How To Maintain Bifold Doors And Prevent Them From Leaking

The addition of bifold doors can dramatically improve the functionality and overall appearance of a room.

When used to access outside space, they flood the room with natural light making it appear brighter and more spacious. When used to access other rooms, bifold doors create the impression of an ‘open-plan’ layout without the need to heat a large space.

Bifold doors are very low-maintenance. For most owners, they may only require maintaining once a year.

For those owners with bifold doors that receive a large amount of use, or those that live in a particularly windy or dusty location (i.e. on the coast or near a busy road) they may choose to clean them more often.

In addition to spoiling the appearance of your bifold doors, a build-up of dust and debris can affect their performance and cause them to leak wind and water, especially in the wet winter months.

To protect against this and lengthen the life of your bifold doors there are a few simple steps you can take…

1. Remove any debris that collects in the running tracks

During their use, the runner at the bottom of the door frame can become clogged with small stones and other objects.

To make sure your doors operate smoothly and don’t get caught up, simply take a vacuum cleaner and clear the debris as part of your regular cleaning routine.

2. Check for blockages in the drainage channel

The drainage channel can be found on the floor immediately in front of your bifold doors. It has a grid on the top with a series of openings to allow water flow away from the threshold.

It’s important to make sure that the drain is free from any blockage that stops the flow of water. Check the areas that get the most use and take care to clear away any build-up.

Water pooling as a result of a blocked drain is one of the most common causes of leakage.

3. Use warm water and a mild detergent to wipe down the frames

You may use of glass cleaner to give your glazing the perfect streak-free sheen but it shouldn’t be used on the framework or any other part of your bifold doors.

It’s likely to be ineffective and may cause damage to the surfaces. The same goes for any other types of cleaning agent, particularly those that contain ammonia or caustic substances. Wire wool, scourers or any other abrasing cleaning items should not be used for the same reasons.

The best results can be achieved by simply using warm water and a cleaning cloth. A mild detergent may be used to remove any stubborn stains.

4. If you meet with resistance, don’t force it

Treat your bifold doors gently, and if for some reason, they feel a bit stiff try not to force them open or shut. This causes stress and may result in damage to your doors.

The most common cause for resistance is dirt and debris collecting in the tracks or hinges. Check the track to make sure it’s free from obstruction first, then make sure there’s nothing clogging up the hinges.

Well maintained high-quality bifold doors will last for many years

At Abelglass, we supply the highest quality of bifold doors. They’re designed to stand up to the worst of the British weather along with the wear and tear that comes with regular use.

We’ll advise you on the best option for your home and our team of experienced fitters carry out installations quickly, efficiently and with full care and consideration.

For more information on all of our door options visit our website or give us a call on 01253 893355.

Composite Doors

Composite Doors Are The Finishing Touch

If you’re looking for some curb appeal you can’t go wrong with composite doors. They are the perfect way to create an impact or enhance the existing style of your home.

composite doors

Composite front doors are not just stylish, they are also very durable with excellent security features. And with so many styles and colours to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice.

They are available in a variety of colours, giving a huge range of different looks to suit traditional and contemporary properties. You could choose a dramatic black with chrome finishing for a modern property. Or, perhaps duck egg blue with decorative glass for a period home.

composite doors

Home design trends for 2020 feature colour in a big way. From cobalt blue range cookers and matching glass splashback in kitchens, to feature doors. Colour is THE trend for 2020.

Colour trends for 2020 according to Elle Decor and leading paint brand Behr Paints are a mix of muted colours inspired by nature.

composite doors

An exciting new range of composite doors from Door Stop has launched this week on our website.

Featuring materials that give you the very best in strength, easy maintenance, security, and weather resistance. The latest technology and design in doors means enjoy loads of style, strength and security.

The composite doors are thick (44mm thick, compared to conventional PVC panel doors which are 28mm). Coupled with a super-strong structural frame and up-to-the-minute hardware you don’t have to worry about security.

composite doors colours

Available in a wide range of colours for both the door and frame, there is something for all tastes. Its glass-reinforced plastic finish means you’ll be secure in all weathers and enjoying great looks for years to come. Oh – and great looks as well.

You can view the full range here.

All of our composite doors come in a large range of colours, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. We stock doors from brands such as Solidor, Elite and Door Stop Premium.

