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Timber Sash Windows for Your Home

The timber sash windows are one of the best bets to authentically decorate your home. There are several artifacts to do so, but the stash windows have a glitter of their own. They give that mystic yet elite look to your home that compels everyone to whole-heartedly admire your tastes.

But a very crucial point should be kept in mind. You must be extra careful when deciding upon the brand of timber sash windows. Not every brand that is available in the market is good. You may be fooled by the ordinary quality of those.

Worry no more. Be rational and choose Stonehouse Corinium as your service provider. They have been in this business for more than 28 years and got a splendid goodwill in the market. The areas where the company has its operational activities are regions in and around Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Cirencester.

There is a definite element of elegance in the timber sash windows which no one can deny. It prominently adds to the style factor and makes your house appear quite attractive. The design and framing of the windows are carefully chalked by experts in the field. These factors bring in grace in the setting.

The ordinary companies discreetly sell you timber sash windows that are ill-fitting. But Stonehouse Corinium promises to provide you with the international standard timber sash windows that are flawless in making and fit. The window size does not matter; these windows are able to snug in nicely in any dimensions.

These windows are great features of beautiful conservatories, adding further glitter in their appearance. The double glazing glass panels of the timber sash windows nicely let the sunlight enter into the covered zone, making the interiors glow. These windows are versatile from every respect and have a good repute of lasting long.

So, in a way, it can be said that the timber sash windows have a very good sustainability and thus, their quality is not affected by heavy showers, bright sunlight or snow. In a manner, such a striking attribute is unparalleled when this specific brand is compared with other shops in the business.

Another exciting feature of the windows is the exhilarating double-sliding facility that makes these a gem of an artifact. The prices are bit on a higher side but you will never complain as these timber sash windows gloriously impart aristocracy in your lifestyle and revamps your style statement.

Stonehouse Corinium Contributes to English Blind Golf Association Charity Golf Day

Stonehouse Corinium has helped the English Blind Golf Association to raise £1450.00. Stonehouse Corinium participated in a charity golf day which took place on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Minchinhampton Old Course. They recently received a thank-you note from the EBGA stating the results of the fundraiser. After the expenses such as prizes, medals and green fees were covered, the event raised £1450.00 to go straight to funding the EBGA.

The English Blind Golf Association is a league that allows golfers who are blind to play and compete with the aid of a sighted guide. The guide is allowed to describe the terrain, direction and distance of the shot to the blind player. Then, the guide lines the player up for the shot. When the blind player has reached the green, the guide paces off the distance from the ball to the pin and figures out the strength and line of the shot.

The player and guide dynamic of the English Blind Golf Association gives an interesting twist to the golfer-caddy relationship. The two act together as a team and they must communicate effectively in order to succeed. They are both invested in the outcome of each shot and both feel excited to win and devastated to lose.

The English Blind Golf Association allows golf enthusiasts with vision problems the chance to play golf and compete with others in a safe environment.  And Stonehouse Corinium is proud to have contributed to their fundraising efforts this year.

5 Irresistible Reasons To Choose Timber Sash Windows

It’s official – timber sash windows are back in a big way! Modern manufacturing methods have ironed out all of the old problems, and you’ll see more and more sash windows in Cheltenham as homeowners go “back to the future”! So why should you choose timber sash windows for your home too?

1. Style
There’s no escaping the fact – sash windows just look good. Their elegant proportions and graceful design somehow feel right, as if this is how windows are meant to look. This is a timeless style in traditional material, that will instantly add character to your home.

2. Function
Timber sash windows don’t just look good, of course – they’re good to use too! The vertical sliding design is the perfect combination of form and function, allowing you to open your windows as much, or as little, as you want. They’re also ideal if you’re looking to save space, as they’re entirely contained within their own frame.

3. Versatility
Sash windows aren’t just for those lucky enough to live in a Cheltenham Regency terrace (although they’re perfect for that, of course). They look good on any home, from period properties to the most modern new build. They can also be created as bespoke items, to fit any aspect or size of window space.

4. Efficiency
The draughty, ill-fitting sash window is a thing of the past. Modern manufacturing methods ensure that your window frames will withstand all the vagaries of the British climate, without warping or cracking. All timber framed windows also have to meet exacting standards of energy efficiency – reducing heat loss from your home by up to 74%, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

5. Sustainability
Finally, if you love wooden windows, but are concerned about then environment, then there’s good news. Most timber sash windows these days are sourced from sustainable forestry. Look out for the FSC or PEFC logo

Do Your Entrance Doors Let You Down?

