Articles by Sharara Hanshaw

Protect your Garden Shed from Break-Ins

For burglars, one of the most attractive areas of your home is not actually in the house at all – it is in the garden. The garden shed is often much easier for a burglar to get into unnoticed, as they are often hidden from view and have much less security than the average home has. However, often what is stored inside a garden shed is very valuable and expensive.

Items like tools, garden furniture, electrical equipment like lawnmowers and strimmer are all commonly found in garden sheds, and burglars know this. In order to prevent your shed from being the victim of a burglary, here are some of the things that you can do to make sure that your possessions stay where they belong – safe and sound in the shed!

Start with the Garden – The garden is the first line of defence when it comes to your shed, and if the garden is difficult to gain access to, it is more likely that the burglar won’t bother trying. Make sure that you have good quality fencing that is not weak or damaged anywhere and is high enough that it is hard to climb. You can also go the extra mile and plant some spiky (but attractive) plants around the perimeter. plants like holly and blackthorn which are also beneficial to wildlife, as well as roses make excellent garden guardians!

Image Credit

Secure the Shed with Locks – It sounds obvious, but many people have locks on their sheds that are all too easy for a burglar to access. It is worth getting a professional like this locksmiths Exeter based company www.guardiansecuritysw.co.uk/locksmiths-exeter/ to come and set you up with some decent locks for your shed.

Use Lighting – One of the main reasons why so many burglars will go for a shed is of course the fact that they are often in the dark where they won’t be seen at night. Security lighting is a great way to deter a burglar from trying to break into your shed. Use it in all areas of the garden which are very dark at night.

Image Credit

Home Camera Security – Something else which can be a great way to protect the home as well as the shed is by using home security cameras. You can even view these on your phone now, so it is easy to keep an eye on the place wherever you are!

 

The Four Types of Central Heating in the UK

The vast majority of homes in the UK are kept warm by a central heating system. In the winter in particular, this is an essential way of keeping the house warm and cosy, and because summers here are so unpredictable, they can also be very useful during the summer months! As well as providing heat, it also provides us with hot water all year round.

Image Credit

There are actually four different types of central heating system that are used in the UK – these are:

Storage Heating – These types of heaters store up heat inside them overnight using electricity when it is not a peak time. For this reason, they are often seen as being the most economical form of heating, although it can take some getting used to if you haven’t used them before!

Warm Air – These are typically found in older homes that were built in the 1960s. Cold air from the outdoors is brought into the system, which a boiler then heats. The air is then spread around the home through vents rather than radiators, and these can then be closed or opened to control how much heat is pumped out of them. They work in a similar way to air conditioning systems.

Wet Central Heating – This is by far the most common form of central heating used in the UK. The boiler heats up water inside it, which then gets pumped throughout the house in pipes, which then connect to radiators in various rooms of the home. The radiators can be controlled by the taps on the sides of them to turn them on or off, as well as to determine the amount of warmth they provide, and this heating system also warms up water for the taps.

Image Credit

District Heating – This type of heating is not very common in the UK. It basically is used to heat several homes from one central point. The heat is then distributed amongst this one network via various pipes. It is something that is likely to become more popular going forward, as the carbon emissions on this type of heating are lower.

Whatever type of heating you have in your home, having it regularly checked by a professional like this boiler servicing Cheltenham based company https://www.blu-fish.co.uk/gas-heating-services-cheltenham/boiler-repair-cheltenham is essential if you want it to last you for years.

How to prevent condensation around your downlights

All kitchens eventually have the same issue. They are, by their very nature, warm places. However, the surrounding area of the kitchen can be cold. When a warm environment meets a cold environment certain environmental factors come into play. One of the most concerning, and surprisingly destructive, is that of condensation.

Image credit

If you look at a single pane window, you can see the effects of condensation quite clearly. Windows are not able to keep out the heat as well as a thick insulated wall. As the warm inside air hits the cold of the glass it begins to form water droplets on the inside of the window. If left untreated this can lead to the rotting of window frames and even the promotion of mold spores and dampness, seen as black spots.

Image credit

One area where you do not want to have condensation is around the increasingly fashionable kitchen downlights. They are also known as pot lights. The lights generate a considerable amount of heat. Combining this with the cold of a room, you can see that condensation will start to form. This could create shorts in the electrical system, as water and electricity do not mix. Downlight Covers are what is required, like those from https://www.thermahooddirect.com/. The cover channels the heat back into the room. In this way, the room is warmed so they also fulfil a “green” function.

