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Dropping temperatures rules out DIY

With temperatures plunging throughout the UK and the Met Office reporting, "there continues to be a risk of icy patches on untreated surfaces during Friday morning, especially where there have been recent showers," homeowners should beware the risks of DIY in winter.

The dark, cold evenings may encourage us to start new home improvement projects indoors, but some jobs remain best left for warmer times.

Tony Blue of lets-do-diy.com warns that, "Certain tasks like painting or grouting should not be attempted as the lower temperature can be detrimental to the quality of finish and success of the work.

If temperatures do drop too low then water-based paints will not coalesce, whereas oil-based paints are more forgiving but will take longer to dry.

Sutherlands Paint advises that, "When the mercury starts to drop, be prepared to use an oil based shake finish. Proper coating selection and a little common sense will result in a satisfactory paint job".

Masonry Construction Magazine says that, "As water freezes within the grout, the resulting expansion can crack the surrounding masonry."

The message therefore is to choose your DIY projects carefully, bearing in mind the conditions and temperature before starting work.

N.B. The information contained in this story is provided by the supplier and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of lets-do-diy.com.

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