Why shutters are a great alternative to blinds and curtains

You’ve just moved in, and it may be an automatic choice to adorn your windows with curtains and blinds in the conventional manner. However, there is another, less commonly considered option that you should think seriously about. Shutters offer a whole host of benefits, including great privacy, light and temperature control, in addition to gracing your home with a feature that is unique.

To help you decide if shutters could benefit you and your new home, we’ve put together this guide to why shutters are a great alternative to blinds and curtains.

Waste not, want not

One of the primary concerns for all homeowners is how to keep bills down to affordable levels, but still ensure that everyone in the house is comfortable. Historically, shutters have been favoured in warmer climates for their insulating properties, keeping the temperature warm in winter but cool in summer. Shutters also offer great user control, allowing the homeowner to adjust slats to fully or partially open to alter the airflow through a room. This makes shutters an energy efficient option, potentially allowing you to save on your energy bills.

Strong and silent

Durable and solid, shutters are more long-lasting than blinds and curtains, and can withstand more wear and tear. In addition, shutters are fixed in place, so do not flap in the wind like fabric window dressings, making them a quieter option on windy days.

Bar the brightness

Like temperature, light levels can be controlled with ease using shutters, protecting you from the glaring summer sun and your new furniture from UV rays. Whilst blinds also offer this protection, along with user control, the tailored fit of shutters prevents gaps appearing, and, therefore, light from leaking into the room.

Privacy matters

Unlike curtains which do not grant you privacy and sunlight simultaneously, shutters do provide this feature, stopping outsiders from looking in but allowing sunlight to permeate through.  However, if you do want a better look at the view outside, then shutters can be folded back from the windows.

Add value to your home

Unlike blinds and curtains, which may need replacing every few years, shutters are more durable and long-lasting, becoming a permanent fixture of your house that should never need replacing. Shutters can also add value to your home, making them a worthwhile investment and a capital improvement to your home.

Keeping it clean

Dust tends to cling to curtains and blinds more readily than on shutters, and is therefore, a better option for those who suffer from allergies. Cleaning just takes one quick flick of the duster, leaving you with more time to enjoy your new home.

Safe and sound

Cords, ropes and strings can potentially be dangerous if children get hold of them. Shutters don’t have this problem, and are entirely cordless, making them a safer option.

Appealing aesthetic

One of the most stressful aspects of moving into a new home is deciding on the decor. Timeless and homely, shutters are aesthetically appealing and neutral in appearance, available in wood or PVC to suit the majority of interiors. Not only that, their design means that shutters can be fitted to any window shape.

Angel Blinds and Shutters are a friendly, family run business, that have been serving Newcastle and surrounding areas for 15 years. They provide quality blinds and shutters to both domestic and commercial clients, offering excellent customer service, made to measure products and free home visits.

The post Why shutters are a great alternative to blinds and curtains appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/why-shutters-are-a-great-alternative-to-blinds-and-curtains/

5 Ways To Make Your Conservatory Functional Year-Round

Conservatories are a difficult room to work with; somewhere between indoors and outdoors and never fully committed to either. In summer, they are often far too warm, and in winter they become damp and cold spaces that are neglected until the first glimpse of spring. Conservatories originated in the 16th century as a way to cultivate citrus fruits in the colder months or harsh climates of Northern Europe. It wasn’t until the 1970s that architects began employing the same Victorian stylings of 19th Century orangery structures into domestic extensions. In the 70s and 80s, building a conservatory was one of the most popular ways to add value to a home, so now homeowners are left dealing with that difficult room.

If you want to make sure your conservatory is truly functional year-round, there are a few steps you will need to take to create a cool and airy room in summer and a warm and cosy space in winter. Conservatories make ideal second family rooms, reading nooks, dining rooms, home offices and playrooms. Once you’ve decided how you’d like to reclaim your conservatory, try these tips for creating a functional room for year-round use.

Install fitted blinds

If the sun is a problem in summer, installing modern fitted blinds will help you to make the most of this room and regain some privacy. This will be particularly important if you’re thinking about creating an extra bedroom. Specialist blinds will also provide much-needed insulation in the winter months which will make your home much more eco-friendly. Fitted blinds are available in a variety of shades and patterns so you can make a bold statement with the decor.

Deal with damp

If damp is a problem in your conservatory, you will need to identify the problem and solve it before decorating or adding any new furnishings. Sometimes the seals around windows may be damaged, the ground surrounding the conservatory might be waterlogged, or there may be poor air circulation to the room. To keep excess moisture at bay in winter, try using a dehumidifier to keep the air fresh.

Renew the furniture

Buying bespoke conservatory furniture is an ideal way to create the perfect cosy space that will be functional year-round. Wicker and rattan furniture is enjoying a revival at the moment as people have started to recognise the endless benefits of this durable, stylish and functional furniture.

