UK Home Improvement Blog

Although plastic window shutters need less maintenance than wooden ones, they are made from a variety of different polymers and the requirements may be different for each.

Plastic window shutters are an excellent alternative to wooden ones if their chief purpose is decorative. They are easy to install and low-maintenance. Nevertheless, even plastic shutters will need occasional attention to keep them looking in tip-top condition. The good news is that whether it’s a quick wash or a repaint, the job is easy enough to do yourself.

Removing decorative window shutters

Regardless of what needs doing to your shutters, you will need to take them off the house first. It is dangerous to paint or clean them whilst they are still in place, and you will be able to do a far better – and quicker – job if you remove them. Fortunately, decorative shutters are generally fastened in place with just four screws or shutter spikes, one in each corner. All you have to do is unscrew them and lift them down. They should be light enough to manage this with one person.

Washing your shutters

Start by washing your shutters with warm, soapy water and a sponge. Do not use any abrasive cleaning fluids, solvents or detergents – these can damage the plastic. If you need to, use a stiff brush to dislodge any dirt trapped in the corners. Allow them to dry before you progress to the next step.

UPVC window shutters

Some types of plastic window shutter cannot be painted. UPVC and polypropylene shutters are two common examples. The colour is an integral part of the plastic, so they do not need it. Moreover, these shutters expand and contract slightly with the changing temperature – meaning any paint would soon flake off. After some years, you may notice that plastic shutters fade in the sun. There is little you can do about this, since it is due to a chemical change in the top layer of the plastic. A gentle sand down may improve the colour, but if you are dissatisfied with the appearance then you will ultimately have to replace them.

Styrene shutters

Styrene shutters must be painted, but hold the paint well and so will not need maintaining as often as wooden shutters. More importantly, the paint’s function is mainly decorative rather than protective. Wooden shutters will rot if you don’t look after them; plastic window shutters won’t. For the best results use an oil-based exterior paint suitable for timber – do not use a vinyl-based paint or spray paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before replacing the shutter. If you are painting them for the first time, start by wiping the shutters down with a weak solution of ammonia or white vinegar, rinsing them and allowing them to dry. Then apply a coat of exterior grade primer. Finally, when the primer is dry (check the maker’s instructions for how long to wait), apply the exterior paint.

Replacing your shutters

Re-installing your plastic window shutters is extremely simple. All you need to do is screw them back onto the wall using the existing holes. The only problem you might have is the shutters’ weight making it awkward to put in the first screw. This can be overcome by balancing them on a ladder or hanging one corner of the shutter on a nail.

This article was supplied by www.simplyshutters.co.uk, who are members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and suppliers of high quality decorative exterior window shutters.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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If you have glass doors or windows in your doors then you may want to help cut down on the amount of light that streams through them. You may also want to help cut down on heating costs by having some extra insulation. When you use door blinds they can provide one way to ensure that you are able to use the door and control the light at the same time. Traditionally the issue has then been that the blind will wave around and slam into the door as it is used. Fortunately there are now a few options which will secure the blind in place both at the top of the window, and the bottom.

The first option is the simplest which is choosing a blind that can be fitted with hold down brackets. As the name implies they hold the blind down at the bottom.

Both metal and wooden Venetian blinds can be provided with hold down brackets. It’s a small bracket with a pin that extends out. The pin then slots into the bottom bar of the blind anchoring it into place.

Roller blinds are another option that you might want to try. If you specify a wooden lathe bar at the bottom hold down brackets can be utilized here as well but generally the blind will need to be kept down all the time. This can help you to create more functional door blinds.

The second solution is a system called “perfect fit”. Now widely available this provides an option for any window which is double glazed. The blind comes in a frame which actually fits to the beading of the glass. Not only can it be fitted in minutes but solves all of the above problems seamlessly.

A common mistake that many make is that they will try and drill holes into fiberglass doors. Although it might not seem like a bad idea, but because the door is hollow it can be hard for the screws to stay within the door. Also the drilled holes become enlarged and will no longer fit and easily fall out. It is therefore always wise to ensure the door is suitable for the application you are thinking of first.

