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Archive for the ‘Double Glazing’ Category

Housemaster Home Improvements join the Conservatory Outlet Network

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Conservatory Outlet are pleased to announce ‘Housemaster Home Improvements’ in Hertfordshire becomes the latest home improvement company to join the expanding network of dealers operating throughout the UK.

Housemaster Home Improvements is a family run business specialising in supplying and installing quality conservatories, double glazing windows and doors throughout Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Housemaster Home Improvements pride themselves on their attention to detail and providing personal touch on all home improvement projects. This is achieved by the managing director supervising all staff during projects to ensure that the highest quality is maintained throughout the installation.

Housemaster Home Improvements have many years experience in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke conservatories, double glazing windows and general building work for home improvements.

Their fabulous showroom at Notcutts Garden Centre at St Albans is easy to find and open 7 days a week featuring fully furnished conservatory designs on display or you may wish to visit their head office at Potters Bar and view a range of energy saving double glazing windows, doors, french doors and patio doors. You can receive free advice at their showrooms on the latest energy saving window and door ranges. Or if you prefer you can arrange for one of their specialised design consultants to call at your home whenever it suits you, including evenings and weekends at a time that suits you.

Whether it is windows, doors, a conservatory, an orangery or roofline products that you require, Housemaster Home Improvements treat every customer as unique. All orders are designed and made to measure ensuring that your finished product will be the perfect addition to your home providing years of pleasure and satisfaction.

Whether it is windows, doors, a conservatory or orangery for your Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire home make Housemaster Home Improvements your first choice. All orders are designed and made to measure from Conservatory Outlet’s factory in Wakefield ensuring that your finished product will be the perfect addition to your home providing years of pleasure and satisfaction.

Housemaster Home Improvements install throughout Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Stevenage, Watford and Welwyn Garden City and Bedfordshire including Bedford, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard, Luton and Milton Keynes. We also offer the latest conservatory and orangery designs in North London and Harlow.

Housemaster Home Improvements new website is now live at www.housemasterhome.com featuring the full range of products and services. The new website, created by Motionlab Marketing also features the latest Special Offers ensuring you are kept up to date with all current promotions on offer.

If you wish to contact Housemaster Home Improvements – telephone 01707 664747 or if you prefer you can visit their website and contact them online – simply CLICK HERE.

Bargain UPVC Windows, UPVC Doors & Conservatories at Conservatory Outlet.

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

continuing to provide you with real value windows, doors and conservatories in Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We are now offering up to 30% off our conservatories, with low rate finance available, so that you can continue to save money when it matters most. The only difficult thing you have to do is choose which of our range you want installed.

Our conservatories can add a touch of grandeur that most extensions will not provide. Designed so natural light can burst into the room, you will find it be a most elegant addition to your home. A Sunroom conservatory can provide a great link between your home and your back garden and are perfect for those with a bungalow. Just because you have bungalow doesn’t mean you should be denied the enjoyment and healthy living of a conservatory.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, we are also offering 30% all our windows and doors, we promise we haven’t gone mad! Our windows consist of double glazing and are some of the most technically advanced in the market, guaranteed to impress even the most disinterested of passers by.

Our doors are designed to keep your home or conservatory wonderfully warm, quiet and totally secure. Each door is custom made so you need not worry about your new door not fitting in with the look of the rest of your home. They are also made of the very best in uPVC and are energy efficient, guaranteed to result in noticeable heating bill reductions.

Why not obtain a free quotation by taking just a few minutes to fill in our online form at www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk. Alternatively call us on freephone 0800 915 8844 to further discuss your needs.

Replacement Windows & Doors can significantly improve older properties in Wales

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Living in an older property is a dream come true for some people. Many older properties have features which modern properties lack such as beams, high ceiling and original fireplaces. No matter how people try to give modern properties a traditional look it will never look as good as the genuine article. However there are also draw backs to living in an older property. Fortunately modern technology can solve many of these. Common complaints about older properties are that they are draughty, expensive to keep warm and outside noise can be an issue. Installing double glazing can solve all these issues in one go.

