Why has Steel become one of the best construction materials of the 21st Century?

For many years iron was the fundamental base of many infrastructures across the world. However since steel has been discovered, it has now become the go to material for most major constructions. This is why it has become its own separate industry with suppliers such as the Blake Group.

The metal is an alloy and a combination of iron and carbon. This creates a metal which has a greater strength to weight ratio then many other metals. It is a very durable metal and can withstand a variety of weather conditions, meaning it will not rust as much as iron if exposed to the elements. Another benefit of using the alloy in construction is that it can be recycled numerous times. Even if it is used 3 or 4 times it will not lose any of its other qualities. Its flexibility as a material means that it has the ability to be altered once the structure has already been built.

The use of steel in large scale projects can help to speed up the construction process. When used in the inner city it can be effective at reducing disruption with city roads or day to day life. Looking towards the future steel offers an environmentally friendly option for construction due to its recyclable nature. Over half of the steel used in the world is now recycled steel from previous structures, which shows just how efficient a material it is.

How to Create an Indulgent Den for Adults

Some of our best childhood memories are the memories that we have of creating dens. Whether we invited others into our worlds or kept them to ourselves, we understood that a den was our private space – somewhere to relax and to get away from it all. That appealed even when we were young, creating forts and pitching play tents in the garden, but as we grew we found that we had less time to build dens as life, work and day-to-day responsibilities got in the way.

Somehow, as our world became somewhere that we more often needed to escape, we stopped escaping from it. Play tents were stored in the cupboard under the stairs, the sofa stopped becoming a fort and we no longer propped a duvet up in the air so that we could hide underneath it with a battery-powered torch. We lost our childhood escape.

Now, why not create a den again? Why not find some space in your house to let your inner child out? Find a room that isn’t being used for anything important, or use room dividers to create a separate space, and take yourself back to those carefree days when you really knew how to relax.

Seating
Chairs are boring! When you were a kid, what could beat flopping down on a big beanbag or sinking into a pile of large cushions? Soft furnishings are the key to a good adult den. A nice duvet to relax under, coupled with a pile or cushions or pillows, will ensure that you can enter your den and experience instant comfort rather than spending time trying to adjust your position on a chair or sofa. Cover the floor – go crazy!

Entertainment
Your iPad, connected to your office email, doesn’t count. Your den needs to be a place where you can get away from it all. A TV is fine, but don’t take your phone or tablet into the room. Add a small bookshelf, and consider stacking a few board games in the corner. Make your den the place that you play your guitar, listen to music, paint or knit but, whatever you do, don’t let the outside world in.

Decorations
Don’t be afraid to go a little wild with your decorations, either. When was the last time you had posters on your wall? You might make sure that your decorations and furnishings complement each other throughout the rest of your home, but your den can be a place where nothing matches and you can let all sides of your personality out at the same time. If you love cartoon superheroes and cute cuddly kittens, put the two side by side. What could possibly feel better than snuggling down for a nap with those glowing plastic stars lighting a ‘sky’ on the ceiling?

Imagination
Your home should be your sanctuary, but as our commitments encroach on our personal space we’re losing the ability to relax after a long day in the office or an afternoon caring for an elderly relative. People are constantly worrying, and the stress can get too much. Instead of thinking about artistic interior design for one of the more public rooms in your house, stop for a while and create somewhere that you really want to spend time.

What would you have in your den? Have you already created one? What are your favourite memories of your childhood den? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

How to roof your house for the winter

There are a variety of options when it comes to roofing your house. There are a whole host of materials that can be used; but which is the most effective one to be used this winter?

Here is a list of my top three materials for the winter:

1. One of these could be wood shake, this is a material used for people who like to have an aesthetically pleasing roof. The wood changes colour in damp and cold weather leading it to change to what some may perceive an even better look. Making it especially good for the winter as you may come through it with a better looking roof.

2. Concrete roof tiling is another option. This would be extremely useful for those who live in a place with volatile weather conditions. Since they are heavy duty they are able to uphold in storm-like weather conditions whilst also having the ability to be fireproof.

3. Metal roofing has become more popular in recent times for homes in a cold climate. The metal is durable and will last many decades whilst also having the ability to allow snow and ice to slide off. It has become popular in cities such as New York, and can now be found in the majority of roof suppliers such as RT Roofing Supplies.

Shower Heads – A Brief Q&A

You would be well within your rights to view the title of this piece and give a subtle – or maybe not-so-subtle! – roll of the eyes. You’d think that something as prima facie straightforward as a shower head would not require anything approaching intense thought, but with the range of designs and construction methods now, I’m afraid you must devote some more time to choosing your shower head.

To this end, I’ve broken down some of the most frequent queries I receive from people looking for a new shower head.

What material(s) should my shower head be made of then?

The manufacture of your shower head is of more importance than you might first think. Quality of build equates to longevity, which in turn leads to saving you money as you don’t have to replace or repair your unit. Steel heads are fine and – if on a budget – there is nothing wrong with well-made plastic heads, but the very best, I think, are solid brass shower heads. With the right coating, brass items offer unbeatable resistance to corrosion and the type of strength you will need for day-in, day-out use.

What are my design options?

This is a bit of a ‘length of a piece of string’ question now. Before you were fairly well set with very drab, very functional shower heads, arranged in simple round or square shapes. Nowadays these styles have been completely mixed up, with three-headed head units just one of the modern designs available. Also popular are star-shaped designs, which look good even when switched off.

Anything you can recommend to make my heads stand out?

Following on from simple looks above, there are other things that really move away from orthodox shower design. Perhaps most popular are LED shower heads, which dazzle with their varying hues that colour your bathroom when the thermostatic shower itself is activated. Other attractive modifications come with the actual delivery of the water. Waterfall heads, for instance, do away with the classic individual nozzles, commingling to form a spray, and instead produce one long cascade. This looks extremely impressive once the shower is switched on, as the singular smooth body of water is very pleasing to the eye.

One final piece of advice that I couldn’t leave you without is something that applies to all purchases. Essentially, be sure to research your warranty options. A long warranty indicates quality, as the stockist clearly trusts their products to last. Furthermore, should the worst happen, you know you have a back-up, and that you won’t be shelling out any more money. I have seen guarantees in excess of a staggering ten years on the market, so be sure to do your research.

Stairlift Use in the UK: An Insight

As we age, there are many new changes that may occur – both to our health and our attitudes. With an aging population, the UK and the wider global community are being forced to invest more time, energy and resources into developing systems that can help these vulnerable persons live a long and comfortable life.

Stairlifts are a big part of this – but just what are the key findings about stairlift use in the UK?

The UK population

As with many developed countries or nations, the UK has what is known as an ageing population. This is where larger and larger proportions of the population are in their later years – something which puts increasing pressure on those of working age.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics claim there were more than 12,230 people aged over 100 years of age in England in Wales in 2012. This has increased from a mere 2,560 people 30 years ago with the number of people aged over 90 years tripling over a similar time period.

According to a poll by Anchor, 77% of adults think the UK isn’t ready to cope with the changes to its demographic. Although there have been recent changes to retirement ages and pension structures, the truth is that areas such as healthcare and housing are falling short of demand and this is something which needs addressing if elderly citizens are to get the life they deserve.

Stairlifts in the UK

One of the key ways in which individuals are coping with the difficulties of old age is through the fitting of stairlifts in their home. While there are no exact figures on the numbers currently owned or in-use, there are some statistics for us to review.

Some firms have reported as much as 5% increases in sales for the third year in a row as the aging UK population continues to grow. For this portion of our demographic, mobility issues (which can lead to the need for a stairlift) are commonplace.

The unfortunate fact is that many of these people do not always get the care they deserve. Even in 2001, more than three-quarters (78%) of elderly people with mobility problems said they got help or care from those living in their home or from spouses.

For those who live alone, this poses real problems and it’s hardly surprising that a number of elderly people move from their family homes as the approach later life. Unfortunately, care homes don’t always offer the support and financial viability they promise. In fact, a report on The Daily Mail from April 2014 claimed that thousands of care home residents were being told to ‘pay more or move out’.

A viable alternative

Instead of feeling the need to relocate when they get older and are no longer able to cope with common areas of difficulty, such as the stairs, elderly people could simply invest in a stairlift to help them retain their independence and live in the house they’ve grown to call home.

There are a fantastic selection of stairlifts available, including curved stairlifts which are designed to fit curved staircases as opposed to straight ones. With so much choice and a population that is continuing to age, the benefit of choosing these products is clear!

Home Security for the festive period

Crime statists show that criminal activity increases during the Christmas period as homes are full of expensive gifts or left unattended for a few days. During the festive period home owners should take a minute to consider how secure their home and contents are. These security tips highlight the security flaws that criminals look for when scouting for potential targets.

How secure does the property look? 

Thieves will always look for an easy entry and exit route, if they cannot readily see an easy way in, they will bypass your home and choose an easier target. Making your home look secure is therefore vitally important. Doors and windows that appear old and un-cared for will give the impression of a poorly maintained house and a potential target, all external doors should be fitted with high security door locks and all windows should be fitted with a key operated lock.

An untidy garden can also give the impression of an unloved house, thick bushes can be used as hiding places for crooks and any unsecured items in the garden could be used to access the property, always put away or lock up garden items such as ladders, these could be used to gain access to an upstairs window.

If you do go away for Christmas, ensure that any deliveries are cancelled, these can be a dead giveaway that no one is home. Royal Mail offers a post holding service called Keepsafe™ , this facility holds onto mail for a pre-set period of time, so instead of letting your post and parcels build up let Royal Mail keep hold of them.

Good Lighting 

External lights with motion sensors can be used at the front of a property, these will come on when the house is approached. Security lights can also be used to illuminate dark corners that could be potential hiding spots for intruders looking to break into a property. There are now many solar powered lights that can be easily fitted without the need of an electrician. Internal lights can also be used to good effect, giving off the impression that people are at home, light timers can be used to switch a light on when it gets dark.
Cables for Christmas lights should never be fed through an open window, instead install an external power socket.

Home Safes

Small home safes that can be hidden away are now popular security items for many households, important and valuable items can be securely stored in the safe. During the festive period it can be a good idea to store gift receipts in a safe, that way if the worst was to happen, you still have proof of purchase and value. Small key safes are now being used to good effect to protect keys for other parts of the house and vehicle keys. If someone were to gain access to your home, any keys that are left in the ‘key pot’ would allow easy entry to other locked parts of the home. Car keys can also be stored within small key safes, if a thief was to gain access to your home, car keys left unsecured give the criminal easy access to your vehicle as well.

Social Media

Thieves have started to use social media as a method to find out when properties will be vacant, it is therefore essential not to give this information away. Check your social media setting and make sure that only friends and family can see your updates, better still, not advertise that you will be away for a few days. This point is also valid when posting pictures of the brand new bike you received for Christmas, this could be an advert to an offender that you have a new valuable item stored within your property.

Remember, stay safe over Christmas, have a great time with family and friends and look out for others that are vulnerable or alone.

This article has been supplied by the locktrader team, check out their website www.locktrader.co.uk supplying low cost locks and security for the home.

Looking for Eco-Friendly Christmas Lights?

Christmas is fast approaching and more than ever before we are looking to make purchases that are not only great value but can help the environment as well. If you are looking for an original, vibrant and eco-friendly way of brightening the outside of your home this festive season, take a look at our great offerings of some eco-friendly Christmas lights

So how do solar lights work? Solar garden lights work through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. This PV effect is the term used for the process to describe when sunlight generates energy in solar cells and this is also called photovoltaic cells. As the solar lights charge right through the day, it stores the sufficient amount of energy to light an entire garden path or walk way throughout the night, and the cycle is then repeated again when the sun rises.

We have a vast range of beautiful fairy lights that can transform the outside of your home and are powered by solar energy. Not only are these lights long lasting but they also offer great performance and are not necessarily just to be used at Christmas – giving that extra bit of sparkle to your home and garden all year round.

We are experienced in the sector of solar fairy lights and can offer our expertise when purchasing your eco-friendly Christmas lights this year and every year. If you would like our help or any further information, do not hesitate to contact us today via phone or email.

Improving Your Home? Don't Forget Your Car!

The new year is almost upon us and we often make resolutions that include some DIY around the house to improve our homes, but make sure you don’t neglect your car – that needs some TLC too, especially as it is thought that we spend 37,935 hours driving our cars in an entire lifetime!

Here are several other ways that you can improve your car, particularly if you are working with a budget:

• Remove any junk you have in your vehicle. This could be anything from empty food wrappers to books to sports equipment to spare clothes! This can help to not only add a sense of ‘lightness’ to the vehicle but also help how the car performs in terms of mileage, handling and braking distance.

• Use the best oil there is on offer and make sure you change it regularly. This can help make your vehicle run better and your car will be grateful for it.

• Replace any old spark plugs and air filters. This can help to boost the vehicle’s horse power and make the vehicle run better in general.

• Invest in the tires that you use and make sure they are inflated. This can make all the difference for vehicle performance, speed and keeping you safe.

We can provide brake caliper ranges include Haldex, BPW, SAF, and Foden and we supply re-conditioned brake calipers all over the UK for use on all variants of trailers and Lorries.

 If you need any help or information, please do not hesitate to get in contact via phone or email.

How to Keep Your Swimming Pool Clean and Hygienic

When it comes to owning and looking after a swimming pool, we understand and appreciate the importance of keeping the pool clean and hygienic. The correct water chemistry is necessary for keeping a swimming pool clean, safe and sanitised for swimmers, and the maintenance of a swimming pool's chemicals can save those who own a pool not only time but money as well. Various swimming pool chemicals are available from us that offer a great value way of keeping your swimming pool sanitised at all times.

What is it that makes a swimming pool dirty anyway? There are a few key factors that contribute to making a swimming pool unclean. Dirt and bacteria can be picked up from:

• People – when people swim in your pool, body fats, bacteria, nitrogen and ammonia are released as well as any dirt that may have been collected on the body before entering the pool.

• Dirt – dust and dirt can enter the pool from leaves, bird droppings, muddy feet and insects, adding to the not quite clean condition of the water.

• New water – residue is carried in rain water and can get into the pool by washing in from the sides.

• Algae – algae can build up gradually on any body of water that is not moving constantly and comes in thousands of colours and types.

If you need any help or more information please do not hesitate to get in contact via phone or email today.