DIY conservatory yes or not?

So you’re thinking: ‘I reckon I could build a conservatory’.

Stop! Erecting a conservatory is not the job for a DIY amateur. This is for the serious professional, skilled in the use of the correct materials and how to put them together with health and safety regulations.

Nipping up to your local builder’s merchant/DIY superstore to buy polycarbonate roof glazing might seem easy. Well, to insulate your conservatory properly you need to be a master craftsman. It is not a case of simply placing the glazing into position, then refer to the roof plan to locate the right positions, knock on the PVC cappings and think you’ve created a seal. If you’re handling glass, the process will be even more complicated.

Your windows and doors may arrive unglazed which is often quite normal to prevent glass from breaking during the installation. I’ve seen far too many DIYers thinking the glazing process shouldn’t be difficult as most doors and windows come with what is called a ‘knock-in’ glazing bead. All they have to do is immerse the glazing bead in warm water to make it more flexible and easier to position – and on goes the silicone sealant.

They apply it to the joints, following their ‘plan’ as they fit the internal PVCu trims to the roof eaves beam, ridge and glazing bars.

So, their DIY conservatory is nearly complete and weatherproof – or so they think. It’s when the splits, cracks, leaks, joint and seal problems begin that things get a bit sticky. Oh, and that’s not to mention the cost and waste of money. In nearly every case, when last resorts fail to patch up, they have to call in a trained expert who will invariably have to take down everything, send to scrap and begin again.

You might be a dab hand with a paint brush, screw driver, hammer and a few nails; you might be good at knocking together some wood to make reasonable cupboards but when it comes to the job of a trained professional with years of experience, forget DIY for building a safe, warm, functioning conservatory.

Do the sensible thing and call in a reliable, reputable company.

When do I need to change my windows?

Has the time come to replace the windows of your home? Have you discovered a few annoying things like cracks in the glass or moist? If you are considering whether it is necessary to change your windows, here you have a list of the things to watch out for that will tell you if you need to give your al local ‘windows man’ a call. And don’t forget: when windows are getting beyond their lifespan, they might be increasing the size of your utility bills.

Cold temperature

When you sit by your window and you feel colder there than in the rest of the room, then you probably have a worn out window. This usually happens because the area around the window is not well sealed and can’t keep the cold out. Sometimes the problem can be addressed by replacing the sealant but, sometimes, the whole window is just too old and needs a complete replacement.

Frost

If your windows constantly have frost during the winter, it’s time to replace them. This is normally due to an air leak that cannot be repaired with caulk.

Stuck Windows

When your windows start to get stuck, it’s time for a change. This happens a lot to wooden windows due to the cold and hot temperatures contracting and expanding the materials. After many years the problem becomes impossible to fix unless you replace your windows. As the window has lost its original shape you’ll be getting water and air leaks.

Wear and tear

Have a good look at your windows: look at the materials, the glass, the wood, the frames. If you spot any signs of rot you should replace them. If you don’t address this problem early, it can get to the point where your frames will just crumble apart.

Moisture

When moisture makes its way through the window you get mould or ‘mildew’ over time. This can be hazardous for the family and animals so the window will need to be fixed in order to rectify. If the repair cannot be done effectively, then you will need to replace the window.

So, do some home window shopping now – and give them the attention they – and your home – deserve.

If you need a hand, we'd love to help you with your new windows design and advice. How about a chat with us for some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities?

Andrew N.

The best DIY security for doors

Tubular latches, euro cylinders, bolt keys… when it comes to security locks for our doors, most people get confused with the wide range of possibilities. Security doors are always a great and wise decision and each of them will have different needs. Is it a front door, a kitchen or back door? Maybe you need a door for your garage or shed? And there is also, of course, offices, holiday flats and gardens.

All these things make it very important to have a good professional with you who can advise the best materials, add-ons and type of security door. But if your are looking for a bit of security or privacy around your house, it’s a good idea to know 3 of the most important locks that can make your life – and DIY - easier:

• Security combi bolt: a combi-bolt is a lock with usually 4-digit encoding. This feature gives you around 10,000 different possible combinations. This kind of lock is easy to install and you can even do it yourself for your shed or garden door.

• British standard sashlock: your British Standard Sashlock can be locked and unlocked with a key both from the inside and from the outside. You can get them with a roller latchbolt that will make the lock suitable for doors that have been both left and right hand hung. It usually comes with two keys.

• Deadbolt: here we have a very effective locking mechanism because it cannot be opened unless you rotate the lock cylinder. This is the main difference with a spring-bolt lock or night latch, which can be opened by applying force to the bolt. You can see a deadbolt usually complementing a night latch in those front doors to buildings.

With these three important locks you can do a bit of DIY around the house, garden or office. However for your best security doors and windows don’t hesitate contacting a few of your local traders. They can give the best advice and provide unbeatable results. And when it comes to your security, it pays to get the best!

We'd love to help you with your new security doors and advice. How about a chat with us for some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities?

Tel: 0161 737 3503
Fax: 0161 737 3505
Email - andrew@balmoralwindows.co.uk

The advantages of double glazing

While doing my 2010 review, and going through all the paperwork, emails and old notes; I noticed how many times during the past year I had been asked about the advantages of getting double glazing windows fitted. Do I recommend them and why? Is it worth investing in them? Well, after many years in the trade, and having seen many problems derived from single glaze windows, I think it definitely is worth it. Here you have my three favourite reasons to get double glazing in your property:

A safer home

Windows made with a single sheet of normal glass can be dangerous. When hit, those windows will break into long and sharp pieces that are a potential risk. Double glazing gives you the opportunity to choose a glass that is safer on breaking and double glazing is also less likely to break at all. Your choices here can go from security glass to shatterproof, giving you and your family a safer home.

