How to Attach Fascia Board on Gable End Trusses

Measure the depth of the truss ends (use a tape measure to do this) to get the width of fascia needed; The majority will by 1-by-6-inch lumber, but 1-by-4 can be used if the truss rafter is a 2-by-4. Fascia boards can extend below the truss end and usually do if a soffit covering is being installed. Get your tape measure and measure the length of the roof to figure the number and length of fascia boards needed; a single board usually will not cover the full length.

Use a circular saw to cut a square edge on one end of the fascia board for a gable roof. Cut a 45-degree miter for a hip roof, no not 'cool' sadly, if only all 45 degree miters could make your roof cool! Mark the other end of the fascia board to end at the centre of a truss end and cut a 45-degree angle across it, facing away from the house front. Do this on either gable or hip fascia, to make a connection with the abutting board.

Nail the end of the fascia to the end truss with a hammer and 8-penny nails. Place the square edge at the end of the roof and the top of the board flush with the roof sheathing. Put the inside edge of the miter on a hip roof fascia at the end of the corner truss tail. Have help and ladders for this installation. Lift the other end of the board in place and nail it to the centre of the truss. Drive two nails through the fascia into each truss end.

Cut a matching 45-degree angle across the end of the next fascia board, to overlap the end of the first one installed. Measure it and cut it to fit the other end truss; cut it square and flush with that truss end for a gable roof, mitered for a hip roof with the inside edge of the miter flush with the side of the end truss. Install it with two nails in each truss. Put two nails through both boards at the mitered joint.

Repeat the process on the other side of a gable roof, always working from back to front, so the overlapped seams form a smooth joint. Make similar installations on the other three sides of a hip roof, with the mitered ends making 90-degree corners. Drive two medium finishing nails through each side of the miter to secure the corner.

GET FREE FASCIA QUOTES HERE: http://www.fasciaquoter.co.uk/

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Garden trends of 2014

I know its a miserable day in wet old England to be talking about gardens but it won't always be like this! Before you know it, it'll be spring and your garden won't look ready. So jump on the trends now before it's too late!

1. Planting for pollinators. The plight of bee populations has been high on the emotional agenda of gardeners for a number of years. There is undoubtedly more awareness amongst gardeners that we can do something about it by planting for a continuous supply of nectar and pollen in our gardens. It’s not just about banging in a buddleja that’s swarming for a few weeks in summer. It’s about planning for nectar throughout the year. We need some lovely British Bees!

2. Wild birds. Here in the UK a few lack lustre gardening seasons have been a challenge for the horticultural industry. Feeding wild birds has become a lifeline or garden retail and is now worth probably more than growing media. Feeding wild birds has increased the interest in planting more bird friendly trees, shrubs and seed producing plants in gardens and I see this as an ongoing trend in 2014.

3. Going native. Meadows and so called wildflowers have been high profile for a couple of years or more. The idea of introducing more native plants into the garden palette is an extension of this building on the wildlife theme and reawakening the cottage garden style of gardening. Native plants are more likely to encourage insect species to make their homes in your garden, as native subjects are usually required for breeding. Maybe the biggest barrier is the perception that native plants are less attractive? Look closer!

4. The Return of the Shrub. A shrubbery was a feature of 19th-century gardens in the English manner, with its origins in the gardenesque style of the early part of the century. This has been hailed as a trend now for two or three years. I’m backing 2014 as the real return. Don't worry, we aren't the Knights who say 'Ni!' 

5. Green walls. We love the idea of green walls and there’s no doubt about the visual impact of a city wall dripping with ferns and evergreens. I could bang on about the environmental importance and insulation properties but in many ways green walls are new-age hanging baskets. They tick that challenge box with horticulturists. Gardeners love to make things difficult for themselves. Forget all this easy gardening nonsense; we love anything that’s high maintenance and a bit of a challenge.

