Cranbourne Stone, specialists in providing bespoke and high-quality natural stone and porcelain products for swimming pools and landscape designs, is pleased to announce the release of its new 2021 product brochure, entitled The Collection. 21. The latest edition includes their bestselling natural stone and porcelain as well as new additions
Leading brickwork, scaffolding and drywall contractor, Phoenix Brickwork is expanding its UK reach with the appointment of several new team members. Well respected industry professionals Pav Bains, Jim Chandler, Wayne Addison, Neil Weston, Raj Bains and Steve Gates are joining Phoenix, with more appointments pending. Previously all had worked for
Green lawns are a staple of suburbia, but how much do you really know about grass? If you’re like many people, probably not much beyond what’s required to keep the lawn alive. The fact is, lawn, lawn care, and the history of lawns in the U.S. is actually rather interesting
The impact of a front door on a home’s kerb appeal September 2020 was a month of records for the UK housing market. The stamp duty holiday triggered the highest number of residential property sales ever agreed in a month. When selling or looking to purchase a house, first impressions
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales,
Landscaping was always prevalent during the 70s and 80s when people had fewer work hours and could afford to take the time out to decorate the space around their homes. In the early 2000s, most of this work was abandoned or given to professionals. Many people even started DIY landscaping
If you are the current owner of a commercial or residential property built back sometime in the seventies or sixties, there is a chance that asbestos-containing materials are present in the structure. If this is the case, it would be paramount you take an asbestos survey. But why would you
Euramax explores energy-saving home improvements The average UK home spends around £550 a year on space heating alone. Surely there is a smarter way to invest this money and achieve long-term savings? Leading uPVC windows and doors manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that examines five ways homeowners can improve their home
Homeowners looking to maximise the kerb appeal and value of properties can look to considerations from improvement experts when searching for the perfect front door. A front door is the face of any home and the first feature that visitors and passers-by will notice in a property, so ensuring yours
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are
Cranbourne Stone, specialists in providing bespoke and high-quality natural stone and porcelain products for swimming pools and landscape designs, is pleased to announce the release of its new 2021 product brochure, entitled The Collection. 21. The latest edition includes their bestselling natural stone and porcelain as well as new additions which are tipped to be popular design choices this year. As the largest stockist of pool copings and matching paving in the UK, The Collection.21 is packed full of products including natural stone like limestone and marble, as well as Cranbourne Stone’s range of porcelain tiles and deck level grilles. New for 2021 is the stunning Trevose Black Granite. Its dramatic dark colour and flamed finish make it the ideal stone for modern swimming pool surrounds and terraces, and is already garnering attention from those looking for a contemporary finish. A Porcelain Mosaic range has also been introduced for the first time in Cranbourne Stone’s 17-year history. Available in nine stunning colours and two sizes, it is the perfect tile choice for swimming pools. The latest range can be paired with Cranbourne Stone’s large format tiles to create sumptuous style for your pool. “We are thrilled to present The Collection.21 product catalogue to our customers,” said Jo Standfield, Cranbourne Stone’s Sales Director. “It brings together our whole range of products, including the favourites that continue to be popular year on year. We have also replaced some natural stone with brand new updates like Trevose Black Granite. This beautiful rich-coloured stone replaces Chattis Black Basalt granite and is a perfect choice for contemporary designs. “What I am really excited to introduce is the new Porcelain Mosaic range. They match our Elegance range of large format porcelain tiles and are the ideal choice for those looking for chic styling. By using the mosaic tiles as a pool lining and the large tiles for the swimming pool surround it creates a beautiful seamless finish. “With over 100 pages bursting with luxurious stone and tile choices, this new brochure is a must-have for those looking to create beautiful swimming pool and landscape designs in 2021.” The Collection.21 includes natural stone and porcelain and wood porcelain tile ranges, which will satisfy all tastes and styles. Also featured are Deck Level Grilles from Stonetech and a range using Lapitec® sintered stone, which Cranbourne Stone is an approved fabricator of. As the UK’s exclusive distributor for Stonetech Pools’ products, Cranbourne Stone imports the unique Grilles from Greece and stocks the product at their Hampshire facility ready to be delivered quickly for pool projects. Concluding The Collection.21 is a section of detailed information including Cranbourne Stone’s extensive service which includes bespoke masonry, site template and survey options to help pool builders, architects and landscapers successfully design their project. To download The Collection.21 visit www.cranbournestone.co.uk
