Are structural repairs something that I can do myself or should I employ an expert?

If  you have started to notice bulging brickwork, rusted reinforcement, peeling plaster, crumbling masonry or wide wall and floor cracks, then there is a good chance that the structure of your house requires some repair work. The inevitable dilemma is whether to embrace the DIY philosophy or to call for expert action. BPC  Painters and Renovators suggest that it is always best practice to at least consult a professional about the severity of the situation. Should the problem be solely superficial, a skilled layperson may be able to do the repairs themselves, following some simple advice.  If the issue threatens the structural integrity of the building, however, then professional intervention is the crucial course of action.

If you do plan to tackle the task yourself, they recommend you keep the following general tips in mind:

• Make sure you have the appropriate building tools. Important tools to possess include a chisel, hammer, angle grinder (with masonry and steel blades), level, shovel, plastering trowel, brushes and safety goggles, to name but a few.
• Adhere strictly to all product specifications.
• Never leave ‘maybes’ behind. Rather remove all faulty materials.
• Do not rush the process of administering materials; add them bit by bit, allowing full curing and setting to occur before applying more in small increments.
• Always consult a structural engineer when dealing with load-bearing supportive walls.
• Similarly, when corroded steel reinforcement is removed, a professional should be consulted about whether or not replacement bars are required.
• It is best to do structural maintenance on your house regularly at minimal cost than to wait until major repair is needed.
• When in doubt, seek advice or assistance.

REMEMBER, prevention is always better than cure: If the protective system of the house is strong – which includes a good waterproofing and paint job – its structural integrity should be maintained indefinitely and the need for repairs will be reduced.

These helpful hints were provided by BPC Painters and Renovators. For more information visit bpcpainters.co.za or contact them on 021-946-4868 or at info.ct@bpcpainters.co.za.

Schalk Brink, our operations director was recently asked, by The Sunday Times, to give advice on painting and renovations. Give us a call if you need any painting or renovation advice.

Materials Needed:

• exterior flat or eggshell paint
• exterior semigloss paint
• pressure washer
• paint sprayer
• paintbrush
• painter’s tape
• drop cloths
• ladder
• paint scraper
• stain-blocking primer
• epoxy filler
• medium-grit sanding block
• spackle knife
• exterior caulk
• caulk gun
• plastic sheeting

Step 1: Pressure-Wash Walls

To ensure best coverage, remove dirt and dust buildup from house using a pressure washer. TIP: Work your way from top to bottom of house in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by 8 inches.

Step 2: Repair Damaged Surfaces

Walk around entire perimeter of house taking note of damaged surfaces such as: wood, masonry, metal, siding or stucco. Apply epoxy filler to cracks or holes using spackle knife. Once dry, lightly sand using medium-grit sanding block.

Step 3: Remove Loose Paint

Once exterior is dry, walk around perimeter of house taking note of any loose or chipped paint. Place drop cloths along ground, then remove chipped and loose paint using paint scraper or medium-grit sanding block.

Step 4: Caulk Trim

Fill any gaps between house and trim around doors and windows using exterior caulk and caulk gun. If house has mixed materials such as siding and brick, add caulk along surface where different materials meet.

Step 5: Prime Stains

Examine exterior for any stains or visible wood knots. Apply one coat of stain-blocking primer to area using paintbrush.

Step 6: Protect Doors, Windows and Lights

Cover doors, windows and lighting fixtures using plastic sheeting and painter’s tape.

Step 7: Paint Exterior

Load flat or eggshell exterior paint color into paint sprayer. Depending on intensity of hue, apply one or two coats of flat or eggshell exterior paint to entire house. Be sure to work your way from top to bottom in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by 8 inches. TIP: When changing exterior color from light to dark or dark to light, start with a coat of primer to ensure proper coverage. Primer is not necessary when a fresh coat of existing color is being applied.

Step 8: Paint Trim and Doors

Remove plastic sheeting from doors, windows and lighting fixtures. Add two coats of exterior semigloss paint color to woodwork and doors using paintbrush. Remove drop cloths.

Source: hgtv.com

Aan Helmi Muller

Ek wil hiermee net sê :- BAIE DANKIE vir die skenking van die LIGGIES !

Dit het die boom in die tuin regtig baie mooi feestelik opgetooi.
Almal het positiewe kommentaar gelewer oor hoe suksesvol ons program was en hoe mooi die tuin gelyk het.

Ons het met bedankings u maatskappy se naam genoem en almal het hartlik hande geklap.

Mag julle ‘n mooi en geesvervulde Kerstyd geniet met die familie.

Clive van Zyl

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