The winter/early spring is a great time for property managers to get their pavement maintenance projects underway, including pothole repair. But when it comes to the best way how to fix potholes, it’s a bit like asking two chefs how to bake a cake — they’ll give you different recipes and methods that work for them.

Potholes occur when cracks in a road’s surface allow water – rain and melting snow – to reach the base or subbase below it. Over time, this moisture weakens the base and/or subbase, causing it to shift or crumble when traffic travels over it. The result is the formation of a hole or depression in the asphalt.

DIY Roadwork: How to Fix Potholes on Your Own

Often, these potholes are overlooked or neglected, which allows them to evolve into much larger problems as the freeze-thaw cycle takes hold. It’s important to fix them promptly to avoid costly and unsafe driving conditions.

If you’re not a professional tarmac contractor or simply don’t have the skills, you may prefer to hire someone for your pothole repair project. Search for local contractors that offer driveway repair or tarmac surfacing and ask about their qualifications. They should be licensed, insured and carry a Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) ID card.

To make a permanent repair to a pothole, first clean out the debris and water from it using a stiff broom or sweeper. Next, square the edges of the pothole and fill it to the height of the surrounding pavement surface, making sure the material is slightly overfilled for compaction. Once the asphalt is poured, compact it with a hand tamper or use a petrol plate compactor equipped with a heat lance.

…

Continue Reading

If your property is a rental, you’re likely to have heard about ecir test. However, it may be unclear what exactly it entails. This article will help clear up any confusion, by breaking down the basics of what an EICR test is and why it’s important.

An EICR is a comprehensive inspection of a building’s electrical wiring system and identifies any issues that could lead to dangerous faults, such as fires or electric shocks. This is an essential safety measure, which should be carried out by qualified professionals to ensure the safety of occupants.

ECIR Test vs. EICR Test: Key Differences and Similarities Explained

During the testing process, the electrician will disconnect the power to each circuit to carry out tests and determine its condition. The tests will be based on standards set by the IET’s (Institute of Engineering and Technology) Wiring Regulations, which includes dead testing, polarity testing, RCD testing, and live testing of sockets, light fittings, and downlighters.

Once the tests are complete, you’ll receive a full and detailed EICR report. This will include the results of each section, along with any recommendations for remedial action. If the testing finds a problem, the report will also state whether it is a C1 issue, which suggests that there is danger present and immediate action is required. A C2 issue, meanwhile, is less urgent but still poses a risk and should be rectified as soon as possible. If a problem is found and it is deemed unsafe, you’ll be issued with a ‘fault observed’ code, which requires you to arrange for the issue to be fixed immediately.

…

Continue Reading