Home improvement companies in Islington

Islington is the central district of the London Borough of Islington. It is an inner-city district in London, spanning from Islington High Street to Highbury Fields, encompassing the area around the busy Upper Street. The name is now also often applied to the areas of the borough close to Upper Street such as Barnsbury and Canonbury, developed in the Georgian era.

The area round Angel tube station is sometimes considered a district in its own right, The Angel, Islington. The northern part of this area (from the Liverpool Road junction northwards) is within the district of Islington, while the southern half is in neighbouring Finsbury. The area below Penton Steet and east of Pentonville Road is the adjoining district of Pentonville.

Home improvement companies such as builders in Islington, bathroom fitters in Islington, air conditioning repairs in Islington as well as painters and decorators in Islington.

Brickwork

Brickwork masonry is produced when a bricklayer uses bricks and mortar to build up structures such as walls, bridges and chimneys. Brickwork is also used to finish openings such as doors or windows in buildings made of other materials. Where the bricks are to remain fully visible, as opposed to being covered up by plaster or stucco, this is known as face-work.

Flemish bond, also known as Dutch bond, has historically always been considered the most decorative bond, and for this reason was used extensively for dwellings until the adoption of the cavity wall. It is created by alternately laying headers and stretchers in a single course.

The next course is laid so that a header lies in the middle of the stretcher in the course below. Again, this bond is one brick thick. It is quite difficult to lay Flemish bond properly, since for best effect all the perpendiculars (vertical mortar joints) need to be vertically aligned.

If only one face of a Flemish bond wall is exposed, one third of the bricks are not visible, and hence may be of low visual quality.

This is a better ratio than for English bond, Flemish bond's main rival for load-bearing walls. Stretcher bold

Flemish bond, with two stretchers between the headers in each row, and the headers centred over the join between the two stretchers in the row below.

Rat-trap bond, also known as Chinese bond, is a type of garden wall bond in which the stretchers and headers are laid on their sides, with the base of the stretcher facing outwards. The main advantage of this bond is economy in use of bricks, giving a wall of one brick thickness with fewer bricks than a solid bond.

Rat-trap bond was in common usage in England for building houses of fewer than 3 stories up to the turn of the 20th century and is today still used in India as an economical bond, as well for the insulation properties offered by the air cavity. Also, many brick walls surrounding kitchen gardens were designed with cavities so hot air could circulate in the winter.

Herringbone bond

A brickwork bond in which the exposed brickwork is bonded to the heart of the wall by concealed courses of bricks laid diagonally to the faces of the wall in a herringbone pattern, with the end of each brick butting against the side of the adjoining brick; a form of raking bond.

Basket pattern bond

A pattern made up of pairs of bricks placed in a square grid so that the join between each pair is perpendicular to the join of the four pairs around it.

English Bond

The English bond bricks were laid in alternate layers of headers and stretchers. while flemish bond has alternate headers and stretchers within a layer, giving good looks to the surface. english bond has high strength value while flemish bond has looks.

Bricklayer

A bricklayer is a tradesman who lays bricks to construct brickwork. The term also refers to personnel who use blocks to construct blockwork walls and other forms of masonry.

The training of a trade in European cultures has been a formal tradition for many centuries. A tradesman typically begins in an apprenticeship, working for and learning from a master craftsman, and after a number of years is released from his master's service to become a journeyman. After a journeyman has proven himself to his trade's guild (most guilds are now known by different names), he may settle down as a master craftsman and work for himself, eventually taking on his own apprentices.

The modern process can be different. A tradesman still begins as an apprentice, but the apprenticeship is carried out partly through working for a qualified tradesman and partly through an accredited technical college delivering level one, two and three brickwork qualifications to learners .

The training takes three years. After that there is an examination by the (guild). The apprentice must show that he is able to construct masonry, knows how to protect a house from humidity, knows about thermal insulation, knows about construction material science and about occupational health and safety.

