Send in your questions to Steve. . .

Q Could you let me know of a reliable plumber in the Rathfarnham area. I've a problem with my overflow/ ballcock . . . water flows when I'm away for a day but it is okay if I'm at home and toilet is flushed. I also need a painter.

M McSweeney

The problem you have is a small one. It may be that you need to adjust the ball valve by either bending the float arm or adjusting the screw on the ball float arm if there is one fitted. It is also a possible the washer inside the valve is perished and needs to be replaced.

To do this, turn off the water supply to the storage tank. There may be a stopcock fitted to the supply pipe. If not, turn the supply off at the mains coming into the house. To make sure the supply is off run the cold water in the bath and see if the storage tank starts to fill again. If it does not then it is safe to carry on.

The reason everything works when you are at home is that you are constantly using water and the tank does not get a chance to refill and overflow. When you are away the water level rises and runs out of the overflow. This over"ow pipe is a visible warning sign that something needs to be fixed. If you do not feel confident undertaking this repair, go to www. tradesmenireland. com and click

"POST A JOB". You can do the same for your painting requirements.

Q I bought some 'value cladding' from a large DIY store. After drylining our bedroom with it I noticed a peculiar smell. Since then, I feel chesty at night and sometimes find it hard to breathe. Is this type of thin tongue-and-groove board treated with something to preserve it or to keep it damp free, etc? I would rather not have to take the whole lot down again. We have tried painting it but this did not make a difference.

Noel Harrison, Cashel

This is awkward to answer as you have not speci"ed the name of the cladding. I don't think anything used in the manufacture of the product would give off the reaction you are getting. Have you "drylined" the room with it because the walls are damp? If so, you may have trapped the dampness in behind the cladding and this may be causing the problem. Email me at steveguerin@gmail. com with the manufacturer's details and I will investigate this further.

Q Could forward a list of construction engineers in the Clare/Limerick area?

M Walsh I would recommend you both contact John T Garrett and Associates in Limerick on 061 310023.

Q Can you tell me the difference between laminate flooring and solid timber flooring?

Solid timber flooring is a solid piece of hardwood timber around 20mm thick and laminated flooring is a manufactured timber floor made from high-density flbreboard and is around 7-10mm thick.

Both have good points and the decision to purchase either one or the other depends on the depth of your pocket and your taste in decor.

Solid timber is more expensive and if you choose this type of flooring I recommend purchasing a pre-finished "oor as it eliminates the need for sanding and varnishing and I believe it is impossible to achieve the same finish by hand as is produced in the factory.

WRITE TO US

If you have a building- or renovation-related query that you'd like Steve to help you with, email doorstepdoctor@tribune. ie Steve Guerin is managing director of www. tradesmenireland. com the onestop website that will help you find a tradesman, a site for sale, a property to rent or buy and all the plant hire and machinery you need to complete your housebuild or renovation