Businesses in England are beginning to get back to work. However, safety screens, hand sanitiser and one-way-systems are the new normal for keeping workers and the general public safe.

Many businesses around the country are happily throwing open their doors to employees and customers alike. Factories, offices and some shops have been operating since mid-June. And now many bars, cafes and restaurants are set to open on the 4th of July. This is the good news that the country has been waiting for. However, there are some important safety measures which must be in place before a business can re-open.

Five Things To Do Before Re-opening

Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment

Check the HSE guidance, speak with staff or trade unions and share the results of the risk assessment with staff and on your website.

Create Hygiene Procedures

Encourage hand washing and hygiene by providing hand sanitiser around the workplace and in washrooms.  Make sure objects and surfaces are frequently cleaned and disinfected, especially busy areas.

Enable Working From Home

Businesses should enable people to work from home by supplying the right equipment and providing access to communication tools and relevant information.

Maintain Social Distancing

Wherever possible people should keep to a 2m distance from one another. This should be implemented by enforcing a one-way system, displaying signs to remind workers and visitors of social distancing guidance.  Use floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep to a 2m distance.

From the 4^th of July, social distancing can be amended where necessary to 1m plus. However, 2m is still the ideal we should aim for.

Manage Transmission Risk

Wherever it is not possible to maintain a 2m distance the activity time should be as short as possible. Shared spaces such as offices and reception areas need safety screens or barriers to separate people from each other.

Shared Spaces

Open-plan offices, manufacturing spaces and reception areas should have the minimum amount of people possible spaced 2m apart. However, this is not always possible. Where this situation arises safety screens can be used to separate people from each other. These screens could be installed between desks in office environments, between workstations in manufacturing and on the front desk of reception areas.

Close Contact Services

For close contact services such as hairdressing or beauty it isn’t possible to maintain 2m distancing. On these occasions, workers will wear PPE such as face masks and visors to protect the clients. Safety screens or barriers should also be used to separate clients from one another.

Till Points & Customer Service

Wherever a transaction must take place it is not feasible to keep a 2m distance between the shop worker and the customer. This is where safety screens are very effective. Many shops are requesting contactless payment methods and have a protective screen with a portion cut-away for the transaction to take place. The combination of safety screen and contactless payment means that there needn’t be any physical contact between the worker and customer. Protective screens can also be used at customer service or reception points.

Glass Safety Screens

Here at Abelglass we have installed our own glass safety screens within our showroom till point area and throughout our factory. Made from 6mm clear toughened glass with polished edges and radius corners our screens are both stylish and very durable.  As you can see in the picture above we have also included an internal cut-out area for our till point so that transactions can take place.

Available For Businesses To Buy

Our glass safety screens are now available to buy directly from our factory. They are available in the following standard sizes:

800 x 800mm – £135 + vat

1000 x 1000mm – £160 + vat

We can produce glass safety screens in any size you require, simply get in touch with our friendly team who will provide you with a quote for your requirements.

All of our screens are supplied with business-grade portable screen feet.

These feet are produced specifically for use with tempered glass are fully adjustable and feature an anti-slip base.

If your business needs a durable and well-made safety screen then don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to help.

 

Integral blinds are the perfect solution if you have a room which you avoid using on a sunny day. Windows with built in blinds allow you to control the amount of light so that it’s just right for you.

Rooms such as south-facing lounges, conservatories and Orangeries can experience too much light at certain times of the day, especially in the summer months. This can also cause the room to heat up to an uncomfortable temperature. These things can cause you to avoid using these rooms, just when you should be enjoying them the most.

Integrated blinds allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your room making sure that you can enjoy it, instead of squinting or overheating.

Integral Blinds Keep Your Room Private

High-performance Venetian integral blinds have horizontal slats which allow you to adjust the amount of light entering your room. 

Windows with blinds inside also offer a high-level of privacy if your room is overlooked, without sacrificing the amount of daylight.  Even when the blinds are fully lowered you can simply adjust the direction of the slats to allow full privacy AND light.

Modern Controls

Between the glass blinds are available in a range of smart control systems. From manually operated sliding bars or wand mechanisms to fully automated systems.

Controls such as the magnetic sliding bars and wands also do-away with the need for unsightly and potentially dangerous blind cords. This means you can relax in the knowledge that children are completely safe around cordless integrated blinds.

Colours To Match Your Decor

10 colour options are available so you can get just the right look for your home. This includes the ever-popular anthracite grey (S159/equivalent to RAL 7016). 

This means that you can have the perfect colour to match your room. Whether that’s light blue for your bathroom or cream for your lounge.  

No More Dusting

We all know that standard Venetian blinds are an absolute magnet for dust and are every cleaners worst nightmare. Traditional metal or plastic blinds require wiping down to clean them which is a fiddly and messy job. They can also look a bit clinical or become damaged and ruin the overall look of your windows. 

However, integral blinds are permanently sealed inside the cavity of a double-glazed unit. This means that they will remain dust-free and perfectly clean at all times. Sealed units with blinds inside also protect the blind from any damage and prevent clutter on the window cill.

