Tag Archives: Maintenance

Get a Picture of What Your Floor Will Look Like Before You Buy

Ever wondered how your home would look with a hardwood floor? Well at the new Timberland Flooring website you can find out using the visualiser tool.

timberlandflooring

Timberland realise that most people find it hard to visualise the change a wooden floor will make to their home and therefore have introduced a new web tool which allows you to do this.

First you pick the room you are thinking of having a hardwood floor installed in. If for instance you choose to change your lounge you can choose a picture of a lounge. You then pick the wall colour – there is a selection of colours to choose f r o m so one of them is bound to be close to what you would like to see in your home. Then you choose the type of floor you want to install. there are fifty different types of flooring to choose f r o m ranging f r o m traditional oak or beech to more exotic olive or walnut.

The floors are also available as strip flooring or plank flooring and as oiled floors. each of these combinations are available for you to experiment with ensuring that you get a good idea of how the floor would look should you choose to install it in your home.

If, after playing with the visualiser you decide that you would like to find out how much a bespoke designed hardwood floor would cost you can then get in contact with Timberland through the website. Timberland are currently offering £250 discount if you do apply for a quote online. There is no obligation to buy, but Timberland floors are a great investment for your home.

In fact the consultation service that Timberland offers is so comprehensive that it takes into account the complete design of your premises and the package that the company offer you will be designed to suit your needs. Timberland want to ensure that every customer they produce a hardwood floor for is completely delighted with the results.

For more information go to the Timberland Flooring Website.

Via EPR Network
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Save Energy and Save Lives by Reducing Your Water Temperature

GW supplies are a Dartford based plumber’s merchant providing quality plumbing materials to the trade and public. They are concerned that many UK households are not aware of the anti scald products on the market and the damage hot water from the tap can do to your skin.

Every year 20 people die and 600 are badly injured from scalds caused by hot water. The Elderly and very young are most at risk from scalding. To prevent the growth of harmful legionella bacteria, hot water must be stored at 60°C or above. Unfortunately at this high temperature, healthy adult skin can be scalded with third degree burns in only five seconds.

The new Part G of the Building Regulations comes into force on 1st October 2009 and aims to help reduce the number of incidences of scalding by requiring that all baths and showers in new dwellings or new dwellings created by a change of use of an existing building have a device fitted that limits the temperature to 48°C. This is considered a safer temperature for adults and will help prevent these unnecessary deaths and injuries.

What’s the best way to limit water temperatures?

The most effective way of delivering safe hot water temperatures is by using a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV). A TMV will take the stored hot water and mix it in the correct proportions with the cold water supply to deliver a safe, stable temperature at point of use, whether it is a bath or basin.

TMVs are available in 15mm or 22mm pipe sizes.

While the legislative requirements of the new Part G only cover new dwellings or new dwellings created by a change of use of an existing building, Gurney & White Ltd and gwsupplies.co.uk believe in the interest of safety not only for the young and old, but for the safety of all. The installation of a TMV, either through the use of thermostatic bath shower mixers, or an under bath/basin thermostatic blending valve, should be standard practice for ANY bathroom refurbishment. Thermostatic mixing valves can also be added to existing plumbing to save an accident from happening.

Another advantage of fitting TMV blending valves is that of saving energy by not wasting hot water and thereby reducing the household’s carbon footprint.

GW Supplies stock a range of Intamix TMV blending valves in 15mm and 22mm sizes, and Inta, Bristan and Hansgrohe thermostatic bath shower mixers.

Via EPR Network
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An Insight Into Conservatories And The Effects Of The New Planning Regulations

It is now ten months since the introduction of the new UK planning regulations that came in to effect on the 1 st October 2008 and here, ConservatoryLand, a major manufacturer and supplier of DIY conservatories report on the effects that they have had on the conservatory industry since then.

David Bingham, director of ConservatoryLand says “I have heard reports from certain large conservatory roof manufacturers that the volume of their roof orders have increased but their sales revenue has actually decreased in 2009 compared to that of 2008.

This is thought to have been caused partly due to the new planning permission regulations which are causing consumers to opt for smaller conservatories with a view to keeping within the new size criteria for which you do not now require planning permission approval.”

