Condensation is a real frustration for people in the UK. Not only is it an eyesore that clouds up and blocks your view, but it makes the real task of wiping the windows down day by day.

But things take a turn for the worst when the water begins to trickle down to leave pools of water on your windowsill. Even with the dedication to wipe the moisture away, you can find yourself with a damp, mould and expensive damage to your frame.

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What causes condensation?

The problem can vary with the season or be worse in one room compared to others. Of course, it also can vary in severity from property to property.

Simply put, this is an unavoidable phenomenon that occurs naturally when there is a temperature difference between the warm moist air inside and colder surfaces outside. When humid air comes into contact with the surface, moisture is pulled out of it and condenses into a liquid on a cold surface.

The perfect storm

Unfortunately, the combination of modern life and glass windows creates the perfect storm for condensation to appear. As human beings, we create a lot of moisture in our homes from cooking and boiling kettles to ironing, cleaning and bathing – not to mention just breathing!

It produces a large amount of warm humid air. In winter, when it is not practical to let air out through the window, moist air will stay trapped inside. As a nice flat, thin material directly exposed to cold outdoor air, the window ends up being the perfect surface for condensation to form on.

What is the solution?

Do not worry, no need to stop cooking, bathing or breathing! Instead, the solution is to eliminate the cold surface that draws moisture from the warm air.

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Double glazing

It works by adding an additional barrier – with a compressed air gap – between the cold outside air and the inside of your window to stop the internal surface from becoming so cold. For help with upgrading windows, consider Glass suppliers Bristol like Roman Glass.

Secondary glazing

Secondary glazing has a very successful track record of preventing or significantly reducing the problem of condensation and steamy windows. Secondary glazing creates a barrier between the warm humid internal air coming into contact with the cold external temperature of the glass. Find out more from Glass suppliers Bristol

Results of secondary glazing

In some cases, secondary glazing will provide an instant remedy to the condensation on your windows. In others, it may take some time for the moisture to completely dry, but the problem will gradually increase over time.

However, what is great about secondary glazing is that it can be improved in a case where the issue continues – because of continued influx of water from the outside, for example.

Unlike double glazing, which will have to be replaced again and again, the secondary glazing creates a secondary chamber which allows the introduction of water absorption products such as silica bags to reduce condensation. The result is a solution that is more flexible, more effective and more durable to stop condensation in its tracks.

When you are in charge of organising a funeral, it can feel daunting, especially when dealing with emotions such as sadness and grief. It’s important to seek help if you are struggling, as you will need to consider things such as organising the funeral, what will be involved, how the cost will be met and who will be invited.

Asking yourself some questions before you begin can help you plan with confidence and peace of mind. Perhaps the deceased gave clear instructions, whether through conversation or in their Will.

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Did they have a preference for cremation or burial? Do they want their ashes in an urn or scattered in a special place?

What type of casket did they want? Perhaps they specified an environmentally friendly burial?

How will the cost of the funeral be met? What about the travel arrangements? Is there a pre-paid funeral plan or burial insurance in place?

Are there any family members and/or friends who have a special wish? Do they want to read, play a certain piece of music, or carry the coffin? If there is no formal instruction, the executor named in the Will can arrange funeral decisions.

Who can help?

You can ask for help from anyone – be they family or friends. Most will be happy to help and get involved while others may not feel comfortable or feel they can help with this.

Inviting family and friends

As well as contacting friends and family members about the funeral, you can put the death announcement in the local newspaper. You may prefer a funeral director to do this for you. For help with a funeral, contact a Funeral Directors Essex at a site like https://www.tcribb.co.uk/

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When you tell people about the funeral:

including the date, time and place of funeral or memorial service

Include instructions about flowers or donations to charity

Paying for a funeral

It’s important to think about how the funeral costs will be paid and how much it costs. Do not ever feel pressure to organise a funeral service that you cannot afford. At such a sensitive time, the last thing you need is a funeral that you will struggle to pay for at a later date.

