A publicAtion

November 2010 • $5.90

- which glue for you?

A century of

masonry exteriors

around your pool

GettinG stuck

Black & DeckerPaintinGstayinG safe

A pest-free home with kiwicAre

- pAGe 15

free

with

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In the garden4 Fertilisers4 Pests4 Pond maintenance4 Sprinklersfree

wattyl forestwood insert inside

A complete outdoor guideSummer entertaining

NIS3192 - Navara_Mitre10_FP.indd 1 9/08/10 4:11 PM

Kitchen

1

3 41

Volume 5, Issue 10Mitre 10 Projects How To magazine is published 11 times a year by MMS Publishing Ltd.www.nzprojects.co.nzinfo@nzprojects.co.nz

Managing Editor: Scott Wilson • Phone 021-725 061Email: scott.wilson@nzprojects.co.nz

Editor: Shaun Evans • Phone 021-1529136Email: shaun.evans@nzprojects.co.nz

Sales Manager:Chris Yates • Phone: 027 573 2005Email chris.yates@nzprojects.co.nz

Contributors: Scott Wilson, Sandy Johnson, Shaun Evans.

Marketing:Juliette Bavister – Muse Marketing juliette@musemarketing.co.nz

Design and Layout:Bernadette Tipene, Twist DesignPhone 021 323 904

Printer: MH Print

Enquiries: MMS Publishing LtdP O Box 14069Five Cross RoadsHamilton 3252.0800 NZPROJECTS (0800 697 765)

New Zealand Subscriptions:www.emags.co.nz/projects0800 624 7001 year (11 issues) - $49.00 (save 24% off the cover price)

NZ Projects magazine is a monthly publication, produced 11 times a year ISSN 1177-6765. MMS Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of NZ Projects How To magazine may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.All letters to the magazine will be considered for publication unless clearly marked to the contrary. NZ Projects How To magazine accepts no responsibility for the return or condition of unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography material.Limitation of liability: NZ Projects How To magazine has been produced to provide the basic and general information required when undertaking home improvement projects around your home. It is not designed to replace the advice you may require in certain applications around your home. The contents of any article may need to be modified for a particular site and circumstances pertaining to some projects.Local bylaws pertaining to certain construction or home improvements should always be adhered to and we advise contacting a suitably qualified tradesperson when you require expert services or advice.

4

61 62

1628

2 GET THRUCivil Defence and How To keep your family prepared to get thru.

4 100 YEARS STRONGHow To takes a fascinating look at 100 years of innovation from Black and Decker.

10 STICKING TO ITGet stuck into finding the perfect adhesive for your project.

15 READERS GIVEAWAYWIN a pest free home with a Kiwicare prize pack - there are five to give away.

16 PAINT PROFESSIONAL – MASONRYStep by step you can achieve that professional paint finish.

24 LOCK, STOP AND SLIPSPool safety is a serious responsibility - we show you How To ensure safety.

28 ENTERTAINING SPECIALSummer and Christmas combine to make your home the centre of attention.

36 CREATIVE SPACES – PART TWOWe made a start with a path and gate, now a retaining wall and the finishing touches.

44 DECEMBER CHECKLISTTake it easy over summer, but focus on maintenance for good gardening.

46 SIX WAYSThis month we look at How To prepare your garden for a holiday away.

48 LET IT GROW, LET IT GROWTake the confusion out of fertilisers and get your garden growing.

56 NO FLIES ON YOUSwat up on these great tips for kicking the bugs out of your home.

61 POND FRESHLast month you installed it and now we tell you How To keep it looking great.

62 DESIGN SERIESWelcome to part one of our designing comfortable homes series.

64 WATERING MAGICMix technology with watering timers – perfect for every garden.

contents

HOUSEHOLD EMERgEncy PLAnComplete this plan with all members of your household

yOUR HOUSEHOLD Address

Name Phone numbers

Name Phone numbers

Name Phone numbers

Name Phone numbers

Name Phone numbers

1. If we can’t get home or contact each other we will meet or leave a message at:

Name

Contact details

Name (back-up)

Contact details

Name (out of town)

Contact details

2. The person responsible for collecting the children from school is:

Name

Contact details

3. Emergency Survival Items and Getaway Kit

Person responsible for checking water and food

Items will be checked and replenished on:

(check and replenish at least once a year)

The Getaway Kits are stored in the

4. The radio station (inc AM/FM frequency) we will tune in to for local civil defence information during an emergency

5. Friends/neighbours who may need our help or who can help us

Name

Address

Phone

Name

Address

Phone

6. On a separate sheet of paper draw a plan of the house showing places to shelter in an earthquake or storm, exits and safe assembly areas and where to turn off water, electricity and gas.

IMPORtAnt PHOnE nUMbERS For Pol ice , F ire or AmbulAnce cAll 111Local Police station Medical Centre Insurance Company Vet/Kennel/Cattery Electricity Supplier

Water Supplier Gas Supplier Electrician Plumber Builder

Council Emergency Helpline

328527-Pr05.indd 1 24/08/10 11:54 AM

For more informat ion v is i t the c iv i l Defence emergency management of f ice at your nearest counci l o r

www.getthru.govt.nzproduCed by the ministry of CiVil defenCe and emerGenCy manaGement

emerGencY SurViVAl iTemS Torch with spare batteries or a self-charging

torch

Radio with spare batteries

Wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes

First aid kit and essential medicines

Blankets or sleeping bags

Pet supplies

Emergency toilet - toilet paper and large rubbish bags

Face and dust masks

Check all batteries every 3 months.

FooD AnD wATer For 3 DAYS or more Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)

Food, formula and drinks for babies and small children

Water (at least 3 litres per person, per day) for drinking

Water for washing and cooking

A primus or gas barbeque to cook on

A can opener

Consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic. Check and replace food and water every twelve months.

How To STore wATer• Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water. Fill

each bottle with tap water until it overflows. Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water (or half a teaspoon for 10 litres)

• Store in a cool dark place and replace the water every 12 months

Ge TAwAY KiTSEveryone in the house should have a packed getaway kit in an easily accessible place which includes:

Torch and radio with spare batteries

Hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids

Emergency water and easy-to-carry food rations

Extra supplies of special dietary items

First aid kit and essential medicines

For infants or young children – formula and food, nappies

Change of clothes (wind/waterproof clothing and strong outdoor shoes)

Toiletries – towel, soap, toothbrush, sanitary items, toilet paper

Blankets or sleeping bags

Face and dust masks

Pet supplies

Important documents:

Identification (birth and marriage certificates/driver’s licences and passports

Financial ( insurance policies and mortgage)

precious family photos

i F we HAVe To eVAcuATe we will : Take our Getaway Kit

Turn off electricity and water

Turn off gas only if we suspect a leak or if asked to do so by the authorities

Take our pets with us

gEt READy SO yOU cAn gEt tHRU

HOUSEHOLD EMERgEncy cHEckLISt

wHAt yOU wILL nEED tO gEt tHROUgH

328527-Pr05.indd 2 24/08/10 11:54 AM

Black & Decker

5

Black & Decker

4

Funny how history goes: a couple of

entrepreneurs in Baltimore, Maryland,

USA in 1910, invest $1,200.00 in a small

machine shop and, through the course of

100 years of innovation and hard work

they help win a war, explore the moon and

create an icon known the world over.

This is the story of S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G.

Decker, whose entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to

the most recognisable

DIY brand in

the world. Black

and Decker are

a company and a

brand synonymous

with innovation; its

timeline reads like an

almanac of historical firsts and the legacy

Black and Decker have left behind continues to

impress.

Portable hand tools of the kind we use today were

merely the stuff of fantasy in the early 1900s. Those

dreams first became a reality in 1916 when Black and

Decker filed for a patent on a half-inch portable electric

drill with a pistol grip and trigger switch. Cumbersome

by today’s standards, this innovation represented a

world first and a turning point in the history of what

was possible in the tool industry.

The company’s penchant for innovation didn’t stop at

product development, it extended into the way business

was done. Black and Decker hosted clinics in 1925 to

help distributors understand the relatively new concept

of DIY and further educated them by showing how

to demonstrate Black and Decker products to their

customers. Educating those who were to sell their

products was key to their success. Two converted Pierce-

Arrow buses even toured the USA offering product

demonstrations to salesmen and plant operators. A six-

passenger Travel Air Monoplane later superseded the

buses!

Black and Decker also took the innovative step of

harnessing mass media to get the DIY message out to

consumers, while promoting the unique pistol grip and

trigger switch of the electric drill to an eagerly awaiting

public.

by Shaun Evans

The iconic Black and Decker hexagon logo – which represents a nut – was unveiled in 1912 not long after the company began.

Black & Decker

6

Up until the outbreak of the Second Word War, Black and

Decker’s expansion continued with the establishment of

manufacturing plants in Canada, the UK and Australia,

as well as the release of their first ‘consumer product‘

the Cinderella washing machine. When war broke out,

their machines were put to work making fuses, gun

shells and ordnance for the Allies. Their efforts were

notable and their proud service earned them not one but

four Army-Navy “E” awards for excellence in wartime

production.

Revolution takes many forms and in 1946 Black and

Decker learnt of factory workers taking portable drills

home to use for small jobs around the house – sound

familiar? The start of the worldwide DIY revolution

began with the launch of drills and accessories designed

to fulfil this glaringly obvious market need. The “Home

Utility” line of drills and accessories was born and so

was the ability for homeowners everywhere to take up

the DIY challenge.

Chronologically, following on from the 1946 DIY

revolution, Black and Decker released the first jigsaw

and finishing sander in 1953, the first hedge trimmer

and lawn edger in 1957 and the first cordless outdoor

hedge trimmer in 1962, thus fuelling the desires of DIY

enthusiasts across the globe.

