Positive start to the year

Firstly let me apologise for not blogging sooner, its was such a busy period with the run up to Christmas and the overflow into the new year that I got a bit side tracked, (I know its no excuse but were all human!).

Enquiries are up on this time last year by a good margin, although I am little dissapointed in conversion rates.  I am however positive that we can get back on track in that department.  I remain buyont that the VAT increase has not hurt our business to the extent I might of imagined, so this is another positive thought i'm clinging on to.

uPVC Vertical sliding sash windows are selling very well at the moment and once again our Composite door sales are going from strength to strength.  Conservatory enquiries are doing ok, but hopefully will increase as the weather picks up.

Looking to freshen up our website, add some new content and gallery pictures in the next few weeks as we do every so often and maybe a link straight through to our blog.

On a personal note my Golf is still pretty bad at the moment but i'm positive I can work on that with more practice. Have joined a Gym and i'm working hard on my fitness after the Christmas intake of wine and mince pies.

So lets all stay positive for the coming months ahead....

Energy Saving Windows

Replacement windows come in a range of styles and designs and there are particular features you should look out for to increase energy efficiency.

To find the right windows for your home, ask yourself these questions:

How energy efficient are the windows?

When choosing replacement windows, you can check its energy efficiency by looking at the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo and BFRC energy label. The higher the energy rating, the more energy efficient it is. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no obligation for window manufacturers to label their products, however by opting for a high rated window you know you will be buying the most efficient.

For a list of all windows and their frame material and energy rating, visit the BFRC website.

How many layers of glass do you need?

Double glazing has two layers of glass with a gap of around 16mm between them. There’s also the option of triple glazing, which has three layers of glass. Both A rated double and tripled-glazed windows are available.

What type of glass is best?

The most energy efficient glass for double glazing is low emissivity (Low-E) glass. This often has an unnoticeable coating of metal oxide, normally on one of the internal panes - next to the gap. It lets sunlight and heat in but cuts the amount of heat that can get out again.

What’s between the panes?

Very efficient windows might use gases like argon, xenon or krypton in the gap between the 2 sheets of glass.

What keeps the panes apart?

All double glazed windows have pane spacers set around the inside edges to keep the two panes of glass apart. For a more efficient window, look for pane spacers containing little or no metal – often known as “warm edge” spacers.

The BFRC window energy rating scheme checks all the components to ensure the final window achieves the energy efficient standard claimed. This means that you just need to look for the A-G ratings and remember A is best! Alternatively, just look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo which will only be found on glazing that is C rated or above.

Which frame suits your home?

The frame you choose will depend on your home and your personal taste. For all frame materials there are windows available in each energy rating.

• uPVC frames are the most common type. They last a long time and can be recycled.
• Wooden frames can have a lower environmental impact, but require maintenance. They are often used in conservation areas where the original windows were timber framed.
• Aluminium or steel frames are slim and long-lasting. They can be recycled.
• Composite frames have an inner timber frame covered with aluminium or plastic. This reduces the need for maintenance and keeps the frame weatherproof

Do you need ventilation?

Because replacement windows will be more airtight than the original single glazed frames, condensation can build up in your house due to the reduced ventilation.

If there is not a sufficient level of background ventilation in the room some replacement windows will have trickle vents incorporated into the frame that let in a small amount of controlled ventilation.

Condensation can sometimes occur on the outside of new low-e glazing. This is because low-e glass reflects heat back into the home and as a result the outside pane remains cool and condensation can build up in cold weather – this isn’t a problem.

October has followed on from a good September

So Autumn has well and truly arrived and with it a cracking start to October which followed a great September. It is this time of year when we do expect to be busy but after the iffy start to January and February I’m feeling buoyant.

Sales leads are now up on this time last year and our conversion rates into jobs are also up. I did renegotiate terms and prices with our current fabricators and have passed them on to our customers.

Our sales in Composite doors are on the up to after a great year last year and I think this is set to get bigger and to continue to grow in a rapidly expanding marketplace.

I’m feeling confident within the whole Double glazing industry after chatting with suppliers, colleagues, competitors, and friends so let’s keep the phones ringing and the sales coming in.

I think this is just what we all needed after the WER’s fiasco and how to be compliant which sent some confusion and anger throughout the industry, but seems to have settled down now.

Here’s to Winter and not forgetting Christmas is only just round the corner then after that comes the dreaded VAT hike!

Why not choose a Heritage Composite door?

Our Heritage Composite door Collection offers the look and feel of a timber door without the inherent problems. No more painting, sanding or varnishing. No more cracking, bowing or twisting. Just an occasional wipe over with a damp cloth will restore it to its original finish.

Each door is manufactured with state of the art technology that meets all British standard tests. An exciting range of glass designs are available and the rich grained surface even has those unique, tiny characteristics left by the hand of a craftsman to give it that traditional timber feel.

Seven colour options are available including White/White, Blue/White, Red/White, Black/White, Green/White, Rosewood/White and Light Oak/White, the coloured option always facing outward.

All of our Heritage Collection doors come fitted with:

 » 2 hook and 3 deadbolt white wrap around lock PAS 23/24 Certification and Police preferred security specification.
» 45mm back set
» White powder coated Aluminium wrap around faceplate to two sides
» Adjustable top, bottom and centre keep system Lever-lever or lever-pad function (optional)
»3x 3 way adjustable hinge meets requirement of BS EN 1670:1998.

