Articles from April 2018

Five benefits of cold rooms

The benefits of cold storage for perishable goods are widely known. You are legally required to store certain foods such as meat and dairy products at cold temperatures.

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Storing fresh products at lower temperatures will extend their shelf life and cut down on wastage due to spoilage. Ultimately, this is both environmentally friendly and financially beneficial. Cold rooms offer space and convenience. Here are five reasons for investing in a cold room.

Cold rooms can flexible

You can use commercial cold rooms as drying rooms to reduce the moisture content of food before transfer to a blast freezer. The cold room acts as a dehumidifier. This maintains the quality of food as the temperature is reduced.

Cold rooms are airtight which allows them to maintain their temperature. According to the Food Standards Authority, it is a legal requirement to keep certain foods at chilled temperatures. This is to prevent harmful pathogens from dividing and growing on the food and causing food poisoning. A cold room will maintain a cold temperature even in very warm weather.

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A huge choice of sizes

When you purchase a cold room from a supplier such as https://www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk/cold-rooms you can pick the shape and size that suits your needs. They will be delivered with the correct refrigerant system for you. It is even possible to obtain portable and permanent stationary units if that is what you require for a business enterprise.

A clever use of space

Space is always at a premium in commercial premises and private homes. Internal space is taken up with vital cooking equipment leaving little room for cold storage.

A cold storage unit can be located outside the building and the fans and compressors will discharge heat and noise outside rather than into a kitchen. This produces a more pleasant working environment.

Backup for food safety

A power supply failure to your cold storage is a major safety issue that can cost you a lot of money. Because cold rooms are airtight, they can maintain a low temperature even when the power fails.

An economical choice

A cold storage room controls temperature and moisture which extends the shelf life of fresh produce. This minimises waste and saves you money. You will be able to purchase fresh produce in bulk, which is much cheaper, and store it until you need it.

Easy steps to organise your garage

The root of the problem in getting your garage well organised, and keeping it that way, is the fact that we all ask so much of this relatively small space! How do we store everything from cars to toys, tools to beach chairs, sporting equipment to cleaning supplies all in one space and get access to it when we need it?

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To make matters worse, we tend to store the random clutter that simply does not have another home in the garage. So we end up with a dumping ground for long-forgotten items which grows into an uncontrolled mass of junk over the years. How do we take back control and make our garage the useful space it should be?

Here are five pointers

1. Clean-up the floor area

When you have a quiet afternoon, get hold of some heavy-duty rubbish sacks, some boxes or baskets and a strong vacuum cleaner or brush. Treat your garage floor to a quick once-over, taking care to remove any sharps, insects and oil/chemical stains if possible then you can start the decluttering process.

2. Tackle the clutter

Sort through as much of the contents of your garage as you can and put it into three piles. One for throwing away or recycling, one for selling or donating to charity and one for storing in your new, improved garage space. There are many charities who may collect your unwanted household items or furniture, such as https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/book-a-free-furniture-collection.

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3. Organise into zones

Think about the purposes that you actually want your garage to service, for example car supplies, tool storage, laundry, sports equipment storage and so on and think about where it makes sense for each category to live. Mark out zones accordingly.

4. Plan your storage

Use the vertical space and think about volume of storage rather than floor area. If you do not have any, this is a good time to consider investing in some garage shelving or racking to make the most of your space. There are many companies who will be happy to advise you, such as Garage Shelving UK, and effective storage does not have to be expensive.

5. Keep up the good work

Once you have organised it, aim to revisit every six months to keep on top of the clutter!

 

Ghostly Guests -Signs that your House May be Haunted

Throughout history there are ghost stories and legends that have been told through the years. The jury is still out on whether ghosts are real or not, but there are a large number of the population that are convinced that they certainly are! So, if you are suspicious that your house is haunted, here are a few of the things to look out for, that might indicate that you have a ghostly guest…

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A feeling of being ‘Watched’ – One of the most common things that people report when they talk about a possible haunting is the feeling of being watched, even if there is no other person in the house. Many people say that the hairs on the back of the neck stand up when they have this feeling too.