Leading brickwork, scaffolding and drywall contractor, Phoenix Brickwork is expanding its UK reach with the appointment of several new team members. Well respected industry professionals Pav Bains, Jim Chandler, Wayne Addison, Neil Weston, Raj Bains and Steve Gates are joining Phoenix, with more appointments pending. Previously all had worked for Bedford based Irvine-Whitlock. Christian Watson, managing director at Phoenix, welcomed the new appointments as the business looks to boost its £15 million turnover with expansion into London and the Home Counties. “Our reputation for high quality work, exemplary H&S compliance and solid client relationships has already established Phoenix as a strong player north of the Watford Gap. “We are delighted to welcome such experience into the business with the addition of these key industry players and now have the perfect platform to handle projects in the Capital and beyond.” Operating from its Derbyshire and Northamptonshire offices, Phoenix is well established in large parts of the North and Midlands, providing services to key leaders in the construction industry. The new appointments will work alongside the existing team and bring their experience gained across works such as St. Pancras International and Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium, to new projects for Phoenix across Greater London and the South East. “As a business we have always focused on delivering a quality service to our clients and I know that this ethos is shared by our new appointments,” said Christian. “This targeted expansion plan is just the first element of our wider plan to develop Phoenix as a national player and our expanded team will bring our co-ordinated service in brickwork, scaffolding and drywalling to projects further south.”
Green lawns are a staple of suburbia, but how much do you really know about grass? If you’re like many people, probably not much beyond what’s required to keep the lawn alive. The fact is, lawn, lawn care, and the history of lawns in the U.S. is actually rather interesting — and might even surprise you. Check out these fun facts. 1. George Washington Had One of the First Lawns One of the first lawns in America can be found at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home in Alexandria, Virginia. Washington was known as a farmer, and was one of America’s first landscape architects. After the Revolutionary War, he knew that he would be hosting many dignitaries at his home, and set out to make the landscape as impressive as the buildings. This included the building of a great lawn, or bowling green. Inspired by the drawings of such expanses of grass at European manors, Washington incorporated a large lawn in front of the home. The lawn was cut using scythes, and regularly rolled to keep it flat and even. 2. Grass is Food Grass is actually the most common food in the world. All grass is part of the Poeceae family, which includes everything from pasture grasses that feed livestock to varieties like wheat and barley that are processed into flour and other products. 3. Professional Lawn Care is in Demand More than 22 million Americans rely on a professional lawn service to take care of their grass. This gives them back an average of 70 hours of free time every year that would otherwise be spent on lawn care. 4. Without Grass, We Might Not Survive Grass is not only a major food source for most species, it also produces a significant amount of oxygen. In fact, the typical lawn is more efficient than trees when it comes to making oxygen. A 50 foot by 50 foot lawn produces enough each day oxygen for a family of four to breathe, while also helping to improve air quality by catching contaminants like dust. 5. A Healthy Lawn Increases Home Value If you’re trying to sell your home, a healthy lawn can attract buyers — and even spur them to make a better offer. According to the Lawn Institute, a healthy lawn can help increase your home’s value by 15-20%. And the National Association of Realtors notes that when you invest in lawn care, you’ll see more than a 250% return on investment when you sell the home. 6. A Lawn Requires a Lot of Plants Maintaining a thick lawn means lots of plants — several million of them, in fact. In a well-maintained, 10,000 square foot lawn, you can expect to find about 8.5 million individual plants. That breaks down to about six plants per square inch, or 850 plants per square foot. Given that every grass seed only produces a single sprout, that’s a lot of seed to cover an entire lawn. 7. Grass Isn’t What You Think By weight, the typical blade of grass is 75% water. However, the bulk of a grass plant’s weight, about 90%, is in its roots. The green color comes from chlorophyll, but each blade also contains carbon dioxide, ozone, hydrogen fluoride, and peroxyacetyl nitrate absorbed from the atmosphere. 8. Grass is a Natural Air Conditioner You might not realize it on a hot day, but your lawn actually helps keep your home cool. If you added up the cooling power of the front lawns of eight typical suburban homes, you’d have the effect of about 70 tons of cooling power. The average household air conditioner only produces about 3 to 4 tons of cooling power. In more practical terms, if your home is surrounded by grass, trees, and shrubs, they can lower the temperature by about 14 degrees. 9. Lawn Mowers Have Existed for About 150 Years Although there have been any number of devices and tools for cutting grass used over time, it wasn’t until 1868 that the first patent for a reel-type lawn mower was issued in the U.S.. The first patent for a rotary type lawn mower wasn’t issued until 1919. Although different types of sprinklers existed previously, the first sprinkler patent was awarded to J. Lessler in Buffalo, NY in 1871. 10. People Take Their Lawn Mowers Seriously Finally, some people are really into their lawn mowers. There’s actually a museum dedicated to lawn mowers in England, and in 1992, the US Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) was established, becoming the first sanctioning body for, you guessed it, professional lawn mower racing.