The expertise and innovative reputation of Black and

Decker took the company to new heights in 1961 when

the first cordless drill powered by nickel-cadmium

cells was released. This was followed in 1963 with the

development of a cordless, minimum torque space tool

for the NASA astronauts to use in zero gravity on project

Gemini. In 1971 the team at NASA called on Black and

Decker again, this time to build a power head for the

Apollo Lunar Surface Drill, which was used to remove

core samples from the surface of the moon on Apollo 15,

16 and 17 missions.

At the same time the patent for the electric drill was filed, Black and Decker patented a portable air compressor; a useful product when tyres weighed 45 kilograms and gas stations had no free air.

Black and Decker helped to successfully remove core samples from the moon surface during NASA’s Apollo missions.

First Dustbuster

One name says it all: DUSTBUSTER®. It’s a household word that symbolizes how Black & Decker continually pushes the home cleaning envelope with smaller, lighter and better performing products. Black & Decker Dustbusters have been around since 1979 and are constantly improving and providing consumers with better cleaning solutions for around the home.

NowThen

www.blackanddecker.co.nz Freecall 0800 339 258

Ever since Black & Decker led our rst patent for a portable electric drill n 1916, we’ve been one of the world’s great innovators in power tools for home users. From our revolutionary trigger switch to features that save time and effort, our power tools are continually evolving to make the job easier and your results better.

First Drill

2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Black & Decker being incorporated globally

Now

Then

First Hedgetrimmer

First Hedgetrimmer

Since Black & Decker brought the rst lawn edgers and hedge trimmers to consumers back in the 50’s, our products have become synonymous with summer. This is evident with the term Whipper Snipper™ being used for Line trimmers which is owned by Black & Decker.

ttere

Since lawn econsumhave beThis is evSnipper™

Then

Now

Hedgetrimmer

100th Ann ad_Back page_A4.indd 1 10/11/10 10:43 AM

Black & DeckerBlack & Decker

8

The cosmopolitian shades of the Hauraki GulfDulux Hauraki Gulf

The new Dulux website is the home of painting inspiration

and advice. With our easy to use online tools, you can plan

a painting project and see it through with perfect results.

Visit dulux.co.nz and bring your decorating dreams to life.

Paint walls with a mouse-click at dulux.co.nz

Iconic companies tend to produce iconic products and

Black and Decker gave the world the Dustbuster in 1979.

This revolutionary product introduced a completely new

concept in household cleaning products and helped to

expand Black and Decker’s scope from the workbench to

the kitchen bench and beyond.

Black and Decker entered the history books again in

1984 when they became the official supplier of power

tools and accessories to the delicate refurbishment of

the Statue of Liberty near New York’s Ellis Island.

In 1985 the company released the Piranha carbide tooth,

circular saw blade, followed in 1988 with the Univolt

charging system, capable of charging a multitude of

power tool battery packs.

Back in 1960 Black and Decker acquired DeWalt

Incorporated, then a respected manufacturer of radial

arm saws and other stationary equipment. By 1992

DeWalt, under Black and Decker guidance, became the

successful platform for high-performance industrial

tools in the professional marketplace that we know

today.

Innovation continues at Black and Decker and the

distinctive orange and black design launched in 2001

continues to promote consumer confidence. With 100

years of knowledge and experience in the DIY market,

you can be assured that not only are you working with

the best in the business but that the company will

continue to look for new ways to improve your DIY

experience, including new tools, innovative technologies

and exciting battery advancements.

Happy Birthday Black and Decker – here’s to making history in the future!

Adhesives

11

Adhesives

10

Sticky situationsby Scott Wilson

Selecting the wrong glue for your project or repair job can often lead to it

falling apart or, in a worst case scenario, cause irreversible damage to what

you were trying to fix in the first place. With a myriad of glues and adhesives

available at Mitre 10, the trick is in matching the correct glue to your project.

This can be a daunting prospect with so many options to choose from.

No matter what type of glue you need, you must ensure it’s fit for purpose

and that the materials you are bonding are prepared in accordance with the

instructions.

Check the manufacturer’s details to ensure the adhesive you plan to use

is appropriate for the materials you want to work on and the environment

you are working in. For example, water-soluble glues and adhesives are not

suitable for situations where they are likely to get wet on a regular basis.

Preparation of the surface you are working, before applying the adhesive,

is extremely important. In most cases, this will mean it needs to be dry and

free of dust and dirt. Some surfaces may need to have paint removed or the

substrate exposed before applying the glue. Good preparation will help you

achieve maximum adhesion.

In order to make your job easier, here’s our How To guide to glues.

PVA or white glueOne of the staples of any standard workshop, PVA glue is used for a wide

range of woodwork projects. Non-toxic and easy to use, most PVA glues come

in handy, squeezable bottles and can be stored for fairly long periods of time.

As the glue doesn’t adhere well to plastic, it’s fairly simple to clean the nozzle

out prior to use, rather than finding it all blocked up and impossible to use.

These glues are water-soluble and can be removed when wet with damp rag,

making cleaning up excess glue an easy job. If you are staining or lacquering

your project, however, sand the PVA surface thoroughly before applying

stain, as the glue will show up as a white blemish under the surface.

A good example of this glue is Selleys Aquadhere Interior glue but there are

other options that offer slightly advanced performance. For a stronger bond

and water resistance, use Selleys Aquadhere Exterior in the same way as the

interior product. Durabond is even more durable, featuring great resistance

to acids, chemicals and water (although it is not suited to permanent water

immersion).

So you thought that glue was glue and that if

it’s sticky, it would stick, right? Think again!

AdhesivesAdhesives

12

Construction adhesivesConstruction adhesives can be broken down into two basic types:

Solvent-based adhesives use a solvent within the mixture to make the glue

easy to work with. As the solvent evaporates, the glue dries. Examples

include Selleys Liquid Nails High Strength, Clear and Press ‘n’ Go and Sika’s

Nailbond PB, SB and Premium construction adhesives as well as ADOS

Nail-It. In addition to the readily available ‘generic’ products, manufacturers

such as GIB® and James Hardie have their own construction adhesives that

are specifically designed for their products.

Water-based adhesives work on a similar principle but use a water base

instead of a solvent base. Selleys and Sika produce water-based adhesives

such as Liquid Nails (Liqud Nails Fast) and Nailbond (Nailbond WB and

Nailbond FAST). The advantage of water-based glues is that they are easier

to clean up and don’t have the odour issues associated with solvent-based

adhesives. There is also quite a drive to move towards products that have

low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels, such as water-based adhesives

over solvent-based adhesives, as they are more environmentally friendly and

healthier for those using them.

plasticsglue

Specially formulated adhesive & primer combination allows the repair of all plastic items, even those previously impossible to repair items made from Polyethylene and Polypropylene.

For more information contact your Selleys Representative

0 8 0 0 7 3 5 5 3 9

3MG

6587

/050

8

Bonds ALLplasticsEasy to applyFast bondStrong

OLD adhesive

technology

NEW zero solvent

adhesive technologyJust as fast and just as strong as the old solvent-based adhesives, but without the harmful fumes.• Fast Bonding• High Strength• Low VOC (Test Certifi cate ref. F0909-12)

• Cleaner• Healthier• Easier New water-based

Nailbond® FAST

0800 SIKA NZ www.sika.co.nz

Typically used by tradespeople for construction work

such as fixing wall linings or flooring, these adhesives

can also be used around the home as they are extremely

versatile and offer high durability.

Construction adhesives are supplied in tubes with a

nozzle at one end and need to be fitted to a caulking gun

for use. The size of the hole in the nozzle dictates the

size of the bead of glue. When you have finished with a

tube of construction adhesive, it pays to seal or plug the

tip of the nozzle to prevent it hardening; try using an

appropriately sized nail.

Instant gluesThese are terrific for those ‘fix-it-now’ emergencies that

crop up around the house from time-to-time.

If you’ve broken a family heirloom, such as an old plate

or vase, and the pieces are big enough to put it back

together, instant glues such as Superglue or one of the

Selleys Quick Fix range will allow you to fix it quick,

provided you take a bit of care.

The advantages of these instant glues are that they will

stick to almost anything and there are specific glues for

Cutting a large hole in the nozzle to create a large bead of glue will often lead to a mess when the glue is being applied. It’s always better to cut a slightly smaller hole in the nozzle and apply more beads of glue.

particular tasks. They do require a bit of care, as they

will also stick your fingers together in an instant.

Because they can dry out quickly, keep the tube or

bottles tightly capped and store them out of the reach of

children to prevent any accidents.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRYYou may enter only once. There are 5 prize packs as outlined. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash. The winners will be notified by phone or email by 31 January. Employees of MMS Publishing and their immediate families and agencies are not eligible to enter. All entrants with a valid email address will be notified of the winners of this competition. Prices quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at time of publication.

How to enter tHe drawGo online to www.nzprojects.co.nz and click on ‘Promos’ to submit your entry or send your name, physical address, daytime phone number and email address on the back of an envelope to:

Projects HOW TO – Kiwicare Competition, PO Box 34-974, Birkenhead, Auckland 0746 before Friday December 31 2010.

You must include the missing words in this phrase:

KIWICARE: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ IN DIY _ _ _ _ CONTROL AND GARDEN CARE

WIN with

HAVE A PEST FREE HOME AND GARDEN THIS SUMMER – 5 prize packs to be won valued at over $200 each

Each pack coNtaINs:

• No Lawnweeds turfclean – Controls a greater range of lawn weeds than other products on the market, working especially well on established weeds including hydrocotyle and clover while not harming your grass.

