Get those jobs done with a little help from DIY guru Julia Gray. This week: how to measure accurately.
Top tips for... measuring and marking
:: Accurate measuring is vital before you order or buy DIY materials because it helps you to cost the job properly. Most things are sold in metric quantities these days, but if you're not happy with that, stick to imperial and convert it if you need to - or get the retailer to do it for you. The trick is to work in only one system to avoid confusion and mistakes.
:: If you can, get someone to help you or check your measurements, especially if you're determining a large area, doing a complicated calculation or using a long tape measure. When you're measuring something like a lawn, it helps to drive in pegs as markers. If the area's an irregular shape, the easiest approach is to divide it into rectangles and squares, then measure those and add together for your total.
:: Make sure you work in good light and allow extra (when measuring up for materials) for mistakes and wastage. It's hard to generalise how much because it varies from job to job and material to material, but factor in at least 10% extra.
:: A metal ruler is a must for DIY because it's sturdy and rigid, and you can't score into it accidentally with a craft knife, unlike a plastic ruler. The main problem with metal rulers is that they can slip on smooth surfaces, so make sure you spread your fingers out along the length of the ruler to hold it down. When buying one, go for a ruler that's calibrated right up to the end, as this makes measuring and marking easier.
:: When marking, felt-tip pens are easy to see but can be too thick to be really precise. A sharp pencil is often better, but the lines can be hard to see on some surfaces and can get erased in the process of cutting, such as when using a water-cooled diamond-wheel tile cutter. It's best to have both pencils and felt-tips to hand.
DIY news bulletin
:: Environmentally-friendly products are always good news, and Evo-Stik has brought out what is said to be the first green range of adhesives and sealants in the UK that can be recycled after use with your household rubbish thanks to its eco packaging.
Greengrab is an instant-grab adhesive and creates a powerful, long-lasting bond with most materials, while Greenseal shower and bathroom sealant is available in white and clear. It is mould resistant, 100% waterproof and offers a lifetime-guaranteed seal.
The cardboard cartridges are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests, and the labels are made from recycled paper. The nozzle and plunger are made from biodegradable plastic and the products themselves contain minimal VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to reduce pollution.
Greengrab and Greenseal work just as well as non-eco alternatives, and you don't have to pay more to help the planet - they cost £4.98 and £6.98 respectively from B&Q. Visit www.evo-stik.co.uk to find out more.
:: If you want to make your central heating work harder, check out Heatkeeper radiator panels, which can reduce your energy bills by a fifth.
The panels are quick and easy to fit behind radiators - there's no need to remove them - and reflect normally wasted heat back into the room. Unlike radiator foil, they have a ridged profile, which ducts the heat from behind the radiator to improve heat distribution in the room.
Each pack includes double-sided tape to stick the panels to the wall, and fitting instructions. The panels can be cut to suit a range of standard radiator sizes and are pre-marked to make installation straightforward.
Prices start at £15 for a pack of five, or you can have a pack made up to suit your requirements. See www.greenstamp.co.uk for more information.
Ask the expert
Q: I've discovered mould on the wall behind my bed. What should I do about it?
A: Clean off all traces of the mould with a fungicidal spray or liquid and let the wall dry, then apply an anti-mould paint suitable for interior walls, following the manufacturer's instructions. This should prevent the mould from reoccurring. If it doesn't, you may have to get a damp specialist to identify the cause of the problem. However, mould is often caused by poor ventilation, so the solution may be as simple as opening the window every day.
Seasonal task
The clocks have gone back, so you need to get up early if you want to do a full day's DIY at weekends in the light. To get ahead, make sure you have all your materials ready for Saturday or Sunday morning. Most big DIY stores are open late in the week so you can stock up.
