How are uPVC windows made?

We know them, love them and use them in our homes – but exactly how are uPVC windows made? We took a tour inside our Norwich factory to show you exactly how this incredibly versatile and flexible – yet unbeatably durable – material is created to make our most popular product. Each window is made to the unique specifications of your home, then rigorously quality checked before heading out for installation. There’s a reason they’re our company’s bread and butter.

Want to see our uPVC window production in action? Check out our video for an inside look.

Head into our Norwich factory to see how we make our uPVC windows:

What is uPVC?

uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride – can you see why its name is usually shortened? – and it’s an incredibly versatile material that can be used for things as far and wide as windows, doors, plumbing materials and even dental retainers.

The first recorded commercial use of uPVC comes from Germany in the 1960s. Before that, manufacturers were using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a material, but its low lifespan made it a less than desirable material. Manufacturers soon discovered that by not adding plasticisers, PVC was much more resilient. Thus, modern uPVC was born!

Some of the biggest benefits of uPVC are:

• It’s incredibly easy to maintain and clean
• It won’t rot or warp
• It can be recycled for new uPVC materials
• It’s known for its thermal efficiency
• It’s light and durable

How is it made?

The production process for uPVC is pretty simple. It’s made when molten uPVC is forced through a mould, then quickly cooled to maintain its shape. The uPVC is then cut to fit the final specifications before the individual pieces are melded together.

Depending on the final product, this next part is where the extra bits are added. If it’s uPVC windows that are being made, the material will be sealed and then fitted with glass.

 

Now you’re an expert! The next step is testing out our uPVC windows for yourself. To see a sample or to speak with a design expert about our uPVC products, visit your local branch or get in touch to schedule a home visit today.

The post How are uPVC windows made? appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/fun/how-are-upvc-windows-made/

Protected: Enter Therma-Tru’s Curb Appeal Makeover Contest - Today's Homeowner

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from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/thermatru-curb-appeal-makeover-contest/

Do It! Repair a Stone Walkway - Today's Homeowner

This flagstone walkway is missing some stones and mortar. That can be hazardous, so it's time to fix it.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/do-it-repair-a-stone-walkway/

#ProjectSpotlight: The modern front door

When it comes to home improvements and home decor in general, going from outdated to modern seems like a no-brainer. Nobody wants to have their home classified as old school. But what we often don’t acknowledge is that opting for an incredibly modern upgrade can be a little daunting, as are all ventures into the unknown. Will a modern look work well with my home? Am I destined to be old school for all eternity?

The Mott family knew their front door needed a splash of the modern. They ultimately decided on one of Anglian’s composite doors – the Elite Solid Core door in the Milan style from our Designer collection. With the addition of customised glass panels on either side, the Mott family’s entryway got an instant injection of chic. Out with the old and in with the new indeed.

Here’s what Mrs. Mott had to say about her new Elite composite front door:

“We recently had a replacement door and side panel windows through Anglian. The entire process was simple, hassle free and extremely professional.

“We were very impressed with the choice of modern and “on-style” doors that were available, and were pleased that Anglian were able to accommodate all the design features that we requested.

“We have also been very happy with the additional security and insulation the new door has given us. We would certainly recommend Anglian to any of our friends looking to replace their front door.”

We love nothing more than a good on-trend transformation. Want to give your whole home the Elite treatment? Check out our Elite steel garage doors for the complete modern look.