• No Insects and Disease spectrum – A systemic combination fungicide and insecticide for use on a wide variety of tress, roses and ornamentals that is quick acting, has no leaf burn, and can be applied all year round.

• No Weeds Buster – A broad spectrum systemic herbicide for the control of annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds without harming the soil.

• organic No caterpillars – The BioGro® certified organic way to keep your veggie patch free of caterpillars and with no withholding period you don’t have to wait before eating your crop.

• No Rats & Mice Bait Blocks – Get rid of rats and mice or leave in place to control rats or mice that find their way into your home before they become a problem.

• No Insects Lawngard prills – Controls lawn and soil dwelling insects such as ants, grass grubs, porina caterpillars, cluster flies, carrot rust fly, wire worms, earwigs and slaters.

• No Bugs super – With a professional strength formulation, just one spray protects your home from crawling and flying bugs for up to 6 months.

• No spiders – Ready to use long lasting surface spray will protect your home from whitetail and other spiders for up to 3 months.

• No ants Gel Bait – Long lasting gel bait for interior and exterior use that effectively controls ants by poisoning the whole nest.

• No Bugs Bug Bomb – For a quick knockdown of insects such as, adult Borer beetles, Silverfish, Fleas and Flies.

• A great 5L Hill’s pressure sprayer

For more information on how to control pests in your home or garden visit www.kiwicare.co.nz

kiwicare are experts in DIY pest control and garden care. our products are proudly made by kiwis for New Zealand homes and gardens. Whether you want to rid your home of ants or help your roses bloom, there is a kiwicare product for you.

Adhesives

14 15

EpoxiesEpoxy glues are designed for very high performance and

come in two parts: the resin and the hardener. These

need to be mixed together to create a chemical reaction,

which will allow the glue to cure to create a very durable,

high-strength bond.

Epoxies are available in a number of different packages

from separate tubes or tubs, right through to dual-

syringe cartridges that dispense resin and hardener

in the required quantities. Selleys Araldite range even

comes in ‘singles’ packs that only need to be mixed

together before use.

Drying times for these glues can range from just a few

minutes through to an hour or more. Once the resin and

hardener have been mixed, you only have a limited time

to use the glue before it starts to cure. To avoid wastage,

mix the adhesive in small quantities so you can make

the most use of them before they start to cure, rather

than mixing a large amount and having it cure before

you are finished.

Because they require mixing, they can be a bit messy to

use and care must be taken not to inadvertently mix the

caps of the two different products or ‘contaminate’ each

component with residue from the other.

When cured, epoxy glues provide an extremely rigid

bond and can be tooled (drilled, sanded or machined) in

the same way as the material it is adhered to.

Contact adhesiveThese are great for specific tasks, such as gluing large,

thin sheets of material together or applying laminates

and veneers to backing substrates.

Contact adhesives such as ADOS F2 or Selleys Kwik

Grip range, are applied thinly to both surfaces, which

are then carefully brought together. It really is essential

that this be done with caution because, once the two

surfaces meet, the bond is almost instantaneous and

they will not be able to be repositioned. However, this

does do away with the need to clamp or secure two items

together while the glue is drying.

Both Selleys and ADOS offer contact adhesives in

a useful spray can option, which is very handy for

applying the thin layer of adhesive needed to create an

even bond. They are also ideal when working with really

thin materials such as paper or fabric. However, it does

pay to lay down a suitable backing sheet before spraying

to avoid any overspray.

Hot gluePerfect for use in crafts and extremely handy where

temporary bonds are needed to hold items together for a

short period of time.

The adhesive itself comes in sticks or cylinders that are

inserted into an electric gun and then heated until they

become liquid and pliable. The glue is then applied by

pulling the trigger of the gun. When the glue cools, the

two surfaces being bonded are fixed together. Because

the thermoplastic glue requires heat to activate it, take

caution when using it, as getting it on your skin can be

a vey painful experience.

Fullers offer both the gun and additional sticks of glue

for sale at Mitre 10.

Painting

17

Painting

16

Masonry wall

Last month we looked at painting the exterior of your weatherboard

home and with the sun shining, the opportunities to add value to

your home are only a couple of coats of paint away.

makeoverby Shaun Evans

Weatherboard homes have a unique set of rules, as

do masonry homes. Masonry includes brick, fibrolite,

concrete and stucco exteriors. All of these finishes will

wear over time and will require a re-paint to liven up

the look and increase the value of your home.

PreparationWhether you are working with a new or old concrete

surface will make a big difference in your starting point.

Taking time to prepare will always pay off in the quality

of the finish you achieve. Make sure you have drop sheets

ready, masking tape for the windows and methylated

spirits to remove acrylic-based paint splatter.

New concrete needs to be left to cure for at least 28

days before attempting to paint. As it dries, new concrete

will push salt and lime to the surface. This is a natural

process and you can help by wiping away the build up.

Once the concrete has cured, use a wire brush to clean

the surface then rub the surface down to remove any

loose sand or debris. Fill any cracks or holes with an

exterior filler, sand to a smooth finish and dust off.

If you are painting over bricks or block work, remember that they are porous and will require a sealer to be applied before painting with a low gloss level paint.

Painting

18

Applying an appropriate primer/sealer to the surface will seal it

and prevent any further lime leaching.

Old concrete has very little moisture left in it. The first step in

this case is to water blast the surface to remove any loose paint,

mould and dirt. A reputable paint prep or house wash solution

will help with this process; most will contain antifungal agents.

A primer is required for an old concrete surface. All concrete is

porous and, depending on age, lime can still leach out. Primer also

helps bind old, powdery concrete together, which will reduce the

number of top coats required to finish the job.

As with new concrete, you need to ensure all gaps and holes are

filled and then sand the surface smooth, once this is complete

remove the dust from the surface.

Correctly filling cracks and holes can differ depending on their size.

• For cracks under 1mm use a brush-on filler (always brush across the crack).

• For cracks over 1mm use Selleys No More Gaps exterior or similar.

• For larger holes use a joint tape or approved masonry filler.

Use a 35-50 mm broad knife to apply the masonry filler. Using the right solution will enable you to get the professional finish you want.

Keep your place cooler...

with a Resene CoolColour™

Ever thought a house or building would look great painted in a sleek, dark colour – then had to shelve plans for fear of the heat damaging the substrate or the building getting unbearably hot in summer?

Well, forget all that. A Resene CoolColour™ looks like a normal colour, but is designed to refl ect more of the sun’s energy keeping the paint, substrate and building cooler, reducing heat related damage.

Available in a range of exterior fi nishes and colours.

www.resene.co.nzGet the job done in a single day with Forestwood’s new water based decking stain.• Low odour stain that applies easily and dries quickly• Excellent penetration ensures lasting protection• Contains high performance waxes for superior water repellence• Resists mold and fungus and contains UV protection• In 5 litre and 1 litre cans, in fi ve fashionable coloursFor more information go to wattyl.co.nz or see your Wattyl stockist.

Get the job done in a single day with Forestwood’s new water based decking stain.

• Low odour stain that applies easily and dries quickly• Excellent penetration ensures lasting protection• Contains high performance waxes for superior water repellence• Resists mould and fungus and contains UV protection• In 5 litre and 1 litre cans, in fi ve fashionable colours

For more information go to www.wattyl.co.nz or see your nearest Wattyl stockist.

WAT12320 Water Based Stain v3.indd 1 10/11/10 4:30 PM

PaintingPainting

20

PrimersMost reputable paint manufacturers now produce paints that are self-

priming. However, using a specific primer does not add to the cost and will

reduce the number of coats of paint you will need to apply. For example, using

a primer that also seals for your old concrete wall will not only seal and bind

the surface, it will reduce the number of coats of paint required from three

to two.

Choosing the correct primer for your project will depend on what surface you

are working with. As concrete gets older, the surface becomes more porous

and salt deposits that have built up in the concrete can be difficult to remove;

this is where a sealer is the perfect primer.

A similar situation may arise if the surface you are working with has recently

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surfaces requires a specific primer coating.

Primers are the key to attaining a quality finish and should be applied with a

roller before filling of holes and cracks. However, after you have filled these,

it is recommended that you spot prime these areas before painting.

Equipment for the job:4 Roller tray4 Roller handle4 Lambs wool roller sleeve

4 Extension pole for access4 50-75mm brush

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Paintsprayers

– the alternative

ApplicationThe basics are often overlooked when painting your

home. Stirring the paint in the can is the first step, no

matter what surface you are painting. Use a flat paddle

stick and stir the paint from the bottom of the can

up. Keep going until you are sure all the lumps have

dissolved.

Always start painting under the eaves; gutters and

fascias first. Next, paint the window frames, window

sills and finally the down pipes. Any paint that is

dripped onto the surface of the wall from these first

steps will be covered later.

Use a roller on the flat wall surfaces. After coating about

1m2, lightly roll across the area with an almost dry roller

to maintain a wet edge and avoid marks where the paint

overlaps. For rough surfaces use a PAL No.4 or No.3

roller sleeve. This will help fill any naturally occurring

holes in the block work for a smooth finish. Combine

this with low-level gloss paint and you can achieve a

smooth-looking finish on a previously rough surface.

For all other paint finishes and smoother surfaces, use a

PAL No.2 or No.1 roller sleeve.

The Wagner 115 sprayer is great for practical paint-

ing, featuring a “hopper” into which you can pour

your paint.

Protect areas not to be painted with cardboard,

newspaper and masking tape. Make sure it is not

windy on the day you spray, to reduce the amount

of overspray.

Start in difficult areas, such as the corners, edges

or smaller sections. This will help you find your

rhythm before moving onto larger sections.