The great thing about double glazing is that not only does it make your home a more enjoyable place to live but it also a good investment as it adds value to the property and makes it more desirable to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell. Older windows tend to be draughty and as they are single glazed they allow the heat from inside the house to escape.

Therefore to keep your house warm you must generate more heat which will increase your gas and electricity bills. By installing double glazing you will reduce the amount of heat lost considerably therefore allowing you to turn your heating down and save you money on your utility bills.

You may be wondering how double glazing works? It is quite simple really as the name suggests. There are two panes of glass and a  gap is left between them and they are then sealed. It is the gap which acts as an insulator and keeps the heat inside the property. The gap also acts as a sound barrier and helps to reduce outside noise.

Living in an older property is a fantastic experience and you should not be put off because it does not have all the mod cons of a modern property. Many of the modern technologies such as double glazing can now be installed into older properties.

For more information on Replacement Windows Wales, Replacement Windows Cardiff, Replacement Windows Bristol, Replacement Windows Gloucester and Replacement Windows Hereford – visit www.greenwayupvc.com – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available from Greenway.

National Window Scrappage Scheme – will it save the planet?

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has recently petitioned the government to introduce a National Window Scrappage Scheme. Under the proposed scheme it is hoped that householders will be encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1,000 grant towards the installation costs of new, professionally installed, energy efficient ones. Consumer benefits would include the £1000 saving, a domestic cosmetic facelift, lower fuel bills and more energy efficient homes.

So could uPVC windows and doors be the answer to saving the planet?
No doubt any upturn in sales would trigger questions about the disposal of old PVC windows and doors in an environmentally responsible way. Despite the fact that it is often said that PVC is not recyclable, this is simply not true so there is no need for alarm. There is a range of methods already available for deriving residual value from used plastics products. In fact, PVC, like all other thermoplastic materials, can be recycled relatively straightforwardly.

The uPVC window industry has been criticised in the past, for an apparent lack of post-use recycling. But it is now common practice to recover and recycle factory wastes and / or off-cuts after the window has been fabricated. These materials are then incorporated with virgin polymer to produce further long life products including window profiles.

A company that has been at the forefront of collection and recycling of redundant uPVC materials is Ecoplas Limited. Based in Selby, North Yorkshire, Ecoplas is a company that specialises in post consumer recycling. Ecoplas has invested in the necessary, plant equipment and new technology to handle and process substantial volumes of post consumer materials.

Managing Director of Ecoplas, Ian Tippett commented on the recent proposal. “Whilst I feel it is a good idea to incentivise homeowners to make energy efficient changes, it is equally as important to prevent post consumer windows and doors going to landfill. Our company specialises in this area and it is both environmentally beneficial and cost effective. At Ecoplas we have the capability to process old window frames and convert them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products. We are keen to expand our operations in this area and to support companies wishing to show a real commitment to deal with their post consumer waste responsibly”.

Ecoplas have a fleet of vehicles to collect post consumer waste which includes 50cu yd roll on roll off skips. Through arrangements with waste transfer stations and waste management companies Ecoplas receive bulk loads of end of life PVC windows and doors. Ecoplas can therefore also assist companies who may be tendering and negotiating for public or private sector contracts where environmental considerations and policies are key elements of the contract.

Ecoplas is one of the leading uPVC recycling operations in the UK – to find out more visit www.ecoplas.co.uk

For Double Glazing in Hull & Scarborough available from Orion Windows

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Home improvements are an easy way to increase the value of your home in Hull & Scarborough. Many people will increase the value of a home purely through redecoration, however another option that can add value to your home is Double Glazing. They can improve the overall look of your home, whilst also providing effective insulation and heat retention.

There are a wide range of Double Glazing currently on the market, something to suit your needs. With such a great range, you can effectively chose a style that complements you home and is in keeping with the current features. Some of the popular styles of Double Glazing are casement windows, sash windows, tilt & turn windows and bay windows.