The post #ProjectSpotlight: The modern front door appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/projectspotlight/projectspotlight-elite-front-door/

This Memorial Day Weekend, Practice Grill Safety - Today's Homeowner

Before you make barbecue ribs, spicy grilled shrimp, chicken kabobs or other favorites, remember to stay safe.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/this-memorial-day-weekend-practice-grill-safety/

Privacy Fence Ideas: Create a Secluded Space Outdoors - Today's Homeowner

Whether you have a small yard or too-close neighbors, you may be thinking about installing a privacy fence. Here's what you need to know before you do anything.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/privacy-fence-ideas-create-a-secluded-space-outdoors/

4 Benefits of a DIY Heat Recovery System Installation

Lately, you may have been hearing a lot about HRV (Heat Recovery and Ventilation) systems and now you probably want to know what they do and how they can benefit you. Since you have a newer model home, isn’t this already built into your furnace? The short answer is, probably not. Most homebuilders don’t go that extra mile as their profitability is based on keeping construction costs low. It’s understandable since those extra features would necessitate a rise in the sale price and so, this is one ‘corner’ they can legally and ethically cut. There is no law on the books that requires builders to provide heat recovery features to your HVAC system. Now it’s up to you to determine whether or not you need one. Your home is new, after all. Actually, these are the homes that have greater reasons to have a heat recovery system installed because they are built to be air tight and don’t have the ventilation older homes have. Now then, for those benefits, ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hvac-air-conditioning/10383-4-Benefits-of-a-DIY-Heat-Recovery-System-Installation.html

This USB Outlet Prevents Overcharging, Battery Damage - Today's Homeowner

Leviton’s USB Charger / Tamper-Resistant Outlet has a smart chip that automatically recognizes a device’s power requirements. Here's why that's important.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/this-usb-outlet-prevents-overcharging-battery-damage/

Searching for Your Dream Home? Consider Indoor Air Quality - Today's Homeowner

Installing a range hood over the stove or cooktop, such as this one from Broan NuTone, is a great way to remove smoke, heat and cooking odors.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/searching-for-your-dream-home-consider-indoor-air-quality/

#StyledByMe winner Chloe Spillett visits Grand Designs Live

What I loved most about my first visit to Grand Designs Live at ExCel London (I know, I’ve been under a rock) is its dedication and innovative approach to sustainable design solutions. Prior to my visit, when I thought of “Grand Designs”, eco-friendly always popped into my head, but achievable never did. I think many people would agree that creating environmentally-friendly builds or extensions is a desirable goal but many, like me, wouldn’t know where to begin or where to find the right kind of information.

Grand Designs Live holds all of the solutions under one roof, exhibiting a wide range of up-and-coming design products to improve homeowners’ day-to-day living without harming the environment. From Anglian Home Improvements’ stand showcasing its energy-efficient windows, doors, orangeries and conservatories to firms demonstrating insulation blocks made from mushrooms, this exhibition is an Earth-hugging haven!

You don’t have to acquire a plot of land in remote countryside to be able to utilise these products. If you’re thinking of building an extension or even if you’re merely decorating or updating some existing fixtures and fittings, you too can get on board by utilising products that serve to replenish our earth’s resources and reduce your carbon footprint.

For bigger builds there was one product in particular that I found really impressive: the STROCK building block. It was made by combining waste materials from farm and brickworks such as straw and clay-rich earth to create a material that’s both strong and durable. Best of all, the blocks aren’t fired but dried in driers powered by locally-sourced timber. So not only do they reduce the demand for materials, the carbon emissions produced in manufacturing are also minimised. It’s a winning combination and a truly great product!

Because sustainability is at the heart of Grand Designs Live, even the room sets continued the theme, and there were lots of inspiring ideas to choose from. A particular highlight for me was the award-winning and utterly gorgeous kitchen set by Finch London.

The Finch team take a keen interest in the environment and are constantly looking at ways to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum. From the materials they use, production methods, delivery and waste, all are considered for their environmental impact.

This sensational set is no exception. Each fixture and fitting has been selected with careful consideration for the environment. The water-based Jesmonite work surface provides a lightweight alternative to cast concrete and doesn’t release volatile organic compounds unlike some of its concrete counterparts. The end of the island is home to a living herb wall, a sensory treat for the eyes and the taste buds. All the while, it purifies the air and absorbs CO₂.