The Wagner Airless 115 has all the manoeuvrability

you require and with a 9.5 litres capacity, you’ll

power through your project.

Spray in smooth back and forth motions, 300mm

away from the surface to help achieve a ‘Goldilocks‘

coverage – not too think and not too thin.

Painting your house this summer can really add

value to your property and provide a real lift for

the whole family. Be sure to ask for advice at your

local Mitre 10 before starting your project; the staff

are well trained and are there to help you through

the process. Safety is always key when reaching

the higher parts of your home and a good ladder

combined with the right extension pole can reduce

the risk of falls.

Pool Safety

25

Pool Safety

24

The splashing of kids playing in the pool,

while the adults cook on the barbecue and

wait patiently for their turn at cooling off,

all the while reminding the little ones “don’t

run!”: these are the sounds of summer but

remind us that the joys of owning a pool

come with a responsibility too.

Accidents around the home from slipping and

accidental drowning in residential pools are the most

needless of events and with some good products and

prudent planning, they can be minimised or eliminated

completely.

New Zealand Pool Fence Regulations have been in place

for a number of years and have been very successful in

reducing the number of child fatalities from drowning.

There’s a wide range of fencing options for pool owners

and, over the years, a market leader has emerged that

provides safety for your family alongside quality of

design.

The Magnalatch covers all the safety requirements

required by New Zealand Pool Fence Regulations, while

going further with quality materials and simple design.

Made from hi-tech engineered polymers and quality

stainless steel components, the magnetic safety latch

comes with a lifetime warranty to give you piece of mind

that your kids are safe. It is also lockable by key.

The magnetic safety latch has a self-closing function

with absolutely no resistance to closing and uses ‘closed’

as its default position. The latch needs to be opened

by pulling on a knob at the top the magnetic shaft,

approximately 1500mm high out of reach of young kids.

If you are fencing a pool please follow these NZ Pool

Fence Regulations:

• Minimum height from ground to top of fence: 1200mm.

• Maximum gap between bars or under fence: 100mm.

• Gate must be self closing and self locking.

• Gate latch knob must be positioned min. 1500mm

from ground.

• Gate(s) must open outwards from pool area.

• Check with your local council for other requirements

to make your pool safe.

There are many options for securing your pool fence and

gate on display at your local Mitre 10 store. However,

the success of the magnetic safety latch has to be taken

into account and is well worth the price, whatever your

budget is. Installation is easy and you can mount the

safety latch onto almost any material with the most

basic tool kit.

Pool safety by Shaun Evans

Pool Safety

26

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME. . .

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Once you are in the pool area, there is another risk to

safety and it is why we are always telling our kids not to

run. The combination of pool coping edges and hard, wet

surfaces means injury from slipping is a real hazard.

Premier Pavers have come to the rescue with a range

of textured products. The ‘Milano’ range of pavers go as

far as exceeding the New Zealand Slip Co-efficiency (the

rating which indicates the amount of force required to

slip in wet and dry conditions) requirements, which are

only usually required for public spaces. This means that

you can achieve the highest available quality of safety

around your pool.

The biggest problem with choosing a surfacing product

has often been the inability to find a material that is

slip resistant, comes with a matching bull nose for the

pool edge and a matching garden edge paver that would

enable you to coordinate your entire landscaping design.

Premier Pavers has taken care of that with style and

coordination to suit everyone. With sizes ranging from

600x600mm, 600x300mm and 600x150mm through to

Children are only 100% safe around the pool when supervised by an adult.

450x450mm and 300x300mm, the design combinations

are varied.

In addition to slip resistance, the quality manufacturing

process means these pavers have a low porosity and good

resistance to mould and algae. Although still requiring a

sealer to complete the job, there is an additional benefit

in using an anti-slip sealer to further enhance safety.

If you are the proud owner of a pool, make sure your

family, friends or even an unknown children wandering

through your section, do not become the victim of a

preventable tragedy. Talk to the team at Mitre 10 and

put you pool safety plan into practice.

Entertaining

29

Entertaining

28

centre of attentionSummer

by Scott Wilson

Outdoor table and chairs

There’s little doubt that the most important items in any

outdoor living and entertaining area are the table and

chairs that will turn the space into something attractive

and practical.

The first decision you need to make is how big it has to

be; whether you plan to use it for you and your significant

other; or whether you plan to regularly invite hoards of

family and friends around to enjoy your hospitality.

The huge range of outdoor furniture at Mitre 10 will

allow you to select a table to suit your needs as well as

the option of individual chairs or benches, like the Fiord

three-piece setting shown.

Made from kwila, this particular version has a table

stretching 1800mm long with two spacious benches of

1600mm, making it comfortable to sit three adults on

each side. If you plan to seat more around your table,

consider the larger setting with a 2300mm long table

and two benches at 2070mm long.

Also in kwila are other options with individual chairs

or circular tables to suit smaller area. If dark timber

isn’t your style, there are other hardwood options, not

to mention aluminium, resin and steel in a range of

different styles.

Plates, cutlery, glassware and tableware

Having a classy outdoor table is one thing, but you can

take your garden party to a whole different level with a

tableware setting that will add both functionality and

style.

Oh yes, summer is certainly here and Christmas

is on its way. For most Kiwis, this means outdoor

entertaining: BBQs, lazy weekend lunches and

gatherings of family and friends enjoying the

best weather of the year and the festive season.

However, sitting around on up-turned beer

creates, drinking from mis-matched plastic

tumblers and eating burnt BBQ offerings on

paper plates doesn’t really do a lot for the image,

so here’s our summery guide to everything you

need to set up the best outdoor area in your

street.

Entertaining

31

Entertaining

30

Placemats are a great start and will help protect the

surface of the table from spills, hot plates or cooking

trays and saucepans.

This setting of six standard placemats and two larger

ones for hot trays comes from the Jason Amaryllis

range, which carries a strongly New Zealand design.

These look spectacular on the hardwood table surface

and additional designs are available to suit your tastes.

Plates and bowls can also have a huge impact on the

styling of your table, as well as the practicality of serving

your food. The porcelain Classic 16-piece Coupe dinner

set from Jason is available from Mitre 10 and can be

used in formal settings indoors as well as the relaxed

environment of an outdoor dinner party. The Classic set

also offers matching accessories, such as platters, jugs,

cup and saucer sets, teapots and sugar bowls. Take your

time to browse the selections available, as there are

other styles available from the Jason range.

When it comes to cutlery, ditch the plastic and go for

something more substantial. Invest in cutlery that

really adds style to your table setting.

Disposable cutlery is considerably easier to clean up

(rinse it and chuck it in the recycling) but a quality

stainless steel set from Stanley Rogers will handle

repeated dishwashing with ease, which still makes

cleaning up fairly easy.

Stanley Rogers has two styles available, the Albany and

the Baguette, which come in 56-piece stainless steel sets.

The Albany is made from 18/0 stainless steel and comes

with a 25-year quality guarantee, while the Baguette

set is made from 18/10 stainless steel and has a 50-year

guarantee.

What would an outdoor New Zealand BBQ be without

cool, refreshing drinks to accompany some well-prepared

food?

New Zealand has some fantastic beers and award-

winning wines that are great accompaniments to good

food. Honour these beverages appropriately with stylish

glassware as they always seem to taste much better

when served this way.

According to the experts, the taste of wine can be

maximised and improved in the appropriate glasses

and, whether you are having red wine or white, still

or sparkling, Grosvenor has a wine glass to suit your

requirements.

Grosvenor’s Indulge series has both red and white wine

glasses as well as champagne flutes, while water and

juice are perfectly suited to the short and long tumblers

from their Refresh series. If something cold, brown and

bubbly is more your style, footed pilsner Metro glasses

are perfect for those refreshing summer ales.

Umbrellas

As much as we love long days in the sun, a spot of shade

provides a welcome retreat in the height of summer and,

more importantly, can reduce the harmful UV impact of

the sun.

Adding a patio umbrella to your outdoor table setting

will add comfort and shade, making it much more

comfortable for those using it.

Patio umbrellas

Patio umbrellas are ideal if you want something that

you can move around your outdoor space. Round

umbrellas range in size from 2.7m to 3.3m and the

larger they are, the more shade they create – funny

that. Take into account how much outdoor space you

have, as a large patio umbrella can quickly overwhelm

a small patio. If you’re looking for an umbrella to shade

a long rectangular table to seat eight or more people,

a rectangular umbrella option (2.7 x 4.8 metres) will

provide stylish cover.

Serious shade seekers should consider a tilting patio

umbrella, which can be adjusted to provide shade

regardless of the sun’s position. If you don’t want a table

umbrella, consider a cantilevered umbrella pole, which

is positioned to the side – great for shading a spa pool or

children’s sandpit.

Mitre10’s Category Manager of Outdoor Furniture,

Janet Grosse, says while patio umbrellas can be table

or free standing, as a basic rule of thumb, the larger the

umbrella, the larger and weightier the base needs to be.

“Base weights vary from 7-25kg and are produced in a

variety materials ranging from resin, which you fill with

water for stability, to concrete, granite, timber and a flat

sheet of steel.” Choose the base depending on how often

it will be moved (choose one with handles), whether it

is under a table (a flat base is ideal) or if you have a

wooden deck you wish to match the base to.

Cantilevered umbrellas will need a weight that

counterbalances the weight of the offset umbrella

and in this case, a three or four-point stand is a good

choice.

Umbrella frame and fabric

When it comes to fabric colours and frame textures, you

also have a few options.

The umbrella frame is usually constructed from

aluminium or hardwood; the former suiting most

outdoors styles, while a wood frame complements a

tropical or traditional setting.

