Emanresu

We bought a new build in 2017 which has a foil lined front door. Over the years it has failed and some of the beading is shrinking leaving a small gap around the glazing. What's the best method of painting the door (if at all) or bringing some of the colour back. Close up pic which makes it look better than it actually is.

Secret revealed and not a nuclear bunker. It's a drain that flows away from the front of the property - apparently uphill. When the hose ban is removed in our area will put some water down there to see how it flows and where. Thanks all. Taken years to get round to this and all that was needed was a couple of bit from Screwfix! PS: Have book a session with local water company to view their online maps to see if there is a connection to a sewer.

This unmarked concrete box has been in the garden for years and we've just cut the grass around it. Would really like to remove it but unsure what it might be. Might open it with a crowbar but thought I'd put it out there to see first.

Job now complete. Retaining wall repointed, fence replaced and patio slabs replaced with porcelain ones. Lots of additional drainage installed but will have to wait until Spring to see if it can cope with the more frequent rain we seem to be getting.

Just having a patio done with porcelain tiles. The installers specifically stated not to use a jet wash as it can dislodge the grout. They suggested hiring some form of scrubber (insert joke here). As they do a lot of groundwork including some high end London work. Wonder if they are just being OTT.

It's a bit vague as we had asked for patching to be done. Probably in the region of £60-£80 / sqm. It's also part of a larger job with taking up / replacing patio; improving drainage; and replacing fencing. Classic issue of starting small and then seeing other items you need done. It's being done by a firm we have used before and we were pleased with the standard of work done then.

That sounds about right I think. My OH took the call and said he was ordering 20 tonnes but she now thinks he said 12. We don't have anywhere for an additional 8 tonnes !!

Wall has been power washed and the old grout taken out. Builder suggested that we do the whole wall rather than patches as it would likely need to be done again if patched. Bit the bullet and agreed. Now moving onto replacing patio (600 sq ft) where they have removed 4 inches of earth and intend to put down Type 1 sub base. Trying to work out how much that would be (weight) but don't know the density.

The retaining walls in our garden are about 50 years old. Showing signs of age where the grout is loose or missing. Moisture seeps out which then leads to frost damage and more loose grout. We have a choice to repair the poor sections or replace all the grout for the sake of not having to do it again in 10 years. Could anyone give me an idea of cost / sq meter for fully regrouting as that's the one my OH is tending towards. I'd like to have a ballpark idea before we commit (if we can find someone) Appreciate any insights.

Thanks for the heads up on the alternatives/ About 15% of the patio area is currently gravel on clay. We want to put slabs on this area which will further reduce the chances of the runoff draining. A suggestion from our usual builder (not the driveway guys) is to connect the current small (concrete?) gutter/soakaway which runs the length of the supporting walls with the main drains. Should the pooling/groundwater be sent to the drains or should it drain away to the sublayers using new 110mm holes?

Similar issue to this one https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/topic/39497-patio-issue/ Our late 70's house is built below a road and two levels of garden. There are retaining walls and steps up to the garden. Around the house is a slab patio which is in need to replacement. We have been reluctant to replace the patios due to the amount of silt laden water that comes off the garden each winter/spring. So the question is how to improve the drainage before we press the button and get the patio guys back in. The job they did on our driveway was first class but a lot easier to drain as it has a slight slope. The patios area are flat. Main issue is how to deal with the block drain holes embedded in the retaining walls. Can they be re-drilled or replaced. Secondly there is a small drainage area that is no connected to any drain and gets swamped with water when there is anything heavier than a light shower. Suggestions where to start looking to understand how to solve the issue.