Each style of window ranges in its design and structure. For instance, casement Double Glazing normally consist of one or two panes and are hinged on one side. They are opened by rotating a crank 15 to 30 degrees. This is enough to let in light, but not much else. Slider windows consist of two offset sashes and operate much like a sliding glass door. Double hung windows allow free flow of the air either from the top or the bottom of the window. In general, Double Glazing are mainly consisting of two offset slashes that move vertically. They are best suited in the living rooms or other formal areas of the home.

Double Glazing have many advantages over wooden framed traditional styles. With a complete PVC structure, they are durable and clean with no painting or maintenance required. They are well insulated, no gaps or holes, which can save money on heating bills come winter.

Orion Windows offer a great range of Double Glazing in Hull & Scarborough which are now available in a wide range of styles and colours and maintaining the style and architecture of the home. If you wish to buy Double Glazing online look no further than Orion Windows. Based in North Yorkshire, at Orion Windows you’ll get free advice from the most helpful and professional people around in the home improvement industry.

So if you are considering refurbishing your home in Hull & Scarborough, Double Glazing may be just be the thing to give your home a new look.

For more information on Double Glazing in Hull, Double Glazing Scarborough, PVC Doors in Hull, PVC Windows in Scarborough and Replacement Windows in Hull – visit www.orion-windows.co.uk – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available in Hull & Scarborough.

National Window Scrappage Scheme is it a trick or a treat? Witch is it?

Friday, October 30th, 2009

A National Double Glazing company is currently running a TV advert which seems to offer a “national” window scrappage scheme. The view of a local Double Glazing blogger brings into question the validity of this National Scheme.

Below is a response from a on his blog to valid a question from Emma who says she is looking for replacement double glazing:

“Hi Emma, The real Window Scrappage Scheme has been proposed to the Government through a petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website, but as yet there is no official scheme unless Government policy changes. You obviously saw a TV advert from Anglian Windows who have created their own marketing campaign on this subject.”

Under what seems to be a totally “unofficial” window scrappage scheme, potential customers are appearing to being offered “up to £2,000 off”, but as there is no retail price list, and the fact that “minimum order values apply”, it does just sound like a marketing gimmick, rather than a genuine subsidy”.

Am sure you all agree that a government backed  “Window Scrappage Scheme” would be a great treat to us all. If you agree why not sign up to the GGF petition to get the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme, to enable homeowners to install environmentally friendly energy efficient, energy saving windows.

So if you are considering replacing any windows, don’t be tricked into believing there is a government national window scrappage scheme, sadly at present there is not, but hopefully if enough people sign the Glass and Glazing Federation’s petition, then the government mind see the benefits for such a scheme.

Want to share your experience of the Window Scrappage Scheme or simply post your comments or questions online CLICK HERE To Post your Comments Online

If you want to show your support to Glass & Glazing Federations Window Scrappage Scheme – simply add your name to the Online Petition.

Double Glazing Helps Homeowners To Fight The Recession

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Thanks to the current economic climate homeowners are looking for more ways to make their homes more energy efficient. By improving the energy efficiency of their homes they are able to cut the costs of their gas and electricity bills considerably.

With the ever rising cost of gas and electricity and more people than ever struggling to pay their bills due to the recession homeowners are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with double glazing.

We have all known the benefits of double glazing for some time now but it seems that it is the recession which is kicking people into action and improving the efficiency of their homes.

Research has shown that customers are becoming more energy aware, they are turning lights off when they leave a room, turning down their thermostats and installing energy saving light bulbs. Many gas and electricity customers are also looking to swap energy provider to find the cheapest tariff available. And the next step in improving the energy efficiency of their homes is installing double glazing.

Research shows that up to 25% of the heat generated from a home is lost through inefficient windows. By installing double glazing the amount of heat lost is reduced considerably.

Greenway Home Improvement specialises in the installation of energy efficient Double Glazing in Wales including Double Glazing in Cardiff and Double Glazing in Bristol for more information on Double Glazing visit www.greenwayupvc.com or drop into their local showrooms in Pontypool & Raglan Garden Centre

UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors – are they really worth it?

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Nobody likes to spend money when they do not have to and more so now than ever in the current credit crunch we are all looking to save money. One such expense which many people debate is whether to install replacement windows and doors or not. There are several considerations which you need to think about to determine if you need replacement windows.