Choosing a casket

A wide variety of caskets are available from a variety of places. Check if the casket is suitable for burial or cremation before buying. Costs can vary widely, so be sure to check the price list.

Alternative coffins

If you prefer an alternative coffin, or the deceased expressed a preference, there is a wide variety to choose from. You can also decorate this yourself. You may also want to consider the use of funeral sheets and not have a coffin at all, although only a few of these can be used for cremation.

Be aware of cost, as some alternative options can be as expensive as traditional caskets. Alternatives can be made from:

Wool, willow, rattan and other natural fibres

Cardboard, which is highly durable and surprisingly interesting.

Minimalist, mixed shapes and mindful purchases are some of the biggest trends in window design.

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Clean and Unfussy Window Frames

Modern designs for windows are here to stay, with clean lines and unfussy frames continuing to dominate the market. Trends such as using windows to form whole walls will develop, with new-builds or renovations incorporating large-pane windows into their design schemes.

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People want more panes and fewer frames, with corner windows featuring nearly invisible structures at the bolder end of window design. If you want to go really big with your glass, though, you may have to sacrifice opening windows, as the technology for allowing them to operate often requires more visible frames as the size of the pane increases.

For the many customers who are looking for floor-to-ceiling windows in Double Glazing Swindon firms such can help design a scheme to incorporate sliding glazed doors, opening parts and a glass roof – whatever you want to keep up with the latest window design trends. Many customers are mixing up the shapes, with smaller feature windows adding architectural details and large window schemes acting as room dividers or an entire outside wall.

Older Customers Shape Window Market

With the increasing number of people living until at least 65, this sector of the home renovation market has a significant influence on trends. Forbes predicts that by 2030 there will be more people aged over 65 than under 18, and that smart versions of common items such as windows will be in demand to support senior wellness.

Dark Shades for Window Frames

Many suppliers are supplying double glazing windows surrounded by dark-coloured frames in metal, wooden, aluminium, uPVC or whatever you want to accomplish the on-trend window design scheme you envisage.

Painted versus a metal frame is a popular choice, because many customers don’t want to take the risk of investing in an expensive new window scheme that they might tire of in a few years, so they feel more comfortable taking the step provided they can easily update with a new paint choice whenever they want. Other dark colours such as earthy browns, barn reds or forest greens are on-trend choices that may well be rivalling black for the top spot of window colours in the coming year.

Security seals serve as a barricade against the theft of or tampering with high-value products or merchandise. Nearly all forms of transport are fitted with some type of tracking device, but seals are typically preferred over other protection methods because they are often reliable. As a result, choosing the right seal is necessary in order to ensure that the goods in transit will be safe and, if stolen, can be found. Security seals are divided into three categories based on their design and strength. Furthermore, they are categorised based on the type of cargo and the method of transportation as well as the destination.

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High-Security Seals

This type of seal provides the best protection for high-value cargo and has a tensile strength of over 1019.72 kg. They are usually composed of metal and are considered “barrier seals” because they cannot be removed without using a special cutter. Furthermore, they can be tracked in the event that the goods are stolen.

High-security seals must comply with the International Standards Organization (ISO), specifically ISO/PAS 17712, as well as the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) regulations, which is the anti-terrorism security organisation. More information about seal procedures for exports to the U.S. can be found at the Customs and Border Protection website.

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Metal Security Seals with Cables

This type of security seal can be applied to various kinds of cargo and has a tensile strength of 231 kg. They are strong and secure seals that can be adjusted based on the length of the cable. These seals are primarily used on shipping containers, valves and tanks. If they are being used on lorries, they must comply with the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) regulations. Each seal is unique because it is marked with numbers and the company’s logo.

Metal Indicating Seals

These are the ideal seals for customs and have a tensile strength of under 231 kg. Indicating seals can also be applied to various means of transport, including lorries and tankers. They are usually made of metal or plastic, and some do not require special cutters to be removed. Some are made of a steel sheet strip, which enables them to bend and close. In addition, each seal is marked with a certain set of numbers and the company’s logo, which makes it easier to identify and track.

