Conservatory Blog
Conservatories, double glazing, upvc windows and doors, builders, suppliers, and other
headaches encountered in our conservatory business.
Insights, thoughts and commentary from an owner and operator of a successful
upvc double glazing and conservatory business, based in Wakefield in West
Yorkshire 
| Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007 |
| Zombie Proof Windows, Doors and Conservatories |
| By |
| Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007 04:20 |
Barely a day goes by without someone asking me the following: "What should I do to prepare my home for a post-apocalyptic zombie invasion?"... Ok, if I am honest, only one person has ever asked me this question, and he was a homeless man drinking cider from a brown paper bag. But the question remains valid, or at the very least, it serves the purpose as an intro to this article.
The home security expert with a fetish for zombie culture will already know that there are 3 key areas you will need to focus on if you want to keep the flesh eaters out:
(1) Strength (2) Transparency (3) Weatherproof
Any good home/base should have these 3 key factors, but also, your base should have a lot of windows... why? because in a post apocalyptic world, it is unlikely the electricity companies will still be running properly, so windows are key.
So what better place for a zombie protection base than your conservatory!
****STRENGTH****
Here are some tricks to make your windows more zombie-proof:
(1) Add a layer of synthetic film/sheet of synthetic glass or plastic to the outside and inside of the window (2) Change the glass in your windows to be thicker, a synthetic glass, or adding security windows (with wire embedded in the glass -- examples of synthetic glass includes Pyrex, Plexiglass, and Lucite) Get your free quote here (3) Add a layer of wire mesh or some other rigid, very strong though not transparent (sheet metal, wire mesh, plywood, bricks, etc.)
While adding metal security bars across the window would keep the bad things out, it would not protect the windows themselves. As you will see, keeping the windows whole, without cracks and holes, will give you a more secure, comfortable, and durable base.
****TRANSPARENCY****
Anyone who has listened to a Cliff Richard album will know the feeling of perpetual darkness, but zombies and darkness are not a good mix, so we need sunlight in our base.
There are ways to increase light flow into a room without using the windows (you may use mirrors, open holes, or manufactured skylight systems) but for the best security and comfort, it is going to be windows that will make the best light source.
(1) If you must use a solid, opaque material, add perforations (holes) to make sure light can get through (2) Use woven material like wire mesh or chain-link fence to the outside of fences to add strength without blocking too much light (3) Whenever possible, use transparent materials (like Plexiglass) for reinforcement with an addition of a more solid material such as wire mesh or metal bars for additional security
****Weatherproof****
Since the energy supply in our zombiefied world is going to be highly limited, we will want to maintain a good temperature as much as possible. Using windows if high quality or using multiple windows in one frame will help insulate from either of the extremes. Considering that the window coverings may be no more than perforated sheet metal or plywood, there will need to be a way of keeping the rain or snow out. Using one or many of the following ideas can help to keep your locale temperate and safe:
(1) When possible, use a double layer of material to maintain a layer of insulating air and to help maintain proper temperature inside (2) Use high quality material when possible -- many high quality glass materials will have a reflective though transparent layer of metal on the outside of the glass, keeping too much sunlight in and overheating the building (3) If there is no solid material available, that meets the previous criteria and you must use an opaque material with holes, make sure there is some sort of storm covering to keep the elements out in case of a bad storm
Remember, part of safety is thinking not only of the zombies outside, but the natural elements that can make you ill just as easily. Remember, to date, more people have died from pneumonia than zombies.
Sleep Tight.
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| Sunday, Nov 04, 2007 |
| Everything you will ever need to know about double glazing |
| By |
| Sunday, Nov 04, 2007 10:29 |
Double Glazing can be a wise long-term investment, we have compiled 32 insider tips and secrets to help you get the very best out of your investment. 1. If you can't afford to replace all your windows, choose the rooms that cost you the most money to heat.
2. Be aware that Double-glazed windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, this may affect the overall price dramatically.
3. Check for any planning restrictions on your house due to age and location.
4. Sometimes planning permission may be required, especially in areas of conservation and listed buildings.
5. Having an advert in the Yellow Pages does NOT mean the company is reputable.
6. Being the biggest advertiser does not mean they are the best choice.
7. Speak to friends and contacts and ask for recommendations.
8. Remember, companies in Britain can be closed and then re-open under a different name, so be careful.
9. 10% is the usual deposit.
