Archive for June, 2009
A recent article posted by the BBC, entitled “A plague of plastic windows” (link), questions whether or not it is wrong to “stick uPVC windows in a period house“.
The article highlights how English Heritage believes the traditional image of houses are being spoiled with plastic windows and that the plastic frames are “very different beasts”. However, there is mention of the environmental savings of using double glazing, around £700 per annum, which equates the CO2 emissions from 740,000 homes*.
Further to this saving and ensuring we are looking after the environment, uPVC windows do not require the same upkeep as timber frames and are often cheaper in the short and long term.
And finally, I’m sure we’d all agree that good quality windows look fantastic in new and old homes, just visit our gallery for proof!
*Figures from Energy Saving Trust.
With so many companies to choose from, customer can often be confused as to which home improvement firm they should approach for a quotation. In such a saturated market, it is vital that Central Scotland Joinery shines against all our competitors, especially to attract new customers.
We’re an honest, family run company and we’ve always adopted a the KISS principle for our website – “Keep is simple, stupid”. We don’t want to confuse our customers with shiny images of dream homes when they simply want to see the quality of our work and that’s why we have a gallery of completed installations.
We don’t like confusing our customers with empty promises and industry terms, so we ensured all the information on our site is relevant and updated with our frequently asked questions.
We try to save you time and reduce the hassle of phoning around for a quote so we’ve introduced an online quotation form. And finally, we appreciate every customer’s finances are different so we work with a leading home improvement lender to ensure repayments are spread over a set period with a finance solution.
According to official figures, house prices rose for a second consecutive month in April, which placed smiles on homeowners around the country. The small 1.1% rise is an encouraging sign and estate agents are reporting an increase in enquiries.
The news came as home owners were advised to cash in on spare attic space by turning it into another room, which typically adds 20% to the value of the property. An extension that adds an extra bedroom is the next most lucrative project, adding 11 per cent, followed by central heating, 10 per cent, and extra floor space, 5 per cent.
During the recession there has been an increase in homeowners renovating rather than selling in a bid to increase their house price and retain a profit margin. However, some believe it was actually to improve their living standards.
The research did not take into account the benefits of installing double glazing or a conservatory however these two home improvements do add value to your property.
Double glazing is a marvellous idea, but how does it actually work? It’s all in the name…
Double glazing works by trapping either air or a non toxic gas like Argon between two panes of glass to create an insultating barrier that keeps the heat in when it’s cold and out when it’s hot.
There are two main parts to double glazing; the glass and profile. Forefront double glazing suppliers, such as ourselves, will provide quality glass from reputable manufacturers that is gas filled, to provide the most efficient windows. The profile is the plastic frame that holds the glass panels and should be steel re-inforced to ensure maximum strength and security.
Double glazing reduces heat loss, noise and condensation and it by installing it, you could cut your energy bills in half*. Glass is a good conductor so it is advisable that all homes should not be fitted with double glazing – if this was to actually occur over £700 million would be saved annually in energy bills.*
Fitting double glazing should always be left to a professional who will remove the old windows safely and securely install your new windows, creating an air tight seal between the windows and frame.
*According to the Energy Saving Trust.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average home can save £340 per year by being more energy efficient.
This figure is set to rise as energy becomes more expensive, so it is vital that home owners make the necessary adjustments before being hit with high bills!
You can get tailored advice online using the Energy Saving Trusts’ Home Energy Check and by following good advice from reliable sources.
Here’s 10 top tips from the Trust to save energy and reduce your bills…
- Look for caveties – Up to 30% of heat loss in a home is through caveties and ensuring your walls are properly insulated could save you around £160 per year. Like double glazing, caveties work by keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Care for your boiler – Routine boiler checks are something that many people will forget about until something goes wrong, however your bills could be cut by ensuring your boiler is working efficiently. And if your boiler is over 15 years old, consider replacing it for a high-efficiency alternative that could save you up to 1/3rd off your heating bills immeditately.
- Love your freezer – Fridge freezers are the hardest working appliance in our kitchens so make sure the door is never left open longer than necessary. Ensure your seals are working properly and defrost your freezer regularly.
- Spot the logo – When buying new appliances, the energy saving recommended logo will help you purchase wisely.
- Keep your tank wrapped up – Around £40 per annum could be saved by fitting a 75mm jacket around your hot water tank.
- Curtain call – When it’s dark close the curtains, it’ll help keep heat in!
- Be a bright spark – An energy efficient light bulb lasts 10x longer and saves around £3 off your electricity bills.
- Double up – Fitting double glazing can save you around £140 per annum and reduce your heat loss by 50%.
- Defeat the drafts - Filling gaps under skirting boards with beading or mastic sealant will save you about £25 per annum.
- Insulate – Around £200 per annum could be saved by insulating your loft with 270mm thick insultation.
This is the very first post from Central Scotland Joinery, the double glazing specialists providing services throughout Central Scotland.
We’d like to welcome you to our company blog; a place where we’ll share the latest double glazing news, tips, advice and offers, as well as any company updates!
Central Scotland Joinery prides itself on remaining forefront installers of double glazing and we always want our customers, new and old, to remain up-to-date with the latest information directly from ourselves.
Please stick around for more updates shortly and don’t forget to tell your friends and family about us too!