Sudden drops in Temperature – Of course this might not necessarily mean you have a haunted house – it may just mean that you need boiler servicing Gloucester company http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-servicing-gloucester/ to come over and service your boiler! But if you find that there are sudden cold spots in rooms that can’t be explained by an open door or window, or the rest of the house is warm, and there is a sudden unexplained cold patch you may have a paranormal visitor!

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Things Being Moved Around – Another common report when a house is thought to be haunted is objects moving around. Items may be put down in one place and later cannot be found or turn up somewhere else entirely! Some people also report things falling from shelves, and pictures falling over or falling off the wall repeatedly. Also look out for lights flickering on and off, doors which seem to open or close by themselves and electrical interference with things like televisions and radios.

Strange Sounds – Of course, a lot of noises in the house at night can seem scary, but most are just the pipes in the walls and floor, and the normal noises that we don’t really notice until it is quiet at night. More unusual noises that may indicate a haunting, are the sounds of banging and tapping, or even voices, which may be whispers or sound like muffled talking, or sometimes louder sounds such as screaming and shouting. Of course, make sure that this isn’t just your next-door neighbours television turned up too loud!

How to choose the ideal radiator for your home

Radiators today are more than just an essential component for your home. There are so many styles, colours and forms to choose from that it is hard to know where to start. Certain radiators work better with specific homes, so doing your research can ensure you make the right choice.

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Don’t forget that a radiator’s most important feature is its ability to heat your home. This is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour and can be calculated online or by a professional.

Which material?

There are many materials to choose from, with steel being the cheapest choice. Aluminium can be modelled into sleek panels and works for a more contemporary look; in addition, aluminium models can be installed on walls and heat up quickly. A disadvantage is that the radiators lose heat rapidly when they are turned off.

Cast iron is a more traditional material and its main advantage is that heat will be retained for longer after the radiator is turned off. If you are thinking about column radiators, cast iron works best and can be bought from specialists such as http://apolloradiators.co.uk/Products/View/3/54/7/category/roma/Apollo-roma-bespoke-steel-column-radiator.

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Period radiators

These have aesthetic appeal and give your home a traditional look. Older radiators can suffer from cold spots and need maintenance to ensure they continue to produce heat effectively. You can find older models online or in reclamation yards.

Thermostatic radiator valves

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) enable you to adjust the temperature of individual radiators and regulate heat output. Fitting TRVs can save you up to £300 a year on central heating costs, so they are worth the initial cost. They can also cut your C02 output by up to 1,717kg each year. If you choose to use TRVs, make sure your radiators are not covered or behind curtains to get the maximum effect they offer.

Further advice

If you choose to buy an old radiator, don’t recondition it yourself. This is a complex process, with reconditioned radiators having a failure rate of one in ten. If you purchase one, make sure it is tested first.

Designer radiators have increased in popularity, but energy efficiency should be kept in mind. Find a model with a minimum ten-year guarantee and check the heat output to ensure your money is well spent.

What are this year’s most popular colours for bathrooms?

Alongside fixtures and fittings, the colour scheme in a new bathroom is often at the forefront of people’s minds. Here we take a look at some of 2018’s trending bathroom colour schemes.

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Grey

Grey bathrooms have become extremely fashionable lately. It’s a good, universal colour for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes and is the perfect match for either state-of-the-art or more traditional bathrooms. It complements 12mm shower glass panels just as much as glass splashbacks. Grey tiles, furniture and even grey baths are hugely popular.

Neutral

A neutral-coloured bathroom is perfect if you rent your home or are doing property renovations ahead of putting your home on the market. Neutral schemes are an appealing choice for most tastes.

White

A white bathroom is timeless and won’t date, making it a very popular choice. White bathroom tiles complement bright and clean shower screens like those at https://marvinandpinch.co.uk/products/12mm-clear-toughened-shower-screen-wetroom-panel-glass?variant=50220687892 and look good alongside white bathroom furniture. Similarly, a monochrome bathroom in black and white provides a contrasting visual effect and can look both sleek and stylish, regardless of your budget.

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Copper

As a fairly new bathroom concept, there are a limited number of copper bathroom products on the market. When incorporated, it works well with all styles and colours.

Green

The days of the avocado bathroom are well and truly stuck in the 1970s. However, green is one of the hottest trends this year, with examples including green splashbacks and hot house plants.