Finishing Touches

For the finishing touches, we have a range of beautiful glass and finishes to complement almost any property. All of our composite doors are easy to maintain. They have been thoroughly tested for maximum resistance against adverse weather. Aswell as thorough testing for high-pressure contact to keep intruders out. Our global door is 48mm thick (nearly 10% thicker than most alternatives). Coupled with a strong structure it comes complete with the all of the latest hardware, making it even more secure. We can even make your cladding to match!

Security

As well as top-quality standard hardware and locking systems Abelglass also provide a range of smart solutions.

For those that like their gadgets, we offer a range of high tech solutions:

  • Full remote control locking systems
  • Fingerprint recognition locking systems
  • Stylish, easy to use intercoms.

Get In Touch

We pride ourselves on our quality of work and service. If you’re looking to update your front door then why not get in touch with our friendly staff. You can speak to one of our friendly professionals today for a no-obligation chat about your requirements. to discuss your requirements or call us for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Call us on 01253 893355 or email enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

 

Orangery or Conservatory?

If you are looking to upgrade your home or need extra space. You may be deliberating between a conservatory or an orangery.

So, what is the difference between the two? Both an Orangery & Conservatory have similarities in their construction. As they are both built on a solid concrete foundation and will usually incorporate some form of a brick base. They are both used for very similar purposes. An extension to a home which provides a bright and elegant extra living space.

The main differences between an Orangery and a Conservatory are the frame construction and the roof.

orangery

A conservatory typically has over 75% of the roof glazed, whilst an orangery has less than 75%. Conservatories by definition have over 50% of their wall area constructed of glass using less framework/brickwork. Whilst an orangery frame often has brick pillars at its corners, or shorter wooden pillars to support the roof.

What is an Orangery?

Orangeries date back as far as the 17th Century, and up to the mid-1800s were typically found on wealthy estates & high-value properties. This is because they were fashionable amongst the wealthy elite to grow citrus trees that required warmth and light. However, by the approach of the 20th-century international travel and cargo shipping made citrus fruits much easier to obtain. This meant that Orangery structures were increasingly used as living spaces as well as a place to grow other plants and vegetables.

Orangeries can either be attached to the property or constructed as a separate building. They can be created to feel like an additional room that compliments the house. Or have their own design that sets them apart from the rest of the building. Orangeries typically offer more privacy than traditional glass conservatories. As more brickwork is involved in their construction. The roof of an Orangery tends to have a solid perimeter with roof lanterns to allow light in. It can also include a range of different design ideas which set it apart from a conservatory roof. A substantial roof also allows for lighting, which is beneficial when the room is being used in the evening.

orangery

If you are the owner of a more traditional or period building you may find that an orangery is more complementary to the style of your home. Therefore, if it’s a more substantial extension that you’re looking to add to your home, then an orangery may be the perfect addition.

See what Orangeries look like by looking at our Orangery Gallery.

What is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is a glass room with a pitched roof that usually connects to a house from one wall. Conservatories are thought to have been inspired by the orangery and have been popular in the UK since the 1970s. This is mostly due to the abundance of light coming into the glass structure. A perfect area for entertaining guests and relaxing. Conservatories normally reflect the design and features of the property. Making it feel like an extension of the home rather than a separate building or extension. Conservatories often use less brickwork than orangeries and feature a glass ceiling and walls. Conservatory frames minimise the components needed to hold the glass. Allowing for uninterrupted views of the garden and surrounding areas. See what Conservatories look like by looking at our Conservatories Gallery.

orangery

Modern conservatories are manufactured using UPVC which allows for very affordable manufacture, supply and installation costs. However, many property owners choose Wood over UPVC for its natural aesthetic properties. Both Orangeries and Conservatories use double/triple glazed window units to maximise energy efficiency. A choice of patio/French doors is most common in conservatories whilst orangeries tend to feature folding door systems.

How does it all stack up?

Orangeries tend to be more expensive than Conservatories due to their size and the construction involved. Conservatories are typically priced from ÂŁ10,000 for a standard UPVC model. Whilst a 4×4 Orangery is typically around ÂŁ19000. The cost of your conservatory or orangery will entirely dependent upon the size, materials and features which you choose.

According to a recent article in the Telegraph by property guru Phil Spencer.

“A well-built conservatory can add at least 5% to the value of your property”.

