Category Archives: glazing

10 Apr

Indoor Plants: How They Help Us at Home And Work

An idea that’s being planted in increasingly more offices and homes is one that might surprise many individuals: specifically, the advantages of indoor plants. Simply put, being close to plants decreases tension.

Research study has actually shown that heart rate, blood pressure and skin conductivity all benefit from the presence of plants which individuals in planted workplaces recover from tension quicker than those in unplanted offices.

The effect is likely to be most substantial in circumstances where the jobs being carried out are repeated or not needing high levels of concentration.

Studies show that by lowering tension and enhancing listening, plants can improve work environment efficiency.

A variety of studies likewise show that plants can reduce the incidence of small health problems in the working environment. For example, in one Norwegian research study, after plants were installed in the trial workplaces, personnel problems about:

  • Fatigue were lowered by 30 percent
  • Headaches were minimised by 25 percent
  • Dry throats were lowered by 30 percent
  • Coughing were decreased by 40 percent
  • Skin irritation were minimised by 25 percent.

Plants are also thought to have such a remarkable result because they both improve indoor air quality and individuals’s perception of the building.

Today, horticultural treatment flowers as an occupation and a practice. The American Horticultural Therapy Association reports that “horticultural therapy is not only an emerging profession; it is a time-proven practice.” Supporting and taking care of plants is an extremely interactive and satisfying experience for individuals of any age, particularly for senior citizens.

As a way of returning to the senior neighbourhood while shining a spotlight on the healing advantages of looking after plants, Initial Tropical Plants, the biggest service provider of interior landscaping and style setup to services in the country, created the Grassroots Senior Healing program. The business donates plants, containers and gifted horticultural workers to volunteer at low-income homes and show the healing benefits of tending to household plants.

Remarkably, planted buildings likewise have less airborne dust than unplanted ones. The impact is generally due to increased humidity and fixed electrical energy. That’s due to the fact that plants are somewhat negatively charged compared with their surroundings and so will bring in favourably charged dust particles, decreasing the number in the air and on surrounding surface areas.

Post Sponsored by Chingford Roofing – Your Local Roofer in Chingford.

08 Apr

How to Maximise Comfort and Lower Your Utility Bills

If you think summer seasons have been getting hotter in recent years, you may be. In fact, according to the National Climatic Data Centre, 2005 was the warmest year since nationwide records started in 1895. Combine those rising temperatures with increasing energy expenses to cool your house, and the circumstance can be downright intolerable.

How can I decrease my energy bills?

With the average house owner spending so much on energy-about half of it for heating and cooling-the cost of keeping one’s cool can be costly. To enhance your house’s energy effectiveness and lower energy costs, perform a simple home energy audit. Start by taking a look at outside walls, doors, and windows to determine any fractures where cool air could be seeping out, and seal leakages with caulk or weather stripping. Keep window blinds closed throughout the day to obstruct sunlight from going into the house and plant trees around your home for included shade.

In addition, check your attic’s insulation. If it’s inadequate, the home’s cooling system might have to work more difficult to manage the indoor temperature level. Add more if there currently is less than five inches.

Be sure to set up a consultation with a home cooling professional to check and clean your air conditioner to ensure it’s working as effectively as possible. You may likewise wish to set up a programmable thermostat that will instantly change the indoor temperature level while you’re away, which likewise can help reduce your energy expense.

My house feels sticky and in some cases smells mouldy. What can I do about it?

Even when the temperature level is right, your home might still feel sticky due to excessive humidity, and that can affect your general convenience and well-being. In fact, excessive wetness can result in the growth of mould and mildew, which can potentially trigger health issues.

If there is a wetness issue, it’s crucial to check your house for any water leakages, and take proper procedures to correct the problem. You also might wish to consider purchasing a dehumidifier, which can substantially minimise the moisture in your house.

My a/c is about 20 years old and I’m afraid it’s on its last leg. What should I try to find when buying a brand-new system?

The average life expectancy of a quality central air conditioner has to do with 15 to 20 years, so it’s wise to be thinking of replacement. Preparation ahead gives you time to conduct research study and pick the ideal system based upon your specific needs.

One of the most crucial things to think about when shopping for a brand-new system is the seasonal energy efficiency ranking (SEER). While the national minimum SEER score is 13, many more recent models have a SEER of 15 and higher, which will help make your home more energy efficient.

Lastly, do not put a price tag on convenience. Purchase a system that is priced within your budget plan, however don’t jeopardise your comfort, home energy effectiveness or long-term savings by buying an unit that will not satisfy your requirements well into the future.

Post Sponsored by Bermondsey Glaziers – Your Local Emergency Glazier.

27 Dec

Can you Install French Doors Upstairs?

If you own an upper-floor flat or just want to brighten the 2nd or 3rd floor of your house, you may wish that you could install French doors. The large glass doors are an outstanding way to let natural light flood in and open up your space wonderfully. But French doors on an upper flooring would be dangerous or impractical, ideal? Well, no, actually! There are numerous ways in which you can include a touch of European charm and beauty to your upstairs bedrooms or living spaces with beautiful French doors. Here are just some suggestions for doing so.

 

Play it safe with a Juliet Balcony

 

A simple way for homeowners to securely implement French doors on their upper floorings is to also set up Juliet Balcony. These are false balconies that, from the front of the home, give the appearance of a veranda, but, really, are simply bars or glass sheets that run across the lower half of the window opening. Juliet balconies guarantee that, if your French doors are open, there is no risk of falling. As being an excellent choice for the house generally, this can also give you peace of mind that any little kids in your house are well-protected. With Juliet Balconies, your French doors will need to open inwardly, instead of many versions that open outwardly. This can easily be arranged with a professional glazing installer.

 

Create a Balcony Area

 

If you are up for a more extensive restoration project, then a stunning method to implement French doors into the upper levels of your house is to develop a balcony location (a genuine veranda this time!). Your French doors must have sufficient area to open outwardly, and you might use the space for a chill-out area with a table and chairs, or a mini garden with great deals of little pots– whatever you expensive! One thing to be aware of is that you will need to get planning approval from the local authorities to build a balcony. If you reside in a conservation area or your home is a period property, then you may be faced with extra restrictions.

With timeless French windows in place, your upper floors will be flooded with natural light.

Post Sponsored by Norwich Glazing – Your Emergency Glazier in Northwich.

25 Dec

Is the Onset of Winter Depressing You? Install Larger Windows in Your Home

A few of us can find the winter a little bleak, with the dull weather conditions impacting our mood. We may wind up longing for just a bit of sun to cheer ourselves up. If a home is dark and feels confined due to small windows, then this can make us feel even worse – especially if we need to depend on synthetic lighting. Installing large double-glazed windows in your house is an ideal method to illuminate those dark cold weather and beat the winter blues once and for all!

 

Get as much light as you can

 

Natural light is vital for a healthy mind and body all year round. In winter season, it is essential to sit near windows as much as possible to get the advantages of natural sunshine. By setting up large windows in your house, you can increase the quantity of light that is able to flow in. Huge windows also let the sun come in for longer during the day, as the circulation of light is not restricted by small frames. This implies that your home will be brighter for longer during the winter season, minimising the amount you need to utilise artificial lighting and enhancing your state of mind.

 

Enjoy More Natural Warmth

 

By allowing more natural sunlight, big windows also enable the home to gain from the sun’s heat. This solar gain can mean that, at certain times of the day, you don’t have to rely on main heating. If you update to large double-glazed windows in fall, then you will benefit from the increased energy-efficiency of the brand-new windows. Your windows will have an energy rating of at least C (the minimum needed by the Building Regulations), making your home feel great and cosy.

 

Save money on your bills

 

There’s no much better way to beat the winter blues than to conserve a little bit of money! You could reduce your energy expenses if you update your windows this fall – although they are larger, they will still be just as energy-efficient as other double glazing options. You could even opt for windows with an A ranking, which will make your house more energy-efficient.

Post Sponsored by Stoke Glass 24/7 – Click Here to visit our Website.

29 Oct

HOW TO INSTALL A CONSERVATORY

Preparation

Check that the area you are developing the conservatory on is devoid of debris which there are no tree roots listed below the surface. These can show up and split through the floor and damage a prefabricated base. If you are having a builder lay the base for you and build a dwarf wall then you can still save cash while having someone handle the basics.

No matter whether you pick a prefabricated or concrete base, next comes in fact laying it. The size of the conservatory plays a part in which sort of base is best. If you are using a DIY conservatory kit then make certain to check with the producer which sort of base you need. When putting down the base, you need to make sure that you examine each corner to ensure it’s all square.

Foundations

Do not forget to damp proof the foundation as essential. A concrete base uses a wet evidence membrane that goes listed below the concrete. A dwarf wall requires the damp proof course to go above ground level. Check maker standards for pre made walls and bases to see what they suggest.

