Improve Magazine Summer 2022

Summer 2022

IT’S TIME TO BRING YOUR DREAMS TO LIFE

David Domoney - Excellence in Horticulture Summer time garden ready Big Glazing?

Big Shading!

Award winning cottage refurb The perfect space for entertaining Exquisite Renovation in just five days!

Summer 2022

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NT 200x260.indd 1

Quintessentially British

H E R I TA G E WINDOW COLLEC TION

BY DECEUNINCK

20/04/2022 12:17

H E R I TA G E WINDOW COLLEC TION

BY DECEUNINCK

No other supplier offers more colour

AVAILABLE IN 30+ COLOURWAYS FROM STOCK Tel 01249 816 969 | www.heritagewindowcollection.co.uk | deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

Summer 2022

Contents 06

TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS Timber windows and doors bring beauty and warmth to properties, are an environmentally friendly building material and contribute to a positive feeling of health and wellbeing. If you are considering replacing windows & doors in a conservation area or within a listed building, we recommend you take a look at this section.

In this edition Bereco are featuring two property renovations. They have the product knowledge and experience to help you through the process.

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CONSUMER ADVICE Did you know that a window & door installer can earn from £18 - £45k a year, or more? We talk with expert, Mick Clayton, from the GQA, about industry career paths within this sector. Also, within this section, read our article about the latest home improvement trends and how they can help increase the value of your home. Rob McGlennon of Deceuninck educates our readers about ‘plastic’ windows and talks about their £15million investment in support of PVC-U recycling.

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GARDENS & EXTERIORS The sun is out and the smell of BBQ’s are wafting through our windows, which can only mean one thing - it’s time to renovate our outdoor spaces so we can enjoy the summer months! Our Celebrity Feature this month is with David Domoney, who shows us how to get our garden Summer ready and we also feature an article which show’s you how to cut energy bills with cladding. Outdoor lighting, tips to avoid lighting mistakes in the garden and we reveal what Brits dislike the most about gardening!

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BLINDS, AWNINGS & SHUTTERS The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) talk to us about planning the inclusion of shading from the very beginning of your project, they advise about the most suitable shading options for large pieces of glazing. Caribbean Blinds explain why alternative outdoor shading methods help to save you money this Summer. Its never more important to choose the right shading options for your home, and garden.

EXTENDING & R E N O VAT I N G YOUR HOME In this edition we cover some truly beautiful and exquisite home renovations. Be inspired by homeowners who have transformed their properties into forever homes. Get into shape and colour and explore steel windows with Crittall and glide your carbon footprint down with Dutemann’s ‘building regs ready’ sliding doors. Also featured are the multi-award winning roof lanterns and bi-folding doors, by Korniche.

Click any of the contents to go straight through 4

Summer 2022

Summer 2022

IT’S TIME TO BRING YOUR DREAMS TO LIFE

David Dom oney - Excellenc e in Horticulture Summer tim e garden read y Big Glazing ?

Big Shading !

Award winn ing cottage refu rb The perfect space for entertai ning Exquisite R enovation in just five days!

Summer 2022

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Christina Shaw Editorial Director

Welcome to the Summer Edition of Improve!

Warmer weather, BBQ’s and family time, inspire us to make the most of our gardens, combining outdoor living spaces as extensions to our homes. Create a quiet retreat to relax and unwind, set up the patio for Al fresco dining, go all out with some cool office space or gym. Man Cave or She Den? There is room in your garden!

Looking for inspiration on how to shade or light your garden? The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) talk to us about planning the inclusion of shading from the very beginning of your project, they advise about the most suitable shading options for large pieces of glazing and we also show you how to avoid the top five most common garden lighting mistakes.

David Domoney, in this month’s Celebrity Feature Article, helps us to get garden set for Summer! He’s broken records with his busy green fingers, and garnered awards and accolades galore, including over 30 Royal Horticultural Society medals and an ‘Excellence in Horticulture’ Award from HRH Prince Edward. He talks us through growing a garden business, celebrity garden makeovers, Chelsea in Bloom and the power of plants.

Enjoy this issue as always.

Christina GET IN TOUCH

All Enquiries Christina Shaw T: 01302 278756 E: christina@improve-magazine.co.uk W: www.improve-magazine.co.uk The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Improve Magazine and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Improve Magazine does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Improve Magazine and therefore cannot take responsibility.

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Improve Magazine is published by Lazenby Shaw Creative Ltd.

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TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS Timber windows and doors bring beauty and warmth to properties, are an environmentally friendly building material and contribute to a positive feeling of health and wellbeing. If you are considering replacing windows & doors in a conservation area or within a listed building, we recommend you talk to Bereco. They have the product knowledge and experience to help you through the process. Timber windows also look aesthetically pleasing within modern properties.

Click here to go back to contents

The following section covers...

• The renovation of a Grade II listed farmhouse

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Spring 2022

• Award winning refurb of a derelict cottage

Sustainable Timber Windows & Doors Book a free design consultation www.bereco.co.uk | 01709 838188

Renovation of a Grade II Farmhouse in Chicheley Replacing windows in a listed property can often be a balancing act, with the need to please conservation officers, whilst still achieving the thermal performance expected from a modern home.

When renovating her grade II listed farmhouse, Amy (@ renovating_chicheley) chose the Bereco Heritage range flush casement windows with slimline double glazing, to achieve both of those goals. Bereco’s antique black monkey tail handles and stays were included as they were very close in style to the handles on the original windows. 16mm lambs tongue glazing bars were also added to complement the overall style and give that cosy cottage feel.

Amy also added a new porch that has completely transformed the front of the property creating a beautiful new space that’s flooded with light. The inspiration for the striking front door originally came from an image on Pinterest which Bereco were more than happy to replicate.

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Summer 2022

The previous windows were a very pale green, which Amy felt blended in with the rest of the house too much. On her new windows, she opted for a dual colour finish, with RAL 7040 Window Grey chosen for the outside to help the windows pop out, and RAL 9016 Traffic White used for the inside to maintain a classic neutral look. Amy loved the style of the front door so much that she decided to pick a darker colour, RAL 7015 Slate Grey, to make it a more prominent feature without being overpowering.

A stable door was chosen for the rear kitchen door, not only to match the farmhouse aesthetic but also for very practical purposes. Amy comments: “As the building is so old, there are not that many windows in the Kitchen.

The stable door allows for extra light, provides more ventilation whilst cooking, and flows nicely to the entertaining space on the patio. We also have two Labradors, so it’s handy for keeping them indoors whilst being able to open the top half up to the garden.”

Design the perfect windows and doors with Bereco With the help of a live window and door visualiser, the Bereco expert design team will work with you to choose the styles that best suit your home and budget. They can show you different styles, colours and ironmongery and overlay your choices onto photos of your own home, all in real-time with live pricing.

Start your home renovation journey today - with the experts in timber windows and doors.

C H I C H L E Y AT A G L A N C E Location

Bedfordshire

Project type Renovation of a grade II listed farmhouse Window styles

Heritage Flush Casements

Door styles

Stable Door

Colour

RAL 7040 Window Grey – Externally

RAL 9016 Traffic White – Internally

RAL 7015 Slate Grey – Front Door

Call 01709 838188 www.bereco.co.uk @berecowindows

Summer 2022

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AWARD-WINNING refurbishment of a derelict cottage in Carmarthenshire When Luke Thomas (@little_castle_cottage) bought his little Welsh cottage, it had been sat derelict for 5 years and was rapidly deteriorating.

Little of the original stone construction was left, having mostly been replaced by brickwork with a drab pebbledash render.

Despite being in a conservation area, the original sash windows were long gone, with brown uPVC casements in their place. These, combined with the pebbledash render, left the cottage looking, all in all, a little gloomy.

Luke comments: “I think the vertical bar adds a somewhat cottage feel to the sash window. The 16mm bar was recommended to me by Bereco and I am glad I proceeded with this choice as it’s very elegant in appearance.”

Luke was determined to rejuvenate the property, giving it a modern twist whilst respecting its character and history. To this end, he decided to replace the uPVC casements with timber sash windows that are typical of this type of building.

He opted for white sash windows, with a single vertical glazing bar in each sash and satin chrome ironmongery to suit his contemporary interior.

Luke subsequently decided to paint the exterior of the property white to match the windows, brightening up his whole corner of the street, whilst the traditional touches such as the exposed stone wall and beautiful new sash windows keep the cottage connected to its history.

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Summer 2022

Luke’s hard work saw him win ‘Best Renovation’ in the Daily Telegraph’s Home Building & Renovating awards 2021, with the judge saying: “This renovation exemplifies everything there is to appreciate about delivering your own personal refurbishment project; it shows just what’s possible with a modest budget, energy, passion and creative endeavour.”

Design the perfect windows and doors with Bereco With the help of a live window and door visualiser, the Bereco expert design team will work with you to choose the styles that best suit your home and budget. They can show you different styles, colours and ironmongery and overlay your choices onto photos of your own home, all in real-time with live pricing.

Start your home renovation journey today - with the experts in timber windows and doors.

L I T T L E C A S T L E C O T TA G E AT A G L A N C E Location

Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire

Project type

Complete refurbishment of a derelict cottage

Window styles

Sliding Sash

Colour

RAL 9016 Traffic White

Call 01709 838188 www.bereco.co.uk @berecowindows

Summer 2022

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H E R I TA G E WINDOW COLLEC TION

BY DECEUNINCK

No other supplier offers more colour

AVAILABLE IN 30+ COLOURWAYS FROM STOCK Tel 01249 816 969 | www.heritagewindowcollection.co.uk | deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

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Summer 2022

CONSUMER ADVICE Did you know that a window & door installer can earn from £18 - £45k a year, or more? We talk with expert, Mick Clayton, from the GQA, about industry career paths within this sector.

Also, within this section, read our article about the latest home improvement trends and how they can help increase the value of your home.

Click here to go back to contents

The following section covers...

• Expert View on Industry Qualifications • Industry Career Paths

• Nobody Left Behind Initative • Boost Your Home’s Value by more than £100k!

Summer 2022

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GQA SUPPORTING

‘NOBODY LEFT BEHIND’ I N I T I AT I V E

GQA Qualifications, the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation is lending its support to a progressive and life-changing initiative for young people called ‘Nobody Left Behind’. The scheme combines community sports programmes with construction-related training and qualifications to improve young people’s employment prospects for entry-level construction industry roles.

Nobody Left Behind works with groups of young people who have predominantly been social care service users, and gives support to try and steer them away from dropping into gang culture.

Following a 4-week programme of community sports training with household name sports stars, students move on to work towards gaining GQA's Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety and the GQA green general construction site Labourer’s CSCS card, as well as H&S-related training such as manual handling and traffic marshalling, all accredited through GQA. Civil Engineering Careers, the agency championing the work-related training then facilitates interviews with construction employers who look to offer employment opportunities to programme participants.

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Summer 2022

Commenting on its work with Nobody Left Behind and Civil Engineering Careers, GQA's Technical Officer, Phil Douglas, says: "I noticed posts in my local area in Liverpool for community boxing camps, and having been involved in amateur boxing myself at schoolboy level, and also being a boxing fan, I started to find out more about this project. I reached out to and met with the initiative's team, and it was clear that GQA would be a good fit for the learning element of the programme.

We have rapidly built a good working relationship, and have supported the scheme in its development.

"I'm pleased to be working with the programme and its participants, helping them to benefit from GQAaccredited qualifications, CSCS cards and certificates. In addition, I'm happy to report that GQA and Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice have provided sponsorship support to help the programme get off the ground.

We've donated towards a minibus that the initiative needs to help transport young people from further across the area, and we have been very pleased to be able to help in this small way.

We have also been asked about development into other sectors in which we work.

"I understand that Nobody Left Behind has set itself the challenge of getting 1,000 young people into employment in the next four years, and that's a goal we're honoured to get fully behind. It’s a pleasure to see the sense of achievement on the faces of the young people when they are told they have passed their CSCS card test, and the joy in their voices when they tell their friends "I’m starting work on Monday.” The initiative is a perfect fit with GQA's philosophy of people development."

Barbara Travis, MD of CE Careers who heads up the initiative says: "I am so pleased to have established a relationship with GQA, who support the community initiatives and the education side through a range of accredited courses that help skill young people and give them the best chance of gaining employment.