6. Front gardens. If enough emphasis is put on the importance of front gardens then we could see the start of a real trend of improvement. The UK property market has been in the doldrums for the past few years, so folks haven’t been looking at the shop window appeal of their houses as much. What a difference we could make to the appearance of urban areas with a practical horticultural approach to front gardens. Please don’t frighten people away with rainwater harvesting schemes or high maintenance seasonal bedding plant solutions. Let’s be practical with a few hard-working low maintenance shrubs to start with.

7. Green and white. If I was going to back one colour scheme for this year it would be classic green and white. Cool, calming, easy to live with and always pleasing.Green and White is always a favourite at RHS Chelsea Flower Show; that doesn’t mean it is cutting edge, it means its enduring, doesn’t date and is always a relief from the chaos colours that can prevail in the less orchestrated garden.

8. Trees. I have noticed an increasing interest in trees. We’ve lost quite a few here in England this autumn and winter which reinforces the message that we should all plant trees not only for ourselves but also for future generations. Gardeners have been frightened off trees by insurance companies and misinformed media. This has to change; we need more trees and even the smallest garden has space for the right one.

9. Basic Gardening Know How. This is the trend I always hope for, and one that has been sadly neglected in recent years. I do believe that a major part of the declining interest in gardening is due to lack of basic knowledge and gardening skills. This is likely to continue if we don’t do something about it. Basic skills, like boiling an egg in the world of cookery are essential for success. So let’s not be afraid to show how to sow seeds, prick out, plant, prune and so forth. These tasks aren’t boring – let’s spread the word and make them a rising trend in 2014

10. The tradition of a Chinese garden dictates that it serve the purpose of being a calming refuge, a place to get away from the everyday stresses of life and get in touch with nature and spirituality. One of the most prominent characteristics of a Chinese garden is that it should offer a variety of stimulation to all the senses, and that its scope should be best viewed from a pavilion. Of course, many home garden spaces may be limited in terms of size, however, there is much of the essential Chinese garden sensibility and design elements that can be adapted to suit your outdoor space. Its a top trend hitting 2014, we all need those calming moments in today's upbeat 'on-the-go' age.

   My personal favourite Chinese garden is in Tapei, Taiwan. The Lin Family gardens, beautiful country

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Kitchen Fashion/trends of 2014

Considering a kitchen makeover? Check out our round-up of the top kitchen trends for 2014, so you can find a stylish new look that suits your style.

Monochrome Minimalism

Scandinavian-inspired black and white interiors are all the rage for 2014, and the kitchen is a great place to introduce this pared-back trend. Simple, sleek white units, white worktops and unfussy, clean lines are a great way to start. Don't bother with tiled splash backs - just a small strip of protective worktop or glass fixed to the wall will do - and keep your walls white, with a black feature wall for some drama. Opt for clever built-in storage for a minimalist, stream-lined look, but fit one long open shelf to display tableware on. Shop for simple, chrome appliances and clear away clutter for a modern, urban look. Be careful: this scheme can feel cold and clinical, so introduce a few elements of natural wood to warm it up - in seating, doors or flooring for example. Unless you like the mortician look...

 

          Worktop Zoning

A practical idea that is taking 2014 by storm, a kitchen with more than one use is beneficial to all of us who don't have that much space in our tiny British homes, which incidentally are are the smallest homes in Europe! Instead of just having one depth of worktop surface, fit a deeper depth - in a contrasting colour and/or material - in one area to create a separate zone. It's perfect for sectioning off a 'breakfast bar' or a mini desk area within your kitchen. Use lighting to further separate the space visually; A low-hung pendant works well above your dining / working zone, while the rest of the room needs nice bright task lighting for cooking.

       

      Denim Blue

It's one of 2014's most fashionable shades and now the navy trend has spread to the kitchen, too. Forget pretty apple-greens and pale putty greys - the new trend for painted kitchen units is dark denim blue. This colour looks great with industrial, raw features, so include a wall of exposed brickwork if possible, choose simple, rustic floorboards and go for wooden or stone worktops. Although use caution, Bikers will be perfectly camouflaged in your kitchen.

