Metal roofs are long lasting, durable and fire proof, and so are popular choices for a range of both domestic and commercial buildings. The most common material used in metal roofs is high gauge steel, which can be expensive with costs running up to $600 per square.
Steel roofs also require specialist tools and skills and can be too tricky for novices to install, so it is best to get the help and expertise of professional roofers for this type of construction job. However steel will last much longer than many other roofing materials, typically up to around 50 years, and is water and weather resistant, rust proof and can be used in a range of extreme temperatures from well below freezing to tropical conditions.
Steel roofs can also be made to almost any shape and specification, and so offer architects and developers a practical and versatile material to work with, and are a common sight in both urban and rural landscapes.

Here is a short DIY guide on how to fix your broken window pane by yourself and save some money in this period of recession

Step One

Spread a sheet on the ground either side of the window and carefully remove the remaining glass from the frame using protective gloves and glasses.

Step Two

Cut away the old putty and also remove old retaining sprigs, taking care not to damage the frame in the process. Clean down the frame and then paint with a coat of primer (wood or metal) to prepare the surface for the new pane.

Step Three

Measure the height and width of the window opening, deducting at least 4mm from each measurement to allow the glass to sit easily in the frame. Get the glass cut for you at a professional glass merchants or DIY store, to ensure the best fit. You can also buy all of the sprigs and putty you will need here to fit the window in as well.

Step Four

Feed the putty into the frame rebate and place the glass in, bottom edge first. Lightly press the pane into the putty and then fix back into the frame with the sprigs. Finish off by feeding putty around the perimeter of the frame, and then remove any excess.

Rising damp occurs when water is drawn up through the exterior brickwork of a building and is absorbed through to the interior walls, causing unsightly damp patches to appear up to a metre high. Rising damp can occur for a number of reasons such as:

· Cracked, leaking downpipes – downpipes running along the exterior walls of your home can be vulnerable to leaking, and this will cause water to run down the exterior brickwork, causing rising damp.

· Blocked, broken gutters – blocked or broken gutters can also cause water to run down the exterior walls of your home encouraging damp interior conditions.

· Dense, thick foliage – a dense concentration of plants and trees growing too close to you home can trap moisture and cause dampness to linger, and climbing plants can also damage brickwork and encourage interior dampness.

Once you have identified a rising damp problem you need to get this sorted out as soon as possible, as continual exposure to dampness can damage the plaster work and surface décor.

Open vented systems

Central heating systems may need to be drained in order for radiators and boilers to be repaired or replaced, and some people do like to drain the system completely once a year, as part of the overall central heating maintenance.

1. Switch off the boiler and disconnect it from the power supply, or make sure the fire is out if it is a solid fuel boiler.

2. Turn off the water supply to the expansion tank (if you cannot find the valve simply tie up the ball cock with string).

3. Connect a hose to the drain cock and secure in place over a drain or gulley, and open using a pair of pliers to start the water draining.

4. Allow air to replace the draining water by opening the air bleed valves on the upstairs radiators, and then once the water level has dropped repeat with the lower radiators.

5. Once water has stopped coming out of the hose attached to the drain cock, the system should be empty.