When looking to extend your property bedroom space is desirable, however, “living space is worth more per square foot than bedroom space.” the addition of an orangery to your property can add up to 10% in extra value.

What if you already have a conservatory?

“Too many conservatories built 40, 30 or even 10 years ago are not fit for purpose today. When you bought yours, you wanted an extension you could use throughout the year: somewhere warm in winter and cool in the summer. In hindsight, what you ended up with was a conservatory that left you sweltering in summer and freezing in winter.” Writes Tim Adler here

Modern conservatories have overcome this problem with dramatically improved thermal ratings. Better design means they can be enjoyed all year-round. Replacing the glass in your existing conservatory with new units will immediately make an improvement. Our double glazing is manufactured using heat-saving low emissivity glass which will ensure great thermal performance all year round. Keeping your conservatory cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Each Abelglass conservatory and orangery is individually designed, and with over 30 years of experience, we can ensure that your conservatory or orangery is the best match for the rest of your property.

Designed and built to last in either uPVC or aluminium our double-glazed units are installed and secured into each frame. Ensuring your home is safe and secure. We have a wealth of conservatory and orangery ideas. You can trust us to help you make the right decision for you, your home and your budget. We can project manage the entire build, or work alongside your own builder, the choice is yours.

Whatever you choose, Abelglass will ensure that your project is built to our high standards with deposit protection and insurance for up to 10 years.

Talk to us about your project today on 01253 893355 or email us at enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

Add value to your home with double glazing

How to add value to your home with quality double glazing.

The nights are drawing in, winter is creeping upon us and the chances are you’ve put your heating back on. It may well be that you’ve also started to notice the odd draught and cold spot in your home.

double glazingIf you’re looking to keep your house warm and save some money then fitting new double glazing will definitely help.

In a recent survey, 88% of homeowners agree that their property feels warmer with new double glazed windows. And 90% agree that their property feels quieter. Installing new double glazing can also reduce your energy bills by an average of ÂŁ110 per year.

In addition to energy bill savings. Fitting new double glazing can increase your property’s value by up to 10%. Many estate agents attest that double glazing can make your home more ‘saleable’. And a recent article in the Daily Express found that “80% of home buyers say double glazing is a ‘must-have feature’ when buying a property.”

The average price in the UK for a semi-detached house is currently ÂŁ210,000. Which means that new double glazing could add ÂŁ21000 in value to your home. The average cost for replacing windows in a semi-detached house is only ÂŁ4000. Which makes it a very lucrative investment.

The right type of double glazing is also very important.

For example, installing uPVC double glazed windows in a period home would actually decrease the property’s desirability. Causing its value to fall. Here at Abelglass we have a vast range of different styles, in uPVC or aluminium, including Vertical Sliding Sashes, Tilt & Turn and Casements.

We can also accommodate your choice of design, whether it’s a circular window you need or even a window with a specific angle or curve. With a vast choice of colours and effects to suit any period or imagination, we can help you make the right choice for your property and budget.

The units in all of our windows are glazed, as standard, using an advanced performance, low emission glass – PLANITHERM TOTAL +.

This means your windows will offer you up to three times more insulation than standard double glazing. This glass is also the ideal low-E solution for compliance with Building Regulations relating to energy efficiency, and filling each unit with Argon gas offers an added reduction in heat loss. New windows can make a huge difference to the appearance and value of your property, they will also keep you warmer and make your home more economically efficient.

Don’t let double glazing cost deter you from updating your home, it could very well end up saving you money.

Contact Abelglass today to find out how we can save you money with our range of double glazed windows.

01253 893355 or enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

Why You Should Include Mirror in Your Kitchen (and how to use it)

Incorporating a carefully chosen mirror into your kitchen is a clever design move. As well as injecting a touch of glamour, a mirror brings other benefits too. The reflective surface bounces light back across a room, boosting brightness and adding a sense of depth. It’s also a simple but highly effective way to make your space look bigger. Depending on what type of mirror you go for, it can be a relatively inexpensive way to boost your cook space. Browse these imaginative ways to add mirrored glass to your kitchen.

Put one behind your hob…

Clever positioning of a mirror can boost your kitchen’s design in several ways. For example, locating a mirrored splashback behind a hob (as pictured) will let you easily keep an eye on small children or continue to chat with friends, without having to turn around while cooking.