“As we progress we will be offering multi-sports including boxing, football, rugby, cycling and hiking. We are offering female-only sessions in boxing with the hope of encouraging more girls to look at construction as a potential career choice, and football camps for both boys and girls with ex Liverpool and England footballers.

GQA are a key part of our growth, and a partner that we are immensely happy with as our awarding body.”

Nobody Left Behind is attracting the backing of senior politicians across the Merseyside region, and its aims are a perfect fit with the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan 2021-24. In addition, well-known sports people are using their platforms to raise awareness of how sport can play a key role in the motivation, training and support of young people trying to find their way to employment.

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Gainer, Head of the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership said: “The progression and employment rate through this initiative is way above the national average for courses such as this. I think its success is down to the fact that it has found such a popular way of engaging young people through sport, and that this has worked hand-in-glove with the opportunity to gain training and qualifications that demonstrably lead to work. Having an employer and a specialist in training has been crucial, and it has both raised the bar for other courses and profoundly changed the course of young peoples’ lives.”

More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

Summer 2022

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A Career of Choice The Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry turns over an estimated £4.6 billion per annum, employs tens of thousands of people across over fifty career paths and is a significant contributor to the UK economy. The industry is dynamic and diverse and truly representative of today’s society and its products are the most technically advanced, thermally efficient and environmentally friendly ever.

A qualified and fully trained workforce is a critical part of the industry’s infrastructure, and essential to its ability to manufacture and install the vast range of products sold to consumers.

EXPERT VIEW In this issue we are talking to Mick Clayton, CEO of GQA Qualifications, the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry’s awarding organisation.

GQA writes the qualifications that those employed in the industry undertake to ensure they are competent to do their jobs and are able to deliver the highest standards of workmanship at all times. Their qualifications are delivered through over 200 centres throughout the UK.

Here Mick talks to us about some of the work they are doing to raise standards even further by focussing on the personal and professional development of the industry’s workforce; he talks to us about the incredible range of career options for those looking to join the industry as school or college leavers, or as career changers; and he tells us about some of their non-industry work, an example being a first of its kind qualification they have written in partnership with the European Scouting Federation (British Association) that enables the achievement of badges by the boys and girls involved to be registered as a formal qualification which they can carry with them into their careers as an early years achievement.

“Those who know me know I am passionate about people development.

Being CEO of GQA Qualifications is the perfect platform for me and those who work for the organisation to support people who want to be better at what they do, who want to develop themselves personally and as trades or business men and women. With over 100 industry relevant qualifications and over 50 designated career paths, we truly believe that the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry is a home for everybody, no matter what their skill levels or their career ambitions. So, let me tell you a little more about the 50 career paths that the industry offers, all with the opportunity for training, qualifications and career progression”.

I N D U S T R Y C A R E E R PAT H S “Whether you have children of a school age, at college or university or are in a job yourself and thinking about a change of direction the industry has something for you”.

“There are roles indoors and outdoors and career options whether someone wants to work with their hands or use their academic talents. As I mentioned, all career paths in the industry offer training and support for career development as well as formal qualifications and the other great thing about the industry is that it doesn’t matter where you start. With the right attitude and dedication supported by training and qualifications a person can progress from being a trainee installer to managing their own company or from being a trainee factory operative to becoming factory manager. These are common achievements in our industry, and many of today’s business owners have followed that route. I would encourage everybody to look at the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry as a potential career of choice”.

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WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? If you want to find out more about the vast range of career paths offered by the industry you should visit ‘Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice’. Here you will be able to see the vast range of roles that exist, and by using the simple filter system identify what might be appealing to you. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do, but even knowing whether you want to work inside or outside is enough to narrow down the options so you can see the roles and rewards the industry offers through its careers paths.

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You can visit the site by clicking on this link

https://www.uboom.co.uk/affiliates/building-our-skills-careers-in-fenestration/

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Summer 2022

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the pyramids are the only man made structure on earth deliberately designed with windows and doors?

GQA EQA / Technical Officer Simon Smith carried out a centre visit with Shropshire Fire and Rescue in Telford recently, meeting with the team to discuss their requirements for being able to assess competency in the work environment, and to share their achievements to date.

Development Support Officer Sarah Batho explained: “ The Fire and Rescue National Framework for England outlines the priorities for fire and rescue authorities to develop and maintain a workforce that is professional, resilient, skilled, flexible and diverse.”

“Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is fully committed to developing its employees and will always strive, within financial boundaries, to qualify staff to relevant national occupational standards. There is a pro-active stance from management to ensure that all staff possess the competence they require to fulfil their responsibilities and carry out their duties in ways which support our key service objectives. It is important that this process is carried out to the highest standards and demonstrates equality, fairness and best value. As part of this quality initiative all training, wherever possible, will be designed, delivered and assessed against nationally accredited standard.”

All Shropshire Fire Rescue Service line managers actively assessing must be occupationally competent. This means that each assessor must, according to current sector practise, be competent in the functions covered by the units/ modules they are assessing. All full time personnel carrying out the role of Assessor in line with their role profile, and all support staff assessors must have achieved or be working towards the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment.

Commenting for GQA, Simon Smith said: “This was a great visit, and it is gratifying to work with people who really understand the value of qualifications and the beneficial impact they have on their ability to perform their roles. In this case their roles couldn’t be more important, so it is doubly rewarding.”

Pictured from left to right, Simon Smith (GQA), Paul Gray (Station Manager)

Adam Matthews (Area Manager) Sarah Batho (Centre Coordinator / Assessor / Development Support Officer) Phil Davies (Station Manager and Development Lead IQA) Adrian Taylor (Watch Manager / Trainee Assessor on Blue Watch).

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Ti k To k

Tr e n d s

T H AT C O U L D B O O S T YO U R H O M E ’ S VA LU E BY M O R E THAN £100K From colour blocking to living walls, experts reveal 2022’s biggest home improvement and design trends, and how much value they can add to your home.

• Rated People analysed more than 800,000 home improvement jobs on its platform as well as TikTok, Instagram and Google data to conduct the research • Herringbone floors, outdoor kitchens, living walls, green kitchens and home offices are 2022’s top five most popular trends, collectively adding £28,143 to a property’s value • 60% of UK homeowners plan to recreate at least one of the top 20 trends this year, and if you do all 20, you could increase your home’s value by £105,046

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Rated People analysed more than 800,000 home improvement jobs on its platform as well as TikTok, Instagram and Google data to conduct the research

THE 20 BIGGEST HOME IMPROVEMENT TRENDS IN 2022

Herringbone floors, outdoor kitchens, living walls, green kitchens and home offices are 2022’s top five most popular trends, collectively adding £28,143 to a property’s value

Natural materials, neutral colour palettes and vintage charm are key trends, with living walls, pampas grass décor, flagstone floors and Cottagecore all featuring in the top 20 biggest trends for 2022. But bold is still popular, with dark kitchens, maximalism, and colour blocking also making the top 20 list.

60% of UK homeowners plan to recreate at least one of the top 20 trends this year, and if you do all 20, you could increase your home’s value by £105,046 The findings are taken from the 2022 Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report where researchers analysed TikTok, Instagram and Google data to uncover the 20 biggest home improvement trends in 2022 – they then interviewed more than 2,000 potential property buyers, who revealed how much extra they’d pay for a property if it had each of the trends.

Herringbone floors have clocked up over 72 million views on TikTok as well as almost 100,000 hashtags on Instagram and 40,000 annual UK Google searches. With an overall popularity score of almost 72,500 million, it’s the most popular home improvement trend in the study and buyers would be happy to pay around £5,500 more for a home if it had a herringbone floor in its interior.

Second place outdoor kitchens could add on £5,683, and third place living walls could boost a home’s value by £5,263. When it comes to colour trends, a green kitchen can maximise a property’s value by £5,344, colour blocking can add on £4,776, green walls can increase a property’s sale price by £4,691, and buyers would be prepared to pay an extra £4,498 for a home with a pink bathroom.

The top 20 home improvements that now add the most value to homes: 1. Self-contained annexe - £17,003

HOME IMPROVEMENTS T H AT A D D T H E M O S T VA L U E The study also looked into which home improvements are now the most lucrative if you’re looking to sell, and it shows buyers want their new home to enable new ways of living, so extra space and multifunctional rooms dominate the top 20 home improvements that add the most value in 2022.

A self-contained annexe is an improvement that buyers now value the most, adding over £17,000 to the value of a home. A separate kitchen/diner and lounge are now more preferable to buyers than an open plan, with the separate room configuration adding £12,379, and an open-plan space adding less value to buyers with a £12,103 value increase.

A home gym would add £11,927, an outdoor entertaining area would increase a home’s worth by £11,757 and a garden office room would add £11,648 to a home’s value.

“A self-contained annexe is an improvement that buyers now value the most, adding over £17,000 to the value of a home. A separate kitchen/diner and lounge are now more preferable to buyers than an open plan, with the separate room configuration adding £12,379, and an open-plan space adding less value to buyers with a £12,103 value increase.”

2.

New roof - £15,407

3.

Newly renovated kitchen - £13,877

4.

New orangery/ conservatory £13,611

5.

New windows throughout - £12,784

6.

Separate kitchen/ diner and lounge £12,379

7.

Large open plan space - £12,103

8.

Home gym - £11,927

9.

Newly renovated bathroom - £11,906

10. En-suite bathroom £11,817 11. Outdoor entertaining area - £11,757 12. Landscaped garden £11,741 13. Home office room, in the house - £11,706 14. New driveway £11,706 15. Garden office room £11,648 16. Outdoor kitchen £11,549 17. New porch - £11,015 18. Downstairs toilet £11,000 19. New wooden flooring throughout - £10,896 20. New stone/tiled flooring - £10,876

To read the full 2022 Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report, visit: https://www.ratedpeople.com/blog/home-improvement-trends-report

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Educating the homeowner on ‘plastic’ windows PVC-U is a highly recyclable building material with a Building Research Establishment Green Guide to Specification A and A+ rating for domestic and commercial application.

Rob McGlennon

A new poll reveals almost half of UK homeowners would not purchase home improvement products containing plastics because of concerns about the impact plastic pollution is having on the planet.

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Summer 2022

The findings of the independent survey conducted by leading pollster, YouGov found that 44% of total respondents flatly rejected the prospect of buying home improvements manufactured in ‘plastic’.

A further 27% were unsure and 29% said it would not dissuade them from buying them.

At the same time, of those surveyed, 69% said that windows in their homes were currently manufactured from PVC-U. This compared to 23% for wood, 7% aluminium, 2% other, while 14% of respondents were unsure of material used in the manufacture of the windows installed in their properties.*

When asked if they knew what the abbreviation ‘PVC’ stood for, 54% admitted that they had no idea.

“The results highlight a challenge for the PVC-U window and door industry”, said Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck.

“As a starting point it’s clear that for a lot of UK homeowners, plastic-building products are being tarred with the same broad brush as bottles, bags and other single use plastics.

“The increased awareness about the impact single use plastics are having, is great. For our industry, the fact that this survey reveals that consumers aren’t drawing a line between them and low maintenance, long-life and fully

recyclable plastic building products, is a warning of things to come – unless we act now and start to communicate effectively with the homeowner.”

PVC-U is a highly recyclable building material with a Building Research Establishment Green Guide to Specification A and A+ rating for domestic and commercial application.

This is founded on a recognised Reference Service Life of at least 35-years and that PVC-U can be recycled up to 10 times without impacting on performance.

Deceuninck has invested more than €15million in support of PVC-U recycling in one of the world’s most advanced recycling and compounding facilities.

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This gives it the capability to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year – the equivalent of preventing 3million windows from going to landfill annually.

Use of recycled material also delivering a reduction in CO2 emissions of 90,000 tonnes compared to virgin feedstocks as well as a 90% energy saving.

The Deceuninck commissioned study also found that 63% of UK homeowners surveyed said that they would be more likely to purchase home improvements, which they saw as being more ‘sustainable’** while 38% of said that they would be prepared to pay more for them.

“As we’ve highlighted, the survey isn’t all stick - there’s a lot of carrot their too. People will choose products which they see as more sustainable over those that they don’t, and are prepared to pay more for them”, continued Rob. To read the full white paper report covering the YouGov research on attitudes towards sustainable home improvement products, please call 01249 816969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk. *Commissioned by Deceuninck, research was conducted online by YouGov between the 15th and 16th November 2021, using an online interview administered to the YouGov UK panel of 800,000+ individuals.