Believe it or not, entrance doors provide a perfect example of a psychological principle known as “recurrence inhibition”. In plain English, this means “not noticing things which stay the same over time.” You go in and out through your doors all day long, so it’s no wonder that you don’t pay much attention to them. This is perfectly normal and perfectly natural, but it carries a hidden danger.

The wrong entrance doors could let down your entire home. They’re the first thing that visitors see, after all, and they serve a number of obvious practical purposes too. If, like many Gloucestershire homeowners, your doors have become “invisible”, it’s time to take a fresh look at them.

Do they suit your house?

You wouldn’t wear a woolly hat and fingerless gloves with a tuxedo, so why would you install an entrance door that just doesn’t suit the style and character of your home? A modern white uPVC door may not suit a period property, for instance, just as a traditional, dark oak door might look out of place on a contemporary development. Think about colour, finish and material. Your doors need to look as if they belong to your home, and haven’t been stuck on as a misjudged afterthought!

Of course, a lot of this will be down to personal taste and preference. Nevertheless, your entrance doors do make a statement about you and your home, so you want it to be a good one.   Also bear in mind that the wrong style of door could be exactly the sort of detail that puts off potential buyers.

Are they getting past their use-by date?

Many people inherit their entrance doors from previous owners. Older doors may not have been manufactured to such high standards as modern doors, or they may not have been properly maintained. In either case, you might find that your doors are becoming more and more weathered, and less and less weather proof.

Are they insecure?

Your front and back doors are also there to keep out unwanted visitors. Again, security standards and features are continually improving, so that older entrance doors may not be quite as secure as their modern counterparts. Are you 100% happy that your locks and fittings are doing their job?

Doors welcome visitors on the one hand, and keep you cosy and secure on the other. If you’re stuck with inappropriate relics that are no longer fit for purpose, it’s time for a change. Resist the “recurrence inhibition”, and take a good look at your entrance doors today!

Are You Making These Classic Replacement Window Mistakes?

Although choosing replacement windows seems fairly routine, it can go wrong all too easily. According to a recent news article, a major political row about windows has blown up in the little American town of Berlin, Maryland. An historic downtown hotel replaced 16 wooden framed windows with identical vinyl frames – leading to threats of fines for the hotel owners, the resignation of planning board members, the intervention of the mayor, and a great deal of upset on both sides. Although your choice of replacement window may cause less political upheaval, there are still plenty of mistakes that homeowners in Cirencester need to avoid.

1. Choosing the wrong windows

Too many people think that a window is just a window, without appreciating that it’s the most prominent feature of your whole house. Fitting the wrong window is like wearing the wrong clothes to a job interview – something you may regret for years to come!

So what makes it the wrong window? Most obviously, there’s the matter of style. Your windows have to suit the character of your house, especially if you’re just replacing some of them. If three of your windows are sash style, it would look very odd if the fourth is a casement.

Material is important too. This is largely down to your personal taste and budget, but your window frames need to look right in their setting. Also, do pay attention to local planning laws! A little research now could save you a whole lot of time, trouble and expense later on.

2. Choosing from an unreliable source

It’s fair to say that double glazing firms haven’t always enjoyed the best of reputations. Although the industry has cleaned up its act, it’s vital that you choose your replacement windows from a reliable company. Look for membership of professional bodies such as the The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and FENSA. Ideally, the company should also be a member of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) – this gives you even more protection and an effective way to resolve disputes, should they arise.

3. Paying too much (or too little!)

Replacement windows are available for just about every budget, so there’s no need to spend thousands and thousands of pounds. On the other hand, you don’t want to go too cheap and cheerful! Your windows need to withstand a lot of weather and wear and tear. Those “bargain” windows can turn out to be a very expensive false economy if they need constant repair or replacement. Buy the best you can afford. Again, a reputable and reliable company will be only too happy to guide you through the options.

Like any major investment, buying replacement windows requires some careful thought and planning. If in doubt, ask the experts!

This is a guest post by fasciasonline.co.uk a specialists in Cast Iron Style Guttering, Fascias ond Soffits. To find out more visit our Home Improvement Blog.

Why Wooden Windows Are The Way To Go

As the satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer once said, “bad weather always looks worse through a window”. What he didn’t say is that wooden windows always look good, no matter what the weather! As more and more homeowners in and around Cirencester turn to timber for their replacement windows, there’s never been a better time to consider the wonders of wood.

1. Wood looks good
There’s no denying it, timber just looks good. There’s a timeless, organic quality to it that synthetic materials can’t match – not that there’s anything wrong with synthetic materials, of course! It’s as if we all believe, deep down, that window frames ought to be made out of wood. Fitting timber framed replacement windows is a great way to give your home elegance and individual character.

2. Wood is versatile
Wooden windows aren’t just for older properties, although, of course, they are perfectly suited for that purpose. Modern design and manufacturing techniques mean they can be fitted to any type of home, from historic houses to the very newest developments. Whatever type or age of house you live in, there’s a style of timber frame to suit you.

3. Wood gives you choice
You also have complete freedom of choice when it comes to colour and texture. From dark grained oak or mahogany to smooth white frames, you’ve got such a wide palette to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a finish that’s just right for you.

4. Wood is robust
Advances in manufacturing technology have completely overcome all of the old problems associated with wooden frames – sticking, warping, cracking and rotting. Modern timber frames will keep your home free from draughts, and are treated to withstand anything the British climate can throw at them. One of the things you’ll love about wooden frames is that they’re easy to maintain. Once they’re installed, they’ll go on looking good and keeping you snug and secure for years to come.

5. Wood goes with anything
Even uPVC! If you want a white uPVC finish on the inside and a warm timber finish on the outside, that’s no problem. Or you could have it the other way around, if you prefer! This hybrid style of window frame is becoming increasingly popular.

Wooden windows, then, are a serious choice for anybody looking to replace their window frames. It’s a natural, traditional material that continues to thrive in the 21st Century – easy to work with, easy to customise, and surprisingly easy on your budget, too!

3 Reasons Why Double Glazing Will Give You A Cosy Glow This Winter

Here in Gloucestershire, it hardly seems like yesterday that we got rid of the last lot of snow – and now winter is back again, in full force! It’s certainly the time of year when we can be grateful for double glazed windows and doors, but in case you need further persuasion, here are three reasons why double glazing will keep you smiling until Spring!

1. It keeps you warm
An obvious point, so obvious, in fact, that it’s easy to take it for granted – double glazing makes your house much, much warmer. Yet it wasn’t always this way. Many people reading this will remember mopping up huge pools of condensation from their windowsills, or even waking up to ice on the inside of their windows. This was a frequent occurrence, and well within living memory.

Double glazing completely overcomes this problem. It insulates your home against the cold, and keeps warmth inside, where it belongs. Modern uPVC and treated timber frames are also much more robust. It’s easy to forget just how quickly older style frames could warp and crack, letting in draughts – and it’s surprising just how cold a draught can be when it finds your feet on a winter’s night!

2. It keeps other people’s noise out (and your noise in!)
A party next door sounds much wilder and noisier if you have to listen to it through single-glazed windows. Double glazing cuts out an amazing amount of noise, an important consideration as the party season gets into full swing. If you’re a party animal yourself, of course, then double glazing will go a long way towards keeping your neighbours happy!

3. It saves you money
Something else that you may not have appreciated is that double glazing can save you a significant amount of money. The Energy Saving Trust calculate that a household that replaces all of its single glazing with energy rating C double glazing will save £130 on bills over the course of the year. What could you do with an extra £130? Remember, it’s not just heat that escapes from your old windows – it’s money, too.

Double glazing, then, is a true benefit of modern construction, and one that’s within reach of most budgets. Installing high quality replacement windows and doors is an investment that you’ll appreciate for years to come. So whatever this winter brings, be grateful for your double glazing – and if you haven’t got any, think seriously about investing in some before winter 2011 is upon us!

Choosing Entrance Doors – Top Tips From The Professionals

Could you live in a house without entrance doors? Of course not! So it’s surprising just how underappreciated and misused this most essential feature of the home can be. If you’re looking for replacement doors, these top tips will help you to make the right choice.

1. It’s all in the design.
Many homeowners overlook the importance of good design for their doors. After all, it’s a purely functional object, isn’t it? Wrong! Doors add personality and character to your home, and they say something about you too. Your entrance door is usually the first thing your visitors see, so you want to make a good impression! Take time to choose a design, and a colour, that fits in with your home and your surroundings. You’ll be looking at it for a long time, so you need to like what you see.

2. Appreciate your material.
Following on from this, pay attention to the material your replacement door is made from. Do you want a traditional wooden door, or modern PVC? Do you want glass patio or French doors, or even an aluminium composite door? Each has its advantages, and each will work better in different circumstances. Timber or PVC doors work well at the front of the house, for instance, where glass or aluminium might be more appropriate at the back. Again, think about your surroundings, and choose a material that fits in with them.

3. Think long term.
How easy will it be to maintain your replacement door? Your door will be exposed to everything that the British climate can throw at it, so you need to be sure that it’s up to the job. Remember that handles, frames and coatings are also part of the door, so you need to be sure that they’re up to the job too. A coat of paint every few years is one thing, a complete overhaul or replacement is quite another!

4. Think practically.
Entrance doors are there to welcome you home and to greet your guests, but they’re also designed to keep unwanted visitors out – so don’t neglect security issues. Consider heating as well. A poorly designed door will let chilly draughts in and warmth out, so make sure that your doors will keep you snug. If space is an issue, consider a bi-folding door – a neat way of creating a grand entrance without taking up vast amounts of room.

5. Ask an expert.
A reputable door supply and installation firm will guide you through all of these considerations, and lead you to the door that’s right for you. Replacement doors are a major purchase, and failure to take any of the above points into account could prove very costly in the long run. So don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Replacement Windows – Why Everything Has Changed And What You Can Do About It

Looking for replacement windows?  Got your eye on something nice in hardwood or softwood, or maybe some classy sash windows to give your house that timeless look?  Maybe you know someone who says they can get you a cheap deal on your timber framed glazing, and you’re tempted to go for it?  If so, you may need to think again.  From October 2010, everything has changed for homeowners looking to upgrade or replace their windows, and unless you’re on top of the situation, you could come seriously unstuck.

So what’s changed?  The answer lies in Part L of the new Building Regulations.  Most people in the Cotswolds (and everywhere else for that matter) won’t have heard of this piece of legislation, let alone know what’s in it.  But for professionals in the replacement window industry, it’s already having a significant impact.

The new regulations state that no window or door can be specified, unless it meets a certain standard of thermal insulation performance.  In other words, unless a window receives the correct finish and standard of glazing, it will be unfit for purpose, and you will be in breach of the Building Regulations if you attempt to instal it.  This may lead to your local authority launching proceedings against you, which could end in hefty fines.  These are rules and regulations that you definitely need to know about!

The Code for Sustainable Homes sets out  levels of energy performance from 1 to 6, and a stepped programme up to 2016 in order to meet them.  The current stage is an energy level of 3, which means that all double glazing products must have a minimum C rating, a step up from the previous requirement for an E rating.  This applies to all replacement windows, from factory units to bespoke timber windows.  The only exemption is for Listed Buildings, so unless you happen to live in one of those, you will definitely need to meet the new requirements.

So how can you be sure that your new windows are legal?  First of all, avoid cheap and unofficial deals – they could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.  The best and safest thing to do is to go to a recognised dealer and installation firm.  Ask to see their professional registration, and ask them if their products meet the new Building Regulations.  A legitimate firm will be only too happy to set your mind at rest about this.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that although rules and regulations can seem confusing, they are ultimately to your advantage.  The new energy ratings mean that all types of window will be much more efficient at keeping heat in.  Your home will be much warmer as a result, saving you far more money than anything you might save from buying cheap, and possibly illegal, replacement windows.

Choosing A Double Glazing Company – 3 Things Every Buyer Should Know

With winter fast approaching, and memories of the last big freeze still on everybody’s mind, it’s safe to say that nobody in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire or Oxfordshire needs to be persuaded about the benefits of double glazing. In terms of warmth, energy efficiency and sheer ability to deal with British weather, double glazing is a necessity, rather than a luxury.

At the same time, it’s also safe to say that double glazing companies have had something of an image problem in the past. New or replacement windows are a major purchase, so you need to know you’re in safe hands before you part with your cash. Here are three things you must consider before choosing a double glazing company.

1. Does the company have professional registration?

Everybody has heard the horror stories about rogue traders and pushy salesmen. Fortunately, the industry has taken steps to combat the cowboys, and there are a number of organisations dedicated to maintaining professional ethics and standards. So the first thing you should ask is whether the double glazing firm you’re considering has some sort of professional registration.

Names to look out for include The Conservatory Association, The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and FENSA. Check out the company’s website and literature. Does it have a logo for one or more of these organisations? If you can’t see that they’re registered, ask. No reputable double glazing firm will mind you asking this question.

Membership of a professional body tells you that the company is serious enough to sign up to a code of practice. It can be expected to do business in a responsible and ethical manner. It also helps you to find a company in the first place. If you log on to the FENSA website, you can type in your location, and find all the FENSA registered double glazing companies in Cirencester or Gloucester, for example.

2. Is the firm a member of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS)?

Following on from the first point, look out for accreditation with the Ombudsman Scheme. This provides access to independent mediators and inspectors, a legally binding dispute resolution service, a compensation scheme and full guarantees from deposit to final installation. Again, if you can’t see that the company is Ombudsman-accredited, ask them.

3. Does the double glazing firm provide a complete level of service?

Finally, does the firm provide a comprehensive level of service from start to finish? Some firms supply and some firms instal, and ideally you want one that does both. A firm that can survey, measure, quote, supply and instal your double glazing is a firm that fully understands your needs.

Follow these three tips, and you can buy your double glazing and replacement windows with complete peace of mind.