This mirrored splashback reflects the garden, creating the illusion of more outdoor space, as well as visually doubling the presence of the feature brick wall. This light- and the space-boosting effect is heightened by combining the mirror with the glass ceiling and large windows.

…or your sink

Getting the right type of mirror is key. For a traditional kitchen or one in a period home, consider an antiqued or ‘foxed’ design, which has a mottled appearance and creates a lovely soft, vintage look (it can also work well in a modern kitchen). If you want to go ultra contemporary, a tinted mirror is a good option. Tinted designs come in a choice of colours, including smoked black glass and bronze, as shown here.

mirror
By LWK Kitchens London London – See more Home Design Photos

Choose the right finish

Getting the right type of mirror is key. For a traditional kitchen or one in a period home, consider an antiqued or ‘foxed’ design, which has a mottled appearance and creates a lovely soft, vintage look (it can also work well in a modern kitchen). If you want to go ultra contemporary, a tinted mirror is a good option. Tinted designs come in a choice of colours, including smoked black glass and bronze, as shown here.

A mirrored glass splashback must be made from toughened or tempered glass, otherwise, exposure to heat or an accidental knock could cause it to crack or break. And as long as it’s carried out prior to templating, mirrored glass can be shaped, drilled or cut to include socket cut-outs or to work around awkward corners. Mirrored glass can also be fitted in sheets up to 3m long which, for most kitchens, means you won’t have any visible joins.., or get in touch with us on 01253 893355 to discuss your needs!

While it looks beautiful, the major downside of a mirrored glass splashback is that its intensive manufacturing process is reflected in the cost, making it more expensive than most other splashbacks. But consider how dramatically it could affect the feel of your kitchen and the sense of space – you might decide it’s worth the investment.

click on the above images to view more great ideas via Houzz.

A New Set of Windows in Lytham St Annes

“Abelglass are the best double glazing company I’ve ever come across, the process is always straightforward. The fitters are always well presented, pleasant, do a good job and tidy up after themselves and the standard of work is always very good.”

A happy client in Lytham St Annes. We replaced a number of windows for the garage, now it looks as good as new!

You can choose from our impressive range of uPVC windows or aluminium styles, including Vertical Sliding Sashes, Tilt & Turn and Casements. We can also accommodate your own personal choice of design, whether it’s a circular window you require or even a window with a curve.

With a huge choice of colours and effects to suit any imagination, your new windows will make the world of difference to the appearance and value of your home. Don’t let double glazing cost deter you from updating your home. Based on our many years of experience, we will be more than willing to help you make the right choice to suit your budget.

Contact Abelglass today to speak to their team of experts 01253 893355

How do you Fix a Draughty Door?

Do you find that you just can’t keep your house warm? Although windows and wall insulation are often the obvious culprits, we’ve also seen a lot of problems caused by a draughty door. In this article we’ll look at some of the causes of draughty doors, and what you can do to fix these issues.

What Causes A Draughty Door?

A lot of the time, issues with draughty doors are caused by poor initial installation. This means that the door has been installed in such a way that there are large gaps between the door and the frame. Wind gets in through these gaps, and warm air from your heated home escapes out.

However, this is not necessarily always the case. Especially in homes that are slightly older, the door and frame may have “settled” in such a way that a gap has appeared where previously there was none. No-one can really be blamed for this, it’s just how these things work out sometimes.

Finally, it’s important to note that not all draughts coming from the door are caused by gaps between the door itself and the frame. Often, you may find that your keyhole is letting in cold air (that small gap really can make a difference!) or that the letterbox is flapping open and shut in the wind, similarly letting warm air out from your heated home.

What Can I do to Fix This?

Thankfully there are a number of steps you can take to fix the issue of having a draughty door letting all the warm air out. If you’re having issues with keyholes and letterboxes, you’ll be happy to know there are covers and draught excluders designed specifically for these areas. However, it is very important to measure carefully before you buy anything – your letterbox especially may have some awkward inner dimensions that will make finding a good fit something of a challenge.

If the draughts are coming from gaps between the door and the frame, then you’ll have better luck with more traditional draught excluders. Nowadays you can get very nice-looking draught excluders for the base of your door, allowing you to use these practical items to compliment your interior design!

