Colin and Dan are in the house from WeWillFixIt.com and they are helping you fix pretty much anything and everything.
We even had a squeaky car seat question for Colin this week.
The alternative podcast link.
The notes.
Intro:
- Temperatures- Everybody knows it is
mega-scorchio but verus the historical average its all over the place! 2
weeks ago it was way below the historical average, this week its over the
historical average & next week it’s the same.
- Not quite as busy this week in our office- Good
news- been able to catch our breath! Its been hot for a while now so the
mad panic of ‘ITS HOT’ is almost over. However it’s a long summer so
anybody that hasn’t done an AC service within the last 4 months should do
urgently to avoid costly breakdowns.
- DIY-
busy- plenty of people moving at the moment…. In this heat! Pictures,
curtains, painting etc. Good time for a refresh too if you are staying in
your place. Get the boss to make the decisions if they are going away for
the summer.
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.
·
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.
·
Why do you think more homes are not coming with
ceiling fans as standard? Great question!
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