Black

To add the “wow” factor to your bathroom, choose black. This colour works best with up-to-the-minute bathroom furniture and looks stylish and fresh even after many years have passed. Add a black radiator for an even more sophisticated look.

Blue

Blue bathrooms can be overpowering, particularly if you’re leaning toward the darker shades, so the best way to use this cool colour is sparingly. Wallpaper, cabinets and blue patterned tiles can all be incorporated to add that little bit extra to a blue theme.

Enjoy!

Before choosing a colour for your bathroom, do your research. Think about what you want to achieve and match the colours with your bathroom furniture, tiles and other accessories. Then sit back, relax and enjoy! All that hard work will most definitely be worth it when you have an attractive and soothing bathroom.

Window & Door Care Tips

When you have new doors and windows installed, you’ll want to protect them as best you can to keep their shiny new appearance and give them a long life. The frames of windows and doors are just as important as keeping the glass clean and here are some suggestions to help you extend the life of your doors and windows:

Some quick tips include:

Remember to vacuum up any dirt, soil or debris from window sills and door tracks before you attempt to wash them. For cleaning down frames, use some mild washing up liquid and a little warm water. Rinse well with a soft, absorbent cloth. A small bottle brush can be handy for cleaning out small, hard-to-clean areas or gaps. For a Double Glazing Company Gloucester, visit https://www.firmfix.co.uk/

Don’t use any abrasive scourers, solvents or harsh cleaning substances as this could damage the surface and finish of your doors and windows.

Try to avoid washing glass in direct sunlight, choose an overcast day instead. Again, mild washing detergent and warm water is all you need to clean glass. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and wipe with an absorbent cloth to prevent any spotting. Never use chemicals or petrol-based solvents on glass as these can do damage to the windows components and the insulating glass seal. High pressure washing should also be avoided so as not to damage the insulating seal as well.

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You might have installed self-cleaning glass, which normally does an excellent job of keeping itself free from dirt and grime in normal weather conditions. Don’t worry if you’ve had it less than a month as it normally takes this long for the self-cleaning element to activate.

 

Window & Door Operation

 

An occasional drop of lubricant will help to maintain a smooth operation of both windows and doors. All moving parts will benefit from some occasional lubrication, particularly the tracks and roller components. For any plastic parts, don’t use a silicone but instead some furniture polish will do the trick.

A few times a year check the weather stripping to make sure all remains intact.

Condensation Issues:

Condensation is an issue that occurs when a high moisture level inside meets the lower temperatures on the glass. This normally indicates that moisture levels are a little high inside your home. A small amount is a perfectly natural occurrence and nothing to worry about. If you have high levels of condensation, you might want to think about a dehumidifier for your home or you might cause long-term damage to the interior of your windows. Good ventilation will help, so open some windows to let the moisture escape. Ceilings fan can help, as can installing an extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen.

 

 

Choosing the right doors for your home

The huge choice of doors can be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider when you are choosing a door for your home. How long will it last? Will it need on-going maintenance? Does it offer the security that you need? Will it look good in your home?
Here is some essential information on the types of doors available that will help you make the right decision.

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Natural wooden doors

Wooden or timber doors have been the traditional choice for centuries. Timber was locally available in most parts of the country and with plenty of talented local carpenters on hand, you really couldn’t go wrong.

They are still a very popular choice and many people feel that they are the most attractive option, especially for period properties. There is a huge variety of timber available and your choice will be dictated by how you want your door to look as well as your budget.

Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) doors

PVC is a type of plastic that is very durable and hard wearing. It is a very popular choice for Dublin windows and doors. There is a large variety on the market in different colours and designs.

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When you choose PVC doors, or windows, from a reputable supplier such as http://www.keanewindows.ie/, you are getting a product that is durable, anti-corrosive and moisture resistant.

Glass panel doors

Glass is a popular material to be used in panels of doors that are made from wood or PVC. They are especially popular on back doors that lead into a garden, as privacy is not such an issue. Glass panels on front doors are often obstructed in some way for privacy. Stained glass panels set into wooden frames are especially attractive, but can be costly.

