Visitors going to the Nationwide Windows & Doors stand F33 at Housing 2021 will see the very latest improvements to make windows and doors smart. Fingerprint is Nationwide’s app to provide lifetime traceability of certification, components and installation through QR codes. It provides full product traceability from manufacture and installation
Windows and doors by Kawneer feature on apartments at Greenwich Square. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for a primarily residential building at the heart of the redevelopment of London’s Greenwich Square for their aesthetic, acoustic, thermal, fire-resistant and sustainability credentials. Kawneer’s AA®543 open-in windows and
With a large variety of models designed to fit any building’s needs, the XS4 One electronic escutcheon fits virtually any door, including wooden and PVC doors as well as those with narrow metal frames. Until now, the Dark Bronze finish was only available for the XS4 ANSI models but this
Doors and windows are vital to your home for lots of reasons. They need to keep the weather out, provide security and of course compliment the aesthetics of the property as a whole. Because of all this, they can also be a costly purchase, and most people would agree that
The SALTO Neoxx electronic padlock’s new features and enhancement keep it at the cutting edge of the security industry and access control ecosystem. SALTO Systems has invested years of working with some of the best minds in the security industry – our community of security specifiers and installers – to
Concern about global carbon emissions has never been higher. The Paris Agreement commits the signatories to reducing global average temperature to below two degrees above pre-industrial levels. This is critical to combatting climate change, but it’ll only happen if practices change. And among the most important contributors to the effort
When it comes to constructing the perfect building, you need to install the vital components and systems. You can find many examples of building systems and components such as electrical, plumbing, fire protection, ventilation, and HVAC. However, they can only operate whenever contractors provide enough protection from many factors. One
Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your
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
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
Visitors going to the Nationwide Windows & Doors stand F33 at Housing 2021 will see the very latest improvements to make windows and doors smart. Fingerprint is Nationwide’s app to provide lifetime traceability of certification, components and installation through QR codes. It provides full product traceability from manufacture and installation and continues throughout its lifecycle. Alongside Fingerprint, Nationwide is showing Kubu for perimeter security and Ultion for state-of-the-art locking. “These latest innovations make windows and doors smart,” says Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide Windows & Doors. “Fingerprint will revolutionise the management of maintenance and service calls. An installed product’s history can be accessed by scanning a permanent QR code to instantly show proof of certification and product specification such as hardware or glazing details. Critical maintenance data is available for housing stock, offering opportunities to significantly reduce management time. “As part of our commitment to improving communities, housing and homes, we have a prize draw for visitors downloading the Fingerprint app before or during the show, with a donation of £1,000 to the winners chosen charity or community scheme.” Visitors to stand F33 will be able to use all the latest smart technology for themselves and enjoy a FREE coffee. To find out more visit www.nwd.co.uk
Windows and doors by Kawneer feature on apartments at Greenwich Square. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for a primarily residential building at the heart of the redevelopment of London’s Greenwich Square for their aesthetic, acoustic, thermal, fire-resistant and sustainability credentials. Kawneer’s AA®543 open-in windows and AA®540 fixed lights feature in the stairwells of Block 3 – a seven-storey, garden-courtyard block of 325 apartments for Mace Developments that was masterplanned by Make Architects and delivered by KDS Associates. In addition, Kawneer’s AA®543 windows, AA®540 series of fixed lights and AA®545 doors are coupled together on all elevations and complemented by the thermally superior AA®720 doors and fixed lights on the ground floor entrances. Work on the £80 million building by main contractor Mace took almost three years and delivers a 6,895m2 mix of studio and one- to three-bedroomed units, 292m2 of commercial space, and basement parking for 195 cars and 600 