My particular favourite element (aside from the wrap around blush colour which is just giving me life) is the swoon-worthy cork flooring, which is both stylish and sustainable. Cork is a 100% natural material that’s harvested every 10 years by extracting only the bark from the tree. This reduces deforestation and the tress are left to do what trees do best! Moreover, cork has both hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties so it’s a perfect installation for family homes. This really is a winning product in my eyes and I’m committed to featuring cork in my next home improvement project.

If you’ve been under a rock too and haven’t yet had the chance to visit Grand Designs Live, then free up some space in your diary for the next installment at Birmingham NEC, October 10^th – 14^th, where Anglian Home Improvements are once again the headline sponsor. The show is well worth a visit regardless of the scale of your improvement projects…besides you might get a sneak peak of Mr. McCloud himself!

Chloe Spillett was the winner of Anglian’s first ever #StyledByMe competition in 2017. To read more about Chloe’s home interior expertise, visit her blog.

The post #StyledByMe winner Chloe Spillett visits Grand Designs Live appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/fun/styledbyme-winner-chloe-spillett-visits-grand-designs-live/

Do It: Polish Cultured Marble Countertops - Today's Homeowner

It takes just a few simple steps to polish cultured marble countertops and get them looking their best.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/do-it-polish-cultured-marble-countertops/

Review ‘Today’s Homeowner’ or ‘Checking In With Chelsea’ and You Could Win a Prize! - Today's Homeowner

Today's Homeowner Media is celebrating National Streaming Day with two giveaways!

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/review-todays-homeowner-or-checking-in-with-chelsea-and-you-could-win-a-prize/

#ProjectSpotlight: Conservatory playroom

You know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. The same goes for home improvements. Sometimes they don’t always go according to plan, so the only thing to do when you’re left with limited options is to make the most of what you’ve got. In the case of the Gaudelli family, they were denied planning permission for their two-storey extension. Instead of despairing, they opted to build a conservatory instead.

The Gaudellis decided on an Elizabethan conservatory in white uPVC that they converted into a playroom for their children. With it, they get a wealth of the extra space they were after, plus a lovely sunroom that’ll drink up the sun come summertime. And with French doors, they’ve also got an entryway into their garden that they didn’t have before. It might all have been their second choice, but it’s a back-up plan that really paid off.

Here’s what Mr. and Mrs. Gaudelli had to say about their new conservatory turned playroom:

Q: How long have you lived in your property?

A: 10 years this year.

Q: What was the reason for wanting to have a conservatory?

A: It was out of desperation, really. We rang Anglian because we initially wanted a two-storey extension over a lovely patio area, but our neighbour’s property overshadowed the area considerably where we wanted it, and we were refused planning permission.

We were told we would never be granted permission to build on this area. We didn’t really think about a conservatory at first; we just wanted something and needed some advice. David came out to see us and took us through our options and gave us confidence in choosing this option.

Q: What was the most important thing for you when considering a conservatory?

A: Definitely space.

Q: Did you receive quotes from more than one company?

A: No, we were sold with the quality of advice and service from David (the consultant) that visited. He really installed a great deal of confidence.

Q: What was it that made you choose Anglian?

A: It was a combination of things: the quality, the designs of the products and the service and confidence given to us.

Q: Were you happy with the service received from Anglian?

A: Very much so. The consultant David was absolutely amazing. Ours was not an easy job. We had many issues to overcome, to which he did; he was able to get the conservatory put through without planning permission and did an awful lot of hard groundwork. The installation team was also amazing; they were so good, staying until 7pm, and they left everything very clean. We could not have been happier.

My dad is a builder and he has very high standards, as do I, and I was slightly concerned that going with a larger company would not give the personal service that we expected. However, we couldn’t be more pleased with the workmanship from start to finish. We are so pleased, and I’m a very hard critic and very particular. I did write in to express how pleased we were with our conservatory and the team that worked on it for us.

Q: What is your favourite feature of the conservatory and the reason for this?

A: The roof and the light it draws in, and the overall conservatory; it really is beautiful both inside and looking [at it] from the outside.