The impact of a front door on a home’s kerb appeal September 2020 was a month of records for the UK housing market. The stamp duty holiday triggered the highest number of residential property sales ever agreed in a month. When selling or looking to purchase a house, first impressions really do count. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of uPVC windows and uPVC doors manufacturer Euramax, explains the impact of a carefully selected front door on a home’s kerb appeal. Homes are selling faster than ever before in the UK. The average time to sell is 50 days quicker than any previously recorded figure, according to a report by real estate website Rightmove. In such a saturated market, it’s vital that a property stands out, for the right reasons. In the initial stages of selling a property, the exterior appearance holds great importance: the front exterior shot of a home typically takes centre stage on online listings and many prospective buyers will make an informal drive-by visit before requesting a viewing. With such a great focus on the home’s exterior, maximising kerb appeal is a crucial element of a successful exchange. Whether a homeowner is enhancing their property’s sellable status, or plans to remain there for years to come, the front door is commonly regarded as a property’s focal point, connecting the inside with the outside. It should reflect the personality of the home, and can provide a subtle hint towards the interior décor inside the property. Selecting a front door that successfully achieves this requires three key decisions: colour, material and design. Colour choice A front door’s colour is ultimately down to personal preference, but there are a few essential considerations that should be made when creating a stand-out first impression. The goal is to radiate a welcoming feel, which can be reached either by adding a new colour or by maintaining the property’s existing colourway. One of the most popular colours to add to a property is a pale green. Inspired by nature, this hint of colour subtly matches any surrounding foliage. This promotes a view of the house and its garden as a single entity, helping the home to blend in with its exterior environment. Alternatively, neutral shades bring a classic and sophisticated style to any property. Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of grey interiors, so selecting a grey front door complements the interior décor and sets the tone of what’s to come if you were to enter through it. It’s also worth taking the style of the property into account, to ensure the door colour helps rather than hinders the home’s aesthetic appeal. For example, dark colours such as Anthracite grey may be too bold for ornate period homes, but the perfect fit for a modern or Tudor-style property. Considering all these points in advance gives homeowners some creative freedom with their door colour, without compromising on style. Material matters Material is not only key to a door’s aesthetics, but also its functionality. Meeting a door’s aesthetic goals should not come at the expense of performance. Ultimately, a front door must provide security without sacrificing energy efficiency, so material choice should support these performance objectives. A traditional material choice would be timber, thanks to its timeless look and customisability. There are many types of wood to select from and it can be painted any colour. However, timber comes with its downsides. Repeated exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause warping and peeling, hampering the door’s insulating properties and demanding periodic maintenance. PVCu is another material option, which outperforms timber on energy efficiency and maintenance. PVCu doors have a smooth finish that is naturally insulating and weatherproof, requiring minimal maintenance. Contrary to popular belief, PVCu doors are now available in a range of colours, including Anthracite grey and Chartwell green. Their sleek, clean appearance makes PVCu doors an ideal option for modern properties. However, the modern appearance of PVCu may look out of place on a traditional property, while timber doors may not meet all the performance goals. Composite doors combine the benefits of different materials to offer maximum security, unrivalled energy efficiency and virtually zero maintenance. With a variety of colour choices and the option to add a woodgrain effect, composite doors are suitable for any home, whatever its style. Design details Having decided on colour and material, it’s important to think about the door’s design. As with colour choice, homeowners should be mindful of their property’s architecture and ensure that their door is in keeping with the style. The UK’s most popular four-panel door with two glass panels at the top and two solid panels at the bottom is a classic option that suits most properties. However, a modern property may benefit from a trendy design such as a door with four central glass square panels. It’s also advisable to spend some time considering the door’s accessories. Every front door must have a handle and a letter box, but you may decide on additional features such as numbers or a door knocker. Traditional doors may suit gold fittings, whilst contemporary properties may better suit chrome hardware. Euramax is a leading UK manufacturer PVCu and composite doors, which come in a range of colours with an array of customisable glass and accessory options. What’s more, our made-to-measure service allows us to offer bespoke products to meet any homeowners’ specific requirements. Whether your contemplating selling or just want to improve your property’s exterior, the front door holds the key to success. Carefully selecting a door’s colour, material and design ensures that the door seamlessly fits with the property’s style, while allowing the home’s interior style to shine through, making the property stand out for all the right reasons.
