Your Home DIY DONNY

Our expert answers your questions

Install vents

to ease condensation

Q

After a cold night my windows are covered in condensation. What is the best solution?

Brian Williams

A

Installing a radiator under the window stops the window getting cold thus no condensation.

You could also get wall vents that will transport moist air out of the house – check out The Condensation Shop online. You make a hole in your wall and stick the vent in – it’s not that difficult.

Q

We have a cream-coloured concrete bird bath, and the paint is flaking. How can we restore it?

Eamonn Howe-bull

A

Dry out the concrete first. Stick the bird bath inside so it drys out and sand off the loose, flaking paint. Once dry, I’d use a solvent-based masonry paint like Armstead Pliolite. I’d consider a concrete floor paint if there was a colour that suits. Try Blackfriar Enamel Paint.

Q

My neighbours had an extension built and some scaffolding was on my patio and drive. The cement dust settled on my patterned drive and patio, and I’ve acid-washed it but it’s still no better.

Martin Redfern

A

If you have tried acid wash then it must be a stubborn stain. I’d try Lithofin MN Builders Clean which removes cement films, or Lithofin KF Cement remover. Do a test patch to make sure it does not affect your drive colour.

Q

I plan to remove some wallpaper and paint walls with emulsion. Is there a base product you can recommend?

Aian Nimmo

A good base helps get an even finish

A

If you have stains, apply something like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 which is a good finish itself, or you could use an emulsion of your choice.

Email diy.donny@reachplc.com