Be secure

So, we know that single glazing is very easy to break. Certainly a thief knows this too. The process of letting themselves into your home is as easy as breaking one of the window’s panes. However, security is closer related to the frames you use and the locking systems you can fit. A double glazing window can have one of many different frames that ensure security in the home. Don’t forget to choose good locking systems that secure form the inside.

Saving energy

Did you know that fitting double glazing in your home can help to reduce heat loss by up to 50%? That means cheaper energy bills, a warmer house, less condensation and a smaller carbon footprint. If you have got big or bay windows in your house, the difference can be dramatic.

In case these three points are not enough, think about the great styles you can get with double glazing, the ease to maintain (even reduced to zero with PVC-U windows) and the years they will last.

If your New Year’s resolutions include improving your home, don’t think twice about getting double glazing. Ask the expert, shop around for windows and make sure you find the best supplier you can – a good tip is to always ask for testimonials.

Wishing you a happy, warmer, safer and more stylish home!

We'd love to help you with your new windows design and advice. How about a chat with us for some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities?

Don’t just dream...get a porch fitted to your home

One fine day you found yourself thinking how wonderful a porch would look at your front door. You would choose some warm tinted wood for the floor and a nice matching door flanked by windows where you would hang baskets with flowers. In the warm months those baskets would sport some campanulas with Christmas bells and by autumn you could see yourself filling them with Fragrant Panama roses.

Then you think about the cold months, standing in front of your door – from the inside! – thinking how that porch you imagined in summer would be perfect for stopping cold drafts from coming through the door or warmth escaping from inside.

Well, the advantages of a porch go further than these. Cold, mud and humidity are brought into your house every time someone opens the door and lets themselves in with soaking coats, dripping umbrellas and soiled wellies. Many people come to me because they want advice on how to stop this from happening (without stopping all visitors!). A porch is the best option.

Add quirky little wooden shoe boxes, decorative coat hangers and umbrella stands; make a cosy porch that will keep you warm and clean inside and give your house facade a noticeable revamp. Add plants and flowers and a few sensor or dimmer switch lights.

Every home is different and can benefit from a porch. Security doors in composite and well insulated windows in PVC-U will need very little or no maintenance, adding more security and warmth. So, just like fashion, you can blend in with the existing look or add character by making a statement. The possibilities are up to you, give me a call to chat further.

Porches are us! We'd love to help make your dream a reality, we'd love to advise. How about a chat or some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities?

How to keep warm, dry and secure in Lancashire

It’s Sunday morning and you’re enjoying a bit of a sleep in, snuggled under the duvet. Why not? Aha, then you receive a text from your friend: ‘Hey, have you seen the snow?’

Snow? You jump out of bed and wish you hadn’t. You’re already shivering when you peer through the curtains – with a distinctly damp chill in the air. It’s coming from the puddles on your windowsill.

Your single glazed windows have a lovely film of condensation which is busy running onto your sill. The window frames don’t look well sealed, not like those intact PVC-U ones you see. So, to add to the cheer, the draft coming through the window edges is making your bones feel cold. The heat from the radiator is making its way windwards, you could say. You groan at the thought of your next energy bill.

Oh well, you wipe away the water, shiver a bit more whilst words like durability, security, warmth float through your mind. Don’t look too hard at the mildew spotted peeling paint, and with a longing backward glance at the duvet you restrain yourself from turning up the heating dial a notch or two. The winter stretches on...and on. Look, if you’re up here in snowy, blowy Lancashire, it can be a really icy, dicey stretch.

This is getting ridiculous, all this draught, heat escape, cracking, flaking, discolouring and repainting. The pounds you’re throwing away might as well pay for new windows. Oooh, double glazed, airtight, watertight, secure tight. To put it in a nutshell: a nice tight fit, a one off cost and the job done: double glazed windows in PVC-U and four creature comforts:

- heat stays in

- cold stays out

- no more re-painting

- super low maintenance.

Oh, and a warm Sunday morning lie in, Lancashire snow, wind and rain et al.

We'd love to help you with your new windows design and advice. How about a chat with us for some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities?

Tel: 0161 737 3503
Fax: 0161 737 3505
Email - andrew@balmoralwindows.co.uk

How to get a porch? Go walkabout

‘To porch or not to porch’. I often find when a customer first visits they don’t really know where to begin or how to go about choosing a new porch. Not surprising when there’s so much choice around nowadays.

They know they want a new porch; they want the front of their home to look more stylish. Or maybe warmth, light, space, drafts, noise or security are the overriding concerns.

The problem I find is that they may not have actually taken a good look at what is around in their street or locality first. I think this has to be the number one step. Comparing porch’s styles and what looks good on a particular house can change vision quite dramatically.

So, often my first approach when anyone wants advice for a new porch is to send them away. I get some pretty surprised expressions, of course. But it always gets people thinking. Well, that’s exactly what I want them to do.

Every home has its own character and style, that’s why porches tend to be individually designed and made to measure. So, I will probably begin by asking you to start looking around at what looks good with what home. Ask yourself whether you want to look different but not out of place or identical to your neighbour? Is there a particular style that looks good on a detached two doors away but you’re not so sure how it would fit on your semi?

Start thinking about door designs to complement your vision. Perhaps a solid panel door or with patterned glass in white or woodgrain PVC-U or the colour range of composite?

Okay, all a bit baffling. So my advice first is to take a walk around, then pick up the phone or call in to see me and let’s get opening doors. Remember, for the best porch, go walkabout!

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Let us help you with your porch design: windows, doors and advice. Just have a chat with us and we’ll give you some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities.