Burglary is a horrible crime leaving you feeling unsafe in your home. You not only risk losing valuables but also sentimental items that cannot be replaced.

You only need to glance at your local Facebook page to see how worried people are about crime rates. UK Crime Stats shows that there has been an average of 19,736 burglaries each month over the last six months.

Police commissioners across the country have warned that the cost of living crisis could increase crime rates as more people struggle.

Home security is all about making your home less attractive to intruders and keeping entry points secure.

In this guide, we will provide you with five simple steps you can take to improve your home security and keep your family and possessions safe.

1. Change Your Locks

Changing your locks is essential to remember when you move into a new home. You will have no idea who has a spare set of keys, so it is always recommended that you change your locks.

Not only will you have peace of mind, but you will also be confident that you will be covered by your home insurance should you be burgled. Insurance companies will not usually pay out if a key is used to gain entry rather than a forced break-in.

Remember to only give new spare keys to people you can 100% trust.

2. Check your Doors and Windows

Old doors and windows can pose a considerable security risk. Their poor condition can make it easy for burglars to gain entry, and your home may become more of a target.

Rotten wooden window frames make it easy for criminals to break in. If you can’t close your windows properly due to warping or expansion, it is an invitation for someone to target you.

Damaged hinges make it simpler for burglars to leverage doors open.

The good news is that new windows and doors come with innovative locking technology to deter burglars and keep unwelcome visitors out.

At Colne Valley Windows, high-security locking comes as standard on our windows, with optional shoot bolts also available. Our doors have Yale lockmaster multi-point locking systems which are police-approved.

3. Think About Access

Keeping the front of your house visible should deter burglars as they could easily be seen from the road or by neighbours.

You can improve visibility by installing motion-detecting lights that will be an obvious deterrent to potential thieves. Crimestoppers UK recommends keeping front hedges to a maximum height of one metre to remove any cover for burglars.

Meanwhile, back garden hedges should be at least 1.8 metres tall to prevent burglars from climbing into your garden. Making access difficult should reduce the likelihood that your house will be chosen.

4. Don’t Advertise When You are Not at Home

When burglars choose who to target, they will prefer an empty house. Keep your home looking lived-in by installing timers on your indoor lights. Smart plugs can help you set them when you are away.

Your home will be more at risk when no cars are parked outside. You can always ask a neighbour to park one of their cars on your drive when you are on holiday.

5. Install a Burglar alarm

Modern alarm systems can be connected to cameras, Ring doorbells or part of a more comprehensive security system that connects to a security centre.

Whatever you choose will be a visible deterrent and reduce the chance of your home being chosen.

If all else fails, you can always get a dog. A dog of any size can prevent a burglary as large dogs pose a physical threat while small dogs tend to make lots of noise!

The post How to Secure Your House and Improve Your Home Security appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Insulation

Insulating your home is a hot environmental topic at the moment. The good news is the Energy Saving Trust has found that an average British home could save up to £200 by installing sufficient loft and cavity wall insulation. It’s a good idea to check your loft for draughts and add insulation if needed. You can also insulate your hot water tank with thicker insulation to reduce energy costs.

Check Your Boiler

You should always get your boiler serviced annually to ensure it is working efficiently. Once it is over 10 years old it will be more economical to switch to a new one. You should find that there will be a big saving to your energy bills over time as new boilers are much more energy efficient. You may want to consider switching to a low carbon system such as a heat pump. The Energy Savings Trust estimates that a detached home can save up to £300 a year by installing a new boiler.

Better Glazing

Modern homes usually have double glazing, but triple glazing offers up to 40 per cent more energy efficiency. The three panes trap air in between which has an insulating effect on your home. Upgrading your windows can offer real long term energy savings.

Make the most of Sunlight

There is nothing quite like a bright winter’s day to make you feel better, but did you know that the sun will also provide lots of heat through your windows. Keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to make the most of any sunlight and close them at night. Thermal blinds and curtains will also help to retain the heat.

Banish Draughts

Draughts will make you feel chilly and allow heat to escape. Keep doors closed inside to keep the room you are using warm. If you can feel a draught under a door, use a draught excluder to stop it. Draughty doors and windows may need replacing.

Dial Down

Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree can save you 10 per cent on your heating bill. It is worth checking what temperature you have set and trying a lower one to see how it makes your home feel. The recommended room temperature from Public Health England is 18 degrees.

Make the Most of Radiators

Radiators that are hidden behind furniture or clothes will not be efficient. Don’t forget to bleed your radiators to ensure they are pumping out heat evenly and keep them free from blockages. You can put a foil sheet behind to reflect more heat into the room.

Check your Flues

Wood burning stoves look great when then they are in use but what about when they aren’t? Always make sure that the flue and glass doors are closed when no wood is burning to prevent heat from escaping from your room.  If you have an unused chimney, you could consider a chimney balloon that will inflate to prevent heat from escaping or stop draughts.

Mind the Gap

The small gaps in floorboards, below skirting boards and around cat flaps are easy ways for draughts to get in and for heat to escape. Plugging small gaps with sealant will easily solve the issue. You can wrap a cat flap with a blanket to stop heat from escaping.

Flooring

Tiled and wooden flooring can feel cool and make you turn up the thermostat. Putting down cosy rugs will conserve heat and make you feel warmer. Remember to wear socks or slippers to keep your feet warm.

The post How to Keep Your Home Warm and Save Money on Your Energy Bills appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

No, your home or office is not part of a freaky movie setting, and it is not haunted. And yes, it happens, more often than not.

Here are a few science-backed explanations for why doors slam!

What Causes Door Slamming

Most times, doors slam because of the excessive force used while shutting them. The two most common “slammers” are weather and people. Yes, if it is a relatively windy or stormy day, you can expect the wind to be the culprit. But on the days when mother nature is taking a break, it might be an angry family member making a statement by slamming doors.

There are other possibilities as well. It is necessary to ascertain the cause so that you can take appropriate measures to rectify the problem.

Here are more reasons why doors slam.

The Door Is Installed Out of Plumb

When we say that the door is out of plumb, it means that it is not perfectly aligned. The unevenness causes the door to swing even on a non-windy day. And yes, the door slams due to the imbalance in weight distribution.

If There Are Changes In Pressure

When you open another window or door, there is an imperceptible change in air pressure inside the room. It is insignificant enough for you to feel it, but it is sufficient to cause a door to slam. Door slamming will be more common on days when the temperature inside and outside your home are significantly different. For instance, when you use an air conditioner on a very hot day.

If There Is A Problem With The Hinges

If the hinges are bent or mounted the wrong way, the door’s weight can cause it to slam.

How To Prevent Doors From Slamming

Whether the door slamming is caused by nature, family members, or a carpenter on a bad day, we have a solution to restore peace to your home!

Check and Repair Door Hinges

If the hinges are improperly fitted or have worn out due to external conditions, it leads to the slamming of doors. It’s relatively easy to figure this bit out. All you have to do is open the door and inspect the hinges for any signs of wear and tear. If there are no signs of wear and tear, then place a level on the handle. A lopsided door will leave the level unbalanced. In most cases, simply tightening the screws is enough to address the door slamming. However, if the wood is cracked, you might need to call a carpenter.

Use Felt Pads

Applying felt pads is a simple and cost-effective technique to prevent doors from slamming. Felt pads, when stuck along the edges of the door, act as a cushion. They also reduce the speed at which the door closes, thereby preventing it from slamming.

Install An Automatic Door Closer

Automatic door closers are designed to control the speed at which doors close. If you can’t afford one, a DIY hack such as using a door silencer or wrapping a rubber band across both handles should help. While neither will control the door’s speed, at least it will take the “bang” out of it.