The most common umbrella colours are black, blue,

green and sandstone, so you can take your pick on the

shade but check that the fabric is ‘UV stabilised’.

BBQ plus accessories

A BBQ isn’t just a welcome accessory; it’s an out-and-

out necessity for your outdoor entertaining area if you

want to be fully set up this summer.

Today’s modern gas BBQs or gas grills are perfect for the

modern family as they are safe and easy to use, simple

to clean up and able to cook considerable quantities

of food fairly efficiently. In short, they are more of an

outdoor oven than a typical BBQ.

The Nova 2010 from Gasmate is a great example of

what’s on offer.

Kitchen drawers need some DIY?

Quality cutlery, cookware and glassware at DIY prices.Available at selected Mitre 10 MEGA and Mitre 10 stores.

Entertaining

This LPG-fuelled four-burner gas grill has a double-

skinned brushed stainless steel roasting hood, which

provides maximum heat retention for whatever you are

cooking.

The all-metal cabinet trolley has a powder-coated fascia

and side shelves, while the doors allow for discreet

storage of the LPG cylinder and other accessories.

Enamel flame tamers under the grill improve heat

distribution while reducing cold spots and flare-ups and

there are individually controlled stainless steel tubular

burners.

The cooking surface is made from a grate and a

reversible cast iron hotplate. Whether you are cooking

sausages or steak, pork or patties, you should be able to

find the appropriate surface on which to achieve your

perfect culinary result. In addition, it also features a

warming rack inside the hood and a flush-mounted high

output side burner allows for cooking versatility, such

as boiling potatoes or other cooking options.

If charcoal-based cooking is more your style, consider

the Charmate Smoker & Grill; a great little kettle-

type BBQ and smoker that provides a little something

different with a distinct flavour.

Fuelled by charcoal in the bottom tray, the Charmate

Smoker & Grill also has a water bowl and two grills,

depending on whether you are grilling, searing or

smoking your food.

There are a range of BBQ accessories available that can

make your food taste better, your clean up easier or the

cooking process more simple, including a really great

range of items from Hinton Enterprises.

One of the simplest and most effective is the Barbeque

Magic non-stick hotplate liner, which is simply laid on

the hotplate before cooking. This means that you can

wipe the hotplate liner clean with a paper towel or wash

it in hot soapy water once you have finished cooking;

they work with even the stickiest marinated foods.

Hotplate Magic liners are perfect to cook fish and

seafood without worrying about leaving half of the meal

on the old plate.

Sunday brunches are relaxed and stress free with the

Hotplate Magic liner, as they are perfect to cook bacon,

eggs and even pancakes all with ease. No need to use

any fats or oils in the cooking process, making it a

very healthy and hygienic way to entertain family and

friends.

To aid with simple cooking of items like chicken, pork

or ham, a simple adjustable roast cradle as supplied

by Hinton Enterprises is an easy and hassle-free way

to turn your hooded BBQ into an outdoor oven. The

adjustable roast cradle is best used in the centre of the

BBQ with the outside burners going. The cradle can

cook anything from your Christmas ham or leg of pork

to lamb or a whole juicy snapper just by adjusting the

sides of the cradle to hold the food.

By raising the meat onto the cradle, the meat is cooked

only by the air temperature in BBQ. This eliminates the

overcooking of the bottom of the roast, where it is in

direct contact with the pan. Also by having the meat

elevated, excess fat drains into the roasting dish without

the meat sitting and stewing in it.

Entertaining

33

Entertaining

34

New from Stanley Mechanics is a range of professional quality

Tool Storage products suitable for DIY or workshop environments.

Exclusive to Mitre 10, these have a tough and durable painted fi nish.

Tool Chest’s are available in either 6 drawer or 9 drawer models with

a variety of drawer sizes to accommodate a wide range of tools and

storage needs.

The 7 drawer Roll Cab comes complete with 5” heavy duty castors

for easy maneuverability, either Chest is compatible with the Roll

Cab so customers can mix & match to suit their needs.

All models feature heavy gauge steel

construction, are fully lockable featuring

internal drop down lock mechanisms for

added security, all are fully specd with roller

bearing drawer slides to provide ease of use

when opening & closing. Deluxe extruded

aluminum extrusion drawer handles add to

the professional image. Non-slip drawer

liners are included with all models, as is

a top mat for the Roll Cab.

Projecta battery chargers provide some of New Zealand’s best options for the home

handyman to the serious professional. Two standout models are recommended

by Mitre10 for the DIY user.

Starting with the basic MC400 4 amp Charger, users will fi nd a simple

cost effective unit for the home garage. It is a manual charger

protected against overload and reverse polarity connections with a

shut down mechanism which automatically resets and re-starts.

Projecta’s PC400 - a great investment, covers a range of

applications such as smaller batteries found in recreational and

passenger vehicles, boats, motorcycles, caravans, jet-skis etc.

Output can be selected between 1, 2 and 4 amps and its 6

stage charging maximises battery life and performance. This fully

automatic model with two charging modes (normal and calcium) can be used

on Wet, AGM and GEL batteries with a host of features including a battery ‘Rejuvenation’ mode.

Projecta battery chargersch

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automatic

on Wet, AGM and GEL batteries with a h

The AEROFAST FASTLOCK range of DIY / Handyman tiedowns are

the most popular tiedown in New Zealand. Made from durable UV

treated Polypropylene webbing, premium rubber handled ratchets

and high tensile steel S-Hooks. These 500kg Break Strength

tiedowns are an essential item for any serious home handyman.

All AEROFAST products conform to AS/NZS

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Available in: Single – 5m, Twin

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Quad Pack – 4m

Made in New Zealand for

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Aerofast Fastlock range

All AEROFAST products conform to AS/N

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Made in New Zealand

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Tool Storage

If you don’t have a hooded BBQ, the new Spit Kebab

box by Steel Fern outdoor cookware will let you use

your flat top BBQ to roast a whole chicken or use the

simple basket attachment to cook chicken wings or

sausages rotisserie style.

The Spit Kebab box kit comes with a battery-operated

motor, which means you can independently run the

spit over a kettle BBQ or even over a wood fired

brazier, making it the perfect camping and holiday

accessory.

If you want to add some unique smoked flavours

to your BBQ or grilled food, Hinton Enterprise’s

stainless steel smoker box is just the ticket.

To use, simply fire up the BBQ with the filled smoker

box in position and, when the smoke starts to come

out the hole in the top, add the food you wish to smoke

and close the lid. The smoke will only continue for 10

-15 minutes by which time the effective smoking will

have taken place.

The smoker box comes with two single-use sachets

of wood smoke pellets in Hickory and Jack Daniels

flavours, plus ten refill pack bags of Hickory, Savoury

Herb, Pecan Nut, and Jack Daniels are available.

Cookware

If you are using the side burner of your BBQ or gas grill

for boiling potatoes or cooking corn, it pays to have high-

quality saucepans for the job.

With the right saucepans, you can take your food

straight from the BBQ to the table and serve it directly

without being ashamed of the state of your cookware.

Stanley Rogers saucepans are stylish, effective and

perfect for this role, while stir fries and other foods can

be cooked in one of Wiltshire’s fry pans or woks.

Hard-wearing, with a non-stick surface, a stay-

cool handle and designed for even heat distribution,

Wiltshire’s products will allow you to expand your

cooking repertoire, changing you from a backyard BBQ

burner into a charming chef in no time at all.

ProjectProject

36

Retain and fenceby Scott Wilson

Quality By DesignHAND TOOLSGuaranteed Forever

In last month’s issue of How To magazine, we laid a

new concrete path and installed a gate as the first

part of the improvement to a somewhat untidy

outdoor area along the north side of the house.

As this was an area used for entertaining, an improvement was

necessary and, in part 2 of the job, a small retaining wall, a fence

and some new gardens complete the look. Before

Project

39

Project

DU

X 1

267

Capture colour.With your free Dulux Colours

of New Zealand iPhone App

Because the path has been laid on the lower area of the

sloping section, the retaining wall alongside won’t just

create a barrier between the lower level and the upper

level, it will also allow the top space to be levelled out,

making it far more useable and much tidier.

Before any construction takes place, run a string line

along the proposed line of the wall to gauge the position

and the height (Pic 1). It’s important to do this now,

as it will allow you to make any changes before the

physical sections of the work have been undertaken.

It’s much easier to change at this point than it is when

construction is underway.

Once this has been established, mark the positioning of

the posts, then dig or bore holes for these to be concreted

in place (Pic 2). One way of doing this is with a spade

and some hard physical labour, or you could use a post-

hole borer. This may cost a few bucks to hire but the

time it saves is considerable, especially if there are a

number of holes required. What may often take a few

hours with a spade can often be knocked out in less than

half an hour with a borer.

Take care when boring the holes, to make sure they are

accurately placed along the line and sunk to the correct

depth. This is usually one-third of the height of the posts at a minimum, but we’ve sunk each of these to around 500mm.

Using Drymix “Quick to Set” concrete, each of the posts is fixed into place in their holes and checked for plumb and placement to the string line before being left for the concrete to set (Pic 3).

Each post has also been left 50 mm-100 mm longer than the expected required length, so they can be trimmed to height later on.

The face of the retaining wall is being constructed from H4 treated 200 mm x 50 mm tongue-and-groove timber, especially designed for this job (Pic 4).

After the posts have been checked for their levels and everything is straight, the first section of timber is fixed to the posts using 100 mm galvanized flat-head nails (Pic 5). The second section is then placed on top, locking together using the tongue-and-groove system. In some cases it may need some ‘encouragement’ to fit together properly but, rather than hammering directly on top

of the tongue (which will damage it), use an off-cut of

the tongue-and-groove timber as a ‘buffer’ on top of the

piece you are trying to move into place.