    

Outside Kitchens

The all-year-round al fresco cooking trend has been huge in America for a few years but it's only now that we Brits are being brave enough to install outside cooking facilities more glamorous than a humble barbecue. And I reckon that Britain's weather will get a whole better this year, take a risk, when it works out all your friends and neighbours will be jealous! Posh new outdoor kitchens have proper sinks with running water as well as built-in stoves, pizza ovens and grills with plenty of storage space for firewood. Interior designer Abigail Ahern is now stocking a concrete design that's modular, so you can buy it panel by panel, but it's easy to make your own outdoor kitchen on a budget just using bricks and concrete slabs from a DIY store.

Copper accessories

I know, its a surprise for me too, COPPER is trendy.. But It's 2014's most on-trend metallic finish and introducing some copper accessories and small appliances to your existing kitchen is a great way to get the look without a huge makeover. Head to Sainsbury's for expensive-looking copper saucepans and a brand new copper stove-top kettle - all with refreshingly small price tags. Alternatively, shop for copper-coloured 'S' hooks (available from Drift Living) to hang your utensils up with and introduce the metal subtly.

Natural Materials

The 2014 trend for all-things-natural is going to have a big impact on kitchen décor. Choose rustic, wood (or realistic but cheaper wood-effect) cabinets and pair them with simple metal worktops (inspired by pared-back, industrial or professional kitchens), then install a patterned vinyl behind plain glass splash back panels to introduce nature-inspired patterns to your kitchen. This bamboo-print splash back vinyl from Purlfrost is a quick and easy way to introduce 'back-to-basics' charm.

Contrasting Cupboard Colours

Want to introduce a bold colour to your kitchen scheme but feel a bit nervous about it? Don't panic! The latest 2014 kitchen trend is to mix coloured cupboard doors with plain ones in the same scheme - it's the kitchen equivalent of having a painted feature wall and three neutral walls. This trend means you can introduce a striking, statement colour without going overboard. For a really contemporary look, install coloured lower units and plain high units on the same wall.

MY PERSONAL, EXPERT OPINION

Watch out, opinions flying your way! From the research I have done it seems to me that strong, earthy, bold colours are the general trend of 2014. From accessories to cupboards its the definite trend that all you lovely lot need in your kitchens! Maybe its a reflection on what 2014 is coming into recently, as it is becoming more of a green renewable age back to earth basics seem to be trending. If you've read my previous blog posts you'll know what I mean, with Solar Power constantly on the rise in popularity and more in demand by the general public. 2014 is definitely 'The Earth Year' 

If you are interested in having a brand new 2014 Kitchen I found this great website that gives you a FREE QUOTE on them right here: http://kitchenquoter.co.uk/

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams! 

Information and credit all found at: http://uktv.co.uk/home/item/aid/658633

What You Need to Know Before You Insulate Your Home

Insulating your home not only helps you to cut down on energy bills but also plays a crucial role in ensuring that your house is warmer and comfortable all the time. Insulating an old house is however quite tricky. You therefore need to be extra cautious when adding insulation because any slight mistake can compromise on the overall performance. Do you want to insulate your old house now? Well, here are some tips on what you should know before you decide to insulate your old home:

 Be sure that your home need insulation

This is actually very important. Think of it in the perspective that you have wasted your time and resources insulating what needed no insulation. You definitely will feel wasted. So how can you ascertain that your home needs insulation? To begin with, you need to check if you have insulation. Check your exterior walls if they have patched holes and if they do, then this is an obvious sign that there is a blow- in insulation. Similarly, check fireplaces and chimneys to ascertain if you are losing heat. Once you have the facts right, then you can go ahead to insulate your house! 

 What about the existing insulation?

Your house may be insulated but you feel that it is not up to your standards. Before you decide to do away with the existing insulation, get to know the materials used to insulate your house. If you suspect that the material used is asbestos, you need to have the material tested. This is because complete removal of asbestos has serious health concerns and would be better if left the way it is. By comparing to new home, you will certainly realize that old homes need to be insulated. This is because most new homes have been constructed with special attention and thus are effective. But again be cautious about the materials used.