Use Anti-Door Slam Products

Doorstops, bumpers, door seals, finger pinch guards, stick gel bumpers, door cushion—the market is practically saturated with anti-door slam products, each addressing a need, be it safety, aesthetics, pocket-friendly, low-tech and so on.

Some will work for you, and some might not. You might even have to combine two products, a door cushion with weather stripping, for instance.

No matter what kind of door you have (wood, PVC, etc.) or the culprit, you can experiment your way to blissful silence!

The post How To Stop Doors From Slamming appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

That’s why it makes perfect sense to take a proactive approach to winter property maintenance. And don’t worry if you’re not an expert in DIY; there are a number of easy steps you can take to make sure your home is as ready as possible.

• Clean gutters and drains

It might feel like the last thing you want to do, but cleaning the gutters and drains of your home is an essential task. After all, debris such as leaves and mud can easily block drains. When this becomes too much, it could cause leaks into the roof and walls.

Therefore, make sure your gutters are clean and free from any possible build-up, as this will minimise the risk of water damage.

• Check and service your boiler

First and foremost, see whether the pilot light is on and re-ignite if necessary. Instructions on how to do this will be in the boiler manual, or on the side of the boiler itself.

It’s a good idea to get your boiler serviced by a Gas Safety registered engineer too. This will give you the ultimate peace of mind, as leaking carbon monoxide is a risk at any time of the year. Just remember that any maintenance or repairs to your boiler should be carried out by a qualified and licensed professional.

• Look into better insulation

Did you know you could save at least £145 per year on your energy bills by having insulation installed? That’s according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Around a quarter of heat in your house is lost through the roof, so insulating the loft is a good place to begin. Cavity wall insulation is also worth considering, especially if you’re eligible for a government grant or scheme that subsidies the installation cost.

• Look after your pipes

As the cold weather sets in, the water in your pipes may freeze causing them to burst. Not only could this lead to expensive damage, it may also mean you have to move out whilst the repairs are undertaken.

One option is to insulate your pipes, also known as lagging. Along with preventing the possibility of frozen or bust pipes, it can also reduce the loss of heating from your home.

• Consider upgrading windows and doors

Another job on your to-do list should be making sure that all windows and doors are properly shut, as you could have left one or two on the latch for some fresh air. While you’re at it, check the condition of your windows and doors as an upgrade could be due.

Damaged or broken windows can leave any home feel draughty and cold. By installing new double glazing, your home will feel a lot warmer and much more comfortable. What’s more, you’ll save money on your utility bills.

The post 5 ways to prepare your home for winter appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

But have you noticed your patio doors don’t look as good as they used to, or are becoming difficult to open and close? Unfortunately, like several other fixtures and fittings around your home, patio doors won’t last forever, even if you care for and maintain them regularly.

If you’ve had your patio doors for a number of years, there’s a good chance they’ll need replacing soon. With this in mind, here’s a few telltale signs that new patio doors should be your next home improvement project.

Doors are sticky and difficult to open

Seeing as patio doors are always exposed to the elements, they tend to expand in warm summer temperatures and contract during the cold winter months. This is especially true of older doors made of wood or other traditional materials.

Because they no longer fit perfectly against their frames, patio doors will become ‘sticky’ or difficult to open and close. The same can be said for a sliding patio door, which might not run smoothly on its rollers.

Broken seals

The vast majority of patio doors will feature a black strip of rubber tubing that runs along the edges of the frame. Not only does this seal help keep the door firmly shut, it also provides insulation and prevents cold drafts from entering your home.

However, seals can deteriorate over time and become less effective. Perform a visual inspection and if they’re broken, missing or perished, it might be a good idea to replace your patio doors sooner rather than later.

Broken frame, glass or parts

General wear and tear is to be expected with patio doors – you probably use them every day after all. But more serious damage such as cracks in the glass or frame will require immediate attention.

Other broken parts could impact the security and safety of your patio doors too. For example, if the door handle or locking mechanism doesn’t work properly, your home won’t be protected.