A total of 2000 plus interviews were conducted amongst a sample of 18+ UK adults (including Norther Ireland), of which 1,351 were homeowners. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

As well as educating the homeowner about PVC-u windows and doors, and continuing to invest heavily in recycling, Deceuninck’s range of choice is one of the best the industry can offer.

Further survey research undertaken by Deceuninck reveals some homeowner preferences.

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Summer 2022

FLUSH WINDOWS Combining the style of traditional timber windows and doors with modern energy efficiency and security, the Heritage Flush Collection from Deceuninck is the perfect addition to both period and contemporary homes.

What are the most important things to think about when buying new or replacement windows? Energy efficiency, cost and security are all essential elements, but for many homeowners, it is style and choice of colour that is now right at the top of their list.

A YouGov survey, commissioned by leading window and door company, Deceuninck UK, revealed that 75% of homeowners consider choice of colour when looking at new windows, preferring to pick from a palette of greys, creams, blacks and woodgrain effects, rather than stick to plain white.

And while the report highlighted that homeowners are now more likely to opt for a colour when specifying their new windows, it also illustrated an increasing desire for products that offered a more premium aesthetic.

Given the choice between a standard or a flush style PVC casement, 62% of those surveyed by YouGov, stated a preference for the latter.

Deceuninck’s award winning Heritage Flush window combines outstanding aesthetics, with class leading performance. Rated A++ for energy efficiency, it offers exceptional weather performance and is available with either double or triple glazing.

Featuring sleek, slimline frames, it can be specified with high quality, heritage

style hardware, authentic Georgian bar options and traditional timber style joints.

Highly engineered, it features multipoint locking as standard and is tested to meet the rigorous standards of PAS24 for enhanced security.

Deceuninck’s Flush Sash forms part of the company’s Heritage Flush Collection. This includes a matching flush patio door, which has been designed to perfectly compliment the style, security and performance of the flush window.

Both are also compatible with Deceuninck’s market leading range of colours, with 30+ standard options and a further 20 available on special order.

“Our Heritage Flush Collection is the end result of a considerable amount of R&D,” continues Rob. “That’s reflected in the quality and the attention to detail that has gone into both the Flush Window and the Flush Door.

“The fact that both can be suited with our full range of foiled finishes, makes them even more appealing,” he concludes. “From smooth Anthracite Grey for a contemporary, aluminium style finish, to Golden oak for a truly authentic timber effect, there’s a colour to suit any style and any age of property.”

For more information call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

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MAKING FENESTRATION, GLASS AND GLAZING A CAREER OF CHOICE The Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry is dynamic and diverse, it truly represents the society we live in, it is a home for everybody no matter what your background, skills or career ambitions.

Whether you are of school age and currently deciding to attend college or university, or you are in a job already and thinking about a change of direction, this industry has something for you.

There are roles indoors and outdoors and career options whether you want to work with your hands or use your academic talents.

With the right attitude and dedication supported by training and qualifications, you can progress from being a trainee installer to managing your own company or from being a trainee factory operative to becoming factory manager. These are common achievements in the industry.

All career paths in this industry offer training and support for career development as well as formal qualifications, and the really great thing? It doesn’t matter where you start!

Here are but a few career paths within the fenestration, glass and glazing industry: • Window & Door Installer

• Curtain Walling Surveyors & Installers

• Manager Positions • Surveyor’s

• Trade Counter Operatives & Managers

• Technical Service Engineers

• Regional Branch Managers

For more information visit:

• Customer Services • Marketing Assistants & Managers • Machinery Operatives, Maintenance & Engineers

https://www.uboom.co.uk/affiliates/building-our-skills-careers-in-fenestration/

Already working and looking to enhance your skills with qualifications within this sector? Get started today, visit: www.gqaqualifications.com.

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EXTENDING & R E N O VAT I N G YO U R HOME In this edition we cover some truly beautiful and exquisite home renovations. Be inspired by homeowners who have transformed their properties into forever homes. Get into shape and colour and explore steel windows with Crittall and glide your carbon footprint down with Dutemann’s ‘building regs ready’ sliding doors.

Click here to go back to contents

The following section covers...

• Five day total home transformation • Transform your space with Korniche bifold doors and roof lanterns

• Create an entertaining space, all year round • Solid roofs to help deliver the wow factor, from Icotherm Summer 2022

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The perfect

S

P A

C

for entertaining all year round 28

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E

On sunny summer days this Buckinghamshire home can be opened up to the garden to create one large entertaining space, perfect for this family that loves to socialise.

Albino and his family were keen to create the perfect space to entertain guests and family. “I’m Italian, so when we have family get-togethers there are at least 20 people! We wanted to entertain, host parties and have friends over for dinner using both the indoor and outdoor spaces really easily”.

The solution was to build a flexible extension with all the living and entertaining space the family was looking for – including easy access to the garden.

Albino did a lot of the research into the products and systems to be used in this project. He visited the Schüco showroom in Milton Keynes to take a look at what the company had to offer – and liked what he saw.

When Thomas Charles Grant Ltd, Albino’s chosen fabricator for the project, told him that he is a licensed Schüco partner and recommended Schüco, Albino already knew he liked the products.

“I was looking for aluminium windows and sliding door systems. Schüco just seemed to tick all the boxes in terms of both quality and design. After looking at reviews of previous projects Thomas Charles Grant had completed, I was convinced Tom and his team were the right fit for the job. I’m really happy with my choices as everything looks amazing!”

“I’m really happy with my choices as everything looks amazing!”

Photography: John Selby

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After talking with Tom in more detail and finding out what possibilities Schüco products and systems could unlock, Albino booked another appointment at the showroom to help decide which sliding door system to choose.

He decided to go for the ASS 70.HI lift-and-slide system for the back of the house. He also chose the ASS 70 FD bi-fold door system and the AWS 70 SC window system for other parts of the house.

One of the reasons Albino chose the Schüco ASS 70.HI lift-andslide system is that it is available in very large sizes, and the high quality design and precision engineering means that despite the weight of the doors they can be lifted effortlessly simply by turning the handle, and glide smoothly open.

“One of the main reasons we started this project was to make our lives more sociable by giving us a space to entertain guests.

The large Schüco lift-and-slide doors play a really important role in enabling this at all times of year.

“We’ve now had a few parties and barbecues and everyone has been very impressed, especially in summer when it’s all opened up. I would definitely use Schüco again. It’s been two years and we’ve had no issues whatsoever, which I think is a real sign of quality”.

There are further plans in the pipeline too, as Albino intends to renovate the façade of their home: a project which will include seven more Schüco windows.

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Photography: John Selby

Photography: John Selby

If you’re interested in finding out what Schüco products and systems can do for your home find your local Schüco partner here: www.schueco.uk/view, call 01908 282 111 or email mkinfobox@schueco.com.

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transform your space with Korniche

Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Visit Korniche London ExCeL th nd Sept 30 - Oct 2 E112

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a brighter home

multi-award winning roof lanterns and bi-folding doors

www.korniche.co.uk Summer 2022

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e x q u i s i t e R E N O VAT I O N When Mr and Mrs Clarke from Todwick, Sheffield, decided to upgrade their home, they turned to Global Windows. In just five days, the double glazing specialists had transformed the house with new windows, three French doors, and a unique mushroom coloured composite entrance door. Managing Director Liam Hulme shares the details…

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While this home already boasted many stunning features, the owners wanted an upgrade on the old wooden windows, and after consulting with the Global Windows team, it was decided that uPVC was the best replacement option, offering both energy efficiency and a brighter colour to the property overall.

Installing these windows did not take away from the overall aesthetic of the home, retaining its classic character while also increasing thermal efficiency and security.

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THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME

For this project, the Global Windows team installed 25 cream on white uPVC casement windows, all of which were double glazed and internally beaded with Ogee beads, offering extra security, and a lighter, brighter, and noticeably more energy efficient living space.

With so many products to install into an old stone property, this was quite a challenging undertaking for the Global Windows team, but as always, they worked hard, came up with solutions to challenges, and delivered a final product that both the team and the customer were happy with.

These windows are also fitted with high-security multi-point locking systems and auto lock handles with a key locking facility, offering complete peace of mind to the homeowner. In addition, three uPVC French doors were installed, providing wide access to the inside of the home, while seamlessly connecting with outside spaces.

The skilled team pushed themselves and all did their best to get this project done successfully, even scooping a prestigious GGP Installer Award for their efforts.

Not only do Global Windows’ French doors meet stringent security standards thanks to 3-star anti-snap cylinder locks as standard, but they are also ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency thanks to a pro-active multi-chambered structure and 28mm Planithem argon gas filled sealed units, significantly reducing the homeowners’ energy bills.

The Global Windows team also installed a uPVC door to the home, constructed with some of the best security features available on the market, as well as a composite door with a cream frame and mushroom coloured slab – a timeless shade that provided a neutral yet interesting and unique aesthetic to the home.

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Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the awards celebrate the hard work of the UK’s very best window, door and conservatory installation companies, both in residential and commercial sectors.

Mr and Mrs Clarke were delighted with the final outcome, and complimented both the workmanship as well as the friendly and efficient team.

The Global Windows team enjoyed working on this stunning property, allowing for more brightness and energy efficiency, and helping to transform its aesthetic throughout.

PROJECT OVERVIEW Build location: Todwick, Sheffield Installer: Global Windows Build details: Installing 25 uPVC casement windows and 3 uPVC French doors, as well as a uPVC door and a composite door.

Cost of installation: £20,000 Build time from start to finish: Five days Customer name: Mr and Mrs Clarke Customer comment: “We are very happy with the transformation of our home. The Global Windows team were friendly, hardworking and efficient, and nothing was too much trouble for them.”

sales@global-windows.co.uk www.global-windows.co.uk

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A D D VA LU E TO YO U R P R O P E R T Y

ask for

by name

In the last 2 to 3 years the home improvement market has experienced a surge in interest in conservatory upgrades, in favour of installing roofs that would allow the use of the room all year round.

As that demand has grown, so have the product options offered to homeowners, which broadly come in 2 types: a solid roof offering, which is a

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complete replacement, and a clad over – or wrap around, where additional tiles and / or insulation are added to the existing roof.

Choosing between options can be mind-boggling, particularly when your priorities lay between value and efficiency.

As a homeowner ask yourself the following: • Do I want to add value to my property and help sell my house in future?.

• Do I want the best performance?

• Am I doing this as a quick fix or for the long-term?

• Is structural integrity important to me?

DO I GET ADDED VA L U E A N D W I L L MY HOUSE SELL I F I H AV E I T I N S TA L L E D ?

It will come as no surprise to be told that a standard conservatory adds limited value to a property. Generally difficult to heat or keep cool you either use it only occasionally or spend a lot of money trying to make it more usable.

On the other hand, a room with a “solid” roof, tiled, insulated, compliant with building standard requirements, will transform it into a proper room, with a traditional timber roof construction. And it will save you on heating costs!

So when it comes to selling your property, don’t be the homeowner that opted for an Icotherm roof AFTER they had originally been sold a clad-over, only to be told by the surveyor that they would not been able to sell their house. Why did that happen? Many cladovers keep the full existing roof structure and glazing underneath, effectively hiding it all with tiles on top and quick to install insulation.

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P E R F O R M A N C E , W H AT S H O U L D I BE LOOKING FOR?

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

Insulation A better insulated room will likely be one of the main reasons you are considering changing your roof. Most manufacturers will publish their U-Value (the measurement unit used to indicate how good something is at insulating). The lower the better. Icotherm roofs are specified at 0.16, whilst other are at 0.18. still good of course, but not as good. Icotherm will also manufacture for the Scottish market which required a lower U-value (0.12)

Cladovers and roofs cut on site by builders (vs sourced from a specialist manufacturer) do not have the benefit of being already building control compliant

Ventilation All roofs need ventilation (just check your own house roof) to allow air to circulate.

The only way to have proper circulation is to ensure the air comes in, and out again (using a chimney effect). Icotherm’s pitched roofs are specifically designed to permit this.

Doesn’t ventilation just mean draught? A correctly ventilated solid roof will allow air circulation where it matters the most: well away from the room it sits on top of, right under the tiles and above the insulation.

