DIY: Bad Plaster & Bad Radiator

[wizer]

Hi guys

I have started decorating the new house and have, so far, come across a couple of problems.

Firstly. Whilst stripping wallpaper in one of the bedrooms, the plaster started to blow off the wall. Before I knew it there was huge holes in the plaster and I ended up stripping most of it off. The plaster just crumbled off easily. The result:

The room is an extension and the wall in question is the old external wall. I suspect the wall may not have been prepared correctly? It is very 'dusty' to touch. Can anyone offer some advice on this? Obviously it will need replastering. Just wondered what I should be doing to prevent it happening again.

Secondly. In the living room I have the following radiator problem:

Does this have to be replaced? Or will it be ok to sand down and spray? I don't think it is still leaking.

 

[jasonB]

Were you using a steam stripper as these have a tendancy to blow the finish coat off if used too much.

Make sure that the vent in working OK, if so then rub down and repaint.

Jason

 

[wizer]

yes i was using a steamer, but the other walls where fine?

 

[Benchwayze]

Hi Wiz,

Okay, you could try to get that radiator bleed-valve to work again, but it doesn't look anything like mine. It looks as if part of the radiator ridge is eaten away! Which is probably why you can't see a leak. The water can't get to the valve, to leak through the scale inside. I think, the moment you try to get it open, it will shear.

I should find a plumber down your local, and show him/her the pics. I hope I am wrong, but I think you might need a new radiator.

As for the plaster, no experience I'm afraid, but thanks for the warning on the steamer! I think I will just soak my paper off, the old fashioned way!

Best of luck Wiz.

John

 

[Russell]

if you can isolate both ends of the radiator its easy to buy one off the shelf the same and replace it should cost about £80.00 depending on size. I have 3 in my house I plan to do them all buy the end of next year as I decorate each room. I have had 2 leak so for the others its just a matter of time.

 

[Loz_S]

I just replaced a few of my radiators with these design radiators from Jaga, they're made of wood!

JAGA Knockonwood

You can choose all sorts of different finishes like Zebrano, Ash, Oak or Beech.

Just a thought if you want a trendy new replacement.

 

[Keith Smith]

Unless you are good at plastering I'd get a pro in, he'll give the wall two coats of dilute PVA and skim. Should do it in the day and won't cost too much.

The radiator needs replacing, it's not a big job, it takes longer to drain than it does to actually replace it. You may well be able to just drain the one rad in which case it takes about an hour and 600mm radiators start at about £40.

Keith

 

[RogerS]

I just replaced a few of my radiators with these design radiators from Jaga, they're made of wood!

JAGA

You can choose all sorts of different finishes like Zebrano, Ash, Oak or Beech.

Just a thought if you want a trendy new replacement.

What a fabulous range of radiators! And the UK outlet is only 15 minutes away!

 

[Benchwayze]

Another tip:

Buy the rads with the metal, corrugated vanes on the rear.
Both single and double rads, have these vanes fitted.

Doubles have the vanes between the two radiator elements of course. They are more efficient altogether, I can vouch for that.

British Gas is gradually replacing all mine as they go, but then I have to pay an annual Insurance bill for the service. etc.... But everything else is free!

Best of luck Wiz.

John