A man who has many years of experience in his trade will be allowed to become a master. He will have an exam again. In this exam he will show that he is an expert of his trade. He also must show that he can work with other people well and has some knowledge of pedagogy, because as a master he will be allowed to educate younger bricklayers.

Curtains

Shower curtains are curtains used in bathtubs with a shower or shower enclosures. They are usually made from vinyl, cloth or plastic.

The shower curtain has two main purposes: to provide privacy and to prevent water from flooding or spraying into the bathroom. Shower curtains usually surround the bath inside the tub or shower area, and are held up with railings or curtain rods on the ceiling.

To accommodate the different types of bathtub shapes, railings can come in different sizes and are flexible in their design. Many people use two shower curtains: one that is inside the tub, which is purely functional or decorative as well, and an outer shower curtain, which is purely decorative.

Bathroom plumbers in Wimbledon

As it was in the 16th and 17th centuries, Wimbledon's attraction remains its combination of convenient access to central London with the benefit of plentiful recreational facilities. Strong demand for homes, especially the larger properties in the Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Park areas, has seen prices increase to amongst the highest in the outer London area and South West London.

Wimbledon Village provides a good collection of bistros, restaurants, takeaways and pubs and during the fortnight of the tennis championship the streets are crowded with visitors enjoying the facilities. The newly reopened New Wimbledon Theatre on the Broadway is also popular throughout London, bringing in a large number of West End productions.

Quality plumbing systems installed by qualified Wimbledon licensed plumbers. Create the bathroom of your dreams.

Find local bathroom design companies in Wimbledon, bathroom installation in Wimbledon and general bathroom plumbing in Wimbledon.

Bathroom Cleaning Strategies

1. Take everything out of the bathroom. The rugs, toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, shower curtains, towels... Nothing should be left unless it is glued down such as the bathtub, toilet, sink and cupboards.

2. Clean the room from top to bottom. Start at the top. Dust the corners and remove the light coverings and make them shine.

3. Grab a big sponge and clean the walls and baseboards. A little bit of borax in water does a great job for cleaning the baseboards. Clean the wall according to the type of paint or material on the wall.

4. Next, is the toilet. The icky thing that is used everyday but is the last thing we want to clean. Put on some rubber gloves, plug your nose and clean. Baby wipes or sanitizer wipes are great for cleaning the outside of the toilet. Clean the outside of the toilet first and then do your magic in the toilet bowl. Personal recommendation is to get rid of your toilet bowl brush as they hold all the gross germs and are unsightly in the bathroom. Invest in the disposal toilet brushes.

5.The beautiful mirror in the bathroom will shine with a little bit of club soda. Spray club soda on the mirror and wipe clean with a piece of paper towel.

6. Bathtubs are filled with a dark ring that takes a great deal of elbow grease to get the tub sparkling. Sprinkle baking soda all over the tub and start rubbing. Rinse with water. Spend 10 minutes the first time and clean a little bit of the tub each day. After the tub is sparkling, you can upkeep the look once a week with much less effort.

7. As you wash the floors, put the bathroom carpets in the wash and let air dry. The floors can be washed with a little vinegar and water to remove the dirt.

8. Fill a spray bottle with water and add 3 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil. Mist the room with the fragrance. If you have a window in the bathroom, leave it open for about 20 minutes to infuse the fresh energy from outside.

9. The bathroom is sparkling clean, it is now time to bring back the accessories and personal products back.

10. Read Organizing the Bathroom for tips to keep clutter to a minimum and to have the chi flow effortlessly and abundantly in the bathroom.

How to fix leaky Faucet

1. Turn off the water. Before you start, turn the water off to your faucet. Look underneath your sink for the pipes that run up to your faucet. Along those pipes somewhere will be handles that you can turn to shut off the water to your sink.

2. Turn the handles clockwise to turn off the water. Turning the handle right tightens the handle, and thus turns your water off.

3. Plug up the sink drain once the water has been turned off. Use either the sink's in-built mechanism for plugging the drain, or plug it yourself with a rag. Nothing will ruin your day faster then having a screw or a washer going down the drain.