Not Just For Windows

Integrated Venetian blinds are the perfect choice for sliding doors, French doors, patio doors, and bi-fold. The benefits of the blind being completely sealed between the glass are fantastic. No more blinds swinging around when you open or close the door. A patio door with Venetian blinds won’t get cords or other mechanisms trapped in the hinges. And, the benefits of the blinds remaining pristinely clean are even more appealing when they are within a full-length door.

The Perfect Fit

Not only do integrated blinds stay clean, look neat and let in just the right amount of light they fit perfectly too. If your doors or windows aren’t a standard size then fitting blinds can be a real headache. Sealed units with blinds inside are always a perfect fit.

All of our integrated blind units are made in the UK using high-quality materials and come with a five-year guarantee.
If you’re interested in finding out more about integrated blinds then give us a call on 01253 893355 or drop us a line to enquiries@abelglass.co.uk. We’ll be more than happy to take you through your options.

Top Tips To Stop Mould Around Windows

Many homes, particularly older homes, are prone to getting mould around windows. This can cause damage to window frames, especially timber ones, and cause health problems.

Whilst the mould certainly doesn’t look nice, it’s not the biggest problem. Living with mould in your house can lead to health problems.

Why Does Mould Grow Around Windows?

Mould is a fungus which can grow on almost any surface where moisture is present. The spores are present in the air and when they meet with moisture they grow and multiply.

The biggest cause of mould around windows is condensation. The warm air inside the home hits the glass of the window where it is rapidly cooled by the outside air producing condensation.

Other factors which increase condensation are:

• Wet and humid weather
• Insufficient heating
• Leaking pipes
• The steam caused by a bath or shower
• Smoking
• Open fires and wood burners

Why Is It A Health Problem?

Mould exposure causes a variety of health problems, mostly respiratory.

Symptoms include:

• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Eye irritation
• Wheezing and problems breathing
• Tight chest and coughing
• Throat irritation
• Rashes
• Headaches

How Can Mould Be Removed?

Due to the health problems it can cause, it is important that mould is regularly removed. There are a variety of ways you can do this depending on whereabouts of the mould.

The Best Way To Remove Mould From Around Windows Is Bleach

Wear rubber gloves and make sure that the window is open so that there is plenty of ventilation. Be careful not to get bleach on any paint, carpet or fabric as it will cause damage.

• Mix one part bleach to three parts warm water in a bowl
• Use a non-abrasive brush to clean off the mould
• Regularly dip the brush in the bowl and thoroughly clean the whole area
• Dry the cleaned surface with a cloth
• Leave the window open until completely dry

There are lots of other sprays and cleaning detergents which can get rid of mould, but they don’t always remove the black staining. Some of these detergents can also damage the seal around double glazing, therefore, it is wise to approach with caution.

The best way to deal with mould around windows is to prevent it from growing in the first place. There are a few different ways you can tackle this.

How Can You Prevent It From Growing?

Mould is caused by condensation. Condensation is created by excess moisture, therefore, the best way to prevent it is to remove as much moisture as you can.

Opening Windows In The Bathroom And Turning On The Extractor Fan

Making sure than any steam created in your bathroom leaves via a window or extractor. This is important whilst the shower or bath is running and afterwards until the steam has gone. Wiping down wet surfaces once you have finished will also help.

Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way of removing excess moisture in the air. They come in a variety of different sizes and price-points. Check out This Guide to find the best one for you. 

Keep Your Home Adequately Heated

Keeping your home heated evenly and not allowing the temperature to dramatically rise and fall will help prevent condensation. If warm air quickly becomes cold and then warm again it will produce moisture, causing condensation.

Double Glazed Windows

The reason that mould is so common around windows is that the warm air from inside meets the cold air from outside. The best way to stop this is by creating an insulating layer between the cold outside and warm inside.

Good quality double or triple glazed windows do exactly that. Specifically designed to prevent heat passing from the inside to outside and vice versa. This means that the surface of the inner pane remains warm, creating significantly less condensation and therefore mould.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

So, now you know why mould grows around windows, how to remove it and most importantly how to prevent it from growing.

If you want any further advice about maintaining your windows or installing more efficient ones get in touch with our friendly team.
We have a huge range of different windows to suit any home and can create made to measure windows that are perfect for your home.

Why Does Double Glazing Look Misty?

Double glazing units are formed by two panes of glass with a gap between them. Depending on the rating of your double glazing, air or gas is trapped between the two panes and sealed in to create an insulating barrier. 

It’s only when this seal fails that condensation can build up on the inside of your windows causing them to appear misted up.

In addition to looking unsightly, the insulating benefits of the double glazed window are lost and the unit has become unstable.

The pressure of the air or gas reinforces the overall structure and stability of the unit. Without it, the glass panes will be flexible, fragile and dangerous.

What Caused The Seal To Break?

Whilst many people expect that doubled glazed windows will never need replacing. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.

Sealed double glazing units have a limited life span. For the highest-quality of installations, replacements may not be needed for up to 30 years. Some experts say that 20 years is a reasonable life expectancy.