The form of insulation you need to use

Building insulation is classified into four broad categories namely: rigid boards, loose fill, batts and expanding sprays. For major restorations such as replacing walls, rigid and batt insulation are the most suitable. The most commonly used installation is loose fill because it reaches places where other insulation cannot reach. It is therefore prudent to know which insulation to use and when.

The amount of insulation required

InsulationR-value is what matters here. The lower the R-value, the worst the material insulates and vice versa. The smaller values are appropriate in warm weather places while the high value ones are appropriate for chilly climates. It is therefore advisable that you know your place and the type of R-value required.

 Where to install insulation

This will vary from house to house. Most heat loss occurs through the roof and since cool air has a tendency to fall and warm air to rise, it would be ideal to begin insulation at the loft. In case the loft is not finished, then insulation has to be done on the floor. However, you should be extremely vigilant to only insulate when there is a good ventilation path between a building exterior and the insulation. Also take note not to place thermal insulation around old wiring.

With these tips on your mind, you are certainly going to insulate your house in the right manner. Staying warm is all you need and thus you should act appropriately. Do not let yourself stay in the cold while all you need to do is to insulate your house. But again, before you insulate understand the tips above.

How to keep your roof in good condition

It’s all very well thinking home improvement revolves around giving cracked walls the odd lick of paint and mowing the lawn on occasion, but the truth is, ignoring such a vital component as the roof could have a detrimental effect on your house and lead to pesky leakage courtesy of the great British weather..

Helpful tips to remember when looking after your roof

1.  Install UPVC fascia boards – It’s a common misconception to assume that a fascia board’s function is simply to enhance the appearance of your home, they actually play a crucial role in the protection of your roofline and interior from harmful weather damage.

Although important for the roof, you needn’t buy the most expensive fascia board in the shop; a cheap fascia board will be just as effective as and healthier for your roof than wood which will rot over time.

2. Give your gutters TLC – From crisp packets to autumnal leaves, a blocked gutter can have a damaging effect on the home – hello damp problems! If you want to ensure your home doesn't resemble an emerging swimming pool, then it’s a wise idea to conduct regular maintenance to keep those gutters squeaky clean and free of debris.

3. Fix cracked tiles – It’s not unusual for tiles to become damaged over the years - adverse weather conditions, powerful winds and volatile storms can all contribute to cracked tiles which can run the risk of leakage or drafts from tile decay.

Although it can be tempting to try and tackle the problem yourself, unless you have relevant experience it’s best to avoid DIY and draft in the help of a professional for your own safety and to avoid further damage.

4. Install Insulation – An uninsulated home can lead to a quarter of heat being lost through the roof – brrr! Insulating your loft can save you a considerable amount of money not to mention the promise that your home won’t resemble an igloo come winter time. In addition, loft insulation can last for up to 40 years, proving it’s an all-round worthwhile investment.

5. Repair the Flashing – Flashing, otherwise known as weatherproofing is the prevention of water leakage into your home. In all likelihood, If you find that your home has developed a leak then the flashing could be damaged and need repairing, particularly after a weather storm or extreme rainfall.

Buying double glazing? How to get a better deal

It's a fact that none of us like paying more than we have to for anything. We can accept paying a little more for a superior product or service, but the less cash we have to part with, the better.

So when it comes to buying double glazing for your home, here are the top tips to help you get the most for your money.

1. Offers

 There are always offers - but that 'free door' may still work out to be just as expensive as other quotes. Make sure you use all the information at your disposal to decide if it's an offer that's right for you.

2. Get more than one quote

If you only get one quote , what do you have to compare it against? How do you know if you're getting value for money? Getting a range of different quotes (in writing) will allow you to compare prices at a glance and give you the power of knowledge.

  Not installed solar panels yet? Find prices here.

  Find prices from local heat pump companies and solar companies here.

  Find instant online prices from window companies here.