The size criteria elements within the new planning regulations that could be affecting this are:

•  No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof

•  Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house

•  Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres

•  Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including ground floor

•  Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres

•  Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house

•  Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house

•  Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house

Taking the above criteria in to consideration, it is clear to see why some manufacturers of conservatories and conservatory roofs are thinking that consumers are being guided in to buying smaller conservatories and are blaming this for a smaller average order value.

Here you can find more information about planning permission and building regulations requirements for conservatories.

Via EPR Network
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Expert Inside View Into Conservatories And What To Look Out For

David Bingham Managing Director of Conservatory Land has given an insight into the conservatory industry and the current trend he is seeing. With 20 years personal experience in the industry he has given some useful advice and tips for anyone looking to buy a conservatory.

Currently, one of the UK’s most popular and appealing home improvement projects for homeowners is adding conservatories to their homes. The choice is vast and if you are considering a sizable investment it is wise to start with the company itself. Choose a company that has satisfactorily supplied or installed conservatories for friends, family or someone else you know. The next step is to decide what type of conservatory you want, or more importantly, what type will best suit your property and keep within your budget.

Measure the space you have available and decide what size you would like and which style would look best. Choose a style and size that will provide you with a usable, furnishable living space whilst at the same time not looking out of place or out of proportion with your property. This step is the most important one so take your time as you will only get once chance to get it right. No one wants to end up with a conservatory that is too small to be of reasonable use or too large for the size and style of your home. David Bingham went on to say “I have heard so many times, customers saying that they wish they had purchased a larger conservatory so that there was more room to seat the whole family for dinner or for watching TV, so choose carefully, but don’t over do it, it needs to be just right”.

Conservatories

Once you have decided on the size and style, be it an Edwardian, Victorian or a simple traditional lean-to conservatory, you need to decide on the actual design. There are three main designs to choose from, dwarf wall, full height glass to ground and full height bottom panels.

Then there are the doors. The most popular choice are French (double) doors but in some situations, sliding patio doors or bi fold doors and be more suitable for some conservatories depending of their location on your home and how you intend to use your conservatory. The company you choose will be able to give you further advice on design options and supply you with CAD drawings to help give you an idea of how the finished conservatory will look.

Colour is also very important. Modern PVCu profiles are available in many colours with the most common being white, mahogany, rosewood, golden (light) oak and more recently cream has been introduced. White PVCu is usually the cheapest option. It is a good idea to choose a colour that will best compliment the fabric of your property and your existing windows and doors.

The final step is to decide on glazing types, both for the frames and roof and you don’t necessarily need the exact same glazing type in the roof as the frames. Frame glazing for conservatories can take many different forms. The very basic frame glazing used in conservatories is clear toughened safety class, usually made up in double glazed sealed units.

However, you may want a higher insulating glass to help keep your conservatory warmer during the winter months such as Pilkington K Glass or a solar reflective glass to help keep it cooler in the summer such as Pilkington Activ Blue which is also self cleaning – or even a combination of both to help keep your conservatory more comfortable all year round. Your conservatory supplier will be able to give you advice and associated costs regarding this.

Then there’s the roof glazing which is very important. There are two basic materials, polycarbonate and glass.

You should decide how you would like your conservatory to look and consider your budget as glass roofs for conservatories are far more expensive and often require additional reinforcement of the frames and roof, further adding to the cost.

The main disadvantage with polycarbonate is the ‘drumming’ effect which can become very loud during heavy rain. Glass roofs can be a better option for conservatories as there is far less noise during rainfall.

David went onto say “I have tried to provide this advice with a view to helping anyone buying a conservatory, whether it is fully installed or a DIY conservatory to make sure that they get exactly what they want and need. When it comes to conservatories, especially DIY conservatories, getting it wrong can be a very expensive mistake and I like to think that ConservatoryLand is one company that can professionally advise on these issues”.

Via EPR Network
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Redesigned ContractorsCompare.com Launches

ContractorsCompare.com, the comparison site established for the benefit of tradesmen, has undergone a major renovation in order to deliver a more user-friendly experience by increasing visitors’ ease of usage.

The first change visitors will notice is to the homepage of ContractorsCompare.com. This page has been redesigned to include key services in prominent places, guiding the majority of users to their desired destinations.

