Solar panels can be very beneficial for your home, and have the ability to provide you with many advantages. Their main benefit is that they can help you to reduce your reliance on the National Grid, and reduce the amount you spend on your energy bills.
Is solar power really worth the investment? Can they provide many benefits for your home?
Advantages:
They can noticeably decrease your energy bills – they can lower them to a point in which you don’t need to worry about your utility bills!
By reducing your dependence on fossil fuels, you can help the environment to spring back to health – and help bring about an end to climate change.
Solar PV systems only require daylight to be effective and produce electricity (contrary to popular belief) – this means that they even work in the UK when it is cloudy!
Solar panels are much cheaper than they used to be, and more effective than they used to be.
You don’t need to carry out loads of maintenance. With a solar PV system, you will not need to keep doing maintenance – especially in the UK, as we don’t often get heavy snowfall.
Disadvantages Of Solar Energy:
You need to make sure that you have adequate roof space to host your solar panels. If not, they might not be as effective. You also need to make sure that you angle your panels correctly, so that they gain the most daylight.
Some ways to harness solar energy can be more on the expensive side, and some designs and types can be a lot to pay out for. There are, however, incentives and grants that can help you to pay for them.
A Summary Of The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar PV
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. However, we believe that the pros greatly outweigh the cons, and that getting a solar PV system for your home or property is a great idea!
Looking for more information? Perhaps you are looking for a quote?
UPVC double glazing windows (unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) are one of the most popular choices for double glazing there is. This material is ideal to case your windows due to its durable, resistant nature.
Despite common misconception, UPVC is non-toxic, and will not do harm to your property. In fact, this strong material is actually good for the environment! With its thermal insulation feature, UPVC windows are set in place to help reduce energy loss from your home. Not only will this help the Earth in the long run, it will also help you to save on your bills!
Another reason as to why UPVC windows are so great for the environment is that they are recyclable. They can be recycled up to 10 times before it takes any toll on its effectiveness! The double glazing glass is also 100% recyclable.
What Benefits Can UPVC Double Glazing Windows have For Your Home?
First and foremost, as mentioned above, UPVC double-glazed windows can help to reduce your energy bills by up to £110 per year!
It has been shown that enhancing your home exterior with UPVC double glazing, you could boost your property value by up to 10%. UPVC windows are well worth the investment, as they earn back the money you spend on them.
UPVC double glazing windows have many other benefits to your home, not just to your savings.
One benefit is the durability of the material. UPVC has proved itself time and time again to be strong, resilient, and weather-resistant. Its design means that it doesn’t get sun bleached, allowing it to keep its colour for years.
The average lifespan of UPVC windows is between 20 and 30 years, so you can be sure that you will get good use out of your new windows!
These windows also help to insulate your home against noise – and have been shown to reduce external sounds by around 70%. This is great for houses in busy, noisy, or built-up areas.
More great features of UPVC double-glazed windows:
Low maintenance
Deterrent to intruders/increased security
Cheaper than other kinds of frames
Are There Other Types Of Double Glazing Windows?
Yes, there are many types of windows that you can use to frame your double glazing in, each one having a different feature that it can bring to your home.
As mentioned at the start, UPVC windows are by far the most popular. They look great, function brilliantly, and are not as expensive as other types either!
If you need a quote, or more information, then don’t hesitate to get in touch!
From
textured to stained, to sandblasted, keep reading to discover everything you
need to know about obscure glass and how to use it effectively in your home.
What exactly is obscure glass and what does it do?
Obscure glass is a type of texture that is specifically designed to decrease visibility between two spaces. Most commonly used in bathrooms as well as in offices, it provides you with privacy but at the same time, still allows natural light to flood into your home.
You
are able to choose how obscure you want your particular glass window to be,
with most double glazing companies offering 5 different levels of privacy
ranging from just above transparent to fully concealed.
What are the different types of obscure glass?
As
well as taking into consideration how much privacy you would like in a
particular room, you also need to choose a style of glass that will not only
complement the décor of your home but one that will also stand the test of
time, as you don’t want to have to replace your windows sooner than is
necessary.
Textured glass
A
very popular option, textured glass is a rolled glass that has the pattern
impressed onto one side in order to create obscurity. This type of obscure
glass is translucent and non-transparent, ensuring that the views are distorted,
yet still allowing natural light to get in.
Textured
glass is available in many different designs including florals, foliage and
geometrics.
Sandblasted or acid-etched glass
These
textured finished alternatives create a frosted looking glass and provide
adequate levels of privacy while still dispersing light.
As
with standard textured glass, you can choose the level of obscurity that you
want, with options ranging from lightly frosted to fully opaque.
There are downsides to both these options with sandblasted glass being prone to finger marks, so not the best choice if you have young children, whereas acid-etched glass is more expensive but provides a very smooth and satin finish.