4. Take the faucet handles off. Take out the screw that is holding them on. Use the screwdriver for this. Some faucet handles might hide their screws behind plastic or metal caps. You might have to pry the cap off with a flathead screwdriver to get at the screws holding the handles on, or unscrew a cap.Once you've removed the screws, pry the handles off with a flathead screwdriver. Some handles might come off easily without the need for prying.

5. Once you have the faucet handle off, remove the old washer that was behind the handle. If there is Take the washer you've purchased. Simply place the washer where the old washer was.Basically the hole in the washer should be just slightly bigger than the post that the handle turns.

6. Take the washer behind the handle, that is okay, you are going to add one.

7. Put the faucet handle back on the post and put the screw back in. Tighten the handle until it is "hand tight". That means tighten the screw until it feels tight without you having to use extra strength to tighten it.

8. Turn your water back on by turning the handles under the sink counter-clockwise .

9. Check it.

10. If everything went well you shouldn't have a leaky faucet any longer. If your faucet continues to leak, try tightening the screws on the faucet handles just a bit more. If the faucet still leaks, then it really is time to call a plumber.

Bathroom Sink Faucets

Bathroom faucets have evolved over the years, long gone are the days of standard chrome or brass with function but little style. Bath faucets are now available in a many styles, finishes and designs. Manufacturers are creating matching collections of faucets.

Allow your decorative whims to take over.

Whether exquisiteVintage, ultra modern or somewhere in between suits your fancy, you'll be sure to find the perfect faucets for your bathroom project, from your mature master bath, to a fun children's bathroom, to a beautiful guest bath that will welcome visitors.

Faucet finishes

Chrome - very hard, easy to clean. Choices of matte or polished chrome. Be careful of peeling if its put on over the top of cheap plastic. Cheap bathroom faucets will have finishes that chip off.

Polished brass - very classic appearance, resists fading and scratching with the titanium finish. Standard brass is prone to scratching.

Colored - Nearly limitless options of colors available, easy to clean, but can chip and fade over time and in sunlight.

Gold plated - Looks very rich, can coordinate with other bathroom fixtures, the matte finish hides scratches. One of the most expensive options and must be sealed properly to prevent damage to the gold.

Bathroom Sink

Bathroom sinks have come a long way, from the basic basin that simply fulfilled a need, to a unique piece of art that helps set the expression of your home.

Before choosing a bathroom sink, consider the style you are looking to achieve in the bathroom as well as your space considerations and storage needs, there are perfect solutions for every space.

With today's styles, colors and unique shapes you will easily find the perfect bathroom sink to fit any design, application and artistic whim.

Every bathroom is different. Some are in tight quarters and require little to no storage such as a powder room. A small bathroom sink particularly a wall mounted design or a small pedestal sink will add nicely to such a room.

A master suite or children's bathroom will generally demand more counter space, storage and will have more room to work in a vanity top, undermount, self rimming or even vessel style sinks set over a nice cabinet will create ample storage space and a stylish appearance. bath sink guide can help determine what sink will fit best in your bathroom.

Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks come in a many different designs, styles, and colors.

Some types of pedestals come with wide basins for extra wash space, some come with two faucets instead of one for more control over water temperature, and some come with extra-wide tops so that you have space around the actual sink for additional storage and shelving. Plus, they come in so many shapes and sizes your decorating options are only matched by your own imagination.

Pedestal sinks are a quick way to add a unique look to any bathroom, and once the unit is installed, you now have more room to work around. In fact, so many people love the look of the pedestal sink that they actually decorate the rest of their bathrooms to match its traditional look. Using the pedestal sink as a focal point, many homeowners install a claw-foot bathtub or some stone-tile flooring in order to complement its vintage appeal.

Undermount sink

Undermount is a style of sink that allows the basin to be mounted beneath the countertop. Very common in kitchens and bathrooms, these sinks are popular because they promote a seamless appearance and allow for effective use of space. With its plumbing almost always concealed behind cabinetry, the undermount sink has an invisible advantage favored by individuals who like clean and uncluttered spaces.