The bulk of the reconstruction has taken place with the site’s navigation. Pages are now more easily found and accessed, leading to a reduced search time for users. Other benefits from the refurbishment include a tradesmens news page with regular updates from the contractors’ world and an RSS feed to help readers stay up to date.

Mark Farrimond, director at ContractorsCompare.com, said: “We hope the new look of the site will enable tradesmen to get a greater understanding of the products and services available from ContractorsCompare.com, not only insurance but also employment law advice, health and safety advice and tax advice. Tradesmen can compare quotes for public and employers liability insurance from leading insurers; AXA, Fortis, Groupama and MMA with more insurers to be added to the panel later in the year.

“Tradesmen can also compare prices on tools and equipment from some of the UK’s largest online retailers.”

The site was originally launched in December 2008 but has since undergone redesigns to increase usability and add function to the site – such as additional products and improved services, like the enhanced tool finding service.

ContractorsCompare.com also includes services such as an online chat facility for users to get instant help and advice as well, and a renewal reminder that will notify members when any of their insurance policies are running out.

About ContractorsCompare.com
ContractorsCompare.com is owned by ContractorsCompare.com Ltd, a company established by the directors of Allied Insurance Services Ltd to deliver tradesmen’s insurance to customers via the internet.

Allied Insurance Services were formed in 2001 and have for many years specialised in providing insurance to tradesmen and contractors in the UK. They became the appointed insurance broker to the Federation of Window Cleaners and the Painting & Decorating Association due to this specialism and excellent customer service. Using this expertise and their strong relationships within the insurance market ContractorsCompare.com was born.

ContractorsCompare.com Ltd now acts as an appointed representative of Allied Insurance Services Ltd for the purposes of introducing non-life insurance business. The company also acts as an introducer of life and financial services business to Allied Financial Services Ltd.

Via EPR Network
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Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award Won By Nail Jack Tools

Nail Jack Tools unveiled their first two nail pulling pliers – the Nail Jack® and Nail Hunter® at the 2009 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas this week and were informed that the Nail Jack has captured Popular Mechanics’ prestigious Editor’s Choice Award.

Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award

The publication does not accept submissions for their award, but instead chooses winners from thousands of products based on originality, ingenuity and design. The award recognized Nail Jack Tools for its innovative design in the Nail Jack nail puller – the first hand tool designed as a pliers like device to dig, grab and pull nails, staples and brads. Popular Mechanics called the Nail Jack nail puller a “fresh new hand tool” in a product category that “rarely sees true innovation.”

“We are honored to be recognized by this esteemed group of editors for the 2009 Editor’s Choice Award from Popular Mechanics,” says Nail Jack CEO Mike Foley. “The show has been a great opportunity to showcase our tools, and winning an award like this really confirms the need for a new line of tools designed specifically from the ground up to pull nails and fasteners without damaging costly wood products.”

The patented and patent-pending designs of the Nail Jack and Nail Hunter fill a large gap in the retail market and construction industry. Designed like pliers, these unique tools do most of their work with “one hand”, or can be struck with a hammer to dig out a nail, grab a headless brad or nail with their jaws while utilizing a built in fulcrum. The family of tools is specifically designed to pull nails, staples and fasteners with efficiency – saving time and money.

The Idaho-based company founded in 2006 unveiled the Nail Jack tool line at this year’s National Hardware Show. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.nailjack.com or call the company at 1-877-PULL-NAIL (or at +1-208-928-6426).

Via EPR Network
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ServiceSpider.com – An Auction Website For Homeowners And Contractors

ServiceSpider makes the online auction process that has long been used by companies like eBay, available for homeowners and contractors to buy and sell services on the Internet.

After beta testing for a year ServiceSpider releases a new version of their auction website with many new features such as forums. On ServiceSpider.com homeowners can save time and money by letting contractors compete for their home improvement needs.

Homeowner Haye Kesteloo came up with the idea for ServiceSpider while working on a bathroom remodel project in 2006. “As I started to contact different contractors to get quotes for my project, I found it difficult to establish what a fair price should be for a job well done.” Prices, time estimates, and other factors varied from one contractor to another, and Kesteloo found himself wondering if there wasn’t a better way to navigate the Home Improvement market using the Internet. Kesteloo decided to stop wondering and to make the idea a reality, helping homeowners and contractors in the process. With that plan in motion, ServiceSpider was born.