Consider a new roof

If your glass roof just isn’t working for you, you can convert your extension into a normal room by replacing the roof with lightweight tiles. This will insulate the room and help keep it warm in winter, while the rest of the windows will still allow light to come streaming in. Any conversions of this kind will need to be carried out by a professional builder and you may need planning permission to convert your extension in this way.

Add personal touches

Often, all that is needed to make a house a home is a few finishing touches. Adding some potted plants, ornaments, a new rug, throw pillows or framed pictures can be all you need to update your conservatory and make it a more homely. If you worry that your conservatory will be too warm in summer and too cold in winter, try using specialist rattan furniture which will be cool in summer and can be layered up with blankets and throws in winter.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/08/5-ways-to-make-your-conservatory.html

Stay Cool Without A Pool

We're currently in the midst of the hottest month of the entire year, even by summer standards. August is generally known for being blistering with its heat index, and some people simply don't know how to handle such extreme weather without any way to cool off throughout the day. Some people are lucky enough to have their own pool - whether it be inground or above-ground - and can take a dip whenever they feel a bit of sweat coming on. Others, unfortunately, don't have that luxury and need to get really creative when it comes to remaining chill.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is one of the most obvious ways to keep your home cool and relax during the extreme heat of summer. A single well-placed air conditioner is capable of cooling an entire home if positioned in the correct window. Depending on how powerful the air conditioner is, you could have a completely cooled room or entire house within the hour, which is more than can be said of some other options. We're looking at you ice pops!

Ice Pops

Taking some time to make homemade ice pops, especially with the kids, can be a rewarding experience for all involved. The only downside here is the wait time after putting the pops in the freezer. It takes time for them to be ready, so during the wait you can sit in front of the air conditioner and relax.
Ice pops have the unique ability to come in a variety of flavors. With access to a blender, you can easily make a mixed berry flavor, strawberry-banana, or perhaps even a chocolate pudding ice pop for those with more of a sweet tooth. Be sure to leave some small chunks of fruit for a bit of extra texture and flavor, though.

Cold One

For the adults, popping up an ice cold beer is a wonderful way to both relax and refresh yourself on a warm day. Pulling your favorite brand from a cooler filled with ice is one of life's small pleasures.
For kids, however, a cup of juice, water, iced tea, or lemonade with a couple cubes of ice is perfect for cooling the body down and keeping them playing for long periods of time. By the time night rolls around, most kids will fall asleep where they stand, allowing for some much-needed peace and quiet.

Lego Boats

For those with children in the house, filling the bathtub with cool water and a couple of toys can be a wonderful experience for the kids. Building boats made entirely of legos, which won't be damaged in the water, can make for hours of fun for everyone in the family.

Cool Shower

As a last resort, hopping into a cool shower can drastically change your outlook on the current heat situation. Cold water may feel like a bit too much at first, but sitting under the cool spray from the shower head and remove the heat from your body and leave you feeling awake and refreshed. Heat has the tendency to make most of us tired, unfortunately.

Despite the sometimes overwhelming heat, there are plenty of options to remain cool in the hot summer months. Some are more elaborate than others, of course, but they are still available to most families today.
Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/08/stay-cool-without-pool.html

Hand Files and Wood Rasps? Which One for Which Job

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

To the uninitiated, hand files and wood rasps may seem like very similar tools – they are both used to smooth and shape a given material right? Well yes, you are absolutely correct, they are both used for this purpose but one is for timber, the other for metal and other materials such as plastic Read on...

Hand Files and Wood Rasps? Which One for Which Job

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2016/08/hand-files-and-wood-rasps/

Upgrades To Make Your Home More Eco- Friendly

source

We all know the importance of saving the environment and reducing our carbon footprint. And there’s plenty you can do to live a more eco-friendly life, right from the comfort of your own home. Not only will these things help the environment, but you’ll save money on your energy bills too. Planning to live a more eco-friendly existence? Consider adding these upgrades to your home!

Solar Panels

While you have to pay a fairly large cost up front to have solar panels installed, with the money you’re able to save on bills they pay for themselves completely within a few years. And not only do you save money, but you’re also helping the planet too. Unlike the fossil fuels burned to power your home in the traditional way, solar energy is clean and renewable. You can be happy in the knowledge that powering your home is causing no pollution or damage to the environment.

Private Water Source

Water boreholes provide you with your own private supply of water from your land. This not only saves you money on your water bills but gives you clean water, and also means you don’t have to adhere to water restrictions and hosepipe bans either. Adding a private water source will reduce your carbon emissions, as water companies burn fossil fuels during the cleaning process. Your own private water source from a borehole or spring does not come into contact with any surface water or contamination, so is already safe to drink. It’s not just large rural properties that can tap into this, even townhouses in busy cities with tiny gardens are able to reap the benefits. So get a private water supply if you want to make your home more eco friendly.

Insulate Your Loft and walls / Install Double Glazing

These two kind of go hand in hand, they’re all about reducing the amount of heat that is lost in your home. It comes back to burning fossil fuels again, these are what are burned to heat your home and the more heat that is lost the more you need to use. Not only does this mean your heating bill is through the roof but it means you are using up more of the earth’s resources. Double glazing with good quality upvc frames will prevent heat escaping from around the windows, and cavity wall and loft insulation will prevent it from escaping everywhere else.

source

Compost and Recycle

Even without huge home renovations, you can make your home as eco friendly as possible by these kinds of small things. Every day the things we throw away pollutes the earth, but by recycling wherever possible and composting biodegradable waste it reduces the amount sent to landfill. Don’t ever feel like your actions are too small to make a difference as every bit matters. Hopefully in time more people will come around to the idea, and will be more mindful with what they throw away

Switch to Energy Saving Bulbs

Energy saving bulbs generally use anything from twenty five to eighty percent less energy than traditional light bulbs- incredible! They also last anything from three to twenty five times longer too, so not only are you spending less on energy but you’re spending less buying the actual bulbs too. Using less energy again equates to less fossil fuels burned which is kinder on the environment. Again these are the small things you can do in your home which don’t require a lot of money up front or any building works to take place.

source

Whatever steps you take to make your home eco friendly will all make a difference to the environment as well as make your bills less expensive. Even if you can’t afford to spend a lot, just do the best you can with what you have.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/08/upgrades-to-make-your-home-more-eco.html

The Most Common Issues With Windows And What You Can Do To Get Them Sorted

Getting Stuck

If your window is hard to open or close it could be that the frame is expanding or shrinking due to the weather. Heat will make wooden frames expand, making is harder to get them open in the summer. While the cold usually make them shrink, if they are porous and have soaked up any moisture, and that freezes, the ice can also make the wood expand and the window stick.

To fix this, you can use brute force, wait until the temperature changes, or use use the thin blade of a putty knife and jimmy the window open. Be very careful not to damage the frame, though!

Leaks

You need to be very wary of leaks around a window and where they are coming from. If it is the window itself, then plug them if possible or replace them if you have to. Be careful that the leak isn't coming from the areas, though. Check that the signs that you can see are not from rising damp or a crack in the water sealant on the outside of the wall.

Moldy

Moldy windows are unsightly and unhygienic. They can cause health issues, especially breathing problems. Mould occurs around window frames and sills mostly due to condensation. This is when moisture in the air is turned back into liquid when it hits the glass of your window. You can prevent this by making sure your home is aired out. Open the windows or use a dehumidifier. Make sure that you always put the extractor on after a bath or a shower to get rid of any excess moisture in the air.

Drafts

Image here

Drafty windows are not a good idea. Not only is it unpleasant to live in a drafty home, but they are also costing you money too. If you have a draft, then air can get in, that means the hot air that you are paying for can also get out. Drafty windows are not energy efficient because it takes more energy to get the room to the same temperature as the heat is escaping. If possible block small drafts with caulking. If there are bigs gaps, it means the window no longer fits properly, and it's time to invest in some quality double glazing.

You are always cleaning them

Picture link

Cleaning the windows is a big chore, so reducing the amount that we have to do this, is a good thing. But how can you clean your wonders less without getting stuck in a dark and dingey room?

The secret is to minimise the amount of dirt that they come into contact with. Of course, you can stand outside your home with a leaf blower distracting any stray speck of dust away from your precious windows. But people may think you have lost it, and you'll never get anything done.

Instead keep to these easy rules. Don't burn candles or your BBQ near to your windows as the door will stick to them. Also, make sure that if you are using the oven in the kitchen that you have the extractor on. It's so easy for grease to stick to your windows which will in turn act like a magnet for any other dirt or dust in the house!

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/08/the-most-common-issues-with-windows-and.html

Simple Secrets For Lowering Your Home Energy Bills

If you groan when the electricity or gas bill lands on the doorstep, then you are not alone. Our utilities are essentials for sure, but they aren't the most fun thing to spend our money on are they? So are there any ways to lower our bills and save some money? Keeping reading to find out.

Slow cooker

Firstly a hearty warm family meal is never a bad thing, right? But what if you could make it cheaper and easier to cook one all in one go? Well, you can. The way to do this is to get yourself a slow cooker.

Image here

Instead of running your oven on full blast when it's dinner time, to get the food ready for the hungry masses, use a slow cooker. It uses a small amount of energy throughout the day to cook. Just prep your ingredients and bung them in for a tasty and convenient one-pot meal. Easy and delicious.