No condensation One of the main reasons for ventilation is to remove any risk of condensation.

Atmospheric gas turns into droplets of liquid when faced with sudden changes of temperature (something as simple as temperatures dropping in the evening). This is called interstitial condensation. Ventilation, by circulating the air, will prevent a build of damp.

So to make sure your selected solid roof will not create interstitial condensation: Ask your installer if there is suitable ventilation, that the design will stop cold bridging and prevent warm air from reaching the rafter and that there is a vapour barrier to stop the room’s atmosphere from entering the roof cavity

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Reputable roof systems companies like Icotherm have had their designs tested for structural integrity, condensation risk, insulation performance, making it easier to obtain building control approval. This will mean that all roofs are constructed following clear specification guidelines, and offer you, the homeowner with the reassurance you need.

Cladovers by their very nature (various components added to the structure) do not have their own calculations as they rely on an already existing roof.

That roof will not have been designed to take the added weight, and was most definitely not designed to be encapsulated in insulation and tiles.

Create a room that you can use all year-round

The solid roof company For conservatory roof replacements or new single storey extensions

Eco-friendly timber

Thermally efficient

Fully ventilated

Sustainably sourced timber, making for the ultimate green building solution.

The Icotherm roof helps maintain optimum temperature in the room, protecting from the summer heat and retaining warmth in winter.

Unique timber pod construction which speeds up installation and the roof is fully ventilated to prevent condensation.

To find an installer near you, email us on info@icotherm.co.uk Summer 2022

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The Homeowners

C H O I C E In today’s society there is a wealth of choice when it comes to new windows and doors. There is one thing for certain, whether you are extending your home or building from scratch, The Bi-Fold Network has a product range to meet your needs.

GET YOUR GARDEN SUMMER READY WITH B E A U T I F U L B I - F O L D I N G & PAT I O D O O R S Bi-Folding doors are a contemporary update for any home due to the fact that they can extend the feeling of outdoor living and provide an uninterrupted view of the garden. It’s a great way to bring more light into your home!

Available in a range of opening configurations to suit any application, Visofold doors can be folded internally or externally and with the opening at the side (so the sashes all fold one way), at one end (to create a single entrance door) or in the middle (to give the option of a double door).

Visofold’s flexibility makes it the ideal choice for projects where large, uninterrupted openings are required, with the system providing maximum light and space to give unimpeded views. The highly-versatile, easy-to-operate system is the perfect option for even the largest project, capable of opening up an entire wall, yet presenting a contemporary, elegant glazed façade when closed.

Sliding doors also provide maximum light and afford the most unobstructed views of any system when closed and with a wide range of systems and options, you can select and tailor a door system to exactly meet your own specific requirements.

With a choice of frame sizes, sliding formats wether two, three or four pane systems, together with a choice of highquality hardware and a wide range of colour options, the slim lines of these elegant doors make them the perfect solution for any home.

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A D D I N G K E R B A P P E A L - A D D I N G VA L U E T O Y O U R H O M E The handsome range of entrance doors, available from The Bifold Network, will impress your guests and keep out both the elements and unwelcome intruders. Alitherm doors are designed for use as open out or open in, single or double doors, internally or externally beaded with side-light and low threshold options.

Elegant, yet strong and durable Alitherm doors enhance the beauty of your home, keep in the warmth and let in more light because of the slim sightlines. Peace of mind is ensured by the enhanced security provided by a multi-point locking system.

C O N T E M P O R A R Y, M O D E R N O R T R A D I T I O N A L PROPERTY? NEW WINDOWS IN A RANGE OF STYLES Alitherm Heritage provides the ideal solution for heritage applications such as listed building renovations and large scale replica-refurbishment projects where planning constraints are to be considered.

The Alitherm Heritage window is designed to be built as a series of horizontal modules which can be stacked using horizontal couplers to form a multi-part window featuring a specially design drip bar between modules.

Contact us today to find a local installer or call us for a friendly, no obligation chat. www.bifoldnetwork.com Email us to find your local installer: info@bifoldnetwork.com If you would like further help please call our friendly staff on 0114 231 3133

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Bifold Network is one of the UK’s leading trade suppliers of Smarts aluminium bi-folding, patio, entrance doors and windows. The team at Bifold Network will help you from start to finish with your project, supplying products and fitting teams, throughout the UK.

Homeowners CHOICE

W E O F F E R A F R E E , N O O B L I G AT I O N C O N S U LTAT I O N & Q U O T E S E R V I C E

We offer a wealth of choice when it comes to your new windows and doors. Building from scratch? Renovating? New Extension?

- The Bi-Fold Network has a product range to meet your needs Our Product Range: • Bifold Doors

• Patio Doors

• Windows & Entrance Doors

• Conservatories & Orangeries

• Lantern Roofs

• Garden Rooms

• Heritage Windows & Doors

We have a local installer near you! Email us: info@bifoldnetwork.com To find out more simply email or give us a call on 0114 231 3133

www.bifoldnetwork.com Summer 2022

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G E T I N T O S H A P E A N D C O L O U R The retro look of steel windows, doors and screens is very much ‘in’. Crittall says they don’t have to be just rectangular and white…

Interior designers and home decor influencers say retro naturalistic greens, bright colours, skyblues, purple-blue hues, vibrant yellows, sultry black will make up the colour palette for chic home-owners this year.

The trend is for home-owners to be more adventurous in the shapes of windows and door styles too. As the ‘eyes’ of your home they deserve the attention - adding a deft touch of flair highlights your individuality and gives your home a unique characteristic style - that’s you.

SHAPE-UP Curves and rounded shapes are back – and authenticity and hand-crafted products are the hip buzz words. So, if you’re considering a new look, a window, external door, internal screen do not have to be the ubiquitous rectangular shape in white or black.

On-trend are steel-framed windows and external doors with arches and sweeping curves. Get inspired – think outside the box. You may want to make a style statement or maximise the view from your property with a sweeping panoramic style window or bring the outside in – the solutions are there. For example, floor to ceiling and ‘wideview’ window options and Sixties-style picture windows are making a comeback.

Echo the past with gothic and lancet shape windows or heritage style oriel bay and bow windows, ‘bulls-eye’ panes and rondels. Or capture the essence of the 1920s with Art Deco porthole style windows.

Go for bigger round, oval or even diamond shape steel windows for impact.

Internally, consider a dramatic steel screen set with different sized colour glass panes – reds, greens, blues – clear, opaque, or textured panes – squares, rectangles to create a

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wonderful talking point. Or introduce a brightly coloured glass motif like a flower in to an interior or external porthole window for elegance.

An exterior arched steel window and doors create that wow factor; image courtesy of Squib Photography / Three Spires Glass

SHOW YOUR COLOURS Russell Ager, managing director at Crittall Windows, pioneers of steel frame window manufacture for 160 years, says: “These days, you can colour-match almost everything in the home – décor, furnishings, appliances – even your window frames – inside and out.

“With the modern take on the ‘retro look’ now very much the vogue, steel windows are enjoying a big resurgence in popularity in homes including luxury minimalist warehouse apartments.

Adding that savvy splash of colour will ensure an even bigger wow factor.

“A wide choice of 46 standard – as well as custom-made – colours meets individual needs. There’s also a dual colour option.

“For impact, try a bold or a darker colour on the outside and a neutral/ white finish on the inside to match/ blend-in with the interior décor. They are available in any RAL or BS colour.

An interior steel window with vibrant colours makes a big impact; image courtesy of Metwin

“Crittall’s legacy of shaping and influencing design and heritage of delivering excellence can be seen worldwide. We have our imitators, but the style and quality of authentic Crittall products are never matched. Tailor-made to meet almost any individual requirement – shape or colour – steel windows, doors and Innervision screens are designed and fabricated to last a lifetime.”

The slim ‘timeless’ frames and sight-lines, the graceful elegance offered by steel windows, present a light delicate feel inside and out, giving consistency of design.

A welcome sense of airiness and space is created.

While for that minimalist look, there are most attractive grey, white and black options.

Every Crittall window, door and internal screen is made from high grade, recycled steel. Hot dip galvanized, means they are virtually maintenance free. Polyester powder coated, they also have a consistent, even, coating, not requiring redecoration for 25 – 30 years. An extensive range of classic and luxury hardware is available to complement your look.

A unique blend of precision machining and hand-crafted finishing for every bespoke product ensures style, elegance and value, whether your project is newbuild or renovation of an existing property.

w: www.crittall-windows.co.uk t: 01376 530800 e: hq@crittall-windows.co.uk Crittall® and InnerVision® are registered trademarks.

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S T U N N I N G

sliding doors to glide your carbon footprint down Dutemänn Glide-S is the next generation of sliding doors, boasting industry leading thermal insulation, a smooth lift and glide mechanism and maximum glass area. With impressive maximum height and width options Dutemänn Glide challenges traditional preconceptions of sliding doors.

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Glide-S easily meets the requirements of the 2022 building regulations, which aims to limit your carbon footprint.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency – i.e. thermal performance can be enhanced by your choice of glass. With Dutemänn Glide-S you can choose double or triple glazed units, up to 55mm thick should noise reduction be an important factor.

Dutemänn Glide-S with its 38mm sightline is the most technically advanced lift and slide door available in the UK. This extraordinary door can carry up to 400kgs per moving glass panel. So you, the home owner, can order a two panel door, that can exceed 6 Metres in width and lose just 38mm of glass.

Dutemänn Glide-S allows you to enjoy your full vista! Whilst ensuring superb protection from the worst of our English weather and securing your property to the latest standards.

Unlike some ‘other’ slim systems, Glide-S is easily reglazed.

If your glass is ever damaged, ‘you can simply change the pane not the frame’.

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Supplied through its nationwide network of approved installers Dutemänn is renowned within the industry as the best trade supplier.

Dutemänn are at the forefront of any upgrades, whether it’s for a new build property, extension or refurbishment. The latest developments in sliding and bifold doors means you can now have less panels and more glass.

When it comes to insulation, you’re covered. Keep your ‘heat in’ and the ‘cold out’ with a combination of state of the art thermally broken aluminium profiles and modern glass technology that reflects cold out and heat in. The complete range of Dutemänn doors can be either double or super insulated with triple glazing, just speak to your approved

installer for their professional advise (Dutemänn can put you in touch with an approved installer near you).

Dutemänn’s products not only meet but exceed security standards; meaning you can rest assured that not only are their doors highly functional, allowing light to fill the spaces, but they are also very secure. Dutemänn test to the highest security standards in the UK, PAS24-2016. So when ordering your door, insist your Dutemänn approved installer has a certificate of proof to hand.

You can personalise your doors using a choice of hundreds of RAL colours, however Dutemänn have taken time to stock the top six colours used in the UK for Schuco Bifold and Haus doors and three stocked colours for our Glide-S.

Dutemanns website is available for you to view the full range, including the stunning Glide-S, the Schuco ASS70FD bifold and the high performance aluminium HAUS entrance door systems. You can now visit www.dutemann.co.uk to view the range in the comfort of your own home and be inspired by some really aspirational photography.

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DUTEMÄNN inspiring spaces

GLIDE-S Exceptional Security Features More Glass, Less Frame Flush Threshold Option

10 Year Guarantee

www.dutemann.co.uk sales@dutemann.co.uk

01322 771213

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Transform your space with Korniche

Industry leading aluminium glazing solutions. Designed and engineering for your home extension and self build projects

roof lanterns bi-folding doors

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DESIGNED BRIGHTER

Stronger

Slimmer

Warmer

Easy Install

Ask your builder or specifier about the multi-award-winning Korniche aluminium roof lantern and bi-folding doors

www.korniche.co.uk Summer 2022

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resurgence Why Choose Resurgence?

Resurgence is the Flush Sash window for the 21st Century, with the charm of a traditional timber window and all the benefits of modern energy efficiency.

A fully mechanically jointed ‘timber alternative’ PVCu window which has successfully passed BSI security testing (PAS24 and Secured by Design)!

A + rated windows with a 10 year mechanical warranty on friction stays, window handles and Sentinel easy fit locking mechanism.

A stunning looking window that homeowners across the UK love, available in a range of classic or modern foiled colours Click here for a no obligation quote and to find a Signature Approved Installer near you.