One of the main identifying factors where undermount sinks are concerned is the fact that they do not feature decorative rims. In fact (because they are made to be mounted underneath the counter), many of these sinks don't have visible rims at all. Rather, they are positioned either flush with the counter or a few inches beneath it.

There are many advantages to such seamless construction, one being it makes for easy clean-up. Individuals who like to cook, for instance, frequently prefer undercounter sinks. This is because they can simply sweep unused food, crumbs, waste, etc. directly into the sink without having to worry about bits and pieces being obstructed and/or trapped by the rim. The same goes for bar areas. Spills and refuge are easy to brush into a sink that doesn't have a raised rim.

Vanity Sink

One of the biggest misconceptions about vanity sinks is that they are not effective for couples who share bathroom space. Nothing could be further from the truth! The P-Series Zin-Center double sink by Sonoma Cast Stone is a perfect example of an efficient vanity-sink made for two. Featuring a modern Asian design, the P-Series consists of concrete legs and countertop which support two basins.

The great thing about Sonoma Cast Stone is that its products are offered in more than 40 colors. Thus, the P-Series can be custom-built to complement practically any décor or aesthetic. What's more, its design is versatile and can accommodate up to six sinks. This is ideal for individuals looking to outfit commercial bathrooms with something more exciting than a traditional sink and cabinet.

Vessel Sink

A vessel sink is a sink that is designed to sit above the counter. The reason for this is almost purely aesthetic. As the popularity of vessel sinks has grown, so has the number of beautifully hand-crafted products that practically demand exhibition.

By sitting entirely above-counter, vessel sinks can be displayed for their beauty as well as their functionality.

An addition to wood, granite, onyx, marble soapstone, hand-blown glass, various metals, hand-painted ceramic and more. Each distinctive in design and appearance, all of the store's vessels are artisan crafted and quality made.

Bathroom Bathtubs

Many modern bathtubs, such as: Massage bathtub, hydro massage bathtub, jacuzzi bathtub, spa bathtub, whirlpool bathtub, infant bathtub and so on, to meet exclusive life.

Major products such as: ceramic tile,porcelain tile,glass tile,wall tile,floor tile,border tile,glazed tile,polished tile,toilet,bidet,pedestal sink,counter top sink,glass sink,bathroom vanity furniture,sanitary ware,shower head,squat toilet,shower room,bathtub,faucet.

Bathtubs | Claw foot

Are a beautiful addition to a bathroom, especially when the decor is geared to a vintage look. Claw foot tub sizes and materials vary. They are available in cast iron claw foot 54" tubs, to claw foot tubs that are 72" and made of various materials. Cast iron claw foot tubs and acrylic claw foot tubs are among the most sought after. Cast iron is traditional and very durable, but acrylic claw foot tubs are warmer to the touch and suffer less claw foot tub heat loss.

Acrylic claw foot tubs also have the advantage of being available in whirlpool and jetted versions, if you want the extra luxury and therapeutic benefits available in these bathtubs.

Vintage claw foot tubs can be very heavy especially if they are cast iron. When making a purchase online,many supply houses offer free shipping on claw foot tubs which relieves the inconvenience and expense of transport to their home.

Bathtubs | Corner

Corner bathtubs can be an attractive and workable solution to an award shaped bathroom, or just a personal preference. Corner bath tubs add a look of elegance to a bath and are reminiscent of the opulent Roman baths of days gone by. These corner tubs are available as standard tubs, and also whirlpool or hydro massage versions with jets.

Bathtubs | Pedestal

Pedestal bathtubs offer a clean vintage look with their matching skirted base which unifies the tub with the bathroom floor. The pedestal style of the bathtub originated in the art deco period in the 1920's and 30's and is still popular today.

Bathtubs | Standard

The bathtubs featured here are non-jetted tubs. Each has it's own features such as integrated backrests and arm rests, and some are pre drilled for grab bars. Read each description carefully to determine what each tub offers.

