Author: Peter

Is your conservatory too cold in winter?

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.

Cut down on your lighting bills by making the most of the sunlight

So many of us are worried about the soaring prices in energy. Over the next 12 months we are likely to see already high prices go up even more and this is making more and more people be careful about what they are doing in their homes in terms of the energy they use.

Lighting is often a parge percentage of people’s electricity bills and although there are a number of things you can do to reduce this, turning off your lights for as long as possible is the best way to cut your energy bills. You should ensure that you have LED bulbs throughout your home as not only will these last longer they are a lot more efficient. Adding windows, glass doors and rooflights to your home is the perfect way to let in the natural light. You may be surprised as to how long you can go without having to turn the lights on just by making use of the sunlight. Not only can you let the natural light in that way but you can also use the sunlight to help you produce energy by having solar panels fitted to your roof. This will allow you to either take it off what you use or even sell it back to the energy board.

Adding natural light in to your home

If you feel that areas of your home are too dark, you may not want to have artificial lighting installed but instead let more natural light in. The easiest way to do this is often to install patio doors or extra windows but this is not always practical. If this is the case then why not consider installing a rooflight. Rooflights come in all different shapes and sizes and can be made to measure to fit the exact dimensions you need. They are the perfect addition to any home – modern or traditional and can really allow the natural light to fill the room. You can have easy open / close blinds fitted to them to shut out the light at times if you require.

Having a rooflight above your bed can be the perfect addition to a bedroom. What better view is there than looking up at night at the stars shining in the sky. Rooflights do not often need privacy glass as they are so high up, but if your roof is overlooked or you don’t want the sunlight to be too bright then you can opt for a tinted version. Prices range massively for rooflights, so do your shopping around before committing to one.

Improving your home to be more energy efficient

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.

Should you opt for a thatched roof?

Thatched roofs are a very traditional roofing material that was first used over 1400 hundred years ago! This makes it one of the oldest trades that are still used today. I would imagine that the thatched roofs back then may of looked a little different but in the 7th and 8th century they were probably quite common.

 Thatched roofs are only really used on older cottage style buildings now. You may find lots of them in little quaint villages such as in the Cotswolds. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of s thatched roof? They provide excellent insulation which is very important especially at the moment with energy prices so high. They retain the heat in the home meaning you don’t have to keep reheating it. Thatched roofs often last a long time. With the right care and maintenance, you can expect to get 60 years out of your roof. Lots of people are concerned about the environment and the impact we are having on the planet. The material used to build a thatched roof are some of the most natural you can find.

There are lots of positives but you do need to consider a few other points. They are a fire hazard. you need to follow the advice regarding chimneys to ensure that you are being safe. Also, for this reason your insurance is likely to be higher.