bicycles. Part of Phase 3 of the £250 million regeneration of a three-hectare brownfield site, Block 3’s build of concrete frame also utilised off-site methods, with prefabricated bathroom and utility pods. Nikhil Raj, Associate Director with KDS Associates, explained that Make Architects had been responsible for the whole masterplan of the site which included Block 3 that was developed to Stage 3 level. He said: “The original scheme was not commercially viable, therefore Mace development appointed KDS to rationalise and optimise the Make Architects’ original scheme. KDS assisted Make Architects in submitting an NMA by adding another storey and an additional 42 units to the existing scheme. Upon receiving a successful approval on NMA, KDS were appointed by Mace Developments to deliver Block 3. “We needed a slimline and robust look, along with the benefit of better acoustic and thermal performance. Aluminium also played an important part as we wanted to earn some additional BREEAM points.” He added: “I have worked with Kawneer products before, so it was no surprise that they delivered on their promise again.” Greenwich Square was a stalled development on Government brownfield land for more than 10 years before Mace, as principal equity investor, worked through the complex issues with a special purpose joint venture company, to finally unlock the site. The team brought together the numerous stakeholders involved to channel energy around a common purpose – to create a new community for east Greenwich that delivered 50% high-quality affordable housing as a key focus. The vibrant new destination comprises 686 new mixed-tenure homes and a community hub with facilities including a leisure centre, library, health centre, adult education college and shops, all planned around an attractive town square. One of the first schemes in the UK to make use of the “Buy now, pay later” land initiatives, the creative social housing model included a pre-sale to L&Q of 314 of the residential units and a commercial transaction with the council for the funding and future management of the Greenwich Centre. Phase 1 comprised 361 apartments, maisonettes and town houses as well as the public square, GP surgery, leisure centre, public library and retail space, while Phase 2 added 325 studios and one- to three-bedroomed apartments (239 private and 86 affordable). Sustainability was integral to the design of Greenwich Square, from the design of the apartments and townhouses to the facilities provided for residents. All the homes are designed to Code Level 4 Fabric First for sustainable new homes as well as meeting the Building for Life Silver Standard and CEEQUAL “Very good” for landscaping and public realm works. Nikhil said: “The key requirement was amendment to Approved Document B. This was not officially published at the time of registering with Building Control, therefore a lot of design changes were anticipated to future proof the building. The project that is delivered is robust and fully compliant in line with the latest amendments to Approved Document B.” Richard Blakeway, Deputy Mayor for housing, land and property for the Greater London Authority, said: “Greenwich square is a great example of GLA brownfield land being used to build much-needed housing of an excellent quality with fantastic public facilities to boost the local community.” Greenwich Square won the gold award for best mixed-use development at the What House? Awards in 2015.
With a large variety of models designed to fit any building’s needs, the XS4 One electronic escutcheon fits virtually any door, including wooden and PVC doors as well as those with narrow metal frames. Until now, the Dark Bronze finish was only available for the XS4 ANSI models but this attractive contemporary finish has now been extended to the XS4 One family as well. The new Dark Bronze option for the XS4 One product rangecompliments today’s design trends and blends perfectly with both white and dark doors, modern style and decoration. With a large variety of models, XS4 One electronic escutcheons are all totally wire-free and networked through SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) and BLUEnet Wireless network for access control in real-time and compatible with smart phone mobile access. They are simple and fast to install without having to replace or drill the door. High security protection is provided via high resistance, hardened anti-drill plates to protect the wiring and reader area. Hardened axes and floating steel balls provide additional protection in the handle area. The new Dark Bronze Finish option has also been added to the SALTO MyLock online configuration tool, allowing users to now visualize this stunning finish for the XS4 One, XS4 One DIN and XS4 One Deadlatch (DL) models on any type of door.