One of the most important factors which you must consider is safety and all too often this is surprisingly overlooked. If there was a fire in your house often windows would be the only means of escape therefore particularly first floor and above windows should be easy to open. Often old wooden windows will have been painted so many times that they can no longer be opened and this is a serious safety risk.

Unfortunately it is a sign of the times that we live in that security needs to be a consideration. Locks on older windows and doors are often flimsy and can easily be broken. It is important not to only consider the main front and back door but consider all the external doors in your house such as French doors and patio doors.

It seems like every time we open a newspaper we read how gas and electricity prices are once again set to increase. Or how global warming is getting worse and it is all our responsibilities to do our bit to look after the planet. The windows and doors are one of the weakest spots in many homes in terms of energy efficiency it is predicted that between 25 and 40 percent if the heat in a home could be lost through inefficient windows and doors.

Many people do not realise that their windows and doors are actually inefficient but if any of the following factors sound familiar then the likelihood is that your windows could be improved. Is double glazing used in your windows? Are your windows more than 20years old? Do your windows suffer from condensation, and do you get little pools of water on your windowsills? Are the windows warped or rotting and can you feel drafts around your windows? Are your windows easy to open and can they be locked easily? These are just a few of the factors which indicate that your windows may need replacing.

By installing double glazed replacement windows and doors you will be able to solve all of the above issues. Double glazing improves the security, safety and efficiency of a home making it a very worthwhile investment that in the long run will save you money on your gas and electricity bills. Double glazing has also proven time and again to be very popular with potential house buyers and can therefore add value to your property and make it easier to sell.

For more information on UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors visit: www.greenwayupvc.com or freephone 0800 163 369.

Greenway Home Improvements – add value to your home with the name you know you can trust! Installing quality Double Glazing Windows & Doors throughout Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Hereford and Gloucester.

Do you need new UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors?

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Autumn is fast approaching the leaves are falling off the trees, the air is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Before long it will be winter and it is important that we are all fully prepared. For many older people particularly the winter can be a scary time with the long dark nights and it is important that we all feel safe in our home. By checking the security of our homes now we can ensure that we have a safe and happy winter.

Your windows should let in fresh air, sunlight and not much else. Old fashioned timber framed windows often have flimsy locks. Ideally you should fit uPVC windows with multipoint mortice locks. But if your budget will not run to this then you should at least fit key operated locks to your existing windows. Again if the budget will allow fit double glazing rather than single glazing as it is much tougher and harder to break than single glazing. Double glazing will also help to lower you gas and electricity bills as it is far more energy efficient. uPVC windows are generally seen as the most secure windows available but they do actually vary in quality. Look out for uPVC windows that have multipoint locking systems and an internal beading system so the glass cannot be removed from the outside.

Your doors are the other major weak spot in your home. Ideally your front door should have a five lever mortice deadlock. Also any glazing within the doors should be double glazed, both these features come as standard on most good quality uPVC doors. Consider installing a spy hole and a security chain so you are able to see who is outside your home before you let them in. Letter boxes should be no closer to the lock than 400mm and an internal cover plate is also a good idea. It is easy to only focus on the front and back doors but you also need to think about patio doors and French doors too. Research shows that patio doors are actually one of the favourite methods for many burglars entering your home. Anti lift devices and extra locks are available for patio doors which can help to make them more secure.

There is nothing worse than not feeling safe in our own homes and by taking some precautions now you can be safe in the knowledge that you have taken precautions to improve the security of your home.

For more information on Double Glazing Windows, Replacement Windows & Doors visit: www.greenwayupvc.com or freephone 0800 163 369.

Greenway Home Improvements – add value to your home with the name you know you can trust! Installing quality Double Glazing Windows & Doors throughout Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Hereford and Gloucester.

The real facts about UPVC Windows and Doors

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Durability of UPVC
• UPVC windows are tough, durable and made from a material which the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has given a service life of at least 35 years.

• UPVC windows and doors are low maintenance so they do not need to be painted and maintained over their lifetime like windows made from alternative materials such as timber. This reduces the requirement for working at height.