Wash on eco or at night

There are ways to save on your water and electricity bill when doing the family's laundry too. You can do your washes on the eco setting. Or if your electricity provider offers better rates at night, make sure your loads go on just before you go to bed each day. Then they will be ready to hand out to dry in the morning too, which is very convenient.  It is also possible to wash at a lower temperature which saves electricity because you use using less to heat the water. However, make sure that you get the right washing liquid for this as lower temps aren't always as effective in getting out stains and smells.

Image source

Common sense

There are some pretty easy things that you can do to save on your utility bills. They aren't secrets, more common sense. But people still act like they've never heard of them! Try things like wearing socks, slipper and jumpers if it's cold, rather than running around the house in a t-shirt with the heating up full blast. Limit loads of laundry to one or two per person a week. Hang your wet laundry outside in the summer to save on the cost of running a tumble dryer.

Picture

Double glazing and insulating

Another key aspect of lowering your utility bill is to get quality double glazing to minimise the heat lost through your windows and doors. They also insulate against outside noise like busy roads and they can be more secure and act as a deterrent to burglars.  

Some people even goes as far as to add more insulation to their walls with products like cavity wall insulation. This traps more of the heat in and makes their home much more energy efficient and eco friendly. Remember the more energy efficient your home is then less it will cost you on utility bills

Get a meter

Picture here

Lastly, a splendid way of lowering your energy bills, so you have more money to do other stuff, is to get a meter installed. In this way, you can keep an eye on how much you are using. This will encourage you to minimise unnecessary usage and save water, gas and electricity and so your cash too.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/08/simple-secrets-for-lowering-your-home.html

Attic room storage ideas

Loft conversions are a great way to add value to your home, and can offer that little bit of much needed space without having to uproot the family to move. While the unusual, snug shape of an attic room may be a selling point, it can also cause storage headaches for homeowners.      

If your attic room is small, you really can’t afford to overlook any potential spots for storage. If your attic room is large, then you want to take full advantage of the airy space you have created. Either way, it’s essential to understand the many simple and innovative storage ideas that can help you maximise your space.

Fitted storage:

The sloping ceilings and difficult angles of a loft room can sometimes leave you with a dilemma as to where to put a standard wardrobe or bookshelf. The solution comes in the form of fitted furniture and units, designed to neatly fit the natural decline of the ceiling. If you have a larger loft space and are struggling to reach the higher shelves, then it might be wise to also add a sliding ladder.

Take advantage of the wall space around your windows and border them with shallow shelves; this won’t block out the light, and will actually serve to frame the view, and enhance it.

Sleep smart:

Go upwards, not outwards. It’s a simple trick, but if the attic is for your youngsters, then installing bunk beds is an elementary step to conserve space. Also consider purchasing a fold-out bed this two-in-one solution will provide you with a bed during the night, and transform into a sofa during the day.

Furniture placement:

Wise placement of furniture is essential to ensure you don’t waste your space. Slot in a cosy window seat under the slanted ceiling for a peaceful place to retreat to after a stressful day. Or why not be really creative and convert your attic into an en-suite bathroom by popping your bathtub in the corner of the room? This may seem bizarre, but it can add an intimate, open-plan feel to an attic room.

Creative storage for nooks and crannies:

A commonly ignored goldmine for space are the eaves of a loft. Here, different styles of small storage units can be installed to clear away the clutter. Using stylish baskets is an easy trick to contain your belongings, and they are often available in a variety of different sizes and colours, perfect to match any room size or decor. Floating shelves are also a great addition, perfect for when space is limited as they can be placed almost anywhere along your walls to act as a chic shelf to cache your belongings.

If your house is big enough to have a staircase leading up to your loft space, then stowing away your goods under the stairs could be an option, with some companies offering in-built drawers and shelves.

Divide up your space:

If you have a larger attic space, putting up partition walls can create a multi-room space that can offer hidden storage pockets and walk-in wardrobes, effectively shaving off the edges of an attic’s awkward shape. And why not make your partition wall a statement piece by covering it with bold and patterned wallpapers.

AKB Loft Conversions are a family run business who offer free quotations on all of their loft conversions and extensions. Operating throughout the Leeds area, they have extensive experience in guiding their customers on every step of their individual projects and offering first-class professionalism along the way.

The post Attic room storage ideas appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/attic-room-storage-ideas/

Do’s and Don’t of Flood Damage [infographic]

Infographic credit: CleanSafe Services Scotland

The post Do’s and Don’t of Flood Damage [infographic] appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/dos-and-dont-of-flood-damage-infographic/

Decking Advice With Craig Phillips

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

It’s that time of the year when the sunny weather just makes you want to sit outside or even bring the outside in! Decking is a great way of doing that. Set 6″ by 2″ wooden joists about 500mm apart, sitting them on 2 side ledger beams – these can be fitted, screwed or built Read on...

Decking Advice With Craig Phillips

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2016/08/decking-advice-with-craig-phillips/