After laying the base and leaving it to dry, you can begin building and construction on the dwarf walls if needed. If your conservatory will require things such as electrical sockets, phone lines, and ceiling fans, then you ought to keep them in mind when building the walls. As you are serving as the conservatory installer make sure to speak with an electrical expert about what you are doing and what you need and they need to have the ability to encourage you on how, when, and where to install them.

After putting down the base and getting your conservatory set, check that you have everything you need utilisng the illustrations. Then, lay all the frames out in the positions they need to be fixed to guarantee you have whatever which everything fits.

Constructing Your Conservatory

After ensuring that everything fits together effectively you can begin constructing the conservatory. You should get all of the mendings you require for this in the building package. This is typically things like bolts and frame fittings. Examine that each opening is right as you develop to prevent mistakes.

After securing all the frames in place you can start to set up the window glass and beads according to the guidelines. There are a number of guides that can assist you with this action if you require it.

Seal all the joints as the manufacturer’s instructions specify. As soon as again, there are guides on how to properly utilise a sealant weapon if you require assistance.

Now that your Do It Yourself conservatory has actually been constructed you can begin embellishing it nevertheless you like.

While Do It Yourself building kits for conservatories are available, it still takes a degree of DIY know-how to put them together. Do not be afraid to contact the glazing experts if you require aid.

 

31 Jul

Double Glazing Explained and the Benefits

Double glazing is more regularly than not the very first option to consider for enhancing the power performance of windows within an older building. As windows tend to be a foremost supply of oxygen infiltration draught-prevention applying seals is among the best methods for improving convenience and limiting energy-use, with little if any change to some buildings take a look at minimal price.

However, secondary glazing can provide you a significantly greater thermal efficiency than draught-prevention alone. It might even be selected where adding draught-prevention seals towards the windows is particularly challenging.

Likewise, several steel-framed windows have spaces which are too large to seal.

Windows with leaded lights might permit air infiltration round the guide which may be resolved using the aid of secondary glazing.

Based upon the buildings use, area and also the residents’ convenience needs additional benefits and advantages of secondary glazing, for example noise reduction, might have a bearing about the style and design answer.

If extra glazing may be the chosen answer, then your external windows are better left without draught-prevention to ensure that there surely is some ventilation towards the air-space separating the external windows and also the extra glazing to prevent the develop of condensation.

Lead Paint

Guide offers could be bad for health, particularly children.

Lead-based paints tend to be available on older buildings. Often these offers have now been over-coloured. When there is any doubt concerning the lifetime of lead paint on windows which are likely to be removed, it should be thought that lead paint exists and precautions taken accordingly.

Using lead offers currently has been usually barred as a result of the risk to health. That said, there’s an exemption towards the bar that allows them to become utilized on Quality I and Quality II* listed properties. On these buildings the standard look of the lead paint, as well as its endurance and its own fungicidal and insecticidal qualities, imply that it’s frequently still employed. It will just be reproduced by competent designers using correct protective gear, which is not recommended to be used where it might be within the reach of children.

The advantages of secondary glazing

Even though primary reason for secondary glazing products in older structures would be to enhance the thermal capacity for windows by draught-prevention in addition to lowering the passing of warmth through glass, secondary glazing can offer numerous additional benefits.

Thermal Benefits

Temperature damage from the space using a screen within the heat weeks are complicated as three main components have been in play:

*by convection and passing, in the warmer area air-to the cooler of the glass and the body

*by the cold floor of the screen taking in infra-red light in the space

*by uncontrolled air leakage, which could also generate cold-air in the exterior areas or consider heated air out of the inside; known as oxygen infiltration, this could happen even if the screen is closed.

Heat loss through the glass and structures

It generally does not matter if it leaves the area by convection, conduction or light, the missing warmth all experiences the glass as well as the body as passing. The glass is basically one of the most conductive part of the screen but warmth is usually dropped over the body though in a reduced price.

Simple glazing is just a bad power insulator and easily conducts heat. An average 4mm thick glass includes an archetypal u value of 5.4W/m2K. The thermal reduction via a single-glazed screen is determined by the entire section of glass, the conductance of the body content and also the quality of installing the body and double glazing products. An average price of the wood framed single-glazed screen is 4.8W/m2K.

For thermal efficiency, the ideal airspace between panes is-16 – 20mm. A much better air-space allows convection currents to build up inside the emptiness and much more warmth to become shed. The placement of the extra device is usually based on the screen expose and certainly will usually just be installed far away around 100mm in the primary glazing. With that said, a substantial percentage of the thermal advantage of secondary glazing originates from decoupling the body in the primary wooden window-frame which may decrease the u value to roughly 2.5W/m2K.

