Savvy home solutions

MyGlazing.com is the consumer advice site of the Glass & Glazing Federation

QI’ve just moved house and want to deep clean. What’s the best way to clean laminate floors without damaging them? Alina Sani, London

ADavid Snazel, Buyer for hard flooring at Carpetright, has this advice… Modern day print and production processes now mean that most styles of flooring can be emulated with a laminate floor, from classic wood planks to stone and tile effects – and all for a reasonable price. Exceptionally durable, low-maintenance and easy to clean, laminate flooring is also a popular choice for families and busy homes.

It’s important not to use abrasive chemicals on laminates and, as such, a water and vinegar solution should suffice. As most laminates are not waterproof, use a lightly damp mop or cloth to clean, as too much moisture could cause your laminate to warp. For any future spills, use a dry cloth to wipe up the product before using vinegar solution. Specialist cleaning products can also be used for a more intense clean.

To ensure your laminate remains in great condition for years to come, avoid a build-up of dirt and dust by brushing and vacuuming regularly. You could also consider door mats or runners in high-traffic areas such as entrances and hallways, to help stop dirt being spread. Additionally, although laminate is particularly durable, avoid dragging furniture across it and if you’re particularly worried about damage, consider placing soft castors under chairs and table legs to prevent scratches and dents. Q Some of my windows need replacing and I’m wondering what the advantages are of triple versus double glazing? Alison Gainey, Sheffield

AJames Lee, Communications Director at MyGlazing.com, offers the following advice… In recent years, demand for triple glazing has been created due to the increased awareness of its thermal benefits, and it becoming the standard specification within low- and zero-energy homes.

One of the main differences is the extra pane of glass, which helps increase energy efficiency and reduces your carbon footprint. Almost a quarter of household heat energy is lost via inefficient windows and doors, however energy can be wasted in different areas of the home too. So, it’s important to also look at where else you may be losing heat to improve overall efficiency.

While triple glazing can give improvements to thermal performance, it is still possible to achieve a Window Energy Rating ( WER) of A+ using double glazing.

Another difference is the sheer physical weight of triple glazing versus the lighter weight of double. If you are getting triple glazing installed, you could incur additional costs such as reinforced fixings and frames. In terms of overall cost comparisons, this will vary depending on the job, the company and the product type, but generally you should expect to pay more for triple than double glazing.

Both types offer great benefits that will improve energy efficiency, save on heating bills, reduce noise pollution and increase the value of your property. Whichever you choose, both types of windows will last decades – so, long term, it’s a wise investment.

Corinthian laminate in Palacade, £24.99 per sq m, Carpetright

EXPERTADVICE? If you have a DIY dilemma or home improvement question, email us at N E ED homestyle@immediate. co.uk or write to Ask the Experts, HomeStyle, Immediate Media Co., Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST.