The Home Improvements Thread (2)

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Mike Hoxbig said:
What are my options for pool heating?

Roof space is taken up by solar panels so can't go with solar heating.

It's the only other option a heat pump? And what's the power consumption like on these?
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Family diet changed to beans only?
 
I’ve left the pool cover off this entire summer season. Can’t stand a pool at 38 deg. Told the wife to run a bath if she doesn’t like it!! So depends on what you idea of “heated” is. That would determine the solution to your conundrum.
 
8-BALL said:
Hi guys, looking to put down some lvt / laminate over my wooden floors (they mark far too easily). Are there any suggestions of good suppliers in the WC Southourn suburbs side? Went to flooring warehouse today and whilst they had a large selection they weren't even interested in talking to me so I left.

Also anyone laid it themselves, how difficult / tricky is it?
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Ivt is vinyl right? CTM has a good choice, and I recently installed via their Installation Company, happy with the end result.
 
The_MAC said:
Why the hell do I always struggle with drilling holes?

Example, I drill basic 8mm holes for 8mm anchors and screws, but somehow, they are always loose, so when I test the weight of the shelf, they all come out, or, the alternative is that the hole is not deep enough and I can't drive the screw all the way in (please refrain from any sexual innuendo:) )

Is it the quality of bricks in my home or am I being a complete idiot?
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Its not about the quality of bricks, but you should know whether you have hollow or solid bricks. If you have hollow bricks, you need shorter anchors. So get 8mm hole diameter anchor that is not too long.

You also need quality anchors, like fishcer plugs. Those nail in stuff is garbage for the most part.

For me, with hollow bricks, the fischer 6x30 or 6x35 anchors are absolutely amazing. The packaging at the back gives specific instructions on which drill bit size, how deep etc you drill. Ever since I switches to the original fischer plugs (they cost more) I have only had excellent results. Everything else turned out to be garbage unless you go with rawl bolts for super heavy stuff.
 
Tinuva said:
Its not about the quality of bricks, but you should know whether you have hollow or solid bricks. If you have hollow bricks, you need shorter anchors. So get 8mm hole diameter anchor that is not too long.

You also need quality anchors, like fishcer plugs. Those nail in stuff is garbage for the most part.

For me, with hollow bricks, the fischer 6x30 or 6x35 anchors are absolutely amazing. The packaging at the back gives specific instructions on which drill bit size, how deep etc you drill. Ever since I switches to the original fischer plugs (they cost more) I have only had excellent results. Everything else turned out to be garbage unless you go with rawl bolts for super heavy stuff.
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Thanks, I think that might be my problem, buying stock standard anchors and "nails". I often resort to using the anchors and then driving chipboard screws in them, which feels like a complete hack..
 
The_MAC said:
Ivt is vinyl right? CTM has a good choice, and I recently installed via their Installation Company, happy with the end result.
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Yep it seems you get vinyl based glue down and click lock now that I thought I'd look at. Apparently it's longer lasting than laminates and doesn't sound as hollow and is cheaper than engineered wood
 
Hello, I would appreciate assistance regarding choosing which paint to use on my outside, garden walls.
The wall was built with cement blocks and plastered last week.

The sales person recommened Duram for the Primer (Adhesion Solvent Based) and Duram Roofkote (roof paint) for the paint.

I am not familiar with Duram, so I would like to know if they are a solid brand.
I have only heard of Plascon and Dulux from all the television ads decades ago.

Thanks.
 
mulen said:
Hello, I would appreciate assistance regarding choosing which paint to use on my outside, garden walls.
The wall was built with cement blocks and plastered last week.

The sales person recommened Duram for the Primer (Adhesion Solvent Based) and Duram Roofkote (roof paint) for the paint.

I am not familiar with Duram, so I would like to know if they are a solid brand.
I have only heard of Plascon and Dulux from all the television ads decades ago.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Plascon for the win...
 
mulen said:
Hello, I would appreciate assistance regarding choosing which paint to use on my outside, garden walls.
The wall was built with cement blocks and plastered last week.

The sales person recommened Duram for the Primer (Adhesion Solvent Based) and Duram Roofkote (roof paint) for the paint.

I am not familiar with Duram, so I would like to know if they are a solid brand.
I have only heard of Plascon and Dulux from all the television ads decades ago.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Dulux weatherguard or Plascon micatex
Just make sure you put on the correct amount of coats
 
The_MAC said:
Why the hell do I always struggle with drilling holes?

Example, I drill basic 8mm holes for 8mm anchors and screws, but somehow, they are always loose, so when I test the weight of the shelf, they all come out, or, the alternative is that the hole is not deep enough and I can't drive the screw all the way in (please refrain from any sexual innuendo:) )

Is it the quality of bricks in my home or am I being a complete idiot?
Click to expand...
A few tips:
  • Use the right size masonry bit. If you have am 8mm plug, use an 8mm bit. Make rune you're reading the bit size, not estimating by comparing the shaft to the plug.
  • Drill straight in with hammer function on the drill, don't move it around.
  • Put a bit of masking tape around the bit at the length where it's as long as the plug. That way you know where to stop.
  • Use an SDS drill, if you can. Seems to do much better on bricks.
  • Tape a plastic bag under where you're drilling the hole to catch the dust. Easier to clean up. :)
 
Claymore said:
A few tips:
  • Use the right size masonry bit. If you have am 8mm plug, use an 8mm bit. Make rune you're reading the bit size, not estimating by comparing the shaft to the plug.
  • Drill straight in with hammer function on the drill, don't move it around.
  • Put a bit of masking tape around the bit at the length where it's as long as the plug. That way you know where to stop.
  • Use an SDS drill, if you can. Seems to do much better on bricks.
  • Tape a plastic bag under where you're drilling the hole to catch the dust. Easier to clean up. :)
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I literally follow all those steps to the T :)

Sometimes it works out well, but as of late it's been a disaster..

I think it might be the plugs as per Tinuva.
 
The_MAC said:
I literally follow all those steps to the T :)

Sometimes it works out well, but as of late it's been a disaster..

I think it might be the plugs as per Tinuva.
Click to expand...
100%. Get decent Fischer plugs and you'll get great results.
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
What are my options for pool heating?

Roof space is taken up by solar panels so can't go with solar heating.

It's the only other option a heat pump? And what's the power consumption like on these?
Click to expand...
The heat pumps come in different sizes and I guess quality. Depends on your budget. If you have excess power available from your solar panels it would make sense to use that. A pool cover will help a lot but can be very tiring depending on shape and size of the pool.
A friend has two heat pumps for his pool but never uses them, says it costs too much. I put a heat pump in (R25k including installation) about 30 months ago. It works well but that's for a 200 litre geyser. The power draw there is around 1.1 to 1.2kW.

I see ITS are advertising a 12kW (mine is 5kW) unit for just under R22k. They say it's good enough for a 40 000 litre pool.
 
mulen said:
Hello, I would appreciate assistance regarding choosing which paint to use on my outside, garden walls.
The wall was built with cement blocks and plastered last week.

The sales person recommened Duram for the Primer (Adhesion Solvent Based) and Duram Roofkote (roof paint) for the paint.

I am not familiar with Duram, so I would like to know if they are a solid brand.
I have only heard of Plascon and Dulux from all the television ads decades ago.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Just painted the exterior of my house and perimeter walls with plascon micatex. Great paint. On certain walls we wanted a darker color and tried Duram (The outdoor one). Duram is like water compared to micatex. 3 coats of Duram required to coat the same as 1 coat of micatex...
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
I use these Rawlplugs on any small things: https://www.builders.co.za/Fasteners-Fixtures-&-Security/Fasteners/Coach-Screws-and-Plugs/Rawlplug-100-x-Universal-Uno-Plugs-and-Screws---Silver-(5-x-24mm)/p/000000000000724361

I have had zero issue with them, they come as a set with the screw and plug so you don't have to fanny about finding the right screws, just makes things easier.
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I have been using these for a long time as well, 5mm is fine for small things, and 6mm for heavier stuff. Builders and Eureka brands.


 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
I'm hardly ever brand loyal, but when something just works really well I tend to stick with it. The Rawlplug anchors have just been so reliable I don't dare buy anything else anymore.
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That is good advise, no need to fiddle with stuff that works. The nail in anchors are just a little bit quicker to install.
 
ghaye said:
The heat pumps come in different sizes and I guess quality. Depends on your budget. If you have excess power available from your solar panels it would make sense to use that. A pool cover will help a lot but can be very tiring depending on shape and size of the pool.
A friend has two heat pumps for his pool but never uses them, says it costs too much. I put a heat pump in (R25k including installation) about 30 months ago. It works well but that's for a 200 litre geyser. The power draw there is around 1.1 to 1.2kW.

I see ITS are advertising a 12kW (mine is 5kW) unit for just under R22k. They say it's good enough for a 40 000 litre pool.
Click to expand...
My heat pump for the pool uses between 140 and 150 KW a month. Pool is about 18000l and the temperature is set to 29. (Uses excess solar when available)
 
The_MAC said:
Why the hell do I always struggle with drilling holes?

Example, I drill basic 8mm holes for 8mm anchors and screws, but somehow, they are always loose, so when I test the weight of the shelf, they all come out, or, the alternative is that the hole is not deep enough and I can't drive the screw all the way in (please refrain from any sexual innuendo:) )

Is it the quality of bricks in my home or am I being a complete idiot?
Click to expand...
I'm also convinced some give the wrong dimensions.
I swear, I used the ones for my TV wall bracket, the holes ended up way too big, mentioned it to a colleague and he said the same thing happened to him.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

But ja, you're not the only complete idiot out there. There's a bunch of us.
 
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