10. Larger deposits may be required for unique jobs that include unique materials such as a unique timber.
11. Pay in stages as the work is completed.
12. Withhold the final payment until the work is 100% completed to your satisfaction.
13. Do not go for the cheapest quote.
14. Haggling to low may cause the less professional suppliers to sell you short later down the line.
15. Get the best that your budget can afford.
16. Ask the supplier how long the delivery will be
17. Get the delivery date fixed into the contract
18. Also ask for an estimated completion date once they are on-site.
19. Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
20. If possible, pay with credit card for the entire project, this will give you a 30 day period to make any claims.
21. Double check any contracts before you sign.
22. Be sure of what you want BEFORE you speak to the salesman.
23. Be specific in your dealings with the sales person. A specific requirement and a specific quote is the only way to avoid problems later on.
24. Ask if your chosen double glazing installer is a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation.
25. Check for FENSA accreditation and make sure that all products carry the safety standard kite mark.
26. Find out how long they have been in business.
27. Check with Companies House to verify.
28. Ask them what guarantees they offer.
29. Are they insurance backed, lifetime or limited, are they transferable?
30. Ask which quality standards they use/are associated with.
31. Ask about public liability insurance.
32. Will the fitters and the company be covered if something should go wrong?
If you follow all of the above, you should have a safe and pleasant Double Glazing experience, also, at the end of the research process, use the double glazing company checklist below for extra peace of mind:
Ask yourself: Has the Double Glazing Company given:
1. Full and honest information.
2. Samples
3. Installations locally to look at
4. Recommendations.
5. The small print
6. Acceptable levels of deposits and payment terms
7. Full drawings and specification (if you don't have them prepared first).
8. Time to think! |
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| Saturday, Oct 20, 2007 |
| The Renegade Conservatory Guy creates a stir over the great double glazing industry debate |
| By |
| Saturday, Oct 20, 2007 06:21 |
| The Renegade Conservatory Guy creates a stir over the great double glazing industry debate. The idea of an industry debate to discuss the future of double glazing and conservatories has got to be a good idea. So, when Richard Schwarz from the Glazine annouced that Sam Kennedy from Spectus was arranging just such an event, you would have thought that we would have all welcomed such a forum to discuss opportunities and threats facing our market. However, when the guest list was announced it was clear that those attending were far from representative of the majority. Now, normally these type of events just happen and the small guy might grumble a bit, but this time things are different. They forgot to invite the installers and smaller fabricators!!! The Renegade Conservatory Guy sent this letter to the Fenestration News: Dear Ian I write to you with respect to the recently announced Old Roots; New Routes - The Industry Debate to be chaired by Sam Kennedy of Spectus and Richard Schwarz of The Glazine. While I am in support of an industry discussion forum I believe it needs to be representative of the market. In particular I refer to the major players and those that have done most in recent times to tackle key issues and to help shape the future of the industry. Over the last 18 months Edgetech has been at the forefront of the environmental initiative helping to drive the WERs. Companies such as Synseal, K2, Veka etc are also widely regarded as major players in the industry yet they along with Edgetech are absent from the attendee list. Business Micros who now have an estimated 70% share of the UK manufacturing software industry are also absent and I'm sure managing director, Graham Bailey would have wanted to attend. Finally, where are the installers? Rant over! Yours sincerely
Renegade Conservatory Guy Whoever the Renegade Conservatory Guy is, he has certainly hit a nerve in the industry if you look at those who have posted comments: Michael Gannon, from Fenestra Journal, got things started giving his backing to the letter and stating: As editor of a trade magazine I asked Michael Rigby Associates (MRA) permission to attend this 'industry event' as a member of the trade press, only to be told that I could read the report from Richard Schwarz of the Gl@zine who is presiding over this illustrious meeting. Graeme Bailey, from Business Micros, stated: I couldn't agree more with the "renegade conservatory guy" and Michael Gannon. To exclude major players as highlighted identifies that the event can only be seen to be out of touch with its own marketplace. Andrew Glover (my brother) weighed in with: As a representative of installation companies throughout the UK, West Yorkshire Windows would have welcomed the opportunity to fight the corner of small and medium sized installation and manufacturing companies and feel that Anglian Windows are not a true representative of this sector. An anonymous trade fabricator added the following: Come on chaps, don't get too het up! Mike Gannon is close- this is only a pumped up publicity stunt organised by MRA for Spectus to include other key Latium companies and their key customers for a nice day out at Coombe Abbey, which is a lovely place to spend the day if you have nothing better to do, but it was never intended to represent the industry. The list of contributors continues with Nick Dutton of Synseal referring to the 'Old Boys Club' gathering and John Cowie, editor of Windows Active, referring to the 'closed shop'. Others who have their say include Mike Jackson of K2, Barry Dunlop of eBuilders, Mark Hickox of Thermoseal, Glynn Evans, and Mark Warren of Lister Trade Frames. It sounds like this letter has created more debate than the gathering at Coombe Abbey! The full story can be found at the Fenestration News Forum. |
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