Deciding on what Universities to apply for, and what courses to study can leave you feeling a bit confused; there is a lot of changes that come with joining a University course – especially if you have to move there. When deciding on a preferred University and course, don’t make quick and rash decisions; make sure it is the right one for you, and if there will be a chance of career prospects afterwards.

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If you are not keen on moving away from your home town, you could attend a university near you; this will save you money, and you will get a lot more support back home. If you are planning on staying in your home town for University, make sure not to pick a course for the sake of it. When planning on moving away for University, your decision should not be made because you want to move out, or you want to attend the same campus as your best friend, it should be somewhere that has a course you really want to study.

If you are nervous and anxious about the idea of going to University, you should not rush into a decision to go there; perhaps take a year out to do activities that you want to do and reflect on whether University is right for you. If you are someone who doesn’t deal well with stress and anxiety, then University may not be right for you; there are lots of different routes to go down for certain careers that going to University may not be necessary. If you want to become a teacher or a Doctor, then you will need to attend University, but if you want to work as a chef or a photographer etc, then apprenticeships are a great option – here are some professions that require a degree.

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Going away for University can be a fun and exciting prospect as you will meet new people, and will be able to gain further independence; University fees and living fees are expensive though, so make sure you will be able to manage financially. If your family are on a low income, you may be able to get financial assistance such as Residential support schemes, or grants.

If you’re set on moving away to a certain University, then you will need to decide on your living situation there; you will want to find somewhere that have suitable living conditions, and somewhere that is clean and tidy. If you’re moving away to study in Gloucestershire for example, then you will be interested in Student Accommodation Cheltenham based flats; these living spaces are comfortable and have everything that you need as a student.

As a parent, it is a struggle trying to get your children to play more outside when they are glued to their computer games and Ipads. You revert back to your childhood where you played outside with your friends – a childhood you long for your kids to have. If you want your kids to put down their controllers for a moment and enjoy the outdoors, why not do some fun outdoor activities with them? It will allow them to feel the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. Here are some outdoor activities for parents and children to do together.

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 Build Something for the Garden 

If you are good at DIY and building, then why not get your children to assist with making something for the garden? This can really allow you to bond with your children, but it also gets them outside for a bit. This especially benefits them because it teaches them new skills like woodwork and building. Why not try and build a playhouse or a wooden play area together? To make these you will need some quality wood supplies to prevent injuries; why not take a look at companies like Timbco? A Timber Merchants Southampton based company that can supply you with premium quality timber to make your own DIY garden pieces. 

Insect Hunting 

Insect Hunting is a great way for children to learn about wildlife and the world around them. You could create a fun checklist of the different insects that could be found in your garden, and see if they can find them; this is a great way for parent and child to bond over nature and to be able to enjoy each others company, but it also allows the child to learn more about the outside world.

Grow and Pick Your Own Food 

If you have a bigger garden, why not start growing your own food? This can create a fun activity for you and your child to do, but it also teaches them about the benefits of being self-sufficient, and it gives them the skills to grow food. You could even bake a tasty cake, or make a delicious meal with the food you picked – what a perfect summer activity.

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Make Your Own Fairy Garden

Fairy Gardens have certainly grown in popularity in the last few years; it is great for a child’s imagination and it allows them to be creative. You will need some fairy figurines (you could make these or buy your own) and then you will need a pretty and natural fairy house – here’s how you can make your own. Make sure to place the fairy garden in an area with pretty flowers such as plant pots or flower beds, this will complete the fairy garden theme.

The technical details of Bifold doors are likely to leave the average customer confused when making a decision for choosing a bifold door that will allow you to enjoy your home much more. With a bifold door installed, your home will be versatile and will look and perform beautifully for many years to come.

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Here are some tips on what to consider for buying a Bifold door for your home. However, we suggest you look to a bi-folding door professional to supply and fit the door to your house. An expert will perform a survey prior to installing your door and provide the necessary advice you need.  He or she will take a precise measurement of the dimensions and ancillary requirements for your door. Visit a site like Bifoldshop for more information on Bifold doors.