1 2 34

Project

40CLAUDE 14612

Easi-PlanksMade from 18mm

GoldenEdge MDF in a rangeof convenient lengths and

widths to suit the DIYer.

Can be painted or stained.

because GoldenEdge makes it easy withEasi-Planks, Easi-Panels and Primed HMR Mouldings

Of courseyou can make it

Sizes (mm)

1800x300, 1800x400, 1800x600

2400x300, 2400x400, 2400x600

Easi-PanelsThese come in a range ofthicknesses from 4.75 to18mm, ideal for all sorts

of projects.

Sizes

4.75 and 6mm1200x600, 1200x900, 1200x1200

9, 12 and 18mm1200x600, 1200x900

Bevelled Architrave

Colonial Architrave

Square Dressed

Splayed Architrave

Bullnose Architrave

Bevelled Cornice

Primed HMRMouldings

This range of mouldings aremachine coated with a

premium acrylic undercoat.

In 5.4m lengths.

GoldenEdge Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) isthe ideal material for a wide range of interior projects.Whether you are making kitchen joinery, bookcases,

storage cabinets, furniture or toys, you’ll make iteasier with GoldenEdge MDF.

from your nearestMitre 10 or Mitre 10 Mega

When the retaining wall sections are in place, the tops

of the posts can be trimmed to height and a capping

section placed on top of the wall (Pic 6 & 7). In this case,

a section of 75 mm x 50 mm timber was used – nailed

into place using 100 mm galvanized flat head nails.

When filling behind the wall, consider using a coarse,

porous material along the bottom to allow for appropriate

drainage. Then complete the fill and level it off with a

product appropriate to the surroundings (Pic 8).

We used a high-quality garden mix, which was smoothed

out with a rake and levelled off ready for planting.

5

6 7

Project

43

Project

42

The next stage of this project is to complete the fence.

It would have been possible to have completed this

already, shortly after hanging the gate, but leaving it

until now made it much easier to carry the required

items into place for the retaining wall.

As with the first stage of the fence and gate project

(November Issue 2010), two posts need to be concreted

into place after being checked for plumb and placement.

Marking the holes and boring them when using the

posthole borer makes considerable sense, although

some loose material may need to be removed from the

hole before the posts are concreted into place.

When the concrete has cured, horizontal rails are then

nailed in place between the posts (Pic 9). Fix these to

each post using galvanised flat head nails before the

vertical palings are secured in place.

The choice of palings may vary considerably depending

on the style of fence you are putting up. If you have a

pre-made colonial or gothic-styled gate from MLC, you

can purchase matching pickets from Mitre 10, or you can

opt to use rough sawn 150 mm wide pickets to complete

your fence like we have done on this project.

It’s important that the first picket is installed perfectly

plumb, so use a level to ensure this is the case before

nailing it into place (Pic 10). Use grooved galvanised

nails to nail the palings in place; these are specially

manufactured for the job. The rest of the palings should

follow suit fairly simply.

It’s your choice whether to butt them hard together or

leave a uniform gap between them but it does pay to

check them at various points as you fix them in place

to ensure they remain plumb (Pic 11).

Also, ensure the top of the palings remain level with

each other as they are fixed in place or trim them off

with a circular saw once the fence is finished.

Now complete, the new fence, gate, path and retaining

wall have totally transformed this area from something

that was previously untidy and dishevelled into an

area that is both attractive and far more practical.

The addition of some selected plants and a coat of

stain to the fence, gate and wall will complete the

transformation. 8 9

10

11

Checklist

45

Checklist

44

Decemberchecklist

by Sandy Johnson

As we move in to the hotter months, good gardening becomes

more about maintenance; keeping your plants healthy, well

watered and fed, so that fruit and vegetable harvest and flower

production is maximised.

Homegrown • As the weather warms up, your soil will start to dry

out quickly; mulching it is a great way to conserve

water and suppress weeds. Pea straw and compost

make great mulches when applied a couple of

centimetres thick.

• Always water and fertilise your plants before you

mulch.

• Tomatoes will be very busy growing. Keep pinching

out the side shoots and watch for heavy trusses of

fruit, as they can break the branches; support these

by tying them to the stake.

• Protect your strawberries and grapes from the birds

by covering them with bird netting.

• Harvest strawberries in the morning when the fruit

is dry and remove any fruit that has gone mouldy to

reduce the spread of disease.

• Watch for any pests and diseases that can develop at

this time and remove any fruit that shows signs of

pest and disease to stop the spread.

• Give everything a good feed and choose a fertiliser

with a low nitrogen rate but higher potash rating (see

fertiliser article in this issue).

• Plant peas and dwarf bean seeds for a late crop.

• Plant lettuce, parsley and radish seedlings for

successive crops.

• Sow cabbage, carrot, celery, broccoli and cauliflower

seeds now for autumn crops.

• Harvest early potatoes and beans.

• Don’t let your rhubarb plants produce seed heads;

remove them to preserve the following season’s crop.

• White butterfly will be active around now; remove

the caterpillars by hand or apply NO Caterpillars or

McGregor’s Derris Dust to keep them under control.

Fruit trees • Check over your fruit trees.

• Remove any fruit that has fallen to the ground, as

bugs will complete their life cycle in the fallen fruit

and continue breeding.

• Fruit trees often produce a very heavy crop on one

branch and the weight will often snap it. Thinning

out the fruit will reduce the weight and improve the

quality of the remaining fruit.

• Grape vines can also suffer from heavy crops; remove

any poorly developed or diseased trusses.

• Keep the water on your citrus trees; they need plenty

of water for the production of juicy fruit.

Flower garden – summer care for roses• Roses will need some protection from the sun and will

benefit from mulching to conserve water. Make sure

you keep the mulch away from the trunk, as disease

and bugs will burrow into the soft wood.

• Summer pruning will improve the quality of the

autumn flowers and the development of new shoots.

New shoots start to form and it is these that need to

be dealt with.

• Pruning is best done as the first crop of flowers fades.

• Cut new shoots that have formed near the top of the

plant by a third and if they are lower on the branch,

cut to the highest point of those shoots.

• Remove fallen leaves from your roses, especially if

they are diseased; this will help to reduce the risk of

re-infection.

• Check for pests and disease; if they are caught early,

it will make their control easier.

• Keep plants well watered as those under stress are

more likely to become infected.

• Roses will benefit from a liquid feed to help them

through drier weather.

Lawn care• Cut your grass higher in the summer; it will help to

shade it from the heat.

• Cut the grass dry without the catcher and let the

clippings fall on the lawn; the clippings will act as

mulch to the roots, helping to conserving water.

Six Ways

46

Six Waysholiday garden to a healthy

by Sandy Johnson

It can be disheartening to return to your garden after a relaxing holiday

to find that bugs, birds and the weather have taken their toll. Preparation

is key, especially in the vegetable garden, as December and January

marks the beginning of the harvest for many fruits and vegetables.

To minimise the damage while you’re away, there are a few simple steps you can take:

1. Before you set off on holiday, remove all weeds in the

garden, as they will compete for precious water and

nutrients. Weeds also harbour bugs and diseases that

can spread unchecked through your garden. While

you are weeding, check for any fruits or vegetables

that are ready and harvest them there and then.

2. Check for disease and pests and apply a spray before

you go to clean up any bugs that are lingering. Use a

natural Pyrethrum spray like Yates’ Nature’s Way.

It’s safe to use before harvest and remember to spray

under the leaves and in the union on the stems.

3. Feed the garden with a fertiliser before you mulch.

Sheep pellets will break down from the moisture

generated by the mulch. Plants will resist pests and

diseases better when they are healthy and this is

even more important when you are not there.

4. Water deeply for a couple of days before you go,

soaking down to the subsoil. After watering apply

a thick layer of mulch, this will conserve the water

applied and suppress the weeds. If you are away for

a longer period of time, enlist the help of a neighbour

to water your garden or set up the hose, sprinkler

and add a water timer to the tap (see November issue

for irrigation help).

5. If you have a lot of plants in pots, the same precautions

apply: weed, feed and mulch. Pots dry out quicker

than the garden, so move them to a shady spot. Group

them together and put them where the sprinkler will

reach them. Sprinkle Saturaid around the base of

your pot plants and water it in; this will maximise

the effectiveness of the water that your pot plants

use by directing it to the roots and holding it there.

6. Mow your lawns and trim the edges. It pays not to

advertise that you are away by leaving your lawn

untidy. Lawns will also benefit from the use of

Saturaid, which you can sprinkle over the whole

lawn and water in.

P3P O N D P R O M O T I O N S A U G ’ 1 0 P3

Pond Fountains

Item Description Barcode Mitre10 SKU Normal PriceEE993 King 1 Fountain with 10m Cable 6920042891029  146924 $31.10 EE994 King 2 Fountain with 10M Cable 6920042892026  146925 $48.85 EE995 King 3 Fountain with 10M Cable 6933163304712  146926 $75.55 EE996 King 4 Fountain with 10M Cable 6920042894020  146927 $111.10

FOUNTAIN PUMP Power Output (L/H) Head max (m)KING 1 7 600 0.9KING 2 20 1000 1.95KING 3 35 2400 2.4KING 4 90 4800 4.5

P4F I S H P R O M O T I O N S A U G ’ 1 0 P4

Pond Fountains

Item Description Barcode Mitre10 SKU Normal PriceEE989 King 1 Water Pump Submersible 6920042820197 146928 $19.55 EE990 King 2 Water Pump Submersible 6920042820593 146929 $32.42 EE991 King 3 Water Pump Submersible 6920042820692 146930 $48.85 EE992 King 4 Water Pump Submersible 6920042820494 146931 $79.95

SUBMERSIBLE PUMP Power Output (L/H) Head max (m)KING 1 7 600 0.9KING 2 20 1000 1.95KING 3 35 2400 2.4KING 4 90 4800 4.5

The tranquil sound of babbling water, the plop of

the healthy fish, all in your own garden setting using

a pumping solution from Mitre 10 and Masterpet.....