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales, published on the Government’s website, as detailed below remains the same and is unlikely to change for the next few weeks. “Door-to-door sales should not take place, and sales activities should be conducted remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail).” The slightly more relaxed interpretation of the rules around the restrictions may allow for sales people to enter the home, if necessary but it is vital for all individuals who are entering a property to ensure they are following the Safe Guidance and social distancing guidelines. John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented on the change, “Government officials have recently confirmed directly to the GGF that if selling and surveying in England cannot be done remotely, then companies and their sub-contractors can conduct pre-booked in-house sales and surveys, if carried out within the Safe Guidance.” The GGF recommends that consumers are offered a remote appointment in the first instance and that advises companies, who cannot sell or survey remotely to ensure they do so, in a controlled and measured manner. John Agnew added, “The GGF recommends that any in-house selling activity should start in February to ensure a responsible and gradual industry approach.” The GGF also advises that all individuals entering a home to carry out work should use the NHS Test and Trace App which can be downloaded from the NHIS website https://covid19.nhs.uk/. On the subject of door to door canvassing, the Government is clear that this activity should not be undertaken at present and this has been underlined by the GGF. In a statement issued to its Membership, the GGF highlights that local authorities in England can issue a prohibition notice on businesses. The GGF’s Primary Authority Partnership confirmed “the (current) level of risk to public health met the requirements for local authorities to be able to issue prohibition notices to businesses as allowed by the regulations”. Companies should be mindful of this possible sanction if they ignore the advice and continue to canvass. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing COVID secure guidance in terms of how you are working. The HSE has the power to issue an enforcement notice on any business that is not operating in accordance with COVID secure guidance creating a potential risk to public health and safety. With the restriction on in-house selling slightly relaxed, and if the pandemic health statistics show the situation is improving, the GGF expects the Government to ease the restrictions gradually over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, the GGF has urged companies who can continue to operate, to do so responsibly and within the spirit of the guidance. John Agnew summarised, “The published GGF and Government Safe Guidance has not changed, all companies who can continue to operate should ensure they follow the safe guidance to safeguard their employees and customers, and to protect the NHS and save lives.” To access the very latest GGF and Government guidance please click on the links below: GGF COVID Latest News Page GGF COVID Guidance Table GGF COVID Guide for Manufacturers and the Supply Chain GGF COVID Guide for Installers GGF COVID Guide for Homeowners
Landscaping was always prevalent during the 70s and 80s when people had fewer work hours and could afford to take the time out to decorate the space around their homes. In the early 2000s, most of this work was abandoned or given to professionals. Many people even started DIY landscaping projects with a level of enthusiasm, mostly propagated by the latest trends and innovative ideas available around them. According to experts like Sand4U, landscaping supplies have seen an increasing demand in the market since last year. If you are one of those looking to start their landscaping project but aren’t sure how to get the right materials, we’ve got you covered. Let’s look at some standard landscaping supplies and how you can make the right purchase. Soil If your plants don’t have good soil to rest, they will wither and die no matter how much care you give them. This is why it is essential to have the best quality soil you can find. Look for soil variants that have an even texture instead of clumps and stones. You can also smell the earth to check for any un-decomposed organic material or toxins. Rocks Rocks have a varied use in landscaping. They are mostly used for adding a more natural aesthetic to your garden. You can also use them to define certain limits and boundaries to your garden. For a completely natural look, go for rocks that are covered in moss and lichen. Smooth stones are appropriate for garden walls and fountains. Gravel Gravel can be used for making a pavement in your garden that blends with the natural surroundings. Gravel used for this purpose must have different particle sizes to provide a stable base when compacted. If you are using gravel for aesthetic reasons, you can go for coloured pebbles and make sure that the pebbles you buy are roughly the same size. Sand There are different types of sand when it comes to landscaping. If you are using sand for a child’s pit, then make sure that it is clean and free of sharp stones or pebbles. Bricklayers sand contains clay that helps it bind together more efficiently. If you like using sand as a base for paving, then coarse washed sand is the way to go. Mulches There are two types of mulches. Inorganic mulches contain pebbles and gravel, while organic mulches are made from plant materials and animal manure. If you are staying in a warm region, then sugar cane mulch is also an excellent option. Make sure you go for decomposed mulches to avoid nitrogen drawdown. This is a common problem with improperly composted organic mulches. Timber One of the main components of creating a boundary to your garden is a fence, and to make a strong fence, you need high-quality timber. Pine tends to be more resistant to termites, but this is only if the pine is well treated. The experts like Sand4U repeatedly stress that untreated pine is not very durable. Hardwood is another option for durability, but you must check for the drying period and the original material.