Bathtubs are made from a variety of materials such as cast iron, acrylic, fiberglass, enameled reinforced steel, and copper. Each product has it's benefits and it's drawbacks. See a helpful overview on bathtub materials.

Bathtubs | Whirlpool

Whirlpool tubs add that extra touch of luxury to a bath and increase the already pleasant experience of enjoying a nice warm soak. The massaging effect of jetted water can ease the tensions of the day, limber up those sore muscles you have rediscovered after starting a new exercise program, or relieve the discomfort of many ailments that come as a normal part of aging.

Whirlpool tubs come in a variety of lengths and materials, offer different size motors, and many different options concerning jets and safety features.

Bathroom Shower

Putting a shower in new construction is pretty simple, because it is usually done before all the walls are finished, and there is a lot of open space for manuvering. Getting a shower into a finished bathroom area during a bathroom remodel can be much more challenging.

Before you start your remodeling project do a lot of measuring and plan how you will get the shower into the house, what route it will take on it's journey to the space allotted. Measure hallways, doorways, and any space the shower will have to be taken through to make sure it will fit.

Take measurements and consider how you will get the shower into your space before you make a final selection. This could make the difference between selecting a one piece or maybe a two piece or three piece shower enclosure and saving yourself a lot of stress and inconvenience.

Showers can be purchased that have sound systems, telephones, steam, multiple jet sprays and water massage built into them. Today's showers also offer the option of thermostatic mixers which control hot and cold water for just the right mix you find confortable. With this option you don't run the risk of suddenly suffering a drastic change in water temperature if someone flushes a toilet in another bathroom.

If you opt for a shower with a number of jets or multiple shower heads, some things you want to look into first are the size of the piping coming in, and also the quantity of your water supply. You may find it necessary to upgrade your hot water tank.

Whatever your bathroom size or situation, there is a new shower out there that will work into your specific situation and space. Walk in showers are very popular, but there are also smaller shower stalls, and corner showers. If you have space limitations you may find that a shower-tub combination works best.

There are also showers that simulate the look and feel of tile in new materials. If you like the tile look but don't want the aggravation of keeping grout looking clean this is another good choice.

Bathroom Lighting

Selecting bathroom fixtures for lighting will to some degree depend on the size and zones in your bathroom. A bathroom lighting fixture can be for ambient or general lighting, task lighting for specific purposes or subdued lighting for relaxation.

Bathroom sconces make for good lighting both above the vanity and also elsewhere in the room for ambient lighting.

Many lighting fixtures are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Brushed nickel bathroom lighting fixtures are popular as well as brass bathroom lighting fixtures. Bronze, chrome, brass, nickel and gold are available, and many of these lighting fixture finishes are further broken down to polished, rubbed, burnished, brushed as well as other finish sub categories. they also come in traditional, antique, neo classic and contemporary styling.

There are bathroom lighting fixtures to fit all tastes and preferences. Whether you like the vintage look or the more contemporary look for a bathroom, lighting fixtures are plentiful in all of the popular styles, and will not only light your bathroom but add much to the decorating theme you have chosen.

Vanity lighting should be provided on both sides of the vanity mirror. Bar style bathroom lighting is designed to hang above the mirror. This is a mistake on the side of the manufacturers. This type of bathroom lighting is very attractive, but is not adequate for grooming and applying makeup. Recessed lighting is similar. While it is good for general lighting, it is not a good choice in the vanity area.

Good vanity lighting should be balanced on both sides of the vanity mirror, and at approximately face level. This will take a little compromise since members of the household will likely be different heights, but it is better to err on the side of the women in the household. Applying makeup is best done in good lighting without shadowing.

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Bathroom lighting sconces on each side of the mirror can be a good choice, and are a very attractive decor addition.Avoid using fluorescent lighting in the bath, if you can. Some areas require this in their code. While this is good and saves money, it is better used in other areas of the house where lighting needs aren't as specific. Fluorescent lighting gives off different colors which are not good when grooming, and specifically when applying makeup.

In some areas of the country fluorescent lighting is required for bathroom lighting when remodeling. If this applies to your area, talk to a lighting expert who can help you find bulbs which will give off more complimentary colors.

Also be thinking about your other bathroom lighting needs. If you are adding a whirlpool bathtub or a soaking tub, you may want subdued lighting that can be used for such times that will lend to the relaxing atmosphere and make this more enjoyable. Lighting specific to bathtub and shower areas have different requirements depending on the building codes for your specific area.

Bathroom Flooring

Bathroom flooring may be the place to start your bathroom remodeling project. Flooring in any room makes a great impact just because of the amount of space it occupies, and since bathrooms are usually smaller the impact of a new floor can be greater.

Special consideration needs to be given to bathroom flooring for a couple of reasons. If your bathroom is not a large room, choosing lighter colors and designs with larger elements will expand the room. Another consideration is that a bathroom receives a lot of moisture both in the form of water on the floor, and the steam from showers and running water.

Many flooring choices are available today in a variety of different looks and price ranges. Natural stone such as granite or marble, laminates that mimic a wood look and are easier to keep up, tile or vinyl flooring are some of the many options available. Another long standing product, linoleum flooring, is making a comeback with more choices in pattern and color.

On the following pages you'll find information on a number of bathroom flooring choices and their characteristics and care requirements.

Tile Floor

A tile floor in a bathroom is durable and very attractive. Laying tile can be a DIY project if you are handy and allow proper time to go through each step of installation.

Laminate Wood Look Flooring

Laminate wood look bathroom flooring is easy to clean and stands up to a lot of wear.

Marble and Granite Floors

Marble and granite bathroom floors make a beautiful surface. Be aware of their care and maintenance needs.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a very durable flooring product and preferred by many people who have allergies. It is considered a green product since it is biodegradable.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl bathroom flooring is a good choice when remodeling a bathroom. Vinyl is durable, has many color choices, and will withstand moisture.

How to paint your bathroom?

If you're tired of the dated look of your bathroom cabinet, but it's still perfectly functional, giving it a lick of paint is an economical way to give it a makeover without forking out for a brand new cabinet. Painting bathroom cabinets is easy to do and is a great way to give an outdated or worn-looking medicine cabinet a facelift. However, before you reach for your paintbrush, have a read through these tips.

1. First of all, check what your cabinet is made from - plastic laminated surfaces aren't suitable for painting, as the paint won't stick. However, wooden, metal and wood veneer cabinets can be painted successfully.

2. As with any kind of decorating, proper preparation is key. Rather than trying to paint round awkward bits and ending up with paint everywhere, it's best to unscrew and detach all the door hinges and handles and put them safely out of the way. It's much easier to remove your doors rather than attempt to paint them whilst attached to the cabinet.

3. Then give all your surfaces a good clean with TSP (trisodium phosphate), a common degreaser and cleaning agent that can be found in most DIY stores. Rinse with water and leave to dry before using sandpaper to sand down all the surfaces so they are smooth and ready to take the paint. This will create a lot of fine dust, which it's important to clean up properly using a Hoover or damp cloth.

4. Once all the surfaces of your cabinet are ready to be painted, stick masking tape around the edges that adjoin the wall and around the inside edges if you're not planning on painting the inside, this will help you achieve a neat finish.

5. You're then ready to paint. Use a brush or roller, depending on which you prefer to use. Rollers are particularly good for covering larger areas quickly and without leaving visible brushstrokes. Choose a satin enamel paint or specialist cabinet paint, which is available from most big hardware stores. There's a wide selection of colors to choose from.

6. Paint the inside of the doors first, leaving them to dry while you do the main body and frame, before moving on to the outside of the doors.

7. For a professional finish, you'll probably need to apply a second coat, or more. Follow the instructions on the tin, but usually it's advisable to wait several hours or overnight for the previous coat to dry before applying another.

8. Once you're satisfied with the color and finish, you can reassemble your cabinet by attaching the doors and handles. You could even fit new handles at this stage if you want to completely change your cabinet's appearance.