Stained glass
Ideal for more traditionally-styled houses, stained or coloured glass is a simple way to add more colour to your bathroom, while at the same time, providing a good level of privacy.
You
can choose from a selection of designs for your coloured glass, or if you are
feeling artistic, you could even design your own.
What are the benefits of obscure glass?
If you are undecided about whether you want obscure glass in your home, then you may be interested to know the advantages of this type of glass window, which include:
They are easy
to clean
They allow
natural light to come in
They provide
privacy where needed
They can add a
touch of style and elegance to your home
Obscure glass
can be easily tempered to improve its strength
Is obscure glass expensive?
Although more expensive than clear glass, it can be found to suit all budget requirements. If in doubt, it is worthwhile to ask for a no-obligation quote to see if the type of obscure glass that you want for your home is affordable for you.
Selecting windows that feel contemporary and fashionable helps to boost a property’s kerb appeal.
To better understand what will sell, it helps to look around at what is on the market at the moment and decide what would appeal the most in the home you’re working with.
Industrial
chic
Slate grey and aluminium frames are all the rage when it comes to fixing up a property, particularly if the building has a somewhat industrial frame.
Single-pane windows are particularly good for creating this effect, as they create quite a stylish feel of uniformity. Casement windows, which open from just one side, are particularly popular for this style.
If the phrase ‘industrial’ feels a bit intimidating, remember it’s what you pair them with indoors that offsets the brutalist aesthetic.
Bi-fold doors
It seems the bi-fold door isn’t going anywhere. This type of patio door has created the ultimate solution for adding a feeling of space, which is incredibly appealing if you want to showcase your garden.
If you have a particularly old, large home then you can add up to eight glass panels, which creates a considerable feeling of openness. In fact, many bi-fold door installations have been used to create the illusion of a glass wall, which can then be opened out completely in the summer months.
Walnut doors
For those who love
deep and sultry shades, walnut is one of the best options to go for. Back in
the 70s, pine was popular for its pale Sandi-feel, but nowadays, homeowners are
far more prepared to experiment with richer colours. If the rest of your home
is lightly-toned, for example, this might be the most preferable option.
Floor-to-ceiling
This trend refers to
both windows and doors, as you can create the effect with both. Many people who
are redesigning their moderns homes are opting for glass windows and doors that
fill the entire space between the ceiling and roof. This is particularly desirable for those
in the countryside who have superb views to look out on.
Double-hung
windows
Thanks to the
affordability and adaptability of uPVC, you no longer have to rely on timber frames
when it comes to double-hung windows. Many people will be familiar with sash
windows, which are double-hung and are found in plenty of older properties.
However, nowadays, this style of window can be used to add stylish flair to any
room, and without the hassle of old mechanisms and ancient wooden frames.
The most important
aspect to consider when purchasing new window styles is to ask yourself whether
they suit the home they’re in. As well as being trendy, they need to
fundamentally look right in the surrounding building; otherwise you could risk
purchasing stylish windows for trends’ sake. However, getting it just right in
terms of fashionable appeal could boost the value of your home. In
circumstances where you can’t decide, sitting down with a professional to
discuss your options is usually best.
There are lots of elements to consider when choosing the right doors for your home. External doors need to be tough to withstand a range of weather conditions, from harsh sun to hailstones. Internal doors need to be able to withstand heat and regular use and need to look appealing to stay in keeping with the aesthetic and style of your house. While there are many different materials you can choose to have your doors made from, uPVC is one of the most durable, versatile materials available, and it is easy to personalise to them to your individual tastes. If you are looking to replace your existing doors, here is all you need to know about the benefits of uPVC, as well as the different types and styles of uPVC doors which are available to you in 2019 and how much do UPVC doors cost.
Benefits of uPVC doors
Composite doors are composed of a number of different materials, which are pressed and glued together under high pressure, whereas uPVC (un-plasticised polyvinylchloride) doors are made entirely from plastic. So what is it that makes uPVC the ideal material for doors and frames?
While it feels relatively lightweight, uPVC is also known
as rigid PVC due to its durability and robustness. The material is perfect for
doors as it is incredibly resistant to wind, rain and chemical erosion, as well
as other types of harsh weather. As the weather so frequently changes from warm
to cold in the UK, this sturdiness and resilience are essential to avoid
weather attrition and warping. On top of this durability, the strength of pure
plastic doors is vital for the security of your home, and it is important to
note that the higher grade of door you choose, the more secure the door will
be. Unlike wooden doors, plastic doors are not affected by pests such as
termites, which can cause infestations in not only your entrance ways but
throughout your home if they spread.
uPVC doors are considered to be the higher performance
option compared to other materials and offer robust insulation against the
elements. Excellent insulation is crucial for your home retaining heat in the
winter, and staying cool in the summer; this allows you to save money on your
energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your home at a comfortable
temperature whatever the weather. The superior insulation properties of uPVC
also mean that you’re less likely to be faced with condensation forming on the
windows of the door.