If you intend fitting the door yourself, it is worth remembering that glass panels can make the door very heavy. According to the official police guidance, you can make your home safer by fitting laminated glass or buying a film to stick over the glass.

Fibreglass doors

Fiberglass is a strong yet light material. The glass fibres can be bonded with resin which produces a hard material that is easy to maintain. The doors do not warp or twist and are good insulators.

Use this guidance to select the right door to enhance your home.

Five mens style predictions for 2018

2018 will be an interesting year on the fashion scene, with whispers of wide-legged trousers, eighties revivals, millennial pink, double denim and ensembles of head-to-toe white. Happily, there are also rumours of the re-emergence of baggy cargo trousers.

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What are the real high street trends likely to be?

1)      Tops and Toes

Footwear will be important in 2018. Trainers are chunky and still stylish (many have been described as big, bold and, frankly, bonkers), but there is a swing away from casual shoes towards a hard shoe which is smarter and more formal. Lace-ups, brogues and boots will return to favour. Two in one shoes are interesting, with the supple design turning a formal shoe into a mule.

At the other end, hats are once again appearing in the shops in the form of berets.

2)      Nostalgia

A whiff of the eighties has given rise to square-cut jackets, which can be partnered with loose trousers for a modern look.

Perennial favourites, such as biker jackets and bombers, will also be popular and brought up to date with embroidery. Retro denim is very desirable at the moment, and original Levis complete with turn-ups are the ultimate jeans. These can be worn with classics such as Farah shirts or tee shirts.

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3)      Farewell to Skinny Jeans

The big news is that skinnies are finally on the way out and due to disappear from the high street. Straight legs and a relaxed fit are back. On the catwalks, things are loosening up even more – slouchy tailoring and louche, laid-back style are very much in vogue according to GQ.

4)      Sportswear

Track pants are a fashion essential. Luxury versions have been around for a while, but high street designs are everywhere now and viewed as stylistically acceptable. If track pants are too dressed down for you, there is an alternative. Cords are back, and worn with sweatshirts, such as those on sale at https://www.ejmenswear.com/men/farah, they are casually stylish.

5)      Small New Fashion Designers

2017 was the year of the small fashion designer, and 2018 will continue in the same way. Young innovative designers now have a voice in the market, adding variety and sustainability to the high street.

The main trends for 2018 translate well from the punked, pinked world of high fashion and are satisfyingly wearable.

Pros and cons of rubber and silicone hoses

Tubing – or hosing – might not sound that glamorous, but our homes and industry would really be struggling without it. Hoses have so many applications for transporting liquids, such as in our plumbing systems and keeping our gardens hydrated. Rubber and silicone are both commonly used for making hoses, with each material having different properties.

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Strong and flexible

Both rubber and silicone deliver great strength and are very flexible, which means they are useful in a variety of situations. Rubber has a long history of usefulness, whereas silicone is a newer phenomenon and has mostly been applied in more specialist applications; however, silicone is now used in all kinds of ways, from medical devices to car parts and electronics.

The difference between the materials comes down to their properties. Silicone is non-toxic and can be produced to a very high, contamination-free standard, which is critically important in the food and medical industries. Silicone is also resistant to extreme variations of heat and cold, making it perfect for refrigeration applications, water coolant needs, and radiator hose applications. Rubber can also be used in water coolant applications and may work out a little cheaper when required in large quantities.

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Matched to the purpose

Both silicone and rubber have their good points. Specialist cured rubber can be effective in transporting corrosive liquids, such as aviation fuel; however, silicone is the material of choice for any use that involves food or drink. When hoses are required in the medical or pharmaceutical sphere, silicone is also the hygienic choice. Silicone can also be washed and reused, which has been a useful characteristic in the production of environmentally-aware feminine hygiene products.

If you are thinking that silicone hoses could be useful in your life, it would be a good idea to consult an expert such as https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacture for tips and advice on your proposed application.

Both silicone and rubber are incredible products that deliver convenience and efficiency to modern life. While rubber is unlikely to be displaced by silicone as the substance of choice for tyres, silicone’s hygienic properties mean it has a huge array of uses in the many environments in which hygiene is of importance. As silicone can be used again and again, it is also an environmentally-friendly choice.