News
2 | AUGUST 2017
News
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Car salespeople came in at 16 %, followed by journalists( 18 %), estate agents( 22 %) and bankers( 33 %). Occupying the middle of the table for total UK homeowners were recruitment consultants( 34 %) and builders( 43 %).
When it comes to bad press, the phrase‘ cowboy builder’ goes a long way in tarnishing the perception of these tradesmen and the trust they receive from homeowners. Botched building work, home improvement horror stories
and an overall unease when it comes to hiring a builder all work against their reputation. Renovation projects that require a builder often involve a big investment from the homeowners.
Plentific aims to reassure the customer by providing the Plentific Guarantee and ensuring pros selected for the job are verified with all the necessary credentials and insurance needed. This all works to put the homeowner at ease when hiring a builder. Stephen Jury, spokesperson for Plentific, commented:“ It’ s fantastic to see tradesmen listed so highly in the trusted professionals list. With homes being an important financial asset for most, you should have trust in a professional you hire to improve or repair your home. However, the figures show a significant difference in trust when it comes to fixing up homes, compared to estate agents who are tasked with selling them.
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the phrase‘ cowboy builder’ goes a long way in tarnishing the perception of these tradesmen
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“ When you hire a tradesman, you want to be able to trust them. You want to feel safe in the knowledge that they’ re verified, have the appropriate qualifications, positive reviews and the relevant insurance for the work they will carry out. All these things are what Plentific value, by giving homeowners details of who they are hiring and being protected by our guarantee.”
MAX OUT CONSERVATORY COMFORT
You can make the most of a conservatory’ s performance and comfort through glass specification. The best installers know this, and help homeowners choose a conservatory that will perform long beyond the summer.
Phil Brown, Pilkington UK’ s European regulatory marketing manager, offers these tips.
A conservatory is a popular feature in the modern home and with developments in both technology and design, homeowners are now able to enjoy the benefits of light-filled space, without having to suffer temperamental weather conditions.
The right combination of solar control, low-emissivity and self-cleaning glass can help ensure a conservatory is enjoyed all year round.
Here are some simple tips to help maximise the performance and comfort of a conservatory: 1. Switching from polycarbonate to glass for a conservatory roof can transform its energy, light and noise properties. For example, polycarbonate roofs can make the conservatory noisy when it rains, whereas glass tends to dampen the sound.
2. Location, location, location. Any glazing specification should be determined by the position of the conservatory and the microclimate of the area.
3. For those in a sheltered or north-facing location, where it’ s likely to be colder, a low emissivity double-glazed unit is the most appropriate solution. This will reduce the amount of
heat lost through the windows, while also allowing more heat from the sun in through the glass.
4. Overheating in conservatories is one of the most common enquiries we receive. But, for those in a south-facing location, which will have more exposure to the sun, solar control glass can help prevent temperature build-up in the summer. It controls the amount of heat entering a space.
5. In locations with high exposure to the sun, it may also be necessary to specify tinted glass. This can reject more of the sun’ s energy than clear glass and comes in popular blue or bronze tints, for example Pilkington Activ™ Blue, which help to keep internal temperatures cooler while still maintaining low light reflection and high energy absorption.
6. For those homeowners who do not desire a tinted window, particularly in conservatory side frames, Pilkington Suncool™ One 60 / 40 still provides excellent solar control and thermal insulation, combined with low internal reflection.
7. A clear view? Anti-condensation glass is ideal for vertical elements of the conservatory, where a build-up can occur.
8. Ensuring safety. BS 5516 recommends using toughened or laminated glass for the lower pane of an insulating glass unit( IGU) in overhead glazing.
9. However, if laminated glass is specified as lower pane of an IGU for a conservatory roof, it is recommended to carry out a thermal safety check first.
10. Keeping up appearances. Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass is a high-quality, low-maintenance choice for replacement conservatory glazing that ensures clear views all-year round.
For more advice, visit pilkington @ respond. uk. com
Issue 53 | August 2017 www. proinstaller. co. uk
If you would like to find out more about the Pro Installer: Write to: Unit 2-3 Burleigh Court, Burleigh Street, Barnsley, S70 1XY Tel: 01226 321 450 Fax: 01226 730 825 Email: steve @ cvgroup. co. uk
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