Another attractive element of uPVC doors is that they do
not need to be cleaned often, and when cleaning is necessary, it is quickly and
easily done with warm soapy water, reducing the need for specialist substances
to remove dust and dirt. uPVC is perfectly safe and non-toxic, so long as it
isn’t burnt, and its production is regulated for quality control to ensure they
do not cause any harm.
Unlike wooden doors, uPVC is much harder to ignite, and therefore helps add an extra element of fire safety to your home; they are also much more durable, as they don’t rot or warp in the same way that wood can. This also makes them a lot cheaper to maintain than wooden doors, as well as the benefit of reduced upfront costs. Additionally, they block out more noise, come in a wide variety of styles, and uPVC can be recycled as often as 10 times, making them much more sustainable than other materials. For all of these reasons, uPVC doors are the perfect choice for homes, offices and commercial buildings.
Types of uPVC doors
uPVC doors can be used as both internal and external doors for all entrances to the home, and in addition to traditional doors, there is a range of door types which are available in the rigid plastic. Sliding doors can be made with two individual panels of glass which sit within uPVC frames. The function and easy access of sliding doors can add a lovely design element to any home, and maximise the ease of flow in and out of the home. Sliding doors are particularly good for back entrances to the home, as they can be left open to bring the outdoors in, opening up the space in summer for entertainment purposes. As sliding doors have large glass panels, they also allow a lot of natural light into the room, as well as an all-year-round view out into your garden space.
Equally, Patio doors also provide a stylish addition to the home, as they provide a large access point to open up the house, which is great for parties and family functions. Additionally, the numerous window options for French doors allow for an increased view, allowing even the smallest interior to feel spacious. The versatility of these doors also means that they can be used for interior spaces as well as the external entrance ways, allowing you to separate off rooms when necessary, or open them up into one larger space. Alternatively, you might find bi-fold doors to be a great addition to your home, as they tend to be much more budget-friendly than French or sliding door options. In particular, bi-fold doors are great for separating off rooms or using in closets and storage spaces.
If you are looking to gain more uniformity in the look and
style of your household, windows and window panes can also be made from uPVC,
allowing you to match your window and door styles with ease. For example, you
can choose the same colours for the window frames, and whichever variety of
glass you have chosen for your doors will often be replicable in your windows
if that is what you would prefer. Overall, this makes uPVC a much more
versatile option when designing your home, and gives you a lot more autonomy
over the exact features you would like to choose from.
Style choices and options
uPVC doors offer a great deal of curb appeal and allow you
to express your individuality both outside and in your home. Whereas wooden
doors need to be painted to change up their appearance, this isn’t necessary
for uPVC. Most people think that uPVC only comes in white as standard, but
there is actually a range of colours and textural options available for doors
in 2019. This makes it much easier to coordinate the looks of your doors to the
rest of your home.
For example, if you prefer the look of wooden doors, but
would like to have the durability and low maintenance costs of uPVC, then you could
opt for a wooden grain finish; this will give doors the look of timber while
being lower cost with a sleeker finish. While adding colour or design to your
doors may slightly increase the price, it will still be a more affordable
option than some other materials. While it is not necessary to paint these
doors due to the versatility of their styles, if you were to purchase a uPVC
door and decided to paint it, then it is entirely possible to do so, as long as
they are prepped correctly. However, it is important to note that this may void
any warranties or guarantees you have on your purchase.
Furthermore, as well as changing the colour of your doors,
you can also customise the number of window panes and styles of the glass. Clear
glass tends to provide a more affordable option, but if you prefer something
more aesthetically pleasing you can also choose from bevelled or etched glass
which offers more ornate designs. Frosted or obscured glass blur the view
through the windows, while still letting in light, which provides a little more
privacy; this is perfect for doors at the front of the house, in order to stop
people at the door or passers-by on the street from being able to look straight
into the house.
You can also personalise some of the smaller features of
the doors, such as the door handles, knockers, spy holes and letterboxes. These
come in a range of colours, sizes, shapes and materials; for example, you can
choose from a silver, gold, chrome, stainless steel or coloured finish. This
enables you to select a look which most suites the period, style, architecture
and design of your home. For instance, older houses from more traditional
periods might better suit silver or brass finishes over coloured or stainless
steel.
Like any doors, uPVC doors also come in a range of efficiency ratings, the most efficient being an A++ grade, and the least being an E. The more insulated and strong your chosen door is, the more it will cost you in upfront prices; however, you may save money over time on higher efficiency grades by reducing the amount of wasted energy loss from your home. Therefore, you may want to consider choosing a sturdier door choice which costs a little more upfront, and avoid using cheaper uPVC which, while more durable than other materials, may eventually warp over time.