors. Mechanical- replace/ repair. Environmental- clean
& lubricate. Start by looking at the runners that the rollers on the bottom
of the door roll along. Dirty? Damaged? Feeling confident & door not too
heavy? Take the door off the runner, turn it on its side & inspect the
rollers. If damaged- need a professional specialist to fix with spare parts
(Satwa). If dirty, clean initially using WD40 & then a spray graphite or
lithium grease sparingly!
·
Your go-to satwa guy for stuff, who? Trade
secrets built up over 10 years of trial & error. Ok, its Marhaba Building
Materials
·
Do you install ceiling fans, false ceiling, where to buy? Ceiling fans- yes. Indoor- Panasonic are best & cost effective.
Outdoor- Hunter. DON’T GO TO DRAGON MART! Direct replacement for ceiling light
assuming you have floor lamps to provide light instead. Some fans available
with integrated lights- often not much light output or nasty light. Difficult
wiring if you want variable speed unless you have a remote. One for the
professionals.
·
Possible to install that blue panel insulation on a villa for cool
retention- I think this is just blue coloured
insulation foam board. Possible but not often done here as most roof’s are
solid concrete with good insulation properties.
·
How hard to add another circuit
to the breaker box? ELCB (earth
Leackage Circuit Breaker) vs standard breaker
Section
2: DIY Can Really Mean Do It
Yourself!
·
Definition:
the activity of
decorating, building, and making fixtures and repairs at home by oneself rather
than employing a professional.
·
We do
lots of ‘Do It Yourself’ on behalf of our customers (& appreciate it)!
·
It’s
a funny one that putting up pictures, curtains, painting is classed this way
yet we have a team of 10 specialists focused on this alone.
·
The
reality for many people in Dubai though is that they work long hours & DIY
just isn’t a top priority when they have free time.
·
However
for those that fancy a crack, here are some hints & tips:
o Measuring-
Measure twice, cut or drill once.
o Drilling- Use a good quality hammer drill & the correct
drill bit for the task. Old bag held by masking tape below the hole reduces
dust clear up.
o Curtain
Hanging- If you are moving into an older property in Dubai,
decide if the curtains would look OK if placed higher than normal above the top
of the windows. (Below is often full of non-structural filler due to previous
curtain-hanging which will disintegrate when you try to drill it.
o Picture
Hanging- ALWAYS use a drill, rawl plug and screw & not a
nail!!
o Electrics-
Don’t even attempt unless you are sure you are
competent for the required task. Hire a professional to keep you safe!
Section 3: THE
PVC PIPE SHOE RACK
MATERIALS:-
-
150mm width PVC pipes from hardware stores in Satwa
-
Marker pen
-
Measuring tape
-
Hacksaw
-
Pipe cement
-
Clothes pegs
INSTRUCTIONS:-
-
Measure the longest shoe you want to store
-
Add 3cm extra and then mark the pipe into equal length sections
-
Cut pipe lengths using the hacksaw
-
Wash pipes in the shower/bath
-
Use a bookcase as a guide to help you stack the pipes
-
Add pipe cement along the areas where you want the pipes to stick together
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