Another likely cause is the use of chemical cleaners. These can cause the sealant to break down and allow moisture to seep in.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Double Glazing From Failing?

1. When choosing which windows to install make sure that you choose the best quality units you can afford. At Abelglass we fit all our units with 28mm advanced performance, low emission glass and fill them with Argon gas.
   
2. When cleaning the windows don’t use any solvents or harsh chemical cleaners. A simple solution of warm soapy water will remove any grime without damage to the sealant.
3. Run your fingers around the beading that holds the glazed unit in the uPVC frame. If you notice that any part of this is not holding firmly, it may need re-applying to prevent moisture collecting in the frame.

Can A Failed Double Glazing Unit Be Repaired?

Whilst there are many companies offering a repair service, where the unit is drilled and the condensation is removed, it’s not something that we at Abelglass recommend.

Any repairs that can be made do not address the underlying issue as to why the unit failed in the first place. Additionally, the cost of high performance, Argon gas filled replacement is not too dissimilar to a repair. 

Simply put, there is no fix for a failed or ‘blown’ double glazing unit, unfortunately. It will need to be replaced.

If you’ve got double glazing with condensation on the inside, speak to Abelglass today to find out about the best replacement for you.

Our family-run company has supplied the highest quality uPVC windows for over 30 years.

Call us on 01253 893355 or 0800 136128 to speak with one of our professional team of glaziers.

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.

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.

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.

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 £10,000 for a standard UPVC model. Whilst a 4×4 Orangery is typically around £19000. 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

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.

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.

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!

The nights are beginning to draw in, and there is a definite chill in the air. With unpleasant memories of last year’s energy bills lingering, what can you do to ensure that your house is as snug, cosy and energy efficient as possible ready for winter? Here are a few essential tips for householders:

Tip One: Get Your Gas Boiler Serviced

Get a plumber or technician in to check that your boiler is working to its maximum capacity. A check or service should be carried out every year, and autumn is the ideal time to catch any minor problems before they turn into big headaches.

Tip Two: Change Your Light Bulbs

Now is a good time to make sure that all your light bulbs are energy efficient. This can have a drastic impact on reducing your electricity bill. Energy efficient light bulbs last much longer, saving you money in the end as well as being kinder to the environment.

Tip Three: Make Sure Your Home is Properly Insulated

Check your loft. There are plenty of government grants available to help you get your loft cavity properly insulated so it would be wise to take advantage of them if you have not already done so. Walk around your home and try and spot any draughty places that need blocking. Use a lighted candle; if the flame flickers, you have a draught!

In the attic, seal any holes that lead down to the house such as electrical runs, plumbing and wall tops. Cover and seal these with a rigid foam board and adhesive spray foam if necessary; draughts from attic spaces are huge energy waste.

Tip Four: Install Modern Double-Glazed Windows

If you haven’t already done so, installing modern double-glazed windows is essential to ensuring that your home is energy-efficient. Use a reputable company that has an excellent local reputation, such as Abelglass, a company that has successfully served the Fylde Coast and surrounding areas for many years.

At Abelglass, all of our window fitters are NVQ trained in Fenestration Installation & Glass Processing and we pride ourselves on our professionalism. Here at Abelglass, we fit high-quality double-glazed windows that are fit-for-purpose as a long-term investment, and we also offer a ten-year guarantee for your added peace of mind.

Contact us today for more information about how we can provide you with the right products to meet your double-glazing requirements, and ensure that your home will be snug and secure for many more harsh winters.

Millions of people in the United Kingdom currently have conservatories installed in their homes. However, the problem is that most people will make the mistake of thinking that a conservatory can only be enjoyed during the summer. This is most definitely not the case. There are so many different things that you can do in order to get the most out of your conservatory all year round. Here are a few tips;

Install Floor Heating

This is something that not a lot of people will have considered before. People who have conservatories will often rely on small electric heaters for warmth during the winter, whilst others will avoid the conservatory altogether. However, by installing floor heating, you can make sure that you are warm all year round, thus allowing you to enjoy your conservatory whatever the weather.

Change Your Conservatory Windows and Doors

What many people don’t realise is the fact that the whole idea of a conservatory is to bring light into the home. However, if you don’t have the right types of windows or doors installed in your conservatory, you will not be able to enjoy your conservatory to its fullest. Here at Able Glass, we are able to offer a whole range of solutions for conservatory windows and doors, and even offer complete conservatory installations as well. If you struggle with the lighting in your conservatory, then new windows and doors should definitely be looked into.

Install Dining Tables and Chairs

Although many people do not do this, you can actually install dining tables and chairs in your conservatory. The benefit of this is that you are able to enjoy eating meals with your family and friends during both the summer and winter months, whilst enjoying your conservatory at the same time. This is definitely something to consider if you want to enjoy your conservatory all year round.

These are just a few of the most basic ideas for enjoying your conservatory, there are so many more. The main thing to remember is that there are a lot of different options available to you. If you would like to find out more information about how we can help you to get the most out of your conservatory here at Abelglass, then get in touch with us today. We will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about our services.