If you are the current owner of a commercial or residential property built back sometime in the seventies or sixties, there is a chance that asbestos-containing materials are present in the structure. If this is the case, it would be paramount you take an asbestos survey. But why would you need one? And what exactly is asbestos? We will answer these questions and learn more about the material in today’s post. Asbestos? What Is That? If you do not know about asbestos, this is a swell place for you to start. It is a naturally occurring compound you can find in many surface areas. It is an ideal construction material used by companies more than forty years ago due to it being heat-resistant, durable, and a perfect electrical insulator. Some companies even use it to manufacture all sorts of products – from vases, vehicle parts to kitchen utensils and ware. Asbestos is now illegal to use in most parts of the world. It is highly toxic and hazardous to health. And those who expose themselves to it are at risk of having lung conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and so much more. Exposure happens when an individual disturbs or damages a location where asbestos is present. The fibers it contains will latch off the surface, get into the air, and enter a person’s lungs. Where Can You Locate The Material? You can find it in both commercial and residential settings. The material is fire-resistant. And as such, it can be present in areas where temperature changes are frequent. You can find it in the following. Piping systems Roof shingles Popcorn ceilings Old furnaces and stoves Asbestos fabrics Fire door centers Interiors of walls Water tanks Fuse boards Door frames Old windows Gutters Floorings Lifting shafts Insulation Asbestos can also be present in electronics, communication lines, fences, and even the soil. You might want to get a quote on how to test for asbestos. What Is An Asbestos Survey? An asbestos survey is a form of examination or analysis to unearth if a commercial or residential structure contains asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or ACM. There are many types of asbestos surveys. The types of asbestos surveys include: Asbestos management and abatement survey This type of survey is for the occupation and usage of buildings, such as condominiums, apartments, and so forth. This survey functions to identify and locate asbestos that may require management and abatement in the future. Asbestos Refurbishment and demolition analysis Asbestos Refurbishment and demolition analysis are for construction purposes. It aims to discover ACM in construction sites where repairs, demolitions, and refurbishments take place. Soil sampling One trick for asbestos sampling is done through soil sampling. This survey is done before any form of construction happens. Inspections and re-inspections Experts perform this method after construction is complete, and the building has been in use for quite some time. They will perform a preliminary inspection in hot spots where asbestos can occur and will do so once again after a set period. Why Is There A Need For One? An asbestos survey is crucial. It can determine if a building contains asbestos or traces of it. A survey should come first before any renovations or repairs must be done. Workers can continue and work without any survey taking place. But they might disturb or damage areas and surfaces that contain the toxic material, thus releasing the fibers into the air, risking them with exposure. And if the compound is present, further action can come in. Additional processes such as clearing and abatement can make a structure safer for its occupants. Complexes and buildings have various functions. It is necessary to know what happens in such structures to know what kind of survey is needed. And the survey is paramount for the many types of construction work out there. Such action will let you know about the following. The type of asbestos present. The quantity and condition of the compound. Location of asbestos. Any additional actions or processes Is The Survey Expensive? Many factors affect how much you will spend for an asbestos survey, but you should first know what kind your structure requires. You will receive all sorts of answers, but there is no such thing as an exact amount to pay. You can go ahead and contact a local asbestos contracting company, and they will mandate you to give out the following information: The location of the structure The property’s type How old the building is The estimated size of the building Type of survey Available plans Other requirements The endeavor will polish your research skills. As you will search for a company that is accredited, licensed, and insured. And you will get what you pay for, too. If a company charges cheaply for their services, you might want to reconsider and double-check their background. It is better to be safe than sorry later. Lack of preparation, appropriate materials, and equipment can lead to disaster. And it will take a toll on your financial capabilities. The Last Note Managing a property and making it safe for the occupants is not a walk in the park. You have to do a lot of things to guarantee everyone’s safety. An asbestos survey is one such way that you can do so. It will save you from additional expenses due to asbestos-related incidents in the future. Check around your area for companies that will fit your requirements and get the job done efficiently.