Approved Homeowner Warranty

E: sales@thesignaturecollections.com W: www.thesignaturecollections.com

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GARDENS & EXTERIORS The sun is out and the smell of BBQ’s are wafting through our windows, which can only mean one thing - it’s time to renovate our outdoor spaces so we can enjoy the summer months!

Our Celebrity Feature this month is with David Domoney, who shows us how to get our garden Summer ready and we also feature an article which show’s you how to cut energy bills with cladding. Outdoor lighting, tips to avoid lighting mistakes in the garden and we reveal what Brits dislike the most about gardening!

Click here to go back to contents

The following section covers...

• Insulated cladding which cuts energy bills with Freefoam • The Outdoor Living Pod, built to order and installed in less than 8 weeks, from Caribbean Blinds

• Summer ready garden tips • Garden maintenance and outdoor lighting

Summer 2022

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L E D VA N C E R E VA M P S O U T D O O R D É C O R L I G H T I N G O P T I O N S WITH NEW ENDURA RANGE

LEDVANCE is launching a new range of stylish, robust outdoor luminaires. With a multitude of design and mounting options, the ENDURA range offers exciting illuminations for outdoor projects and garden installations, ideal for creating a relaxing night-time atmosphere or security conscious space.

The range includes a selection of contemporary LED lanterns based on high-quality aluminium, with high energy efficiency. One option, The ENDURA STYLE Lantern Modern, provides a wall-mounted luminaire and bollard lantern available in two heights, and IP44 protection class makes these luminaires fully protected from splashes.

The new ENDURA luminaire range combines elegant designs with high-efficiency and easy mounting to create ideal outdoor spaces.

The range also offers mobile wall and bollard luminaires for spot lighting solutions. The ENDURA STYLE Midi Spot is a flexible outdoor wall LED spotlight with adjustable luminaire heads, allowing for choice between single or dual-lamp spotlights. In addition, ENDURA STYLE Mini Spots are flexible miniatures that light up a balcony, wall or terrace with warm white lighting. They can be rotated full 340 degrees on their own axis for full design creativity. Frosted or clear glass hemispheres, with 180 degree swivel, provide further options.

Stainless steel luminaires in the range include the ENDURA STYLE Mini Cylinder, a stylish and elegant fixture for indirect pathway lighting.

These are also available as elegant wall and bollard luminaires.

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The range also features an exciting choice of decorative luminaires. For example, the ENDURA Wall, with a luminance of up to 2,000 lux, can be adjusted to daylight and motion detection with an optional sensor, detecting motion within three to six meters. In addition, the ENDURA STYLE Wall Square and Wall Round are characterised by minimalist design and high light intensity. They can be installed with programmable sensors to come on when someone approaches to provide an alert for security purposes and enabling visitors to see when dark. The exquisite ENDURA Wall Loop with brushed aluminium casing and unusual light ring is an elegant, round luminaire with a sensor that can also be programmed with ease.

For outdoor designs with limited space, the ENDURA STYLE Ball offers an impressive light intensity of 1,030 lumens. Its simple and low-key design blends harmoniously with any architecture and, with a daylight and motion sensor, only radiates its full power when needed. Additional products in the range include Surface that radiates uniform white light when needed, UpDown that casts light in two directions, Ellipse with an exceptional shape and chic design, Ring and Square offering a trendy white or dark grey modern look, and Wall Wide sensor luminaires with DIP switch to select both the threshold and holding time of the light, for a flexible welcoming wall illumination.

LEDVANCE lighting solutions come in environmentally friendly cardboard packaging with all relevant product information immediately visible on the outside of the box.

Tel: 01925 46 50 00 Email: csc.uk@ledvance.com Web: www.ledvance.co.uk

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enhance y o u r h o m e ’s kerb appeal

A D D A N I N S TA N T W O W FA C TO R – A N D G A I N PEACE OF MIND WITH THE UTMOST SECURITY There are many good reasons why it makes sense to keep up the look of the outside of your home. Not least because it could add value to your property and add extra security to your home.

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A FINE SELECTION OF CONTEMPORARY TO TRADITIONAL COMPOSITE DOORS The Signature Collection are delighted to introduce The Lakes Collection of Composite Doors. With elegant door designs and gorgeous colour options “The Lakes Collection”, is an easy to mix and match range of doors allowing you to create your very own bespoke style.

H I G H S E C U R I T Y, S O L I D C O M P O S I T E D O O R S The Lakes Collection SOLID CORE door is made from sixteen layers of laminated veneered timber called Kerto®. This ensures the grain is not running in one direction. The grain direction can sometimes be a weak point of timber and can lead to warping, or splitting. By using a specially orientated layup of sixteen veneers, the grain is running in multiple directions ensuring the Kerto® core has significantly increased strength, rigidity, and vastly improved security. Bonded to this are two robust coloured PVCu skins that offer a realistic wood grain effect or smooth finish in a range of colours.

Strong, Secure and Beautiful.

E: sales@thesignaturecollections.com W: www.thesignaturecollections.com

Nationwide Installer Network Summer 2022

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S U M M E R

T I M E

garden ready The sun is out and the smell of BBQ’s are wafting through our windows, which can only mean one thing - it’s time to renovate our outdoor spaces so we can enjoy the summer months!

Need a helping hand on where to start? Experts at leading carpet and flooring retailer Tapi have revealed six top tips so everyone can enjoy an inviting garden this summer.

1 ARTIFICIAL GRASS Want to enjoy a perfect lawn throughout summer and beyond? Artificial grass is a brilliant choice for you. You’ll find it much easier to maintain and clean, giving you the look of real grass without the hassle. Garden size also isn’t an issue, so you shouldn’t come across any hiccups when finding the right product for you.

Like anything, artificial grass still needs a little TLC. The easiest way to keep your artificial grass in tiptop condition is to brush it weekly. Organic matter such as dust, leaves and other debris can become lodged between the fibres, and over time this will decompose and form soil. This can lead to drainage problems and damage to the fibres or the latex backing. When it comes to deep cleaning, every four weeks or so should be fine.

2 CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER What better way to kick off the summer than clearing out any mess, junk, or misplaced bits in the garden before BBQ season?

Create a clean slate by weeding, composting (or reviving) any dying plants, and throwing away or moving any junk or clutter to the shed. Attention to detail when cleaning never goes unnoticed, so take out the trowel and scrape the moss out from in between paving and tiles to really give it that finishing touch. If you have one, a pressure washer will do a thorough job at cleaning out any cracks and corners in need of a refreshing.

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3 CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANTS AND FLOWERS FOR YOU When it comes to gardening, it’s important to choose the right plants and flowers for you. that will see you throughout summer. Evergreen shrubs keep their leaves all year round and are a must in any garden. Griselinia is a great, lowmaintenance option, and can be grown against a wall, or as an evergreen hedge. Other examples include Choisya (Mexican orange blossom) and bay (Laurus nobilis).

When it comes to flowers, there are a few flowers that bloom all summer long, such as Alliums, sweet peas, echinacea, dahlias, delphiniums and hydrangea.

4 D E C O R AT E Y O U R S PA C E USING PLANTERS Patio pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes are an easy way to add colour and flowers to your garden, keeping it looking colourful and bright for summer and attracting gorgeous wildlife. You can mix and match pots and planters or stack pots onto shelves if you’re low on space. A top tip for easy plant care is to choose smaller plants and pots rather than large ones as they need less TLC but still look gorgeous.

5 C R E AT E S U M M E R T I M E AMBIENCE Once you’ve created the perfect green space to enjoy, you’re going to want to share it with friends and family. Adding waterproof, outdoor lighting not only creates a wonderful, cosy aesthetic, but it also means that friends and family gatherings can be enjoyed well into the night as your space will be warmly lit. Solar powered lights are not only better for the environment but are a great choice to save some money too.

6 BRING THE INSIDE OUT! On those warm summer afternoons, bring the comfort of the living room outside with outdoor sofas and rugs. This adds an element of cosiness that generic picnic furniture just can’t replicate! Perfect for entertaining guests, doing this means that nobody is sitting on an uncomfortable plastic chair, and you’ll have an inviting patio space that everyone will want to laze in. Outdoor furniture is also generally easy to clean, so consider a couple of outdoor sofas, cushions, and a rug to tie the space together.

To browse Tapi’s artificial grass collection visit: www.tapi.co.uk/artificial-grass To find out more on how to care for it visit: www.tapi.co.uk/artificial-grass/artificialgrass-buying-guide Summer 2022

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Insulated cladding cuts homeowners’ energy bills

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New research confirms that UK housing is among the oldest, leakiest, and worst in Europe for energy efficiency. The Green Living Index, which researched the thermal efficiency of homes in 28 countries, found that the UK ranked 23 out of 28 European countries.

To improve the energy performance of our homes – and put a dent in rising bills – there are lots of measures that homeowners could consider, such as upgrading their heating system or installing solar panels.

But these are all very costly, and unless the fabric of the building is well insulated and draught-free, their potential impact will not be fully realised.

DID YOU KNOW?

Poorly insulated homes could be spending an extra £246 a year on their gas bills.

And that’s before the energy cap rises again.

Here is where cladding comes into its own.

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CUT YOUR FUEL BILLS! PVC cladding is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to transform the appearance of the outside of their property, or to cover a feature which is too costly to remove or replace, such as hanging tiles or pebble-dashing.

While most homeowners choose it for its aesthetic affect, cladding when paired with non-combustible mineral wool insulation, weatherboarding installations achieve an A+ rating from the BRE. Cladding and non-combustible insulation installations are suitable for a variety of building envelopes, including brick, block, masonry, and concrete. For older prefirst world war homes with solid walls, the energy savings are very impressive, with figures from the Energy Saving Trust estimating the potential savings to be £650 a year for a detached property.

As well as providing an insulating layer to keep a home’s heat in for longer, there are many other ways that cladding benefits the homeowner too. It is a barrier for any cracks or gaps in the brickwork to reduce draughts and make the living areas cosier. It will improve the weatherproofing of the brickwork to reduce maintenance costs and help protect walls to increase their lifespan. It can reduce condensation and damp, and, as it’s applied to the outside of the property, there is no loss of floorspace and there’s little disruption to the homeowners.

To ensure homeowners have the widest possible choice, all Freefoam cladding boards can be fitted with standard insulation. This includes our popular single Shiplap range, available in white and smooth woodgrain finishes, and our Fortex® range that has an attractive embossed wood effect finish for both Double Shiplap and Weatherboard in an array of colours including on-trend greys. The Freefoam range is completed with the X-Wood cladding range, a 16mm premium grade solution made from durable composite board.

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B U T D O N ’ T TA K E OUR WORD FOR IT Glen Young runs a home improvement company in Berkshire. He fits fascias, soffits, guttering and, most recently, Freefoam cladding.

Glen says: “It definitely improves energy efficiency to put in the insulation with the cladding. When I’m surveying a house, I can often actually touch the back of the plasterboard when removing old render, cladding, or hanging tiles. So adding insulation behind the cladding makes sense.

“I had a customer who had cladding with insulation fitted at the front and back of his house and it saved him 30% on his heating bill! Cladding with insulation changed his house and bills.”

Visit mycladding.com to find out more.

Get a quick quote from a local Freefoam cladding installer.

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David Domoney

GET GARDEN SET

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FOR SUMMER! He’s broken records with his busy green fingers, and garnered awards and accolades galore, including over 30 Royal Horticultural Society medals and an ‘Excellence in Horticulture’ Award from HRH Prince Edward.

Angela Sara West chats exclusively with TV gardening expert David Domoney re. reviving The Great British Rose, going potty for fruit, the power of alfresco water and how to bring the ‘wow’ to our green spaces this summer season.

Lifelong gardener David Domoney caught the gardening bug as a very young boy. “Growing up, getting outside was an incredibly important part of my childhood. I had many friends who I’d play with at the local parks, and we’d make dens in trees, collect conkers for conker fights and use our imaginations to run wild…” he tells me.

But with the introduction of the tech takeover, those idyllic, imagination-fuelled salad days seem to, sadly, now be a thing of the past for many. “Back then, there wasn’t the technology of mobile ‘phones or tablets, so you made your own entertainment, with your own imagination and friends.”

