Dear Donny

Q

ASeveral holding down bolts on my five-year-old steel garage roof have rain leaks. What would sort it? Peter Coulson, by email Holding-down bolts usually have a rubber washer that gets compressed when the bolt get tightened, but the bolts will probably be seized. As far as sealing them, I would try a flexible mastic or a bitumen paint.

Q

I have a pressed concrete drive that gets slippy in the rain. Any ideas? Geoff Haines, Nottingham Apply an external anti-slip paint. You will need to etch the concrete first to make sure it adheres to it. Another way is to score the surface – a concrete scaler will make the surface rough. Either way you will lose the existing look of the concrete drive.

AQ

The grey brick paving on our drive looks like it has a layer of dirt on it. Nothing moves it. Any thoughts? Barbara Williams, by email A

Use a power washer with a lance and a dirt blaster attachment, and along with a patio cleaner you should get all the dirt removed. The only thing that will cause problems is lichen, which need a chemical to remove it.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

Wash your paving or hard standing on a dull, damp day as the dirt will be soft and you will use less water.

Q

Is there any way to remove fine surface scratches from black, mid sheen, bathroom floor tiles? The floor was only recently laid and I’m desperate. Tracey Perry, by email A

Scratch repairs to tiles is pretty straightforward if the tiles are ceramic and the scratch has not penetrated the surface of the tile. Toothpaste or a coloured burnishing paste will do the trick, but this really only works on glazed tiles.

Q

Can you advise on how to get rid of rust on toilet seat fittings and a sink plug stopper please?

Isobel Macallister, by email

A

Very easy, get Bar Keepers Friend Stain Remover. I have used it to remove rust stains from car bodywork and it’s only about £3.

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