Sometimes, of course, there’s nothing for it but to replace the door and frame. Especially in cases where the door is old and has settled badly, leading to large, irregular gaps between the door and the frame. This is where Abelglass can help. We have years of experiencing installing doors for our many happy clients. Check out our doors here, or get in touch with us on 01253 893355 to discuss your needs!

Introducing Our New CNC Machine!

Producing the kind of high-quality glass that we do – and in so many varieties! – requires some fairly specialist machinery. In the past, we had to rely on third-party suppliers to produce more specialists pieces of cut glass, which meant that we didn’t have full control over the delivery of a project for our clients.

We decided that that wasn’t what was best for our clients, so recently we acquired a brand new CNC glass processing centre to let us produce specific cuts of glass in-house. The boys here at Abelglass have been getting to grips with their new toy, and the future looks very promising! We’re exceptionally excited about the possibilities this new machinery brings for us.

front-door

Abelglass – delivering quality glass, every time

Part of the reason we chose to re-invest in new machinery is our commitment to delivering the best service possible, every time. Our clients rely on us to help them bring their vision of their homes to life, and we take that responsibility seriously. This new CNC glass processing centre will help us to deliver that vision faster, and more cost-effectively too, all while keeping control over the project under one roof.

This means our clients can always get in touch with us and find out exactly how the project is progressing. We’re fully committed to ensuring that we deliver excellent customer service alongside all our projects so that people can feel confident in choosing Abelglass time and time again.

If you’re considering making some improvements to your home, why not get in touch with us here at Abelglass? We have many years of experience in delivering quality products to our clients, so you can be sure that you’ll be in good hands. Call us today on 01253 893355 or fill in our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you.

How Can I Keep My Conservatory Warm in Winter?

Once winter sets in, most people simply abandon the conservatory as being too cold for use. This is a real shame, especially considering how much a conservatory can cost. At Abelglass, we want our customers to be able to enjoy their conservatories all year round, regardless of the weather. That’s why we’ve put together this article to give you some tips on how to make the most of your conservatory year-round.

Make Sure Your Conservatory Glazing Is Up To Scratch

As a conservatory is mostly glass, this is the obvious place to start. High quality insulating double glazing will make a big difference to how warm your conservatory stays during the winter. All double glazing is not created equal, and you’ll soon find that if you settle for the cheapest option, you’ll have a freezing cold conservatory come winter.

Keep an eye out for things like low-emissivity coatings and inert gas cavity fillings. These will improve the performance of double glazed glass. On the other hand, avoid double glazing that has a narrow cavity (less than 16mm is definitely out), or features things like aluminium spacers (these act as “cold bridges”, conducting heat out of the conservatory and into the open air).

Floors Conduct Heat Too

Floors get cold. Obvious enough. That cold floor then saps heat out of the room, conducting it away into the earth. This is a process we can hinder, meaning that your conservatory will stay warmer for longer.

Easy solutions include simply putting a rug down in the winter. This has the added benefit that during summer you can simply take the rug away again. It’s not hugely efficient for heat-saving purposes, but it’s definitely better than nothing. More permanent solutions include underfloor insulation. This takes a little more time and effort to get installed properly but does a much better job of insulating the floor, reducing heat loss during winter.

Finally, Eliminate Draughts

Often, the conservatory doors can let heat escape via draughts. Give your conservatory a thorough check to identify any sources of chilly breezes, and put a stop to them. If your conservatory is getting on a bit, the frames of the windows may be starting to deteriorate and admit draughts – this can be easily fixed by a professional for far less than the cost of replacing the window altogether. A good set of blinds or curtains can also do a lot to eliminate the effects of draughts and can be a stylish addition to your conservatory as well.

We hope you’ve found this article useful, but if you have any questions still or you’d like to winter-proof your own conservatory, Abelglass can help. Get in touch today by calling 01253 893355 or email us at enquiries@abelglass.co.uk.

Splashbacks

Why not give your new kitchen the wow factor finish with our stunning made to measure splashbacks. Or even update a tired looking kitchen. Our expert staff can discuss individual requirements with you.

Splashbacks make a big impact

Using glass to replace tiles is both beautiful and sensible: it’s durable, heat-resistant and very easy to clean. We use toughened glass for all of our splashbacks which are available in a variety of thicknesses and can be cut to any size and shape, made to measure to match your exact specifications.

Take a look at our fantastic range here and get in touch to discuss your made to measure design.

 

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