When done by an unskilled carpenter these doors are likely to generate problems during weather changes and could deteriorate over time. So, an experienced specialist should be used. However, performing personal research is always useful to stay informed about what you are dealing with.

Some of the important things to consider while choosing Bifold doors are

• Materials used in the making- timber, aluminium or PVC
• fold and open settings
• Size of the door and number of sections
• Glazing with respect to appearance, thermal qualities, and privacy
• Accessibility and weatherproofing
• Ventilation according to industry standards.
• Smooth operation and high performance

Material Used in the making of Bifold doors

Aluminium is a highly durable material that doesn’t need much maintenance. It is available in an enormous range of colours, wood impacts, and metallic finishes. It only needs to be wiped once in a few weeks to keep it clean. Aluminium is less expensive compared to timber options

Upvc is the least expensive choice. It is available in a range of colours and finishes, but accountable bifold door manufacturers may not recommend anything other than a typical white finish. The reason being colour and finishes may cause instability to this material when in conjunction with the movement from the bi-folding door. Upvc is simple to maintain, does not last as long unlike aluminium, but will still appear beautiful. Top-quality, modern upvc can enhance white timber windows and doors perfectly.

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Timber bi-folding doors could be built using hardwood or laminated timber. Pure timber doors are designed to outlast doors created from layered coatings of hardwood and prevent water from becoming trapped inside the wood which can lead to twisting and shrinking as well as eventual damage.

If you are looking to install bi-folding doors to your house, contact a professional bi-folding doorway provider. They will assure you long durable, and cost-effective doors for your house.

We all know that moving house is one of life’s most stressful events; and it is not just stress levels that can hit the roof. Bank balances can be hugely affected too. In this article, we take a look at the average cost of moving home and what you can expect to be paying out as you begin the process. Continue reading What is the average cost of moving home →

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all spend the winter and the colder early spring months in hibernation?

Tucked up somewhere warm and snug until the nicer weather arrived. Unfortunately, humans just aren’t designed like that. Thankfully, humans can stay comfortable during the cold with their central heating systems as long as you use the services of a Boiler Service Essex company each year to check your systems over to make sure they are working.  Before the temperatures drop, have yours checked over to make sure it keeps you toasty. Bears are probably the most famous animal that goes into hibernation, but what are some of the others?

Wood frog

The Wood frog is an intriguing case of hibernation as it looks like the frog is dead. Their miniature hearts actually stop beating and ice crystals form in their blood, preserving them like cryogenics until the weather warms up! When the ice crystals melt, the frog’s heart starts up again and off he goes.

Snails

Not all the different types of snails hibernate but the ones that do can hibernate when the weather gets too hot or too cold. Covering themselves with a layer of mucus, they are thus protected from the elements and from drying out.

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Turtles

Turtles are unable to create their own body heat so when the weather gets cold, hibernation is imperative. Box turtles will hibernate for up to four months in order to protect themselves. Freshwater turtles hibernate in areas of the water where the temperature will not drop below freezing and actually breathe out of their posteriors to survive in a biological process called cloacal respiration!

Bees

Some bees hibernate, and others don’t. Honey bees don’t go into a deep sleep or torpor but will huddle together throughout the winter months, surviving on food gathered during the summer. Bumblebees however, do hibernate. Most of the worker bees die off but the queen bee goes into hibernation ready to start a new colony in the spring.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds don’t hibernate in the sense that they sleep, but they do enter a torpor. This basically means slowing their metabolism right down in order to conserve energy during the tough months. They are often seen hanging upside down and appear to be dead, but when the weather warms, off they fly.

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Skunks

Similar to the hummingbird, skunks also enter a torpor state. They are still seen scavenging for food during the winter months but can lower their metabolism to conserve energy when they need to.

Bats

Bats also enter a state of torpor when the temperature drops and the need to conserve energy is paramount. It can last anywhere between a few hours to a couple of weeks if need be. From a normal heart rate of around 400 beats per minute, they can reduce it to 10! To warm themselves up again, they can use the heat already stored in their bodies which is a pretty cool trick.