Doors and windows are vital to your home for lots of reasons. They need to keep the weather out, provide security and of course compliment the aesthetics of the property as a whole. Because of all this, they can also be a costly purchase, and most people would agree that it makes sense to invest in top quality options rather than cutting corners and feeling the consequences further down the line. But what about the hardware that secures doors and windows in place; is it still worth pushing the boat out in this instance? Here is a look at why you can definitely justify spending more rather than only being interested in economizing. Wear and tear is inevitable In terms of practicality, doors and windows are certainly a very functional part of the average house, which of course means that they have to put up with a lot of punishment day after day. Constant contact from humans, with doorknobs being yanked by excited kids and windows being flung open when the toast burns for the umpteenth time, means that wear and tear can take its toll on the hardware. When lower tier materials are used, this obviously increases the likelihood of faults and outright failures occurring. The old adage of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ rings true here, so avoid wasteful spending if you can. Replacement is straightforward Another piece of good news about high end window and door parts, like those sold by Reflect Window, is that installing them is no harder than installing any other piece of hardware in this context. So long as you have the right tools to hand, you should be able to swap out worn components for fresh, sturdy replacements without needing to call out a specialist to take care of this. Even relative DIY novices can get to grips with well made hardware. Style is worth paying for While there are some budget-friendly hardware products which manage to look much more expensive than is actually the case, in reality you can easily tell the difference between parts that are at the higher end of the price spectrum because of the care, attention and material quality that has been ploughed into their design and production. This is not just about the way that the components look, but also about how they feel. Even if they look good on the outside, a quick touch of a cheaper handle or latch will instantly reveal its lower end nature. And as this is something you are going to be touching almost every day, spending more to improve the experience is certainly a consideration. Variety comes at a price Enter into any number of public buildings or mass-built homes and you will notice something of a cookie-cutter approach in terms of the hardware used on doors and windows. A handful of standard designs are reproduced over and over again, to the point that things can start to seem a little bland even if you cannot put your finger on exactly why this is. With high end hardware, variety is very much on the cards, and you can choose everything from ultra-modern examples to newly made options which have nevertheless been produced to fit in with design trends from bygone eras. Finishes are fabulous The final thing to think about when browsing high end hardware for doors and windows is the kind of finish you want. Variety will once again come into play, and whether you want a matte black look or one that veers towards polished brass or shiny plated metal, you should have your needs satisfied. Hopefully you now appreciate the advantages of investing in quality hardware. The only challenge you face now is choosing which to pick. Whether you rely on personal preference, professional reviews or customer feedback, do your research and you should be able to get hardware that ticks all the boxes.
The SALTO Neoxx electronic padlock’s new features and enhancement keep it at the cutting edge of the security industry and access control ecosystem. SALTO Systems has invested years of working with some of the best minds in the security industry – our community of security specifiers and installers – to build the most reliable and smartest electronic padlock on earth. With exceptional attention to detail, premium materials, and all SALTO technology inside, our latest padlock – SALTO Neoxx – looks great while packing technological power. The SALTO Neoxx Padlock is a versatile locking solution that enables users to benefit from the advantages of electronic access control where previously it was only possible to use a mechanical locking solution (i.e., perimeter or fire access gates, industrial equipment yards and residential storage areas). Smart padlocks offer more security, easier maintenance, flexible access methods, and a better overview of the lock’s and user’s activity. As portable as conventional padlocks, security is enhanced by removing any lock’s most vulnerable part – the mechanical key – and adding the benefits of being operated with a mobile app and contactless smart key managed by an advanced web-based access control technology platform. The SALTO Neoxx Padlock offers a unique solution ideal for utility providers – electric power stations, telecom network services, industry applications, and more – and property services that need an additional level of security to control specific doors, like gates or storages, without losing a piece of convenience and control. These industries often require equipment and facilities on the perimeter or out in the field that, even though they are in a remote location, require the latest in electronic access control. In addition, because they are often outdoors, the electronic solution they need has to include a product that can weather the extreme elements from rain and dust to snow. Together, with the most complete locking platform on the market (electronic locks and cylinders, online readers, and locker locks) and SALTO core technology (SVN, BLUEnet, and JustIN Mobile system features) inside, the SALTO Neoxx padlock enables managing keys, locks, and access rights on-the-go, remotely from a single, highly visual and easy-to-use web-based interface. SALTO Neoxx G4 electronic padlock main features: High-security padlock made of hardened steel with a removable shackle model option, which can be completely detached from the padlock body. Shackle: Width 11mm – Length 50mm Security chain non- demountable model with safety chain to protect the padlock from burglary/dropping. Cover case with double-layered structure 70mm x 115mm x 32mm guarantees the ultimate protection from falls, shocks, and the most extreme environments or usage. RFID, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and NFC technologies onboard. Users can easily operate the electronic padlock with their smart card or with an iOS or Android smartphone. Compatible with SALTO Space – Data-on-Card– and the SALTO KS – Keys as a Service – cloud-based technology, it can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing the hardware. Tested up to 130,000 operations on a standard set of batteries (4 x LR1). Monitor battery status (to optimize maintenance and battery life). Changing or removing batteries is simple and secure – you only need standard LR1 batteries and a special tool. IP68 certification: Waterproof performance and high durability. Tested against extreme temperatures: Including freezing conditions (-35ºC) and high heat (+65ºC). Fully certified according to CE, FCC, MIT, Mechatronic certification EN 16864:2018 and IK09.
