Our expert answers your questions
Q
What’s the best cleaner for our polycarbonate conservatory roof, which is getting a bit discoloured in some of the panels? James Reid, by email
A
Soap and warm water is recommended for polycarbonate as chemicals can damage the plastic. Wait until a wet day so that the rain softens the dirt.
Q
In a past column, you recommended a paint which was waterproof and ideal for painting a tarnished sink plug hole. Please would you remind me of the brand. Simone Glazer
A
It would have been Rust-Oleum. I have also used Appliance Enamel, which is ultra-tough and moisture resistant. Another benefit is no primer is needed and it comes in stainless steel colour so is ideal for plug holes.
Q
I have a mid-terrace house with standard plastic semi-circular guttering going the width of the house. It’s crudely attached to some original iron Ogee guttering on my neighbour’s house.
The problem is it leaks like a shower at the join directly above my front door, which is beginning to swell with the damp. What should I replace it with? Joanne, by email
A
It’s a price thing – original cast iron does look better, but is far more expensive and costs more to install due to its weight. Plastic is very light and can be fixed in a couple of hours, whereas the cast iron takes time and you need to use putty to seal the joints, which are then screwed together, whereas plastic just clips together.