... select the right pump and fountain for you.

Want to build a pond? See page 10 for details.

King 3 King 2

King 4

King 1

King 1

King 2

King 3

King 4

Fertilisers

49

Fertilisers

48

feed Need for

Fertilisers help to provide your plants with the essential

food necessary to grow and thrive throughout their lifecycle.

Fertiliser can either be worked into the soil prior to or during

planting, or used as a side dressing for established plants. There

many elements used in a plant’s growth but three are used more

rapidly than others. Because of this they are liable to rapid

exhaustion and will need to be supplemented during the season.

by Sandy JohnsonNitrogenThe plant uses this for green growth such as stems and

leaves. It promotes quick growth and gives good colour

to foliage.

PhosphateThis helps the plant to promote its fruit or flower and

assists in strengthening the root system, aiding in crop

maturity.

PotashUsed to promote the general health of the plant,

including strengthening the stems and increasing the

size of fruit.

These three elements are represented in the majority

of blended fertilisers available and are often referred to

as the NPK rating. The NPK rating will feature on the

packaging and each letter is numbered to indicate the

percentage of each element in the product.

NPK numbers are important but a simple rule of thumb

for general gardening is to choose a product that gives

you a percentage of even balance.

Plants also require minor elements for good health:

Calcium (CA) helps build strong stems. It is present in

lime, superphosphate and gypsum.

Magnesium (MG) is very important to plants. It is

found in chlorophyll; the green pigment in leaves.

Sulphur (S) is also important in the production of

chlorophyll. It is found in superphosphate and gypsum.

Trace elements make certain nutrients available to

the plant. They are required in minute amounts and

will often be added to the fertiliser mix.

Iron (FE) Helps in the formation of chlorophyll during

photosynthesis.

Fertilisers need to be used at the recommended

application rates (amount and frequency) and

according to the specific needs of the plant and type

of soil. Too much of a good thing is damaging for the

plant and over-fertilising will risk burning the leaves

and roots, so use wisely and apply at the rates stated

on the packet.

Light sandy soils require regular fertilising and the

addition of compost. This is because they are porous

and nutrients wash out (or leach out) easily.

Heavy clay soils are not as porous and so nutrients

do not leach out as readily. Clay soils do not require

fertiliser applications as frequently as lighter soils.

The only exception here is when you are improving

clay soil and then applications of natural fertilisers

like sheep pellets are advised to increase the nutrient

content.

Fertilisers

50For more information...

Everything you need to grow beautiful fl owers to add colour & fragrance to your garden!Give your fl owers the best start with Yates Premium Potting Mix, top of the range premium mix that feeds your plants for 9 months, and includes a wetting agent to improve water absorption.

For more established gardens fertilise with Yates Thrive Soluble All Purpose. A trusted, easy to use formula for healthy green leaves as well as fl owers and fruit, or for longer term feeding try Yates Acticote Pots, Planters & Garden Beds which you apply once a year!

Protect your fl owers from insect pests and diseases with Yates Guardall, and keep beautiful roses free of insects, mites and disease with the convenient ready to use Rose Gun.

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ApplicationWhen applying fertilisers, there are a few simple rules

to remember:

• Avoid depositing fertiliser in clumps instead spread

it evenly.

• Always work fertiliser into the soil before planting or

sowing.

• If side dressing with fertiliser, always work it into

the soil.

• If applying fertilisers around established trees, shrubs

or fruit trees, apply them around the drip line. The

drip line is the point to which the branches and leaves

extend out from the tree. Follow this line around the

tree, as this is where the root tips will be.

• Always water newly applied fertilisers in well.

• Keep a diary of when you fertilised and what you

used.

Fertiliser typesIn broad terms, a fertiliser is anything that supplies

nutrients to a plant. They come in two forms: organic

(natural) and inorganic (synthetic).

Organic or natural fertilisers are derived from plant

and animal residues; for example: blood and bone, sheep

manure pellets, fishmeal, green crops such as lupins,

seaweed and wood ash. Organic fertilisers have the

natural advantage of conditioning the soil.

Inorganic fertilisers are manufactured by chemically

produced minerals and are often referred to as blended

or granulated. These fertilisers are treated in such a

way that they form granules of a uniform size. They

are clean and easy to use and the uniformed fertiliser

particles deliver all the plants’ nutrient requirements.

There is a bewildering array of both organic and

inorganic fertilisers and they come in many forms,

but they can be broken down easily into the following

categories:

Fertilisers

53

Fertilisers

52

Controlled and slow-release fertilisers are

contained in an inorganic dry prill; this prill has a

protective coating that controls the release of NPK

elements. These fertilisers are clean and convenient and

are applied directly to the surface or mixed in with the

soil. The release of nutrients is controlled by moisture

and temperature (the warmer the temperature, the more

the fertiliser is released). Controlled-release fertilisers

do not burn the plant and give great long-term feeding.

Soluble fertilisers are a powder form of inorganic

fertiliser that need to be dissolved in water, allowing

the release of nutrients that are instantly available for

the plant to use.

Liquid fertilisers are ready to dilute with water

and also allow nutrients to be instantly available to

the plant. You can use a sprayer or a watering can to

apply this type of fertiliser and it comes in organic and

inorganic forms.

If your budget is restrictive or you are a beginner

gardener then start with the basics. There are four

commonly used fertilisers, which will cover your basic

garden needs:

Results blood and bone (organic)

This provides nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for

root development and will encourage earthworms. Blood

Fertilisers are not just for adding to your garden during the growing process; they are essential in the preparation of you soil.

Fertilisers

54

and Bone is a fertiliser that you can use with confidence

as it suits most areas in your garden and it is especially

good for vegetables and strawberries. Adding a layer of

Blood and Bone to your compost bin will also speed up

the composting process.

Results general fertiliser (inorganic)

Provides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with

added blood and bone and trace minerals, all of which

are necessary for plant development. Unless you have

a specific need then a general fertiliser is a good all-

rounder for vegetables, flowers, shrubs and fruit trees.

Results lawn (inorganic)

Formulated for use on established lawns, with high

nitrogen content for lush green growth. A well-fed lawn

will help to suppress weeds and will wear better. Always

ensure you spread the fertiliser evenly and water it in

well, as large clumps will cause the lawn to burn.

Results sheep pellets (organic)

An ideal natural fertiliser that will add nutrients,

improve the condition of your soil and increase worm

activity. The pellets break down when you water them

and will not burn your plants. Sheep pellets can also

double as a liquid fertiliser, sometimes referred to as

a garden tea. Mix 1kg of pellets in to 10 litres of water,

using a watering can is ideal for this, when they have

broken down in the water give it a mix and apply.

Remember, fertilisers are not for just for adding to your

garden during the growing process; they are essential

in the preparation and repair of your soil. Applying

fertiliser after your crops are finished will improve the

soil by replenishing valuable nutrients that have been

exhausted during the season.

Good gardening! Always ask the staff at your

local Mitre 10 for advice.

Shoot like a pro.

To protect your home from all those unwanted creepy crawlies, you need some serious

firepower! Now you can take ‘em out with Total Insect Killer from Rentokil Pest Control.

Total Insect Killer is the very same product the professionals use, and it’s now available to you.

Target pests directly, or use the potent formula as a barrier spray around crevices, gaps,

cracks, or door and window frames around the house – inside and out. The long-lasting

active ingredients provide a full three months’ protection! So, ready, aim, fire!

Available at all Mitre 10 stores. If the problem persists, call 0800 RENTOKIL (736 865)

and book a service by our expert technicians.

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Pest Free

57

Pest Free

56

Bug out All bugs have a purpose in life but they

are never welcome inside your home.

Summer means an increase in the bug

and pest population and usually this leads

to an unwelcome invasion. There are

many effective chemical controls readily

available from Mitre 10 stores to help you

with keeping your home pest and bug free.

Barrier sprays are designed for easy application around

the home and they are a popular method to give you

long-term control. Especially good for flies, spiders, ants,

cockroaches and mosquitoes, they can be purchased in

a concentrate, which is then mixed with water for use

in a sprayer or as a ready-to-use spray. Barrier sprays

work by creating a film of insecticide on the surface you

spray and, depending on where you apply the spray and

its exposure to sunlight, they can last up to six months.

It won’t stain your paintwork or leave a bad smell, so

is fine to use along skirting boards and windowsills.

Whether you use a ready-mixed product or mix your

own, spend some time preparing the areas where you

will apply the spray.

by Sandy Johnson

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• Wash or brush down the house to remove existing

cobwebs (allow drying time before applying the

spray).

• When you are ready to spray, make sure the weather is

calm; spraying in windy conditions can be ineffective.

• Pay particular attention to areas where flying bugs

land or build nests such as light fittings, pipes, out

door furniture and around window and door frames.

• You can also use these sprays as a perimeter defense

by spraying close to the foundations of your house.

• Whitetail spiders like dark places and will often use

the void in your roof to hide and build their nests.

Spray under the eaves and use a bug bomb in the roof

space if they persist.

Fumigators or bombs produce a vapour that moves

uniformly through the room getting into all the cracks

and crevices. It is a blanket approach to all insects

within the home. Bombs provide a knockdown effect and

are the first line of defence when you have an infestation

problem or want to do a quick clean up with no fuss. It

is recommended that you do stay vigilant after using

fumigators or bombs, as you still may need to lay baits

or use barrier sprays.

