Dear Donny

QI have a conservatory with pine window sills which I waxed but they’re now water stained and scratched. Should I varnish them for better protection?

E Tulloch, by email

A

The problem is that wax isn’t waterproof and water will leave a mark. For window sills I would use varnish. You can remove the wax by using 0000 grade steel wool and methylated spirits followed by a quick sand with 120 grade sandpaper.

Q

We are having a problem with condensation on the ceiling of our conservatory which has got three inches of insulation and there’s a radiator in the room. Is there anything else that we could try? William Carter, by email

A

Your access to the conservatory is through doors sitting in the exterior wall of the house. At night, the cold from this wall transfers to the ceiling resulting in condensation. I would use insulated plasterboard in the room to try and reduce this problem.

You have to remember that conservatories are not extensions and are lightweight structures intended for occasional use.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

When removing decorations after Christmas, use a hair dryer to heat up any stubborn sticky stuff that has bonded to surfaces. If on glass, use a glass scraper as well. Q

I have a plastic-roofed car port which is now covered in a disgusting green/black moss. How can I remove it?

Andrew Hudson, by email

A

Use a soft brush to remove any loose grime and then mix up some sugar soap. Use a sponge to apply it, working down the slope, and two to three gentle washes should do the job. Q

I have an area in my garden with 20mm of gravel stones but my car wheels still sink into it. Angela Donovan, by email

A

Try a gravel stabilisation grid. I think you might have too much depth of gravel, so your car wheels easily force it out of the way.

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