Concern about global carbon emissions has never been higher. The Paris Agreement commits the signatories to reducing global average temperature to below two degrees above pre-industrial levels. This is critical to combatting climate change, but it’ll only happen if practices change. And among the most important contributors to the effort will be those whose job it is to design and build houses. The British government continues to implement ‘green schemes’ to help achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The house of the future is one that can be built and maintained in a sustainable way. In an ideal world, they’d be perfectly self-sufficient when it comes to their energy needs. The construction industry is pushing itself toward that goal through a series of incremental improvements in efficiency. These are coming as a result of new technologies, architectural methods, and increasingly stringent building regulations. The Importance of Windows Among the more notorious points of weakness in any building, when it comes to heat retention, are the windows. Energy Efficiency Windows have a big say in whether a given space is energy-efficient. A single pane of glass will transmit heat quickly from one side to the other. Two panes of glass, with a layer of vacuum or inert gas in between, will transmit heat that much more slowly. It’s this principle that makes double-glazing the standard choice. Efficiency is rated using a lettered system, which provides the scale for the development of energy efficient and sustainable housing. Natural Light Among the most important functions of a window is to increase the amount of natural light in a property and to reduce reliance on artificial light sources – and windows can serve this function in a number of ways. VELUX windows, skylights and sun tunnels provide a source of natural light, even in the more secluded parts of the house, where exterior windows are not practical. Natural light confers a number of health benefits, which means that homes which score well here are likely to be desirable, even if we discount the environmental upsides. Solar Gain But windows can also be a point where energy is gained. If windows are positioned in such a way as to benefit from the incoming sunlight, then they’ll draw in as much energy as they lose, even during winter. In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing window will benefit more from heat gain than a north-facing one. Blinds and Curtains The effectiveness of a window when it comes to thermal performance will depend on the quality of curtains and blinds installed. Heavy curtains will form a barrier, preventing warm air in the room from mixing with the cold air by the window. This only applies if the curtains have been drawn, however – which is why automatically-drawn curtains and blinds might be a boon, particularly in larger spaces and office buildings.
When it comes to constructing the perfect building, you need to install the vital components and systems. You can find many examples of building systems and components such as electrical, plumbing, fire protection, ventilation, and HVAC. However, they can only operate whenever contractors provide enough protection from many factors. One way buildings can protect them is by installing access doors. Even if it assures efficient protection, other building owners might say otherwise because they have no idea how it works. If you don’t have enough knowledge about access doors, you can find several reasons why installing them is crucial. 1. Protect Components Effectively As mentioned a while ago, building systems and components need adequate protection from possible elements such as temperament and damage from fires, moisture, etc. Most building components like electrical wires should not come into contact with water as much as possible because it can cause significant building problems. Many building fires have started before because of moisture penetrating and passing through electrical wires, circuit breakers, and other parts of the electrical system. If you don’t have access doors within your building yet, don’t waste any time and have contractors install them as quickly as possible. Once you have them installed, expect no severe problems will happen to your building. 2. Keep Everyone Safe in the Building Contractors will always hide components and systems behind walls, ceilings, and floors because it’s an eyesore and can become a nuisance, mostly when many people walk around. You might encounter several building tenants’ complaints when you have exposed plumbing pipes or electrical wires within your building. A time may come that they will cause accidents like causing people to trip over it. What’s excellent about access doors is they hide them most of the time, providing a safer space for people to walk around. The access doors can even prevent systems like water pipes from getting out. If the pipes suddenly burst, water can gush out in the open and create a slippery surface. Thankfully, you can install access doors with a gasket to prevent water from seeping through the surface. 3. Provide Convenient Access Behind Surfaces Since most building components and systems are behind surfaces, maintenance personnel might have difficulty accessing them. In most instances, they will have no choice but to damage the surface to access and work on the system behind, causing you to pay more for building expenses. But when you have access doors installed within your building, they won’t have to destroy any surface since they can simply open the door and close it once they finish doing the job. Apart from access doors for walls, you can also install aluminum roof hatches if you have technicians accessing your building’s roof frequently. As long as there’s space behind a surface that gets accessed, the access doors can provide safe and easy passage all the time. 4. Become an Alternative for Storage You might have a vault inside the office that you want to hide. You have the usual cover-it-with-a-portrait technique that most spy movies show everyone. Using that trick may not be as effective anymore since anyone can check behind paintings. You don’t have to fret because you can use access doors as an alternative for storage. You can have the vault placed in any area behind your wall’s office and then have an access door installed. You should get access doors that match the walls if you want to make it appear almost invisible. There are even access doors with a thicker door if you want to ensure no one can quickly access your vault. 5. Several Applications If you have enough access doors on your interior walls, you should note that there are other areas where contractors install the components. Examples of areas are the floors and exterior walls, so installing a plain access door will not cut it. These areas need specific access doors to get the right kind of protection. Take Away When you need to install access doors on your building’s exterior areas, they need to be weather-resistant because of the constant exposure to rain, snow, weather, etc. And for components found underneath floors, they need floor hatches because they can withstand pressure from getting stepped on. Your contractor will usually tell you what access door type you need, depending on which systems get access the most by maintenance personnel. Now that you know several reasons about the importance of access doors, the next step is to choose a reliable access door supplier such as Best Roof Hatches. You should always choose high-quality construction materials, and you should never exempt access doors.
Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your customers? As we head into a new year, Nick Cowley, managing director of manufacturer of uPVC windows Euramax, analyses some of the key trends for 2021. DIY sales soared in 2020, as homeowners spent their time indoors making home improvements. In fact, the Office for National Statistics reported a 1.5 per cent rise in DIY sales between August and September 2020, at a time when many industries stood still. This trend could well persist throughout 2021, with homeowners continuing to spruce up their spaces. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the window and door trends worth the investment. A splash of colour It’s a common assumption that poly vinyl chloride (uPVC) window frames come in standard white. While some may prefer to keep things simple, coloured window frames are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Dubbed “the new white,” grey frames work well across numerous house styles, from trendy modern spaces to more traditional, period properties. The neutral shade can create a sophisticated effect while offering a hint of colour, making it the perfect choice if you want a subtle break from conformity. Moving away from traditional woodgrain and white uPVC, doors could also receive a splash of colour in 2021. Composite doors are one of the most popular entrance door options, and are available in a range of colours. Inspired by perhaps the most famous front doors in the country, 10 Downing Street, black is an increasingly popular choice for those who prefer a sleek and simple statement. Taking inspiration from elsewhere in politics, Chartwell green is another shade that continues to gain traction. Named after Winston Churchill’s Kent home, the light and bright pastel shade provides a refreshing change from traditional colour options. Time to open up As well as revitalising homes, many homeowners paid extra attention to their gardens in 2020 — and what better way keep enjoying them than to bring a touch of the outdoors inside? Open plan has been a popular trend for many years as homeowners seek to create a large and airy space that transports them from feeling confined indoors. However, budget restrictions and the need for extensive remodelling can put the open plan dream on hold. Instead, additions such as bi-folding doors can make an effective replacement. In the warmer weather, bi-folds can completely fold away to create the illusion of more space and a fluid transition between the home and garden. In the winter months, their floor-to-ceiling glass panels bring in plenty of natural light. Opening just one panel at a time means they can still be used as an access point while keeping the heat in. Window shopping As we grow a year closer to the UK’s 2050 net zero emissions target, our homes need to do more than just look good. Among all building envelopes, the design of a home’s exterior, windows and doors are a main culprit for heat loss — with losses accounting for 20 to 30 per cent of a building’s entire energy consumption. To improve thermal efficiency, some may opt for triple glazing. The third pane of glass, located halfway between the inner and outer panes of double glazing, creates two air locks that beat the energy performance of regular double glazing by around 50 per cent. Between each pane is a pocket of air or inert gas, such as argon, which is heavier than air and works as an insulator for both noise and heat. However, this window option can cost around 20 per cent more than double glazed options, so it’s worth evaluating if the extra pane is worth the upfront investment. Thermally efficient frames can also have a large bearing on the overall performance of a window, so should also be considered when looking to improve energy efficiency. Because argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double glazed windows improves their thermal efficiency, without the needed for added glass. When used in conjunction with a special low emissivity glass coating, argon gas can bring the temperature of the window closer to room temperature. Whether you plan to continue sprucing up your space in 2021, or are looking to reduce your heating bills with smart upgrades, windows and doors could be the key to your new year’s refresh.
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.
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.