Door blinds can create the look and feel that you want if you need to have a covering on your glass doors. They will help with privacy, block out light, and even provide some insulation. Hopefully the above solutions will help you create a finish which is beautiful and functional at the same time.

About the author:

Matthew Forde writes for Order Blinds Online. A UK based online shop offering a wide range of window blinds both ready made and made to measure. For more tips or advise please visit their site www.orderblinds.co.uk

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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One of the simplest ways to update a tired room is by adding new blinds. There is a wide choice of fabrics, materials and colours available, so you will always be able to find blinds that match existing colour schemes. You might even find a set of blinds that inspire you to redecorate the entire room.

In rooms where windows are central or the feature point, it can be tricky to select the best type of blinds. It’s always important to consider how light will enter the room, no matter how big the windows are, or where they are in the room.

Create space

Small rooms can be made to feel more spacious by adding vertical blinds. As well as being able to control the level of light in the room, they can also create feeling in a room: natural materials such as soft textiles are perfect for living areas or a bedroom, whilst metal blinds can look great in an office. Venetian blinds are also a good way to add the sense of space to a room.

Roman blinds are more homely, creating a pleasant, pleated effect that adds a gentle touch to a living room – they are also popular choices in bathrooms. Specialist companies like 247blinds can help you choose the right materials for the right rooms.

Block out light

Blackout blinds are ideal for loft conversions or other rooms which receive a great deal of natural light. Light in the early morning or late evening can be quite irritating when the sun is low in the sky, and blackout blinds can be the perfect solution – especially if your sleep is being interrupted. Blackout blinds were once only black – they are now available in a multitude of funky colours and can add a real touch of flair to a room. They are also great for keeping the kids in bed when it is sunny outside..!

Remote control blinds

You might also consider installing remote control blinds for the ultimate in contemporary décor. It might seem extravagant, but it will really modernise any room and create an impressive focal point.

Colour

Adding colour is an easy way to update the look of a room. Once upon a time, you would be lucky to find good blinds that weren’t white, cream, beige, ivory, etc. Now, as well as a range of styles, blinds are available in any colour and pattern you can think of.

Use colour to make your blinds really stand out and brighten the room or as subtle complementary additions to the rest of the room. However you choose to use blinds, there are some excellent effects which can be achieved with a little thought.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Windows let natural light into our home and their strategic placement can change the outlook of a room. However, we want that light to be regulated according to the time of day, our activities and our moods. Window coverings, shades and blinds are an obvious solution; we can alter the amount of light according to how we wish! Which style of window blinds would be most effective for each room in a house?

Bedrooms

Your bedroom is your sleep sanctuary, and sleep experts advise limiting other activities in this room for a less-disrupted nap. Good sleep requires an appropriately darkened room and a temperature cool enough to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Various types of blinds from Velux are available that are good for bedrooms:
1. Those that completely block light – blackouts;
2. Exterior window shades – awnings;
3. Energy-efficient blinds that serve as insulation barriers and keep rooms at just the right temperature – hybrid blinds.

Kitchens And Bathrooms

While these are two very separate portions of your home, you can choose a similar style of window blinds for both of them. Kitchens require variations in light that could range from very bright allowance to a dimmer view. The same is true for bathrooms; inspecting that pimple or applying makeup could use more natural light than other times.
Simple style plantations shutters or venetian blinds would be perfect for a room that needs frequent light adjustment to suit one’s needs. Also, they are low maintenance, which creates less hassle in these rooms that often require frequent touching up and maintenance tasks.

Living Rooms And Lounges

Your living room needs a more relaxed atmosphere for chilling out and entertaining guests. Living rooms need a diffused spread of light that does not play too harshly on objects and heat things up. You can play around with the light in this room to create effects and highlight certain areas using lamps and other lighting.
To achieve a softer look, movable roller blinds and velux window blinds with pleats are the best for a drawing room, living room or lounge. You can also opt for decorative styles and colours for this kind of blind that matches your décor or sets up a pleasing contrast. Such blinds are also suitable for offices.

During summertime in many regions, and throughout the year in more temperate climates, insects are wont to enter your house through open windows. Insect shielding nets are available that can attach to almost any kind of blind and prevent entry of pests into your home.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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No one is safe from break-ins and robberies, even those who live in the safest, quietest neighborhood. But fortunatley, there are many ways to protect your home from crime. Among them, reinforcing your doors and windows can be effective. Here’s a few tricks that will help make your doors and windows practically burglar-proof.