The usage of low-emissivity glass for that extra glazing may further enhance the thermal performance to significantly less than 2.0/m2K. To keep this amount, it’s very important to maintain the conclusion clean – the conventional is ‘successfully’ clear.

Heat loss through air leakage

Temperature losses from the common traditional window are mainly through breaks round the screen. With larger windows the percentage of warmth drop by passing through the glass is commonly bigger. Because draughts, due to convection and air infiltration make people experience less comfortable, the folks within the space might arrive the heat, as well as run it for longer.

Bespoke secondary windows, with effective border sealing and wash or pressure seals about the beginning sections, produce a fruitful seal within the total of the mainframe of the primary screen and certainly will considerably moderate excessive draughts.

Just before starting on the procedure for draught-prevention, look at a fan pressurisation evaluation to discover the specific resources of oxygen transmission and decide which windows need interest because they may compare considerably within the quantity of draughts they let in.

Quantifying Draughtiness

The draughtiness of the building will be based upon the quantity of atmosphere that may go through its outside cover – surfaces, ground and roof covering. That is referred to whilst the oxygen permeability. The standard would be to state the permeability of the wall, top, or total framework cover taking a stress variation of fifty Pascals over the wall. The permeability is subsequently calculated whilst the quantity of atmosphere (in cubic yards) that’ll move within an hour via a square-metre of wall (or top, or ground) and indicated as m³/h/m² (m³/hm² or m/h) in a stress variation of fifty Pascals (50 Pa).

Although leaks within the structure is what produces draughtiness and ventilation, what’s more essential for the structure and its own residents may be the pace where atmosphere profits through the framework. That is most basically calculated whilst the quantity of occasions the atmosphere within the building changes each time (found as ac/h). This can rely on the stress difference between your exterior and also the within the building, and again the tradition would be to suppose a stress variation of fifty Pa.

The connection within both of these steps is distributed by the next formula:

Atmosphere modifications each hour = Permeability x exterior area of creating x Internal amount of construction

The transformation from oxygen changes each hour at 50 Pa to atmosphere changes per hours under standard circumstances (around 4 Pa) is also sophisticated to describe today. In one single creating a genuine 0.8 ac/r was equal to 14 ac/h (50Pa).

Noise Insulation

Windows are among the most vulnerable areas of a building to sound transmission because of their pretty lightweight design. With respect to the quantity of openings and also the quality of the seals between your opportunities, just one glazed screen without any seals might just accomplish a sound reduction of 18 – 25dBA. While shut, covered double-glazed products execute hardly much better than simple glazing since the 2 panes of glass are strictly associated with a minimal hole therefore the 2 panes resonate as you.

Another screen having an air-space of 10cm or even more de couples the motion of the two panes of glass and decreases the resonance between your two. Noise efficiency as high as 45dBA may usually be received.

Improved quantities of noise insulation are achieved whilst the space develops especially if the screen shows are actually covered having an audio content, though minimal improvements occur with cavities over 200mm. The usage of heavier or traditional laminate glass-within the extra screen also enhances the traditional abilities of the installation.

Protection from UV light

Ultraviolet (UV) lighting in the sunlight could potentially cause substantial harm to pictures, materials, decorating and other items. The usage of a movie, possibly in laminated glass within the extra glazing product or placed on like a film towards the main screen, may absorb ultraviolet lighting and decrease this threat of harm.

Solar gain

Windows may disclose considerable amounts of solar power resulting in overheating. Extra glazing could make this more severe when they reduce summer season ventilation. Although, middle-pane shades, glare films and summertime ventilation of the air-space may be used to make the area less warm.

Some extra glazing methods could be removed within the summertime.

Condensation

All air contains some water vapour, but comfortable air holds more vapour than cold air. The moment comfortable, moistened air is cooled it’ll achieve a heat where it can’t hold-all the vapour, and also the water may reduce out. This heat is known as the dewpoint.

Hot moist air passing over a chilly area might be cooled locally below the dewpoint by which event humidity build up or condensation may occur. This result causes the accustomed condensation inside of cool windows. Condensation about the exterior screen may occur when the extra program is exposed for ventilation in coldweather particularly where areas are fairly damp.