Condensation

In years gone by, condensation was a big problem in most homes. And while double glazing came along to solve this issue, condensation is still a possibility if the seal around the window has broken or perished.

This condensation actually sits between the two sheets of glass, making it impossible to do anything. If you’ve encountered condensation with your patio doors, you should consider a replacement, as their insulating properties are null and void.

Outdated or unattractive aesthetic

Even if your patio doors still work as they should, you might fancy a change anyway due to their outdated or unattractive aesthetic. And with numerous styles available on today’s market, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

From contemporary bifolding doors to classic French doors, a lot will depend on your home’s existing look and feel. But you can rest assured that any new patio door option will stand the test of time thanks to their ultra-modern materials and manufacturing techniques.

The post How to tell whether you need new patio doors appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Bifolding doors are also known for their slim frames and unobtrusive design, giving the big panes of glass centre stage. But as you’re undoubtedly aware, glass is a magnet for unsightly fingerprints and watermarks, which can adversely affect the aesthetic of your bifolding doors.

Another thing you’ll need to be mindful of with bifolding doors are the tracks on which they open and close on. Because they’re often exposed to the elements, there’s a chance they’ll gather dirt and debris if not cleaned regularly.

This rundown of maintenance items might seem like bifolding doors require constant and comprehensive upkeep. Thankfully, it’s extremely easy to care for your bifolding doors, ensuring they not only last for many years to come but also look stunning at all times.

What needs maintaining with bifolding doors?

The main thing you’ll need to maintain with bifolding doors is the system of hinges and wheels they operate on. Featuring multi-point locks and handles to secure each panel in place, it’s built to last for decades, so maintenance is very straightforward.

Simply apply some silicone spray or a bit of grease to these mechanisms every couple of months or whenever you notice the doors starting to stick. Don’t forget to wipe away any excess with a soft cloth.

Another maintenance item you might come across is slotting the panels back into their locking mechanism if they happen to pop out. Although this doesn’t happen much, bifolding doors are designed to be lifted out of their tracks during installation, so putting them back should only require a little elbow grease.

What needs cleaning with bifolding doors?

As you can guess, the glazing of bifolding doors is where the majority of your cleaning efforts will be focused on. Just like any other window or glass object in the home, warm water and a cloth should suffice for regular cleaning.

If you come up against stubborn stains or smears, consider using a gentle soap or cleaning product specifically designed for glass. You can use the same method for your door frames too. Never use anything coarse like a scouring pad or solvent-based cleaning products, as these items could damage your bifolding doors beyond repair.

As for the tracks, use a small brush to remove any obvious dirt and debris. If you’ve got a suitable attachment, you can use your vacuum cleaner too.

How often should you clean and maintain bifolding doors?

This will depend on two things; how often you use your bifolding doors and your local area.

For example, if you live near the sea there’s a chance salt deposits will grind away in the tracks of your doors and could cause damage. Then again, nearby trees could leave sap on your windows during windy weather.

So, best practice is to clean and maintain your bifolding doors as often as they require.

The post How to Maintain Your Bifolding Doors appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

The Green Homes Grant will provide homeowners with vouchers to help pay for eco-friendly improvements such as loft and wall insulation or new windows and doors featuring double or triple glazing.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is putting aside £2 billion for the initiative, which will launch in September 2020.

How will the Green Homes Grant work?

The Green Homes Grant will provide homeowners and landlords with vouchers worth up to a maximum of £10,000 to cover the cost of energy efficient improvements.

Most who enter into the scheme will receive up to £5,000. However, low-income homeowners and landlords could receive up to £10,000. It all depends on which category you fall into.

The idea behind the Green Homes Grant is to promote energy efficiency across England while boosting the economy by creating jobs and keeping businesses busy.

Who is eligible for the Green Homes Grant vouchers?

Although few details of the scheme have been released, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis said:

“I’ve been told there won’t be any qualifying income on getting the main vouchers, so every homeowner and landlord is likely to be eligible. However, whether every home will qualify is still up in the air.

“My totally unsubstantiated guess is that it is likely there will be some form of pre-qualification assessment here. It may also be that they dictate what your home needs. For example, for those wanting double-glazing, you may be told that it needs to be part of a package with floor insulation.”

The Treasury has said it hopes the scheme could pay for energy efficient improvements in over 600,000 homes across the country. However, the scheme applies to England only, meaning those in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland are ineligible.

Which home improvements are covered by the Green Homes Grant?

The Treasury revealed the vouchers could pay for “green improvements such as loft, wall and floor insulation”, while Business Secretary Alok Sharma indicated that double-glazing would also be included.

Even though the Government hasn’t released a complete list yet, it looks as though the scheme should cover:

• Loft insulation
• Wall insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Double and triple glazing
• Eco-friendly boilers, heat pumps, low-energy lighting and energy-efficient doors

The scheme will apparently involve a “whole house approach”, whereby a retrofit coordinator will come to your home and determine what improvements will provide the best value for money.

How and when can I apply for the Green Homes Grant?

The Green Homes Grant will be launched at some point in September. So, homeowners and landlords will have to wait until then to apply online.

Colne Valley Windows will be keeping a close eye on the scheme’s details as and when they are announced. In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any questions about energy efficient home improvements such as new windows and doors.

The post Get up to £10,000 for new windows and doors with the Green Homes Grant appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

Most of the time, the doors to public buildings open outwards for health and safety reasons. For example, if there was a fire and lots of people needed to get out, it’s much easier to push a door open rather than pull it.

So why do the front doors to virtually every home in the country open inwards? If you had a choice, would you prefer it if your front door opened outwards?

There’s actually a number of reasons why front doors open inwards, for both safety and practicality…

Better home security

In years gone by, front doors would open outwards because their hinges were also on the outside. As you can imagine, this wasn’t great for home security, as the door could easily be unattached and opened by burglars.

Even though it’s possible to hide hinges on doors that open outwards, it is much easier to keep them on the inside. As time has gone by, more and more doors now open inwards.

Protection from the weather

Another reason for doors opening inwards is to protect you from the elements. For example, a door swinging outwards could easily be caught by a big gust of wind and hit someone or something nearby. It’s similar to opening a car door in windy weather.

Also, in wintertime after a heavy blizzard, the snow that settles outside your front door could make it impossible to open. The same goes for floor water, which has the potential to trap you in your home.

Safety for you and your family

The main reason why public building doors open outwards is the same reason why domestic doors open inwards – fire safety. If there’s a fire in your home, it’s much easier for a fire crew to break down a door that opens inwards than an outward swinging one.

But the added protection an inward open door provides doesn’t end there. After all, whenever someone knocks on your front door, there’s a possibility you will hit them when opening it. This won’t go down well with friends or family members when they pop round for a cup of tea!

Despite the benefits of a front door opening inwards, can you get one that swings outwards?

While they’re not that common, you can get outward swinging front doors in the UK. The only time it might not be possible is if your home opens up onto a highway as per the Highways Act 1980.

Here at Colne Valley Windows, our years of hands-on experience means we can provide recommendations on what you should look for in a new front door, and what you should avoid. Be it composite, uPVC or aluminium, we’re here to help, so get in touch with us today.

The post Why Do Front Doors Open Inwards? appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

The reason for this growth? The replacement of ageing infrastructure across both the residential and commercial sector, as older doors and windows made from traditional materials fail to stand the test of time.

But what material should you choose for replacement doors and windows? Many households across the UK are putting their faith in uPVC. Here’s why…

Energy efficiency

uPVC windows and doors offer unrivalled energy efficiency when compared to alternative options. Their insulating properties mean that your home or office will work to retain heat in the winter, and cool air in the summer. Along with saving you money on your energy bills, uPVC windows and doors will also reduce your carbon footprint.

