Roofing Experts

Many people when looking to increase the living space in a property consider building a conservatory and with new planning regulations stating that there is no need for planning permission for most conservatories it seems like a good idea. It is important to think carefully however about the construction of this extension as if it is to be used all year round there are some key features that need to be planned for.

The material for the conservatory roof is one of the decisions that will need to be made and can be crucial in the cost and the functionality of the space. The traditional polycarbonate roofing material that is used on many conservatories is a cheaper option but has its drawbacks. It is not a good insulator meaning that the conservatory will be cold in winter and hot in summer and on rainy days it will be noisy. A glass roof may be a better option but will be more costly and may require more substantial foundations.

Having a solid roof on a conservatory is an option that some people choose especially if there is sufficient light entering the conservatory from large windows. A flat roof is probably going to be less expensive but may not last as long as a traditional tiled roof. A solid roof will have the advantage of better insulation and therefore provide a warmer living space in the winter.

Energy efficiency is very important and something that you should take seriously. This year we have seen a huge increase in prices of gas and electricity from the energy suppliers and this is likely to hit many households hard. The prices may well increase again in the new year meaning that bills could rise by over 30% in less than 6 months. This is one fo the reasons that you should try and ensure your home is as efficient as possible so you can reduce your heating bills. The government run a number of schemes which can help people with the cost of improving their homes. This may be a grant towards a new boiler, adding insulation to the attic or walls as well as simply carrying out a survey on a property and advising the occupants what they can do to help reduce their energy usage.

Reducing your energy usage is not just helpful in saving you money but it also plays a big part in reducing your carbon footprint and doing your bit for the environment. If everyone could aim to reduce their usage, in a small period of time we could see significant changes on the effect it is having on the planet.

Many people find themselves living in a home that may be too small for them. Often they have bought a home and then their family has grown and they no longer have the room that they need to. It could be that they are not in a position to move houses so need to make the most of the house they are in and try and manage.

If you find yourself in this sort of situation then you need to try and make each room spacious. We often hang on to a lot of items that we no longer need and these can take up valuable space in your home. Make sure that you try and have a good sort out from time to time. Get bags and fill them up of toys, clothes and teddies that are no longer played with and take them to the charity shop. Keeping your rooms minimalistic will not only help with giving you extra space but will also make the home easier to clean.

If you have the space then you may consider having an extension built. This may give you a couple of extra rooms meaning that you can stay in your home for the foreseeable future rather than having to move.  

Some properties that were built before the sixties have large picture windows in the dining room or living room giving a good view of the garden but not giving access to it. The trend to make our indoor and outdoor living spaces flow into each other has caused many people to consider removing these windows and installing bifold doors instead so that in good weather they can be folded back allowing direct access to the garden or patio.

Carrying out this improvement is difficult to complete as a DIY project as it will involve removing part of the wall which will probably need specialist equipment to prop up the brickwork above. Therefore, it is advisable to employ a building company who are registered with the FENSA scheme showing that they are competent to carry out this type of installation. As is always the case when carrying out home improvements three quotes should be sought before proceeding.

The finish of the bifold doors needs to be in keeping with the rest of the property and can be either UPVC in white or wood effect, made from real wood or from one of the newer materials that are more hard wearing and are not affected by the elements.

With energy bills rising at a tremendous rate many people are eager to save money on their household bills and are spending hours searching online to get the best deal on their electricity, gas or oil costs but how energy efficient are our homes and is there anything we can do to improve this efficiency and save money?

The first thing to consider is to check whether there is adequate insulation in the property especially in the loft as heat is lost through the ceilings and walls of the house. More recently people are also looking at heat that may be lost through floors too and are installing underfloor insulation. Cavity wall insulation is worthwhile if the property is older and has not been built with wall insulation in place.

A great deal of heat is lost through ill-fitting single glazed windows and doors and so a survey on their efficiency is a good idea. Double or even triple glazing can save the property owner money and at the same time cut down on any troublesome road noise.

If the property has a gas boiler installed it is important to check whether it heats the water that you need rather than heating a huge tank of water as this is far more efficient.