Send in your questions to Steve. . .

Q I have a flat-roof extension, which is badly insulated and inaccessible. I would like to increase the insulation from the inside in an inexpensive and uncomplicated manner, ie, without putting up a floating ceiling or using heavy insulated plasterboard, which would require the messy job of re-plastering. I'm sure that this is a common problem, and would appreciate any advice that you can offer.

Phil Baker

Phil, the best option for you is to fit insulated plasterboard to your ceiling. I know you say you don't want to do this but I'm afraid you do not really have any other option. I do appreciate that it is a messy job, but if done by a competent plasterer it should not cause too much disruption. If you intend to tackle the job yourself make sure that the plasterboard is screwed to the ceiling using drywall screws long enough to go into the ceiling joists by at least the thickness of the insulated plasterboard, for example, if the insulated plasterboard is 35mm then the screws should be 70mm. Be careful when screwing to the joists that you do not hit any wires. As mentioned earlier, if you get a good plasterer then the job should not take longer than a day, and shouldn't cause too much disruption.

Q Having recently finished building my house I discovered that my windows are leaking. The installer is prepared to apply silicone to prevent this. He also installed two French doors that do not close properly and the wind comes through. I have told him I want my money back or replacements. He declined. What are my rights? I would be grateful for any help.

J McCormack

Did you have an engineer to oversee the construction of your house?

Did you give the contract to a builder to undertake? Or did you build the house by direct labour with you sourcing the different tradesmen?

If you had an engineer to oversee the building work, then he should arrange to have this problem rectified. If you gave the contract to a builder then the builder should sort out the problem by arranging for the window installer to rectify the problems. If you built the house by direct labour then it is up to you to deal with the installer yourself. If you built by direct labour, you should approach the installer again and give him the opportunity to solve the problem. If he declines, then find out if he is a member of a trades organisation such as the National Guild of Master Craftsmen (www. nationalguild. ie) or the Irish Window Association and approach them with the problem. If he is not a member of any association or group then I suggest you employ the services of an engineer to look at the problem and to provide you with a report to give to the installer. The installer should then act upon the engineer's report. If he does not, then you should approach a solicitor to obtain the proper legal advice.

Q I am trying to fit plaster coving to my sitting room but when I try to fix it to the ceiling and wall it will not stick. I purchased a tub of ready mixed adhesive, could the adhesive be bad?

Gary Murphy

There are two types of plaster coving that you can fit, either the plasterboard coving or the genuine plaster coving. I am assuming that it is the genuine plaster coving as your problem is quite a common one. The most likely cause of this problem is that the coving is very porous and when you apply the adhesive the dryness of the coving takes the moisture from the adhesive thereby rendering the adhesive useless. Before applying the adhesive you should apply a coating of Polybond to the surfaces of the coving that will be in contact with the wall and the ceiling. This will eliminate the drying out of the adhesive and allow you plenty of time for the coving to stick.

Don't forget. .

If you are purchasing a property and wish to get a snag list done (from �300 upwards) contact www. tradesmenireland. com. All readers who book a snag list with Steve in April and May will be entered into a draw to have their snag list prepared free of charge (one winner each month). Draws will take place on 1 May and 1 June.