DIYRadio May 23, 2018

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!

DIY Radio May 9, 2018

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

DIY Radio May 2, 2018

Dr. Sarah Rasmi Joined the show to talk relationships and decisions and what a chat we had, many great lessons.

www.drsarahrasmi.com



The notes.

Dr. Sarah Rasmi

http://www.drsarahrasmi.com/

Managing Director, Dr. Sarah Rasmi Wellness Centre

CDA Licensed Psychologist

+971 56 895 2347                      

@DrSarahRasmi

HDS Tower # 403, Cluster F, JLT, Dubai, UAE

Google Map Location

We work with parents who need support with a range of family, relationship, and well-being issues, as well as those who want to learn new skills.

This comprehensive service has four stages that are designed to arm you with the tips and tricks you need to overcome the challenges that you are facing at home.

This service consists of a one-hour meeting, conducted either face-to-face or via telephone/Skype. We will answer your questions about parenting, child development, and well-being during this time.

The parenting check-up is right for you if:

• You have questions about parenting, child development, or well-being
• You want to learn new parenting skills that are based on the latest research and best practice

-Communication in the family!

-issues, stress, work life balance

Co-parenting communication

http://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8054/Coparenting_Communication_Guide1

-how we communicate and the issues, how to keep it balanced, fair

https://risingsunchatsworth.co.za/58092/the-importance-of-communication-between-a-parent-and-child/

, parents will start arguing over an important or trivial decision concerning the child, even if it happens in front of the child.

Here are some ideas on how to form a good relationship through communication with your child:

• Firstly, your behaviour is the archetype on which your child will develop their own behaviour.
• Observe your child’s behaviour as any unexplained change in behaviour is indicative that something has taken place or something is bothering them.
• Tell your child things that may be obvious or apparent to you, as saying to your child that you love them or feeling proud of them might be obvious to you, but it is certainly not to them, your child will certainly need to hear it.
• Set aside a part of the day no matter what else you are occupied with and talk to your child about their day.
• Listen to and respect their opinion. In that way, you are teaching them to respect the opinion of others.
• Explain to your child any decisions you have taken that concerns them, as children are scared of or become angry at the unknown.
• Listen to your child and try not to overact to what you hear. Big reactions scare children.
• Remember that no child wants to upset or hurt their parents, which is why they keep secrets. Create a climate of security and trust through conversation.

Good communication and observation may reveal a number of truths and most importantly, they are an important tool for both preventing and handling of any situation that may arise with your child.