These condensation risks are likely to be reduced where the extra glazing is both:

*able to be kept closed-in cold weather, since you will find alternate way of ventilation- older attributes generally have sufficient ventilation from other areas

*found where the standard path of ventilation is from external to inside, for instance about the windward side of the framework, about the lower surfaces or in which a chosen organic or physical removal solution helps you to assure inward airflow

*fitted with products which prevent slow ventilation in unwanted problems

*where the main and extra devices include some choice way of ventilating between your exterior and also the space inside but skipping the hole between your primary and secondary glazing

Historical buildings security

Another screen provides an additional buffer to accessibility and so may provide enhanced protection. This is often especially appropriate once the utilization of a historical building has been altered and an enhanced level of security and safety is needed. The secondary glazing can offer that extra protection while protecting the present windows.

14 Jun

What to keep in mind when glazing your house

Glass designs can be the most intricate and appealing features of a home, however, for this same reason they can often be the most difficult aspects to repair. Glazing intricate designs is no easy task and often requires a professional glazer to ensure that it is done correctly. The glazing process involves cutting, installing and removing glass according to the specifications provided. However for simple breaks you may find it easier to repair the glass yourself than to hire outside help. While it can be a fun home improvement project it can also have more components that may not have been anticipated. Here are a few items you should keep in mind when completing your next glazing project.

Functional or design – When getting an area glazed you should keep in mind whether design or function is of most important or maybe even both. In some cases for example, repairing a window, the design or aesthetics of the glass feature may not be of utmost importance. Instead, more concern may be placed in ensuring that the glass is sturdy and cannot be broken as easily (which could be achieved by double-glazing). However if you are glazing a kitchen cupboard or event and cabinet door, you may find that the design and look of the glass is important. Additionally in some homes, stained glass may have been a major feature of the house, so you may want to get  a professional with experience in that area to complete the repair rather than take on the project on your own. Therefore to retain the character and charm of the home you will want to spend effort to ensure that the design of the glass is done tastefully.

Glazing tools – Due to the complexity of the glazing process, the right tools need to be obtained in order to ensure that the work is completed safely and effectively. For larger projects it may be best to consider hiring a professional glazier as the project may need more heavy duty, industrial machinery. However for smaller, minor repairs such as cracks or chips homeowners can easily complete the tasks with the right tools. The standard tools needed for a glazing project include a heat gun, knifer, putty and sander. To tackle a chipped glass surface, the area will be softened in order to remove the glass. Once this has been removed any glazing compound on the surface will have to be removed. The surface will then have to be made smooth in order to meld the old and new surfaces together. Getting the right tools for the job in most cases is half the work, and in the long run end up giving you much more savings by doing the project yourself.

Type of glazing – when reglazing a surface you must first determine what type of glaze needs to be used. The most commonly used are latex or oil based glazes. Latex is easier to work with, however oil glazes have a more professional and refined look. When using oil it must first be heated and then applied to the glass surface in order to be molded. The latex glaze on the other hand is easy to spread over but it takes a long time to completely dry throughout.  If you are not sure what type to use stop by you nearest home improvement store and ask for suggestions. Make sure that you take a minute to think this through before starting your project.

Protective equipment – Before commencing any work on glass it is important that you purchase the proper protective gear. Although it goes without saying, working with glass can be very dangerous and a tiny slip or crack can cause major damage. For most home improvements projects involving glass you will need a pair of protective glasses and thick gloves. In some instances persons apply heat to the area in order to make the glass easier to work with, however it is critical that care be taken prevent heat from being applied to flammable material. Fire can spread very quickly and cause unintended damage to the home. Take the extra time to ensure that you have the right equipment in place to reduce damage and prevent injury.

Budget – make no mistake about is, glazing can be a costly endeavor. Especially if the area to be glazed has specific requirements or needs a special type of glass. Too often persons chose to select glazing services based on which one ends up being the cheapest, however this is a narrow-sighted view. When it comes to things like glazing, you are investing the value of the home. Glass designs and features often create a beautiful environment that attracts a range of persons. Therefore in the event that you have to sell your home, spending that extra money for quality will go a long way in getting better return. Moreover, when you are living in a house the worse feeling is waking up every day and looking at a feature that was not finished properly. It can create and eye sore or even make you feel uncomfortable whenever you catch sight of it. Now I am not encouraging overspending, however I am encouraging you to ensure you select quality services rather that blindly selecting the cheaper option.

Although glazing can appear to be a simple task, it can quickly become complicated depending on the type of material being used and the complexity of the design. Repairing broken glass in window or doors can be a fun challenge for regular do-it-yourselfers. However projects where the glass features are more involved it may be better to hire the services of a professional emergency glazier. While it may cost a little extra, the benefit in the long run will be worth the investment.Repairing items like glass increase the overall aesthetic of a home and also add a feeling of charm and character. Jot these tips down and be sure to keep them in mind the next time you complete your glazing home project.