Conservatory construction changes you need to be aware of

by Peter
The compulsion to reduce our carbon emissions is affecting all areas of our lives and the latest development concerns conservatories. New building regulations set to come into force this summer seeks to cut carbon emissions by 30 per cent for new build homes, so for those homes with conservatories attached and transparent roofing this will be difficult to achieve. Thankfully, the new regulations will not as yet apply to conservatories added to an existing building but for those without a separating door such as open plan designs some regulations on the size of windows and insulation may be tightened. For those households with a conservatory, much can be done to cut the carbon footprint of the property. Making sure that doors and windows seal properly, installing blinds and insulating any... Read More »

Keeping your roof moss free

by Peter
Whatever the age of the roof on a property keeping the moss at bay is a major concern. Leaving the moss in place can cause the roof tiles to deteriorate and ultimately to become brittle and either crack or become loose. This in turn can result in a leaky roof and make costly repairs necessary. Removing the moss from a roof can be a simple task if the property is a bungalow as a ladder can be used to access the roof. A jet washer can be used to blast the moss off the roof and a stiff broom can remove any stubborn moss that remains. However, if the property is a house then working from a ladder can be dangerous and certainly climbing on the roof should not be... Read More »

Is your conservatory too cold in winter?

by Peter
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... Read More »

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

by Peter
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... Read More »

Adding natural light in to your home

by Peter
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... Read More »