GROWING A GARDEN BUSINESS That outdoor play of childhood planted the seed for the budding gardener’s future vocation, who says finding a career that kept him outside and engaged with nature was extremely important. “Having a job when you were a teenager was a status symbol – finding one was harder, plus unsociable hours and a heavy sack of papers…”

But cutting it big time it in the gardening stakes, stemming from his creative roots, this now-famous TV gardener came up with a great green-fingered plan… Germinating and propagating his profession, David began by cutting pensioners’ lawns and helping to keep their gardens tidy.

“I earned quite a bit of money doing it, and the people I was cutting and maintaining for would appreciate the work and also reward me with homemade cake, which was a bonus!”

CELEBRITY GARDEN MAKEOVERS & H O R T I C U LT U R A L HEROES When it comes to weeding out his gardening icons, his mum and dad take the trophy. “I look for every opportunity and my father always taught me about hard work and achieving your dreams by determination and belief. So, I suppose my gardening heroes are my parents. They both encouraged me and gave me a space in the garden itself.”

“If I were to team up with anyone for a garden-related show it’d be my dad or my children, because I believe gardening is a great way of pulling families together in a shared hobby.”

His blooming small business flourished exponentially, seeing David successfully branch out in other areas of gardening, including retail and TV, where he has become Alan Titchmarsh’s much-loved sidekick and a household name.

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MAKING THE CUT Having acclimatised to fame, David’s Pinterest page now rakes in more visitors per month than that of the RHS, while his Facebook page boasts more than that of BBC’s ‘Gardeners’ World Live’!

How does it feel to clinch these coveted crowns? “I have a very good team in the office at Domoney Ltd, where we work together on a variety of different events, and we wish to give free information that’s easily accessible to everyone.

I host regular Facebook Live shows and invest in time to share images and content to inspire people to connect with nature.”

Whatever’s earthed up, he’s able to immediately adapt and evolve. “I’m very fortunate, because the BBC has boardrooms and the RHS has committees, but I work very closely in a tight team. We can make a decision and make it happen in moments,” he reveals. “In this fast world of technology, that type of flexibility and spontaneity has put us ahead of the pack where we’re punching well above our weight in social media than big organisations like the BBC and the RHS.”

GIVING BACK TO GARDENING Alongside his ambassadorial role for the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, this hard-working horticulturalist was a serving RHS Commercial Board Member.

“I’ve always believed that if you’re working within an industry that you’re passionate about, that you must give something back. I spent over a decade of my life volunteering and sitting on the RHS Commercial Board and promoting horticulture as a career through the Institute of Horticulture. I’ve also supported horticultural education through the London Colleges of Horticulture at Capel Manor and working with Birmingham Botanical Gardens.”

LOVING WEEKENDS WORKING WITH ALAN The small-screen star enjoys working alongside national treasure Alan Titchmarsh on Britain’s most-watched gardening TV show ‘Love Your Garden’, as well as on ‘Love Your Weekend’.

“The best thing about Alan and I working together is that we are both educated horticulturalists and experts in gardening, presenting with the same interest and passion,” he tells me. “The whole garden team works together and there is a marvellous atmosphere… bear in mind that we’ve been working together for over 15 years…!”

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GARDENING MOMENTS ON THIS MORNING He also presents his own inspiring segment on ITV’s ‘This Morning’. What does David love most about being part of the much-admired ‘This Morning’ family?

“I suppose, for me, it’s the history of it, because I’ve been involved in the show for well over a decade and seen so many changes within the show. ‘This Morning’ has a tight family of regular presenting experts and hosts, and knowing that each and every one of us is an expert in our field is something I really like,” he explains.

“When Phil Vickery’s doing the cooking, Gok Wan’s doing fashion and I’m doing the gardening, there’s that element of interaction. Live TV is a very intense environment, so there’s a high level of excitement there. Having worked on it for so long, that excitement is something that I still enjoy to this day.”

P L AT I N U M J U B I L E E AT T H E PA L A C E In the run-up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, he enjoyed the privilege of presenting live from the Palace.

“I felt greatly honoured to be invited to be part of the team for ‘This Morning’ to present live from Buckingham Palace,” David tells me. “I’ve been very fortunate to film at Buckingham Palace gardens on several occasions, and to be part of such a big celebration was a huge honour and a great deal of fun. It was marvellous beforehand, with us presenters in the green room before going on to create something very special, not in a studio, but in the grand setting of Buckingham Palace…

It’s a memory that I will treasure!”

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty The Queen on several occasions. Always a pleasure to speak to, with a dry wit and a phenomenal ability to listen... plus a real passion for gardening!”

RECORD-BREAKING 60 MINUTE MAKEOVERS David’s also broken records, incredibly installing entire gardens in under an hour on the ‘60 Minute Makeover’ show, along with creating gardens live on ‘This Morning’.

“It’s all about planning,” he explains. “When you push yourself to the tightest limit, it all comes down to the detail beforehand. Not only was it great fun and exciting, but it also set disciplines in me that I still use today when creating gardens.”

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GARDENERS’ WORLD & CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW GONGS Having won numerous awards and accolades, including 30 Royal Horticultural Society medals and being selected by HRH Prince Edward to receive the Award of ‘Excellence in Horticulture’ in recognition of his numerous achievements, what have been a few of the highlights of his incredible career?

“Some of the highlights are when you win a Best in Show category, which is a ‘best of the best’ award – and I’ve been very fortunate to win a hat-trick of those. I won a Best in Show category at RHS’s ‘BBC Gardeners World’ where I created a desert garden on Route 66, where I positioned my own motorbike (Vulcan V800) on the front, and the garden was awarded one of the top awards of the show.”

CLINCHING CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW’S ‘BEST IN SHOW’ – TWICE! He went on to win a Best in Show category with a city garden he created at the Chelsea Flower Show. “It was vibrant with paving that changed colour as you walked on it. The other Best in Show and latest Gold Medal that I won only six months ago was again at Chelsea, where I created an exhibit adapting my bestselling book My Houseplant Changed My Life, published by DK Books, which looks at the positive impacts of indoor gardening on mental and physical health.”

REVIVING ROSES For his Great British Rose Revival campaign, collaborating with Harkness Roses, he reported on the Platinum Jubilee Rose and the The Queen Elizabeth II Rose, along with the launch of the Lady Carnarvon Rose, Highclere Castle Rose and the new rose for Dame Deborah James.

“The rose is one of the most underestimated plants in the garden. I’ve been very fortunate to travel around the world and have seen roses growing in full leaf and flower in the middle of winter in harsh conditions, then have seen them bloom in Kitchener’s Garden in the heart of Egypt, with searing temperatures.”

“There are many beautiful varieties, what’s not to like? They have spectacular foliage, beautiful flowers, and magnificent scent. Part of The Great British Rose Revival campaign in reviving the rose is in conjunction with Rose Awareness Week (20th-24th June), where we want to spread the love of roses.

Harkness are also giving away thousands of roses to try and encourage the nation, especially the younger generation, to grow roses and remind them that they are an essential plant in every garden.”

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CHELSEA IN BLOOM Chelsea and other areas of the capital are currently in full bloom – ‘Chelsea in Bloom’ installations in aid of charity can still be spotted adorning shops and businesses around London, giving a nod to the world-famous flower show.

“I’ve been really enjoying them and, having spent some of my working life in garden retail, I have lots of experience with creating displays to create the perfect ambience for people’s shopping experience,” reveals David. “I’ve always loved how pubs and shops use hanging baskets and window boxes out the front for that association with nature, which helps to calm us in our day-to-day lives... I’d love to encourage more shops and restaurants to introduce plants to their interior and exterior designs, to bring nature closer to us when we’re out and about.”

M U LT I - M I L L I O N - D O L L A R GARDENS… Having created copious imaginative and ambitious gardens and plant designs himself over the years, including a giant birthday cake made with no fewer than 4000 plants to celebrate Ideal Home Show’s 10th anniversary at Olympia London, plus an underwater garden with live piranhas and the most expensive show garden seen at the Chelsea Flower Show – boasting a whopping £20m worth of diamonds – which have stood out most for this prodigious gardener?

“My favourite part is always the challenge of it. When bringing 20 piranhas and large motorbikes into the Chelsea Flower Show or releasing 100 doves with Carol Vorderman, these are often easier than the task of getting them authorised by the RHS in the first place! One of the biggest challenges in getting £20 million pounds-worth of diamonds into a garden was all the paperwork that went along with it!” David divulges.

“In some cases, coming up with the ideas is one of the most exciting parts of the process, and seeing it come to fruition is brilliant. I’ve always said, you don’t get to the promised land without going through the wilderness first.

The challenges of persuading people that your ideas are worth doing is a contest on its own.”

A few of his fave ‘must-visit’ gardens around the UK? “There are many I enjoy visiting… not all of them are large, extravagant gardens. One of my favourites is in Bedfordshire, the Swiss Cottage Garden, near the Shuttleworth collection, which is the aeronautical and automotive museum. I’ve always found the garden to be very tranquil, with the lakes and hidden cottages within it.

Leave your ‘phone in the car and go to immerse yourself in nature as a place to relax and reset.”

THE POWER OF PLANTS Gardening is not only good for the soul and lowering stress levels, but can also make for a great workout, with the Great Outdoors great for both our physical and mental health.

David greatly believes in the power of plants for improving our wellbeing, and developed the ‘Recommended Daily Allowance’ for gardening in partnership with Argos, and penned his popular book ‘My Houseplant Changed My Life’, published by DK Books, which looks at the positive impacts of indoor gardening.

#FRIENDSOVERTHEFENCE & C U LT I V AT I O N S T R E E T

THRIVE! GARDEN FOR THE G O O D O F Y O U R H E A LT H

He also recently teamed up with Miracle-Gro for the #FriendsOverTheFence ‘community spirit’ campaign.

Another of David’s ambassadorial roles is with the national horticultural health charity Thrive, while he’s also a Garden Champion for the mental health charity SANE.

“I’m constantly banging the drum that gardening is good for your physical and mental wellbeing… There’s loads of information on my website and on cultivationstreet.com about the endless benefits of connecting with nature, from how to de-stress with gardening to burning calories in the garden.”

Of course, you don’t even need a garden at all to enjoy the positive power of plants. “My book highlights all the aspects of indoor growing and how to make the most of houseplants, with practical tips to care for and nurture them.”

He also created Cultivation Street, a big community campaign, now in its 10th year, which continues to spread the joy of gardening together in schools and communities, and helps people who are experiencing loneliness in the UK. “Over the past few years with the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, many people are working from home and spending more time indoors, which has led to increased figures of loneliness within society. With people being separated from friends and family, we found that gardening is a great way to bring people and communities together.”

“I’m very fortunate to work with around 15 different charities, all of which have a single common thread, and that is that engaging with plants and nature is good for your mental and physical wellbeing.

I’m very honoured to be Patron of Greenfingers charity, who create gardens for children’s hospices across the UK. Likewise, the charities SANE and Thrive promote activities that uplift your heart and nourish the soul.”

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GET YOUR GARDEN SUMMER READY! Potty for planting? Now halfway through the year, what should we be planting right now?

“The secret is to go to the garden centre at least once a month and buy a perennial plant that’s in flower in the garden centre,” says the star gardener. “If you do that monthly, you’ll end up with 12 months of colour because you know which plants will be in flower at the same time following year.

Also, planting roses, trees and shrubs, providing they’re in containers and watering them on a regular basis to help them establish, is one to add to the list.”

His fave summer flowers? “Among my holiday time favourites are geraniums and fuchsias, reminiscent of Greek and Spanish streets… I plant lots of containers outside my front door and they always put a smile on my face when I come home in the evening. A very good foliage plant is Lippia citriodora (lemon-scented verbena) which smells like fizzy lemon sherbet. Although it may not look as visually striking as some other plants, the scent is something special to enjoy.”

FEELING FRUITFUL? TOP TIPS FOR CURRENT PLANTING Fruit-loving David has created a stunning ‘strawberry wall’.

“Fruit can also be planted at this time of the year – currants and thornless blackberries are great to grow, and before you know it, you’ll have flowers and fruits galore...”

TOP SUMMER GARDEN DESIGN He says the best thing to do when you’re designing your own garden is to fully map it out. “Ensure you include all of the permanent elements that you’re working around, including garages, greenhouses, sheds and manhole covers,” he advises.

