Speak to any estate agent about selling an older-style house and they will inevitably talk about kerb appeal. Kerb appeal – or street appeal - is the first impression a property makes to potential buyers. For DIY enthusiasts renovating an older house in Australia, ensuring the home has this elusive appeal can make the difference between a sale and a fail.
Revitalising an old house's facade helps preserve its charm while ensuring it is structurally sound and safe. It’s easy to improve the aesthetics and functionality of a front verandah by replacing an old iron railing with a new timber balustrade.
Chemical adhesives – the ideal anchoring solution
When renovating an older property, a common problem is finding a solution for anchoring the new timber balustrade into existing concrete. Chemical adhesives are a fast and easy way of anchoring non-structural steel.
Using chemical adhesives means you don’t run the risk of cracking bricks or masonry, which can be a huge issue when the anchoring is on a corner.
Chemical adhesives, like Sika’s AnchorFix, provide strength and durability and can form a bond that's as strong, if not stronger, than traditional fastening methods. This results in a balustrade that can withstand daily wear and tear, environmental factors, and the test of time.
Another advantage of chemical adhesives is the elimination of visible fasteners like screws or nails, resulting in a cleaner look.
Save time on renovations
For DIYers, especially people who are renovating on weekends or after work, time is of the essence. Sika’s AnchorFix is a time-efficient way of installing a new balustrade as it sets quickly, requires no mixing or special applicator and cures in just 50 minutes.
Simply:
- Drill the required holes in the existing concrete foundation and clean out any debris.
- Give the applicator a few pumps until the chemical comes out grey.
- Squeeze to fill holes with the adhesive almost to the top of the hole then place the metal bracket on top, insert the threaded rod and twist.
- Wipe away any excess solution that may have overflowed onto the surrounds.
The new wooden balustrade can be installed in under an hour, giving an old home a fresh look and instant street appeal.
Products & tools required
- Sika AnchorFix-1
- New balustrade
- Metal brackets
- Threaded rod with nut