Euramax explores energy-saving home improvements The average UK home spends around £550 a year on space heating alone. Surely there is a smarter way to invest this money and achieve long-term savings? Leading uPVC windows and doors manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that examines five ways homeowners can improve their home this winter to keep warm, without turning up the heat. When winter approaches and the temperature starts to drop, many homeowners begin thinking about how they can reduce the cost of their energy bill. This year, keeping homes warm without excessive costs is more relevant than ever. In April 2020, 46.6 per cent of people in employment did some work at home, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Many people traditionally turn their heating off during the day while they are out of the house. However, with government advice to work from home wherever possible not set to cease, this will not be the case. Many people will spend their days inside their homes this winter, meaning heating expenses will rise. As a result, homeowners will need to take actions to keep their homes suitably warm, without increasing their financial outgoings. As well as lowering costs, homeowners may also want to explore more environmentally friendly heating methods. In summer 2020, the UK government announced that it would be supporting homeowners that want to make energy-efficient home upgrades, with its Green Homes Grant. As part of the scheme, the government will provide a voucher worth up to £5,000 or £10,000 to cover the cost of making energy-efficient home improvements. Homeowners and private and social landlords are entitled to the vouchers, which can be used for changes such as improved insulation or low-carbon heating. “Elevated energy bills are a worry for many people across the UK, especially in winter. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to help bring these costs down and relieve some financial strain,” explained Nick Cowley, managing director of Euramax. “Some of these changes are things that can be done at no extra cost, like setting your thermostat effectively, while others do take a bit more preparation. “We wanted to suggest some possible uses of the Green Homes Grant, while demonstrating how high-quality windows and doors can improve the energy efficiency of a house. This infographic offers some suggestions that will allow homeowners to optimise their home this winter, whatever their budget.” To learn more about Euramax and their products, visit euramaxuk.com.
Homeowners looking to maximise the kerb appeal and value of properties can look to considerations from improvement experts when searching for the perfect front door. A front door is the face of any home and the first feature that visitors and passers-by will notice in a property, so ensuring yours delivers impact is key. Whether you are looking to place your property on the market and want to increase its appeal to potential buyers, or simply wish to enhance your home’s security and energy efficiency – a new front door is a worthwhile investment to add value to your home. From style and colours, to materials and thermal efficiency, the home improvement experts at Stormclad have highlighted the main factors to consider when choosing a new front door to upgrade your property. “A new front door can significantly transform the overall kerb appeal of a property, as well as providing added security and peace of mind. Choosing a front door with excellent energy efficiency can also drastically decrease the heat loss from your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills. Choosing a new front door for your home can seem somewhat daunting with so many options available, and as property experts with more than 20 years of experience, we have compiled a list of considerations to help you make the right decision for your home,” said Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans. Here are five things to consider when choosing the perfect front door: Budget The easiest place to start when deciding which front door is right for your home is to choose a realistic budget. This will help you to narrow down the options that are available to you, as well as helping you prioritise what aspects of the front door are most important to you. For example, is improving your home’s security a top priority? Do you wish to find a bold and colourful style that is going to make your property’s exterior more attractive, or do you want something that offers both excellent functionality and kerb appeal? Asking these questions initially will help to decide on a budget and do your research to find out what options are going to work best for you. Style With hundreds of front door styles on the market, making the right choice can be challenging. There are, however, several styles you will encounter in your search which all fit into more streamlined categories – traditional, contemporary and ultra-modern. Each offer their own style and performance benefits, and the one you choose will depend on the design of your property. Traditional styles will suit character properties and cottages alike, and modern designs will compliment new-build and more contemporary style homes. Consider choosing a front door which includes glass to increase the natural light into your property – doors with large or small rectangular panes, translucent or patterned glass, and even sidelight windows can make all the difference to natural light at the front of your home. It is important to browse different options before choosing a design that is bespoke to your needs, and considerations include – if a property is north or south facing, or if you have a wide or narrow entrance. All quality glass should meet British standards in terms of security. Materials Materials are one of the most important considerations when browsing front door options, as different styles offer a variety of benefits and finishes. UPVC doors are strong, sturdy and can be easily customised, as are composite doors, which have an authentic wooden finish and do not require painting. While traditional wooden doors are attractive and highly desirable, they do require more maintenance than other styles, with regular painting and varnishing recommended. They can also depreciate in harsher weather conditions over time, and are often less insulating than UPVC and composite option – so consider if you are willing to maintain the door in years to come to ensure that it lasts. Colour There is a growing trend for choosing a front door that has an unusual, striking or pastel colour – if you are feeling bold, a mustard yellow or vibrant teal can make a real impact to the exterior of your property. For something more subtle, pastel greens and blues can brighten the front of your home without being too excessive. If you are planning to sell your home, consider whether a bright colour may be off-putting to potential buyers – in which case, selecting a subtle or more traditional colour may be the right choice for you. Consider if you are planning to paint the outside of your property in the near future, as this will help to determine the right colour to choose. Most UPVC and composite doors come in a range of colours and are customisable if there is a particular colour that you desire. Energy efficiency Preventing excess heat loss where possible in your home is so important, as you want to live comfortably and efficiently when it comes to energy bills. Poorly fitted, old or damaged front doors will allow heat to leak out through the sides and glazing – so choosing a quality, well-fitted door is key to preventing draughts. Modern door styles can also ensure that your home stays cooler in the summer months, and this helps to balance the interior temperature to provide comfortable living conditions. All quality doors will meet performance standards and will be awarded with a ‘U’ value, rated on a scale from E to A ++ based on materials.
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are the techniques to make your HVAC system energy-efficient? Let’s find out. 1. Clean the condenser unit It’s not enough to clean the air filters inside your AC. You can search for an HVAC supply near me and find new filters to replace them if necessary but changing the condenser is too expensive. Ensure you clean the condenser unit at least thrice a year from the outside to make sure the AC works at its optimal best. 2. Increase your thermostat Many studies suggest that adjusting temperatures between 5 and 8 degrees helps to save money and energy. You should notch the temperature down in winter and up in summer to make your AC energy-efficient. It is best to use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically according to the weather condition throughout the day. 3. Insulate exposed ductwork There are two reasons why an air conditioner may consume more energy: first, if the air filters are jammed with debris, and second if your room has exposed ductwork. In these cases, your AC has to put extra pressure on the condenser to cool the room down. And the more pressure it puts, the more energy it consumes. You should first make sure that a professional seals the unconditioned space so that air doesn’t leak from your room. If you know the areas, you can use UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape to fill them. You can also call a professional to use thick duct insulating material to cover the gaps. 4. Keep heat-producing appliances away This concept is similar to the one with insulation. If there are heat-producing appliances near the air conditioner, it has to put more pressure to cool the room down. This means you will end up paying a higher electric bill than usual. Instead, keep the heat-producing appliance away. Or best, take them to another room. It will allow the AC to cool your room faster so that you don’t need to use it for hours every day. 5. Clean the drain line While most people pay attention to cleaning the filters, it is also essential to clear the drain line. The easiest way to clean your drain line is by flushing a cup of chlorine bleach and rinsing it with a gallon of water. With a clear drain line, you now allow the air conditioner to work freely because it doesn’t have to deal with blocked drains anymore. Hence, it would not consume more energy than before. These are some of the no-cost ways that can make your air conditioner energy-efficient. Try them and see the world of difference it makes to your energy bills, especially during the summer months when you need your AC the most.