“Make a mood board by cutting out images from magazines of furniture, colours, plants and structures that you want to incorporate in your design. Stick the design to your fridge and keep adding to it. Then, map out the design on graph paper to see how the elements will work together in your specific space. It's always good to know the direction that your garden faces so you know where the sun rises and sets – this will help to decide planting positions for the patio, beds and borders.”

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FOREVER EVERGREEN The influential gardener says there are many design mistakes people make when it comes to planting, so how can we avoid them?

“One common mistake is not understanding your garden space and planting up flowers that look good in that moment, without considering the next season,” David explains. “The best thing to do is get something that’s flowering at that time for different points of the year, so you have a succession of colour and know that there’s always going to be interest in your planting schemes. Consider the seasonal aspects of your garden by ensuring there are flowers, foliage and even fruits to put on a show all year round. This is where evergreens come in handy, so ensure there are plenty in your garden to give structure and colour all year round.”

D AV I D ’ S S TA R G A R D E N David and his family recently moved house, with their idyllic new abode boasting a 3-4 acre garden which is fast becoming ever-more beautiful…

“At this position in my life, I’m focusing all my efforts into landscaping my own garden, which we’re transforming into different room sets, many of which are used in a range of different TV shows,” he explains. “‘This Morning’ is televised live from one of the garden room sets, which is aptly named the ‘This Morning Garden’. Then, we’ve got the grow-your-own area, a stream, an orchard, and many other segments. With constant progress and changes, these areas are all used as sets for recording videos that are uploaded onto my YouTube channel and Instagram @daviddomoney.

G R O W W I L D ! A N D H AV E A H E D G E H O G H I G H W AY ‘No Mow May’ saw many put mowing on hold to help insects, and proud beekeeper David also encourages us to help save our sadly-declining bee population...

As a supporter of the natural world that visits the garden, he encourages everybody to leave a small section of the garden to grow wild. “Whether it’s behind the shed or underneath hedges and bushes, leaving natural plants and weeds like dandelions will appeal greatly to wildlife like pollinators,” he explains.

“What’s more, dandelions have recently been reported as one of the sweetest-tasting flowers for bees, so leaving them intact in the garden for pollinators is ideal. As patron of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, I encourage all with a garden to have a little hedgehog hole in the bottom of the fence (about the size of a side plate) to create a network and enable these marvellous little creatures to travel safely to hunt for food.”

BEE KIND… HOW TO BEEHIVE! As a keen beekeeper and member of the British Beekeepers Association, he’s also all about helping our bees…

“I find the fascination of these little creatures a great comfort to me as I garden. Of course, you don’t need to have hives…

Instead, you can make little bee hotels using bamboo canes. You can get plenty of information on how to create your own on my website daviddomoney.com.”

T H E P O W E R O F W AT E R David is also an advocate of adding water to gardens, and has created his own wildlife pond with OASE, leading water garden specialists. Not only do water features help wildlife, but also assist our own health.

What is the power of water in gardens? “As a brand ambassador for OASE, part of our campaigning is to encourage people to see water gardening as an essential part of their normal garden duties,” he reveals.

“During lockdown, many gardeners wanted ways to enhance their existing gardens, and water gardens became an attractive option. Not only do they look great, but they have psychological benefits too as the movement of water can have tranquil and calming effects on us as humans. Seeing the fluid movement of water glisten in the sunlight and the sound of cascading water can help enormously to reduce anxiety and stress.”

And the benefits don’t end there. “It’s also incredibly useful for wildlife in the area, such as bees, amphibians, and other beneficial insects.”

What water features are currently in fashion? “The on-trend water features are versatile water ponds. These have proper pump and filtration systems to keep the water clean and are large enough to stock fish and plenty of plants. The plants that live in and around the water and the fish coexist to create perfect harmony.”

BRING THE ‘WOW’ TO YOUR GARDEN How can we achieve the ‘wow’ factor in our green spaces, whatever our budget? “The best thing to do is look at your borders,” advises David. “Things like fencing can give instant impact with a new stain or lick of paint, just like the effect when you put up new wallpaper indoors. It doesn’t just have to be blue, brown, or green – there are a huge range of colours to choose from to suit your unique needs and to give your garden the character you desire.”

LIGHTEN UP! From the perfect patio, to that alluring tall tree down the end, strategically-placed lighting can also enhance a garden exponentially. “The secret when it comes to placing lighting is to photograph your garden, print it off and then sit down from your house and pinpoint where you think you need the light,” says the green-fingered star. “It’s not just beams on plants, but also uplighters that can illuminate the stems of trees, and downlighters too. Mood lighting is great for socialising and relaxing on the patio, and pathway lighting can also have a practical and purposeful purpose as well.”

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OUTDOOR COOKING WITH JAMES MARTIN

GARDEN COMFORTS

David has also been the gardening expert on ‘James Martin’s Saturday Morning’ show filmed at the celebrity chef’s home, which boasts a fabulous outdoor kitchen.

“One of the things to take a look at in gardens is outdoor sofas. The thought of sitting on plastic stackable chairs is long gone because outdoor furniture comes in fantastic, exciting shapes and sizes. Not only hammocks and dining sets, but outdoor relaxation beds, soft sofas and cushions that can be left outdoors whatever the weather. There are many types available… Take a look at www.hartmanuk.com for inspiration.”

“James Martin is an outstanding chef and it’s a pleasure to work with him. In many cases, the combination of gardening and cooking are very much entwined. James is very passionate about growing your own and I’m a very keen amateur cook.”

David’s live ‘Summer Living in Your Garden’ show, in which he shares his tips on how to make the most from outdoor living, is supported by Hartman. "In today's world, full of the pressures of work and family life, escaping to the garden is the antidote we need to keep our minds and our bodies healthy,” he says. “Whether you’re planting gorgeous blooms, growing your own crops or relaxing in your own personal oasis.”

With outside dining now big news in the UK (despite our unpredictable weather!) what’s David’s advice for creating/ zoning dedicated outdoor living areas for summer socials, play, growing vegetables and herbs and more?

“I think creating an outdoor kitchen is a bonus… not just for barbecues, but for preparing salads, summer drinks with added botanicals, like strawberries in Champagne, a gardener’s Bloody Mary, or even your own horticultural ingredients to add to your jug of Pimm’s!”

“In many cases, the combination of gardening and cooking are very much entwined.

James is very passionate about growing your own and I’m a very keen amateur cook.”

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As for the latest ‘must-have’ summer garden products etc. what’s currently cutting it in the style stakes?

The top gardener’s gorgeous furniture range has been specially designed to help us unwind in our own outdoor space.

GET A GARDEN ROOM Since the lockdowns began, sales of garden rooms have gone through the roof.

Fantastically flexible, I personally use ours as a versatile multi-purpose space, housing not only my office, but a kids’ craft/games area, a dedicated chill-out space and, best of all, a bar!

“Garden rooms are increasingly playing a part in outdoor living,” David confirms.

“Taking a break from screentime is important, and there’s been a surge in houseplants, growing on windowsills, gazebos, conservatories and outdoor rooms.

It’s all about the opportunity to bring the outside in, to keep us calm and help up to appreciate nature in our ever-developing technological world.”

GET THE KIDS GARDENING David’s young children appear to be following in his hardy horticulturalist footsteps, and he promotes youth and community gardening and founded the national campaign Cultivation Street to promote school and community gardening with an associated competition.

“I think every young person should consider horticulture as a career, whether that’s in horticultural journalism, retail, amenities, garden design or floristry… it’s a massive industry with many fantastic jobs. Part of my role is to encourage people to see horticulture as an exciting career path. In today’s climate where sustainability is such an important part of life for many young people, working with the earth in their hands is a good incentive for a happy and rewarding career.”

AUTUMN, WINTER…?

CARRY ON GARDENING! David advocates continuing to garden and using our green spaces once summer is over… How can we keep our gardens looking glorious and continue to reap its rewards throughout the autumn and winter months?

“Gardening during the autumn is great – it’s nature’s time for planting! It gives the plants time to put out roots and establish, ready for the next growing season.

With spectacular autumn colour from berries, and the host of crops that can be harvested at this time from fruit trees, it’s great to put in the work in the garden all year round.”

He has top tips aplenty for keeping the whole family gardening and engaging with nature by growing your own, getting kids excited about garden life cycles, harvesting and eating fresh and nutritious food, watching wildlife, feeding the birds and other activities through the autumn and winter months, too.

“There are many colourful bedding plants that will flower between November and March, and having a good balance of flowering plants in the garden is also great for beneficial insects and pollinators to have access to nectar and pollen for a longer period of time.

He’s also a fan of fertilising for getting your garden looking great, and launched ‘Compost Week’ two years ago to raise awareness of the benefits of composting to leave your blooms looking their best.

FUTURE FILMING & FLOWERING! Up next for David Domoney? “We’re currently finishing another series of ‘Love Your Garden’ – I’ve got several other garden makeovers to do with Alan Titchmarsh and the team. I’m also appearing on ‘This Morning’. But the big garden project in the works is creating garden rooms in my own garden for filming. Follow the journey on my YouTube channel and Instagram to keep up-to-date with the process!”

He’ll also be making appearances at many flower shows this year. “I really enjoy talking about plants and sharing many hints and tips on engaging with gardening and making it a fun pastime. Sharing tips on how to get the most of your garden, whatever your space, is something that I particularly enjoy doing.”

Want to meet this top gardener in person?

“I’ll be appearing at Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival on 8th July, Belvoir Castle on 16th-17th July, Tatton Park Flower Show on 24th July, and Shrewsbury on 12th-13th August.”

F O L L O W D AV I D YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGaEjRu5rz4 Instagram: @daviddomoney David’s website: www.daviddomoney.com © Angela Sara West 2022 Instagram: @angela_sara_west

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How to light a shaded garden • Nine in ten (91%) Brits with a south-facing garden are happy with the amount of light their garden receives.• • In comparison, just 47% of northfacing garden owners are happy with lighting levels.

• Brits place a lot of value on a well-lit, usable garden, with 16.6% of UK residents willing to pay £7000 or more for a property that has a southfacing garden.

• YESSS Electrical investigates demand for light filled gardens and how homeowners can add light to their existing garden.

A new survey has revealed how much value a well-lit garden adds to your property, and the top five mistakes that Brits make when lighting their gardens.

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Avoid lighting every garden orientation the same Depending on the position of your home, you need to ensure it is correctly lit. North-facing homes will benefit from having more frequently placed, brighter outdoor lighting to ensure that the garden can be lit-up and used throughout the day.

On the other hand, south-facing gardens benefit from paired-back lighting as the garden is naturally lighter, especially during the height of summer.

East-facing gardens receive lots of lighting in the morning, while the area furthest from the house will likely only receive light during the evening. You could incorporate dimmable lighting into a seated area further from your home, so the area can be lit up during the morning, and lowered when light reaches this part of the garden in the evening.

West-facing gardens benefit from a similar setup. The end of your garden will receive light in the morning, while your home will shade the nearest part of your garden. Opt for dimmable lighting near the home, so that the zone can be brightened in the morning, and lowered when the sun lights up this area during the evening.

Not zoning your garden when planning the installation Planning the use of the garden space is very important to the placement of lights.

Use a stronger, more direct lighting, for areas such as an outdoor cooking area, as these will ensure that you can see what you’re doing at all times. Wall lighting and brick lighting is effective for adding a gentler ambience to a relaxing outdoor space. And bollard lighting can provide both ambiance, and light up a path through the garden.

Purchasing lights without looking at brightness levels or dimmable options In the evening, too much or not enough light can affect the ambience of a garden. Too little light prevents your garden’s best features from being displayed. Too much light can create a football field effect, great for large venues; however, it doesn’t allow for a relaxing atmosphere.

The size of the garden does affect the amount of lighting you should place at various points. Solar lights could be used if you have a small garden as

they emit enough soft light to gently illuminate a smaller garden.

If you have a large garden, consider installing brighter lighting towards the end of the garden and softer lighting closer to the house/outdoor dining areas. This balance will produce a design and function-led garden that is practical and ambient.

When selecting garden lighting, 30.7% of UK residents said they favour solar lighting. The most popular response (31.2%) is to ensure that the lighting has a low running cost.

Leaving the lighting of your garden until last during a remodelling When designing a garden, lighting may not be the first thing on your mind. However, it is one of the most critical decisions in the early stages of remodelling as laying wiring beneath patios and lawns, and hiding it in fences, walls, and structures, produces a finished and tidy appearance.

Not getting technical with IP ratings Although only 3.2% of people prioritise IP rating when choosing outdoor lighting, it is one of the most important things to consider when buying lights that need to withstand the elements.

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and is the rating of protection given to the light fitting against water and dirt.

The IP rating is the best way to ensure the lighting is fit for purpose.

WE RECOMMEND: • Standard Garden Lights - should be IP44+ • Deck Lights & Patio Lights - IP65 • Water Lights - IP68

www.yesss.co.uk

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Brits reveal what they dislike the most about gardening Over the past 90 days searches[1] for ‘local gardening services’ (160%) and ‘gardeners near me’ (150%) have seen a notable increase. As the weather starts to improve, and with BBQ’s and garden parties just around the corner, the nation is scrambling to get their gardens in tip-top shape for summer.

• VonHaus has surveyed the nation to find out the biggest issues people face when it comes to their garden • A quarter (25%) of Brits say that they struggle to look after and maintain their garden • The survey also revealed the top 5 features people want most in their garden

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Issues people struggle with the most Garden related issue

% of Brits struggling with said problem

General garden maintenance (Weeding, Mowing the grass etc)

25%

Limited garden space

12%

Unsure how to decorate garden space

10%

Finding garden furniture that lasts all year-round

7%

Designing a consistent theme throughout

6%

The biggest garden related problem was revealed to be general maintenance, with 25% saying they struggle with the likes of weeding and mowing the grass, whilst a further 12% say they’re struggling with having limited space in their garden.

Garden features people want the most in their garden Feature

% of Brits that want them

BBQ

27%

Garden dining table

24%

Water feature

21%

Firepit

20%

Garden sofa

19%

Emily Caloe, Senior Buyer at VonHaus says: “With the temperature rising, we’ll all want to be spending more time in the garden and even more so, wanting it to look good.

The research also revealed what products are at the top of Brits wish lists for their garden in 2022, perfect for those struggling when it comes to decorating their outdoor spaces this summer. Top products included BBQ’s (27%), garden dining tables (24%) and garden sofa’s (19%) – all of which are perfect for hosting a family BBQ or garden party. Firepits, which were also amongst the most desired garden features, are great for keeping warm on those cooler summer nights and have seen an increase in popularity in recent years.

“This research shows that a lot of us face struggles when it comes to our gardens, but many of the problems we have can be easily solved and even if you do have a small garden, there are plenty of ways to utilise the space you do have – such as hanging baskets instead of plant pots, and furniture that can be folded up and easily stored away inside.

“It’s great to see the products that are in high demand, such as garden dining tables, sofas and firepits. This really shows that people are gearing up for a summer full of garden parties and BBQ’s! We can’t wait to see how people decide to incorporate the products into their outdoor spaces.”

For more information please visit: www.vonhaus.com/vh_en/blog/maximising-your-outdoor-space

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Hybrid

Why choose The Hybrid?

With recent changes to U-value standards, The Signature Collection asks, is your Bi-fold door supplier, compliant?

The Hybrid Bi Folding Door is fully compliant with new industry standards. From June this year, all new homes must now produce 30% less carbon dioxide emissions than previous standards. The Building Regulations also include new standards to reduce energy use and carbon emissions during home improvements. The Signature Collection are pleased to confirm that their Hybrid Bi Fold Door range meet the new standards, requiring doors fitted to achieve U-values of 1.4 W/(m2.K) in existing dwellings.

The innovative design of the Hybrid merges both Aluminium and PVC leading to a high performing Hybrid Bi Folding Door system with the aesthetics and appearance to match other PVC Window and Door products.

A low threshold option is just one of the safety features included, making The Hybrid a family and wheelchair friendly option for your home. Offering excellent levels of energy efficiency, alongside superb security features, including Secure by Design options – The Hybrid creates a beautiful spacesaving solution.

There are a vast array of colours to choose from, all of which are Renolit foil.

Click here for a no obligation quote and to find a Signature Approved Installer near you.

E: sales@thesignaturecollections.com W: www.thesignaturecollections.com 82

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Approved Homeowner Warranty

BLINDS, AWNINGS & SHUTTERS The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) talk to us about planning the inclusion of shading from the very beginning of your project, they talk about the most suitable shading options for large pieces of glazing. Caribbean Blinds explain why alternative outdoor shading methods help to save you money this Summer. Its never more important to choose the right shading options for your home, and garden.

Click here to go back to contents

The following section covers...

• Using blinds & shutters to ensure your home’s energy efficiency is at its highest • Large glazing? You need large shading!

• Cost effective alternatives to air conditioning • Bioclimatic pergolas, suited to both classic and contemporary properties Summer 2022

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GOT

BIG GLAZING?

Photography: Caribbean Blinds

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YOU NEED BIG SHADING! Large, statement pieces of glazing look incredible and are fantastic at flooding inside spaces with light. However, when the time inevitably comes for some privacy or light and heat control, you’ll need some shading to help you. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan for the inclusion of shading from the very beginning of your project – prevention is better than a cure! Here, the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) looks at the most suitable shading options for large pieces of glazing.

Let’s begin with a type of shading that you’ll likely be familiar with. Vertical blinds are popular for all sizes of glazing but are ideal for larger installations because the lightweight headrail and louvres can easily span great distances.

The louvres can be tilted to control the amount of light and heat entering the room and can be fully closed for privacy.

Photography: Decora

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Like vertical blinds in style and operation, panel blinds use much larger sections of fabric which stack one in front of the other when retracted. When drawn, they overlap slightly to ensure there are no light gaps between the panels.

Roller blinds are a popular choice too for large installations.

When fitted externally they will provide a high degree of protection against solar heat and glare, keeping you comfortable even on the hottest days.

The width of each panel and how many you have is determined by the size of your windows and, of course, your individual preference.

If you’re looking for shutters to shade a large piece of glazing, it’s likely tracked shutters will be the most appropriate. Being fitted to a track means they can concertina to one side – or both sides – of the window rather than open out into the room, saving space and making them ideal for large sections of glazing.

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Photography: Custom West

Photography: Louvolite

Sail blinds are visually amazing and are popular in residential buildings which have large areas of glazing. They were initially used to simply create areas of shade; however modern fabrics mean they can help reduce heat gain and glare in buildings while maximising the amount of natural light allowed into a space.

They are used to shade roof lights as well as in conservatories, lanterns, orangeries and glass rooms.

Shading can help by prevent rooms from overheating and from losing heat too, helping to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, and contributing to greater comfort in all weather conditions.

To read more about how your building could benefit from having blinds, shutters or awnings fitted, visit www.shadeit.org.uk. Visit www.bbsa.org.uk to find a BBSA member near you.

Photography: InShade

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Alternative O U T D O O R S H A D I N G M E T H O D S

to help save you money this summer On 1st April 2022, the energy price cap rose again by 54% (following an increase last October) as the cost for wholesale gas and electricity continues to soar.

Energy bills are skyrocketing for many families across the country, with the typical household now paying roughly £37.50 per week – as opposed to £25 per week before – resulting in an overall increase of nearly £700 per year*.

Although this upsurge in energy costs will hit the UK especially hard during the winter months, temperatures are continuing to rise and the issue of overheating in the summer will only become more apparent as time goes on.

No matter the type of property you live in, every measure needs to be taken to ensure your home’s energy efficiency is at its highest.

*Living Plus

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Here are a few cost-effective alternatives to air conditioning which will help keep your home cool this summer: Overhangs & architectural features Overhangs are a key design aspect within any property as they play an instrumental role in keeping homes more energy efficient – not only during the summer months, but throughout the winter too. Designed to provide sufficient shade and shelter all year round, the right sized overhangs will effectively block sunlight and solar heat gains in south-facing windows and walls in warmer weather, whilst also shielding exterior walls, windows and doors from rainwater.

Ensure any overhangs aren’t too large as this will cause unwanted shade in the winter months, making your home cold, gloomy and uncomfortable.

Louvered overhangs are ideal in hot climates, however, in the UK, retractable overhangs may be more beneficial.

Other architectural elements that can assume the function of roof overhangs and control solar heat gains are balconies and recessed walls, protruding ledgers, head casings and flashings, as well as arched stonework around windows.

Trees & shrubbery In cold and moderate climates such as in the UK, roof overhangs are not as effective on east and west-facing walls, where the sun is too low in the sky to be blocked. On these sides of your property, you should consider other shading devices or hedges and small trees instead.

As the most natural form of shading, trees, plants and shrubbery can effectively act as air conditioning within any property. When strategically planted, they can limit the influx of sunlight coming through your windows, passively cooling your home and reducing its overall surface temperature as a result.

In addition to reducing energy use, trees and plants that directly shade buildings improve air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, provide a habitat for many species, look aesthetically pleasing and can even lower noise!

Awnings & external blinds Not only do awnings provide instant shade and shelter from direct sunlight; both heat and glare (bright light) and offer outstanding UV protection (typically 95% minimum UV block), but they also deliver a much-needed cooling effect to the indoor room adjacent to where they are positioned.

They ensure a comfortable indoor living space, eliminating any bright light to prevent glare, whilst filtering damaging UV rays to stop fixtures and furnishings from fading. Retractable awnings (both manual and motorised) also offer extra privacy – particularly in built-up areas – and add a striking new dynamic to any façade.

Automatic outdoor blinds ensure a thermally and visually comfortable indoor environment with minimum energy demand on any installed heating and cooling systems, reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions as a result.

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Bioclimatic pergolas Suited to both classic and contemporary properties, a bioclimatic pergola extends the use of any outdoor space by providing instant shelter, whilst permitting you to play with light and shade – if using a rotating louvered roof.

The addition of side screens, LED lighting and infra-red heating will allow you to make the most of your indoor/outdoor living space at all times of the day (or night) and in any weather.

To summarise, we should be doing all we can to ensure our homes are fully equipped to prevent unwanted solar heat gain during the summer months and allow free solar gain in the winter. Although architectural features and greenery are sufficient solutions, external shading products such as blinds, awnings and pergolas are a quick, easy and affordable way to help to create a comfortable, sustainable home with lower running and maintenance costs.

By Stuart Dantzic Managing Director, Caribbean Blinds For over 30 years, Caribbean Blinds has been exclusively designing, manufacturing and supplying the very finest external shading systems that transform the use, functionality and enjoyment of all types of spaces.

www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

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SHOWCASE SKYLIGHTS & ROOF LANTERNS

A BRIGHTER CHOICE THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING

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To find an installer near you, email us on info@icotherm.co.uk

w wus w online . b i f otolDESIGN dnetw o r k . cDOOR om Visit A BIFOLD See how a sliding folding door would look w ww.bifoldnetwork.com on your property. Choose the size, number Seepanels, how acolours slidingand folding door would look of handle colour options on generate your property.

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To advertise here please call 01302 278756 or email christina@improve-magazine.co.uk WINDOWS & DOORS

BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS MAKE BEAUTIFUL HOMES Stanier Road, Porte Marsh Industrial Estate, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PX T 01249 816 969 • F 01249 815 234 • E deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

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BI-FOLD DOORS

Deceuninck is one of the world’s major PVC-U window and door systems companies and has been established for over 30 years in the UK, with production, distribution and head office in Wiltshire.

BALUSTRADES & BALCONIES

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devine by design inspiration for your home Completely transform your home and bathe your living space in natural light with our stunning range of aluminium windows & doors. Hehku specialise in the design and installation of bespoke aluminium bi-folds, sliding doors, windows, roof lanterns and sky lights that are meticulously designed to provide that extra special finishing touch to your home. Based in the South East our experienced team will work with you to provide a professional service with the highest standard of customer care. Our range of quality products have been carefully selected to be competitively priced, 100% British made, offer a unique set of safety features, deliver exceptional energy efficiency, offering an industry-leading guarantee of up to 25 years. We are pleased to be able to offer a 3 to 5 week lead in time from survey to ensure your project is finished on time.

www.hehku.co.uk

enquiries@hehku.co.uk 01634 298026

CHESHIRE PLAINS, ENGLAND

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Sustainable Timber Windows & Doors Book a free design consultation www.bereco.co.uk 94 S u m|m01709 e r 2 0 2 2 838188