Extremely durable

When it comes to durability, nothing comes close to uPVC, which will remain strong and sturdy for decades. Plastic also has the advantage in terms of rusting, swelling and warping; unlike metal or wood, uPVC will retain its shape and structure for many years to come.

Excellent security

The security of a property or home is paramount with any window or door replacement. Thankfully, uPVC will exceed your expectations thanks to its ultra-lightweight yet sturdy form, which is often used in conjunction with various locking combinations. Also, double- or even triple-glazed glass will prevent intruders from breaking in.

Less noise

After a busy day at work, a peaceful environment will help you relax and unwind, which is made much easier with uPVC windows and doors. Even if you live close to a busy road, your home will remain remarkably quiet with windows and doors made from uPVC.

Reduced condensation

Due to the superior insulating properties of uPVC, your windows and doors will remain at a warmer temperature. This is good news for your home, as it will prevent water vapour from settling on your windows and doors, which could cause other household problems such as damp.

Nicer aesthetic

You’ll be hard pushed to find a style of uPVC window or door that doesn’t suit your home. In fact, with their popularity continuing to grow, there’s now a huge range of shapes, sizes and colours available. It’s also worth noting that uPVC frames can now be finished with wood grain effects, which makes them perfect for traditional properties.

Fire retardant

In order to prevent the spread of fire, modern window and door frames must be made from fire-rated materials. Thankfully, uPVC is a material that adheres to this safety protocol, meaning it will keep the primary route out of your home open for 30 minutes in the event of a fire.

To discuss the possibility of replacement uPVC doors and windows, get in touch with us today.

The post Why Should You Choose uPVC For Replacement Doors And Windows? appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.

But no matter whether its giving the walls a lick of paint or completely remodelling an entire room, you’ll want your next home improvement project to remain in style for many years to come. This means paying close attention to the latest design trends, which include the following:

Social spaces

As opposed to years gone by when you’d typically go out to the pub or a restaurant to see friends, more and more people are choosing to host social events at home. You only need to look at the popularity of TV shows like Come Dine with Me to understand why several food and drink chains are struggling to survive.

“If you have room, it’s great to incorporate two sofas to make a living room feel sociable and friendly, and 2020’s luxurious, richly textured fabrics – leather, velvet and suede – provide endless possibilities,” says Jane Doyle of House Beautiful. “Place sofas close enough together to create an area that’s clearly designated for gathering round rather than having them too spaced out or floating at the edges.”

Complementary colours

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to stick with a single colour and similar shades for individual rooms. In 2020 and beyond, the use of multiple colours and shades will come into play – the on-trend accents for this year are said to be muted pink, baby blue and neo-mint green.

“It’s good to narrow down your choice to no more than three: a main hue, which may be reflected in your upholstery; a contrast; and a highlight,” adds Doyle. “If you’re stuck, look out for art, ornaments and fabrics with a colour combination that pleases your eye and use them as inspiration.”

Bi folding doors

Seeing as natural light is an enduring interior design trend that won’t be disappearing any time soon, expect bi-folding doors to be top of numerous homeowners’ wish lists in 2020. What’s more, they offer superb views of the great outdoors when open or closed thanks to their slim nightlines.

“Spend some time watching how the light falls in various points across the room and how the sun moves around it,” advises Doyle. “This will not only affect how you see colours, but help you decide how to divide up the space for various activities, such as reading or watching TV, socialising and relaxing, of course.”

De-clutter

Minimalist design is another interior design trend that will gain more traction in 2020, thanks in large part to the success of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo – the Netflix TV show featuring one of the world’s most famous de-cluttering experts.

As Doyle explains: “A cluttered space doesn’t evoke calm, so a good idea is to box up everything – cushions, throws, planters, vases and light fittings – and take them out of the room. Then carefully sort through, choosing only items that will enhance your new look. The remainder can be stored for future use or donated to charity.”

The post Interior design predictions for 2020 appeared first on Colne Valley Windows.