Most homeowners know how difficult and time consuming it can be to find the right contractor for a home improvement job. Scheduling appointments, checking references and licenses and other related issues can make a job seem much more difficult than it needs to be. This is where ServiceSpider comes in. As a homeowner, one needs only to go to http://www.servicespider.com, and create a posting about the job that needs to be done. Need a leaky shower fixed? Maybe it’s time to upgrade the electrical panel? Or perhaps it’s time to replace those old windows? Whatever the home improvement needs are, once the job is posted at ServiceSpider, the service request will show up on the site’s home page, and will be automatically send to matching service providers in the area. Free of charge to the homeowner, ServiceSpider will have pre-screened contractors offering competing bids for the job. One can even read the reviews from other homeowners on different contractors and see how they are rated.

Currently, in the greater New York area alone, there are over 700 service providers, so a match can be made quickly and efficiently. The homeowner chooses how, when and where they will be contacted, be it phone, fax, or email. The homeowner is in charge!

For Haye Kesteloo, making ServiceSpider a success is a full time job. He knows that finding the right contractor for the right job and for the right price can be a challenge, especially in the current economic climate. Kesteloo offers the following advice: “Take your time when choosing the right contractor. Don’t let yourself be hurried into making a decision. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed and insured and that you receive a written contract.”

For additional information regarding ServiceSpider, please contact Haye Kesteloo directly or go to www.servicespider.com.

Via EPR Network
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Just because your car didn’t receive hail damage doesn’t mean your roof is not damaged

About Integrity Roofing and Exteriors. Integrity Roofing and Exteriors is committed to the community it serves providing employment and resources for long-term cooperative growth. There commitment to 5 star customer service is unprecedented in the construction industry.

Integrity Roofing: Just because your car didn’t receive hail damage doesn’t mean your roof is not damaged.

Record catastrophic hail storms strike El Paso in 2007 and again in 2008. Integrity Roofing and Exteriors helps hundreds, not only rebuild, but sift through the complicated insurance process.

Integrity Roofing and Exteriors, the premier residential restoration firm in the Southwest, announced today that its El Paso office has helped home owners throughout the El Paso area this year, not only rebuild, but understand and work through the often complex insurance claims process.

“Most homeowners do not realize they have hail damage. Why? It is impossible to see damage from the ground,” states Brian James. “Homeowners need a trained professional who knows the difference between nail pops, blistering and hail damage. Just because your car didn’t get dinged up doesn’t mean the integrity of your roof hasn’t been compromised. The solution is to have a trained professional examine your roof up close. And since our company offers a no obligation, free, 35 point inspection, homeowners have nothing to lose – with one exception. If homeowners wait and do not file a claim in time, they may have to pay out of pocket.”

In addition to offering homeowners great workmanship and great customer service, Integrity has a team of insurance claim specialists that assist homeowners in understanding and working through the often complex insurance claims process.

I want to sing the praises of a local roofing company, Integrity Roofing and Exteriors. They completed my new roof earlier this year. They met with my insurance adjuster and myself, and made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. They kept me up-to-date with my project, and always returned my calls. Not only was the work that they provided exceptional, but I also loved the warranty that I received at no additional charge. They workers were very clean and professional, and my service was wonderful. I would recommend this company to anyone who needs roof work done.

Happy in El Paso, Robert Integrity has had to increase its production capabilities this year to keep up with demand. On any given day the company has workers in the area re-roofing homes, as well as helping with siding, gutters, and other exterior trades. With a strong commitment quality control, Integrity has one of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry.

About Integrity Roofing and Exteriors.

Integrity Roofing and Exteriors is committed to the community it serves providing employment and resources for long-term cooperative growth. There commitment to 5 star customer service is unprecedented in the construction industry. Call us anytime at: 915-241-5772. 

Via EPR Network
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Welcome to EPR Construction News

EPR Construction News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the construction news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.

If you have a press release to be distributed, you can do it over here: press release distribution