• With advanced design and styling, including a wide range of natural colours and textures, UPVC windows  and doors can be specified to perfectly complement every housing type from traditional to modern.

• Over 80% of home owners and tenants prefer UPVC to any other option.

UPVC is Safe & Secure
• UPVC complies with all the latest health & safety and security requirements including, when specified, compliance with Secured by Design, the UK Police initiative supporting the principles of ‘designing out crime’ by use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a range of applications.

• The UPVC industry leads the way when it comes to continuous improvement of security, health and safety measures integrated into its windows and doors and advanced locking mechanisms meaning high levels of safety and security.

UPVC is Environmentally Sound
• UPVC manufacturing processes go beyond the strictest UK and EU legislation through a Voluntary Commitment by the PVC industry to sustainability.

• UPVC windows and doors are low maintenance through out their service life compared to alternatives. This avoids the ongoing environmental damage associated with the cleaning chemicals, solvents and paints needed to protect and maintain windows and doors made from other materials.

• Good environmental life cycle performance.

Versatility of UPVC
• UPVC is an inherently tough material yet it can be processed to accommodate virtually any design requirement allowing aesthetic integration with all building styles and locations.

• A virtually limitless choice of designs and the ability to tailor the UPVC installation to specifier and architects needs mean UPVC also offers great versatility in all types of housing project.

• Advanced locking mechanisms mean high levels of safety and security, whilst a range of tilt and turn options bring the benefit of fresh air ventilation whilst acting as a robust deterrent to opportunist theft.

Economical & Energy Efficient of UPVC Windows
• UPVC windows and doors provide exceptional cost effectiveness especially energy savings from heating your homes.

• The Northern Consortium of Housing Authorities in the UK carries out regular surveys of the cost of window systems and this shows UPVC’s continuing economic benefit both in capital and maintenance costs – typically around 30% compared with softwood alternatives.

• The British Fenestration Rating Council www.bfrc.org rate windows of different materials on their energy efficiency and is recognised within the industry as a key marker on energy efficiency

• Continuous development has led to considerable improvements in thermal efficiency – with significant savings on home heating costs, reductions in energy loss and a commitment to sustainability.

UPVC is Sustainable
• UPVC is the world’s most researched polymer with numerous life cycle analyses conducted in the UK and the EU indicating the material is as sustainable as any other option.

• The major ingredient of UPVC is common salt – an abundant natural resource. UPVC window products are fully recyclable at the end of their life.

UPVC is Recyclable
• UPVC windows are being recycled at the end of their service life in to other useful products.

• The industry has developed highly successful recycling systems for UPVC, including construction materials and has targets to recycle increasing quantities of UPVC every year across Europe

• In the UK the Recovinyl Scheme has developed an infrastructure of 130 collectors and 30 recyclers of UPVC construction materials to recycle products at the end of their service lives.

• A study by the Government funded Waste and Resource Allocation Programme (WRAP) suggests that some alternative materials are practically impossible to recycle efficiently, due to the paints, solvents and putties used to install and protect them during their service lives.

• In 2007, the UK recycled 42,162 tonnes of post-consumer PVC, which includes windows and doors and also flexible products such as flooring and cable.

Advantages of UPVC Windows
• UPVC windows are available in many colours, depending on the manufacturer, with many offering a variety of colours, from white to green and also offering wood-effect models.y energy efficient.

• In the fifty years since PVC was first introduced for windows and doors, the material has benefited from continuous improvements in manufacturing as well as advanced engineering and profile design.

• The BRE “Green Guide To Specification”, updated in 2008, UPVC windows have been awarded an ‘A’ rating for domestic windows and an ‘A+’ rating for commercial windows, proving the environmental credentials of PVC windows. www.thegreenguide.org.uk.

For more information on UPVC Windows and Doors visit:  www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or find out more on UPVC at www.pvcaware.org. The PVCaware.org campaign is an initiative from the British Plastics Federation’s Windows Group to promote awareness of the versatility of PVC as a material and also of PVC-U windows.