Doors

1)      When moving in a new home, change the locks. You never know how many keys to your house were ever made, and, most importantly, you don’t know who might have one.

2)      Make sure the doors are made out of solid material, and not hollow. To be safe, doors should either be made of fiberglass, hardwood or metal. To know if your door is hollow, knock on it.

3)      Get double-cylinder locks. To be unlocked, those locks need a key both from the outside and the inside. Use them on your door especially if there are windows nearby. Otherwise, a burglar could break the window and simply reach out for the lock.

4)      Install a door that opens outwards. It makes it harder to force the entry.

5)      Do not choose doors with windows. They are more susceptible to be forced, since windows can be shattered. 

6)      Install dead bolt locks that are at least one inch long, and of great quality. Often, low quality dead bolt locks will be installed on doors. Make sure yours are at least one inch long, and that their structures are made of heavy-duty metal.

7)      Add an extra lock that can be used only from the inside, but visible from the outside.  Although it really protects you only when you are in the house, such a lock could act as a deterrent for a potential burglar, who will expect complications. Remember that burglars want the job to be quick and easy !

8)      Add extra protection to sliding doors. Place a thick wooden stick at the bottom track of the window to keep it from opening.

9)      Install a porch light above all doors, with a movement detector. It’s harder to commit a crime when you are bathed in bright light.

10)      Lock your doors ! Simple, right ? But, oddly enough, it is frequently neglected. Too often, a burglar will enter a house through an unlocked door and window. Make sure you lock them at all times, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

Note: If you have a garage, use the same precautions on the door that leads from your garage to your home. Garage doors are easy to break through.

Windows

1)    Use windows that have a locking device. If the windows in your house can’t be locked, consider changing them.

2)      For new windows, choose glass that has been reinforced with laminated film. This material bonds with the glass and makes it almost unbreakable, or, at least, really hard to shatter.

3)      For new windows, choose tempered glass. More expensive, but for a reason: it’s about five times stronger than regular glass.

4)      Install metal bars. If you install metal bars on your window frames, most likely, the burglars won’t even bother trying to break in, as the metal bars make it impossible to enter. But some people feel like such installation is turning their house into a prison. Metal bars should be avoided for bedroom windows: if a fire is declared at night, you might need to exit the house fast, through the closest exist. A.k.a: your bedroom window!

5)      Protect sliding windows. Same as with sliding doors: place a thick wooden stick at the bottom track of the window. This trick can also be used for guillotine windows : the stick must then be placed on the upper side of the frame.

6)      Add extra protection to basement windows. They are the easiest and often weakest points of entry. Therefore, either install a lock on them, or bars, or choose wired glass windows: the wires are visible and will act as a deterrent.

7)      Put up a warning sign. Even if it’s a bit of a lie, the idea is to make the job seem complicated for the burglar. Whether a « Beware of the dog » sign when you have a harmless Corgy, or a sign that says « No sollicitors: day and night sleepers here » when you are away most of the time, or even an alarm company sticker when you don’t have an alarm system: anything is good to cast the bad guys away.

Note: remember that your windows can be used as an escape point in case of an emergency. So make sure that, while they lock burglars out, they don’t lock you in !

Even when applied thouroughly, those tricks can’t garantee that a burglar won’t find his way inside your home. Getting a proper and effective insurance policy is also a good protection against robbery : make sure yours is up-to-date !

Mireille is a theater, music and travel enthousiast. She’s also a full-time Blogger for Merlin Insurance.

Tags: Doors, Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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If you have sash windows that are hundreds of years old in your home you may be wondering just how much longer can these windows last? The answer to that question would be hard to say, but if you are able to properly care for the windows and service them on time, you should you could expect them to last at least 100 years, if not longer.

Here are some areas that you should consider to keep your beautiful, historic sash windows functioning and looking their best for years to come.

• Inspection
• Painting
• Draught Proofing
• Security
• Noise Reduction
• Energy Efficiency
• Repairs and Renovation

It is important that you will only realise if your sash windows are beginning to show some signs of normal use if you inspect your windows on a yearly basis.  Failing to get them checked out by an expert who deals with sash window renovation every couple of years could also prove to be a very costly mistake.