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Traps come in a variety of forms and they

are effective at eradicating the source of your

infestation. Encouraging ants to take a poison back

to their colony is a proven way to stop ants in their

tracks. Simply follow their trails and place the

poison where they are most likely to run across it.

Traps are also effective against cockroaches and by

placing sticky traps in the places that they hide will

get results. Ideal areas are under your stove, fridge,

washing machine, sink and in your drains. These

traps are non-toxic and work by trapping the roach

on sticky paper.

A few simple practices can also minimise bugs choosing

your home:

• Leaving containers around the garden with water

in them provides a breeding spot for mosquitoes, as

the larvae will develop in the water, make sure these

breeding spots are dry and clean.

• Reduce fly populations by covering your compost bin.

• Refrain from putting animal fats or meat into the

compost bin.

Ponds

61

Pest Free

60

Pond preservation

• When using a wasp killer, always use them in the

evening when all the wasps are in the nest.

• Wash your recycle bins with warm soapy water and

bleach.

Bugs need to be kept out of your home but it is important

to remember that all chemicals are dangerous and if you

have little ones in the house, it is especially important

to keep them out of reach. Use common sense and keep

your family safe from harm; poisoning in New Zealand

homes is more common than it should be.

SPRAYING SAFELY

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Sprays are only to be used where recommended.

• Bug sprays are not for use on your vegetable crops.

• Mixing chemicals together is dangerous and should be avoided.

• Keep a set of mixing and measuring tools just for mixing chemicals to avoid contamination.

• Chemicals must be stored safely away from children.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves, protective glasses and a respiratory mask when spraying and mixing chemicals.

Barley straw has been used for algae treatment for decades. As it breaks down under sunlight, it produces a natural algae control. Look for an extract of Barley to speed up the process.

Last month How To magazine took you

through the steps to installing your very

own piece of pond paradise in your back

garden. The maintenance of your pond’s

health is vital to the life that thrives in it

and it is the treatment of the water (much

like a swimming pool) that will determine

the success of your pond.

There is a range of treatments from Blagdon that

have made looking after you pond easier and they

have developed a system for every stage of your pond’s

evolution. The handy size of the Blagdon range of

treatments means that the average volume of water in

a pond will be treated with one unit.

Fresh StartThe tap water you used to fill your pond has chemicals

like chlorine and heavy metals, which are harmful to

fish life and plants. Fresh Start will neutralise these

chemicals and make your pond safe. It is a must have

for a new pond.

Bio StartNew ponds are bare holes in the ground full of water

and it is the natural process of organic matter taking

hold that brings your pond to life. Give it a helping hand

with some good bacteria to reduce the time it takes to

help the eco-system to establish.

Talk to the team at Mitre 10 for all your pond maintenance

requirements, they can help with the clarity of the water, the eradication of

algae and weeds and even with the health of your fish.

MonitoringA pond health test kit will tell you what is happening

under the water and let you know if the water is too

alkaline or too acidic, both of which will kill the good

bacteria you need. Back this up with a master test to

analyse the nitrogen cycle and let you know whether

your filter is working properly. Also test for ammonia

and nitrate to ensure you are on top of any potential

problems in your pond’s health.

AdjustmentsIt is inevitable that new and old ponds will require

adjustments in the water’s delicate balance, so should

you experience alkaline pond water (pH 8-14) or acidic

pond water (pH 1-6), use Blagdons adjusters to bring

the water into the safe range of between 6.5 and 8.0 pH.

Cleaning upFor all the joy of creating an eco system in your back

yard, there is the unavoidable build-up of unwanted

and unsightly algae and weeds to contend with. Luckily

there is a range of tried and trusted pond treatments

to help with the prevention or eradication of these

nuisances.

60

EECA #1

63

EECA #1

62

Designing comfortable homes series #1

The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ), with support from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), has recently published a guide on the use of glass, mass and insulation for energy efficiency called Designing Comfortable Homes (second edition). This book describes the ways that New Zealand homeowners can incorporate passive solar principles into the design of new homes.

This edition of How To features the first of a series of excerpts from Designing Comfortable Homes that will run in 5 editions. The series will cover the three principles of passive solar design that follow the path of solar heat gain through the house. It starts with heat collection that allows the sun’s heat to enter the house, moves onto heat storage to keep this heat and concludes with heat containment, which traps heat in the house.

The publication in full is available for free download from www.ccanz.org.nz

Heat collectionGood passive solar design simply makes effective use of the sun (and, to a lesser extent, other natural resources such as wind and landscape) to ensure comfortable and energy efficient houses. All houses make use of passive solar design to some extent, but many don’t make very good use of the sun. By providing detailed information on passive solar principles and the impact of design decisions, this book should help you to get the most from your house design.

GlassWindows provide the simplest way for heat from the sun to be collected – they are also the most poorly insulated part of the building and therefore allow large heat losses. To maximise solar collection benefits and minimise energy losses, window size, type and orientation need to be carefully planned.

Significant energy and comfort benefits can be achieved by using more energy efficient windows, like double-glazing, which is now widely used throughout New Zealand.

In addition to improved energy performance, double-glazing also minimises window condensation and reduces noise transmission. The higher the performance specification of double glazing, the higher the inside surface temperature of a double glazed window, and therefore the warmer people will feel when close to this glass.

OrientationUnobstructed north-facing glazing is best as it captures solar energy in winter (when the sun is low in the sky) and it is easiest to shade from direct sun during summer by providing north facing eaves.

If you’re thinking about building a new home, there

are some important design elements to consider that

are key to making it comfortable and energy efficient.

Homes can be naturally warm in winter and cool

in summer if they are built with the appropriate

combinations of glass, thermal mass and insulation. Next issue: Heat Storage – thermal mass

The publication in full is available for free

download from www.ccanz.org.nz.

North facing glass provides the best access to solar gain and it is therefore preferable to orientate your house with the long axis in the east-west direction. This orientation to north can be plus or minus 20 degrees without having a major impact on solar gain.

Living areas should be located on the north face to maximise solar gain in these rooms. Living areas should be protected from the cold south face by placing the garage and service rooms to act as a buffer on this face.

Where practical, the longer axis of a house should be orientated east to west to optimise the north-facing exposure. Rooms may also be stacked or staggered to achieve a greater north-facing aspect. North-facing clerestory windows and skylights can be used to get direct sun into deep plan shapes. Particular care should be taken over the positioning of skylights as they are typically placed in a sloping roof so they tend to collect heat more in summer than in winter and they can be difficult to shade.

Heat loss through a skylight, particularly on cold nights, is also much greater than through a window of the same size. East- and west-facing windows allow penetration of morning and evening sun, which can cause problems with glare (morning or evening) and overheating (more often in the evening). These factors should be considered when positioning east and west glazing.

South-facing glazing receives very little direct sun and therefore allows heat loss without any significant compensating solar gain. South-facing windows are generally required for light and air but don’t necessarily need to be large to achieve this. If you want to be able to enjoy a view to the south one effective option is to use smaller windows that frame or shape the view rather than large picture windows.

Site selectionSite selection is critical to house performance, as a site that receives limited sun during the winter willobviously get very little heating benefit from the sun when it is needed most.

Timers

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Summer is a harsh time in the garden – the lack of moisture and the dry, hot conditions mean your plants are under stress and their performance is greatly reduced. Just like us, plants can survive without food for some time, but struggle and wither quickly with a lack of water.

Consistent watering will help your plants avoid this unnecessary struggle and using an automatic, convenient and efficient timer system to regulate the flow of water to your sprinkler system is the perfect solution.

Technology has influenced the application of irrigation systems and Gardena offers the right timer to suit a variety of applications. From the classic two-hour timer to the modern water computer with a calendar function, there is a model to help efficiently water your garden.

The Gardena Water Computer 6 Cycle C1060 is the luxury model with electronic data display and programming tailored to your garden’s individual requirements. It can water your garden up to six times a day, allowing for a variable watering time from one

hour to nine hours. Your watering days can be freely selected and the water computer can be used to control an automatic water distributor for fully automatic control of up to six watering channels.

The comfort model in the range, the Gardena Water Timer T1030 Card Reader, is simply programmed by card, allowing for up to three watering cycles per day and watering times from one minute to three hours. Adding to its simplicity, the operation of this model relies on gravity as opposed to water pressure.

The Gardena Soil Moisture Sensor can be connected to any of the timers in the range and with it’s water-saving sensor technology, it only waters according to the degree of moisture in the soil. The moisture sensor is reliable and its operation is based on an electro-thermal measuring principle, allowing it to measure temperature differences in the soil. The required soil moisture level can be set with a control knob.

The Gardena range of timers are well engineered and well built, which allows them to withstand the rigours of outdoor life, but the key to these control systems is in the innovation that makes them the perfect fit for every garden.

Wateringwith control

The Original GARDENA SystemThe complete solution

GARDENA is the Original System that fits perfectly in every garden. Quality engineered, innovative products that are modern and long lasting. With water tight connec-tions guaranteed from start to finish. With long lasting reliable quality, the system connects to everything from the tap, through to the distributor and the hose, keeping the connection tight to save both water and money!

For more information on the GARDENA range, please contact Customer Service: 0800 487 594 or visit www.gardena.com

Live your garden

From small gardens to large, the GARDENA Nozzle and Sprayer range offers user comfort and they are made with high quality materials.

GARDENA has the right sprinkler for all areas of your garden. Oscillating, Circular and Wide-Range Sprinklers.

Also available:

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GARDENA Watering Controls: To suit a variety of applications, from the classic 2 hour timer to the modern water computer with calendar function, to efficiently water your garden.