Door Leaf
Fibreglass (GRP Thermoset) through colour door facings nominal 2mm thickness with grained effect surface • No finishing required • Low maintenance: wipe down with soft cloth and warm water to clean • 44mm Thickness • Supplied fully finished with hardware and glazing pre-fitted (except handles supplied only) • High Density closed cell rigid polyurethane foam that is ODP ZERO.

Glazing
Through colour click fit glazing system with grained effect. Pre-finished to match door • Pre-glazed with 26mm thickness double-glazed • Glazed units incorporate toughened or laminate glass to BS6206 (Low E glass may be supplied but not required for compliance with Part L1 of the building regulations for England & Wales).

PVC Outer Frame
Offered in 70mm thickness • 70mm profile fitted with 1 bubble gasket and two brush seals (triple seal) • Supplied as welded goal post frame with 150 cill attached as standard other options available • Steel reinforced PVCu outer-frame • PVCu Highly UV stabilised BS1006 1978 • High impact resistant • Profile tested to BS476 Part 7 1971 have achieved a class 2 minimum surface spread of flame rating • Low coefficient of thermal conductivity has insulation properties of 0.035 W/M c three times better insulation than a timber alternative • High Impact resistance.

Lock and Hinge
White wrap around lock PAS 23/24 Certification and Police preferred security specification • 45mm back set • White powder coated aluminium wrap around faceplate to two edges • Adjustable top, bottom and centre keep system • Lever-lever or lever-pad function (optional) • 3D Challenger butt hinge x 3 allows for lateral +2mm –2mm, height +3mm and compression –0.75mm +0.75mm adjustment while the door is closed • Meets requirement of BS EN 1670:1998 • High security pin and locking screw • Other lock specifications available on request.

Threshold / Weather Bar
Low 14.5mm threshold PAS 23/24 certified • Part M compliant options available • 150 cill fitted as standard.

A few hints on buying Double glazing

Energy efficient Double glazing isn’t as expensive as you may think, and it also has many benefits, including cutting down on central heating costs and your carbon footprint.

A good double glazing installer will have experience in double-glazed windows and doors, French windows, bay windows and conservatories.

Helpful hints

·         Double glazing companies are often but not always less busy during summer, so you may be able to negotiate a good price for your double glazing project during the summer months.

·         For double glazing projects or double glazing repairs, obtain detailed quotations from at least three double glazing firms, outlining costs and timescales, and ask to see samples of their products.

·         Ensure your double glazing contract states when and what you will have to pay, and make sure you're happy with all the terms before you sign it.

·         Good double glazing companies will give guarantees for all the work carried out, but if the double glazing installer goes out of business you will have trouble claiming. To avoid this, you can use a guarantee scheme to insure the work and materials.

·         Some double glazing companies will be prepared to negotiate, so don't automatically accept the first price and it might be a good time to buy before the VAT hike in January.

·         Ask to see examples of work the double glazing company has carried out that's similar to your project - a good glazier will be able to show you examples of everything from French windows to bi-fold doors and conservatories.

Why not consider Bi-fold doors!!!

Bi-folding doors can create a whole new feel for your home, linking rooms together and seamlessly joining inside living with outside space. Versatile and aesthetically pleasing, bi-fold doors are the ideal replacement for existing patio or French doors to flood any room with natural light.

Amazingly flexible and versatile, bi-fold doors can be fully opened, partially opened or totally closed, depending on the amount of space required. Once fully opened, doors stack  neatly to one side creating valuable new space and open plan living. With easy access in summer and a wonderful view in winter, bi-fold doors add light and air all year round.

Bi-Fold doors add light and air all year round

The unique design of a bi-fold door means both cill and track are incorporated into the threshold, which results in a reduced frame height for improved aesthetics and a smoother operation of opening and closing.

Other key features and benefits include;

• Slim line UPVC frame.
• High performance weathering.
• Broad range of door configurations.
• Choose from 2 to 7 door panels.
• Internally beaded.

Doors are at the heart of your home’s security, and we design our products to ensure the visitors to your home are only the welcome ones.

• Incorporating traditional keys with a modern locking system provides a superior level of security, giving you the best possible protection and peace of mind.
• Hardware components fixed to continuous lengths of reinforcement, further improving the sash stability and operation.
• Available in various colours to suit your home.
• Double perimeter weather seals on all sashes gives improved weather performance, making them draught free and energy efficient.

Its not all work and no play (a day at the races).

So after a really busy week, finally Saturday came round and with it the opportunity to relax with a day at Chester Races.

Thankfully when I opened the curtains on Saturday morning, I was very relieved to see the sun had made an appearance as ordered...unlike my usual Saturday for Golf when the heavens open all day!!

So along came midday and time for the off, a short walk down to some friends where we were welcomed with a glass of pink...very summery, and a promising start to the afternoon...which set the tone for the rest of the day.

The taxi dropped us off outside the racecourse, and upon arrival into the paddock area it’s time to get the bets on and the Champagne ordered!!! Surrounded by the usual glamour (not just the Mrs!) with all the ladies dressed to impress and the guy’s in their Whistle and Flute’s, a bar full of Champagne, what more could you ask for...maybe a few winners.

And as it so happened we managed to win four out of the seven races, so it was off for a slap up meal to celebrate and round the evening off nicely.

This has to be one of the big plus points of living in and around Chester.  The day was a great success and much fun was had...roll on next year’s racing season.

Left to right: Our friends Rachel and Steve, Me and Sarah (the Mrs).