If you see signs of cracking or chipping of paintwork on the outside or inside of your wooden sash windows, it would be a good idea to begin to search for a professional renovation company that can properly paint your sash windows. It is suggested that every 8 years you should get your windows repainted.

Draughts and rattles are always going to be a part of sash windows because of the design of the frames which allow the windows to properly function. There are systems that can be installed preferably by experts to help eliminate the draughts and rattling that could become bothersome.

As the times we are living in have changed, over the centuries it has become necessary for sash windows to have a high level of security to them. With many different systems on the market today you will find that adding a better security system will be of great benefit for you as a home owner.

Sash windows have been notorious for letting the exterior noises from the streets and crowd into the home though the gaps around the windows. By getting your sash windows serviced and updated you can reduce or even eliminate these unwanted noises all together.

By having your old sash windows draught proofed, you will be able to control the air flow in your home again. By keeping in the warm air inside your home during the winter months and cold air in during the summer months you will save money on your energy cost throughout the year.

It is estimated that every 15 years you should have your old sash windows renovated. By hiring a professional company that can come in and assess the damage that your windows have sustained over the years, you will have your old windows functioning and looking their best in no time.

Nirra is a teacher and wife who loves to write freelance about many topics like Sash Windows in her free time. She blogs on Mystery Shopping Teacher as well.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Refurnishing a room is a long process that should be well thought out and not rushed by any means. Choosing the window treatments is one such decision that should be given thought, and the regular dilemma many people face is whether to choose blinds or curtains.

The purpose of the room will play a huge part in any decision, as different rooms benefit from different styles. For those seeking a relaxed, warmer atmosphere in a living room then curtains may be the best window treatment of choice. Conversely, a kitchen would probably benefit more from the light and space, as well as durability that wooden Venetian blinds offer.

It’s not all plain sailing though, and choices of window treatments – blinds in particular – come with a number of other choices to consider before making a purchase. Materials and styles are just two things to consider, and the differences between Venetian, vertical and roman blinds mean that the pros and cons need to be analysed and weighed up. Here is a brief guide to the pros and cons of a number of window treatments.

Venetian and Vertical Blinds

Pros:

• Extremely handy for people who have limited space, as when they are drawn, these blinds rack up into each other.
• The versatile positioning of the slats means the homeowner has total control over the amount of external light entering a room.
• The amount of varied designs and colours means that they should effortlessly fit into most homes.

Cons:

• They collect dust easily, so require frequent attention to look good.
• The slatted design can allow light to filter through even when closed as much as possible.
• They struggle to keep heat in a room.
• They are prone to breaking on occasion.

Roller and Roman Blinds

Pros:

• Effective at blocking out all types of light.
• Extremely compact and, as a result, barely take up any room.
• Can last quite some time without requiring cleaning.

Cons:

• Although cleaning is less regular with these, when the time actually does come it’s a bit of a pain as different fabrics require different treatment and chemicals.

Curtains

Pros:

• Provide the best insulation for any room in any home during the winter months.
• Are available in practically any colour and pattern, making them more versatile in terms of design than any other window treatment.

Cons:

• They take up more room than almost every other window treatment.
• The material from which they are made makes them an inconvenient option for rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. This is because they are prone to moulding from the moist.

There’s no right or wrong choice, and everything should be chosen on merit. This guide should help provide a good starting point for anyone wishing to overhaul their window treatments.

Get all the latest news and ideas from Hillarys Blinds through Facebook.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Stained glass has been used to create colourful glass windows, sculptures and art since ancient times. It oozes character, warmth, style & even mystery which can add significant value to modern homes. It was an art form used extensively in medieval churches across Europe, expanding into extravagant and complex designs towards its peak.

Stained glass is commonly used for small, decorative windows and lamp shades in the modern era. We have selected 3 inspiring uses of stained glass across the world to inspire you to use stained glass to some extent within your own home.

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

La Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic chapel commissioned by King Louis IX of France in the 11^th century and contains one of the most impressive examples of stained glass windows in the world today. Depicting various figures from the bible, these windows cover an area of 6,458 square feet.

