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?