Q: What is the main benefit from having a conservatory?

A: We needed the extra space. We did want it as a large sitting area following on from  our dining room, but we have two young children and we turned it into a playroom.

Q: Has your Anglian conservatory improved the appearance/saleability of the property?

A: Yes, definitely.

Q: Would you recommend Anglian?

A: Yes, very much so.

Have you ever been caught in a home improvement bind? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments below!

The post #ProjectSpotlight: Conservatory playroom appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/projectspotlight/projectspotlight-playroom/

Wooden Creativity: Learn from These 3 Resources and Become a Professional Carpenter

Do you have the conviction that you can work wonders with your hands?  Have you been dreaming of creating magnificent structures from wood? Would you love to come up with the best designs that can feature in a real home or business premise? If so then pursuing a career in carpentry may draw you nearer to your dreams, and soon you may be professional enough run you shop and acquire carpenter insurance. Become a professional carpenter with these three simple steps. 1-Do your research— choose a field of specialization Carpentry, like other industries, is an extensive jargon. You need to revisit the internet to for the full range of areas in woodworking, or you risk landing in an occupation that doesn’t match your dreams. You could choose any of these occupations: •    A finish carpenter or simply a joiner— specializes in finish carpentry. Things like cabinetry, model building, parquetry, joinery, making furniture, fine woodworking, instrument ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/tools-woodworking/10379-Wooden-Creativity-Learn-from-These-3-Resources-and-Become-a-Professional-Carpenter.html

Service of Garage Doors – a Brief and Novel Approach to Repair and Safety

Garage doors come in market with many shapes and sizes. Their individual functions vary from basic security of an area to concealment of necessary belongings. Typical modern garage doors for residential applications tend to be predominantly of the overhead sectional variety. That style of doors comes in many outlines, materials, levels of insulation, and a wide range of appearance and designs.

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/doors-garages/10378-Service-of-Garage-Doors-a-Brief-and-Novel-Approach-to-Repair-and-Safety.html

8 Steps to Making Your Home Energy-Efficient

An eco-friendly home can be any shade of green, from the palest mint to the most in-depth forests. Through adopting some ecologically-friendly products and energy-saving techniques, you can finally manage to lower your energy bills and improve the indoor air quality of your castle.

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hvac-air-conditioning/10377-8-Steps-to-Making-Your-Home-Energy-Efficient.html

Add a Deck to Your Commercial Location to Increase its Value

Are you the owner of a restaurant, nightclub, or other commercial location? If so, you may well be looking for a quick and easy way to make a rapid increase in your real estate value. You may be interested in improving its value in order to sell it, or you may have any number of other reasons in mind. No matter what your motivation for adding value may be, one thing is certain: You are definitely searching for a major improvement that can be had in a short amount of time for a preferably small amount of money. If You Want to Add Value to Your Location, Build a Deck There are many reasons why you should consider adding an elevated deck to your commercial property. One of them is to take full advantage of a scenic view. If your restaurant or club is located near a mountain top, canyon, or body of water, you can view it all from the top of your deck. Better yet, you can invite your customers to enjoy a lunch or dinner party from this deck. The positive effect that such a view can have on ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/general-household/10374-Add-a-Deck-to-Your-Commercial-Location-to-Increase-its-Value.html

Try It: The Simple Way to Install Hardware - Today's Homeowner

Sometimes, your hand gets in the way while tackling home improvements — but not with this tip.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/try-it-the-simple-way-to-install-hardware/

Why You Should Choose a Metal Roof - Today's Homeowner

"Today's Homeowner" host and internationally renowned home improvement expert Danny Lipford explains its benefits in this video.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/why-you-should-choose-a-metal-roof/

Spread Seed, Fertilizer Easily with This Handheld - Today's Homeowner

This fertilizer and seed spreader helps you conveniently prepare your lawn and garden for the summer.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/spread-seed-fertilizer-easily-with-this-handheld/