• St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague

St. Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague and is the biggest in the country. It was completed in 1929, 600 years after work was begun. The final piece of work was the decoration of the windows in the north part of the nave. Intricate, vibrant stained glass was painted by the famous Czech painter Alfrons Mucha in the 1920’s.

• USA Stained Glass Flag, University of Kansas

This post is brought to you by Chatsworth Windows who specialise in double glazing windows and cover the Yorkshire region.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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Today there are more choices available than ever before when it comes to finding the right windows for your home. The key, as with most home improvements is to balance style and functionality otherwise you’ll be left with stunning looking windows that provide little energy efficiency or high performance windows that do little to enhance the overall appearance of your home.

The Perfect Blend

Hybrid windows perfectly combine the best elements of aluminium and timber to create a truly stunning, highly performance window. The high durability and low maintenance of aluminium go hand in hand with the traditional style and quality that we’ve all come to expect from fully pre-treated engineered timber. Once the timber has been pre-treated the likelihood of the timber warping or becoming twisted is eliminated which will provide peace of mind to those who’ve previously experienced problems with their timber windows.  To ensure the aluminium performs as expected it is powder coated which will considerably reduce the demands on maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

The importance of energy efficiency cannot be overstated and is something which all homeowners should demand as standard from their windows.  Hybrid windows provide high levels of thermal efficiency thanks to the latest glass technology which delivers U Values that exceed the current and expected future Building Regulation requirements. In order to achieve these impressive levels of thermal efficiency it is essential to permit the heat to transfer effectively through the timber which will allow the frame to maintain an optimum temperature of 20°c, resulting in minimal heat loss and condensation. Hybrid windows come with a number of different glazing options to maximise thermal efficiency and acoustic performances. Improved levels of security are achieved by carefully inserting the glazing in between the aluminium and timber frame.

Bespoke Finish

At the beginning we highlighted the need for style as well as functionality. This is where hybrid windows come in to their own as they can be finished with virtually any colour in either high gloss, satin or matt to provide a look as individual as you are. So, not only do hybrid windows offer superior quality thermal efficiency and lasting durability they’re also aesthetically pleasing.

If you want to benefit from energy efficient windows, reduce external noise levels and increase security without compromising on style, consider hybrid windows for your home.

To find out more about hybrid windows visit Kingfisher Windows, Yorkshire’s leading designers, manufactures and installers of premier quality windows, doors and conservatories.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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With Christmas now a mere distant memory and even Valentine’s Day having come and gone, many of us are now turning our attentions to the coming spring. There’s little doubt that with the days gradually becoming longer and temperatures finally beginning to rise, you’ll want to make the most of it by getting outdoors more – not to mention making the most of the increased amount of light when you’re indoors.

So, what better time could there possibly be to invest in high quality blinds UK?

Blinds for your conservatory

If you’d like to control the amount of light that enters your home during the spring months and beyond, then it’s hard to think of a better investment than conservatory blinds. These allow you to make the most of the greater spring daylight and enjoy a full view outside, perhaps while you work from your home PC.

You’ve also got the option, however, of controlling your privacy and home temperature by closing the blinds to various degrees, which also wards off the glare of the sun.

Or why not invest in wooden shutters?

Shutters are another popular solution when you want to use the increasing amount of springtime light effectively, not least as they offer the best combination of pleasingly traditional aesthetics and genuine 21st century practicality.

If you push the boat out and opt for a blinds specialist you can order shutters made from the finest quality materials, whether neutral painted shades or natural wood stains to suit your decor. They’ll also be easy to adjust depending on the exact amount of light that you want to allow into your home.

Whether you opt for a tier-on-tier style that allows you to keep the bottom set of shutters closed for privacy while opening the top set, or you instead simply open all of your shutters together, there are few better ways to make the most of the spring light.

Enjoy even greater control with curtains

And of course, how could we possibly forget curtains?

With a vast selection of curtains on the market nowadays including plain, patterned and floral designs you can combine these with various types of blinds and/or shutters, to complete the picture when you’re looking for effective ways of controlling the springtime light that enters your home.

Tags: Windows, Glass & Glazing by UK Home Improvement Team
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