Three Things that you Need to Make sure you do as a Landlord

If you have a property that you want to let out, then it is important that you are aware of all your responsibilities as a landlord. If you are new to letting your property out, it is better to find a local company that can help you with this, such as this letting agency Gloucester as they will also be able to help and advise you with many aspects of being a landlord.

Being a landlord comes with many responsibilities which you need to ensure you take seriously – here are some of these…

Fire Safety – To reduce the risk of fire in the property, you must make sure that each floor of the property has a working smoke alarm on it. If you are offering the property furnished, then the furnishings must also comply with the fire safety guidelines and be officially fire safe. Doors and windows can be escape routes, so must be able to be opened in the event of a fire. Carbon monoxide is also something that can be deadly, so as well as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in rooms which have an appliance that burns solid fuel of any sort.

Image Credit

Energy Efficiency – Before you let out any property, you will need to make sure that you have certificates showing the energy performance of the house. These are known as EPC’s (energy performance certificates). If you don’t have these, there are assessors who will be able to provide you with one. It is also worth bearing in mind that the minimum energy efficiency a rental property can have is E (the highest being A) – if your property is below E you could be fined, so this is certainly something that is worth doing.

Image Credit

Gas – Gas can be dangerous and therefore there are regulations when it comes to gas equipment in a rental property. It is essential to make sure that all equipment such as the boiler has been correctly installed by a qualified gas engineer and also that you have this checked at least on an annual basis to ensure that it is safe and in good working order. You need to provide the records of the gas safety checks to tenants of the property when they move in.

What is the Difference Between a Bar Stool and a Counter Stool?

You should consider the space you have for the stools and the decor of the room where you plan to place them. While some counter stools have backs, bar stools don’t. One of the main differences between the counter and bar stools is their height. Bar stools are higher and allow you to sit for extended periods, while counter stools take less space.

Read More

Deciding on the perfect pet for your family

There are many considerations to take into account before deciding to go out and purchase a new pet for your family. Does your home have a garden, or is there access to common land or a park, close to your house?  If you are lucky enough to have some green space then maybe a dog, unsurprisingly the most popular pet, could be for you. If you don’t have a garden or any outdoor space, then how about the second most popular pet?  With approximately eight million cats in the UK, there are estimated to be about five million households owning one or more of these cute, cuddly, creatures. Keep your loyal family member safely confined in your garden with a sturdy new wooden fence Gloucester supplied by a company like Greenfields.

Image credit

Maybe a slightly smaller animal would make a good pet for you and your family?  Rabbits are the third most popular creature we Brits love to keep as a furry friend. A Large wooden hutch secured outdoors is probably the best and safest location for your rabbit. Not a cuddly, furry, fluffy animal lover then how about a talking parrot, or a tiny budgie, that you could keep in a cage in your main room.

Image credit

Popular pets’ numbers five and six are Guinea pigs and hamsters, living between four to eight years, the guinea pig is very popular with UK families. There are approximately twenty-four different species of hamsters to choose from so these little rascally rodents could be an easy choice to make as your perfect pet.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Incontinence is a common medical condition that affects the nerves and muscles in the pelvic area, which allow the body to control its own bowel and bladder movements. Incontinence may be a result of a medical condition or an injury, or it may be a symptom of a more serious condition. There are many causes of incontinence, including age and illnesses. To learn more about the causes and treatment options, take a look at Clinical Training Courses from Tidal Training Clinical Training Courses

Image credit

In addition to medical treatments, incontinence can be a result of food or drink. Consuming too much water can lead to an urge to go and result in a concentrated urine that irritates the bladder. In order to improve your bladder control, you should limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages. Keeping a diary of your food intake will help you identify patterns between foods and incontinence.

Several physical changes in the body can cause incontinence, including the development of a new baby. The uterus stretches to accommodate the expanding baby, and this causes the bladder to become less capacious than it was before pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, this decreases the capacity of the bladder, resulting in leakage problems. Incontinence may also be the result of weak pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs.

Image credit

The main symptom of incontinence is urine leakage. This leakage may be a constant stream or a single event. The amount of urine that leaks can vary in size, frequency, and cause. Some people may experience nocturia, or nighttime leaks. It is important to determine the cause of incontinence. You can also seek medical advice and treatment if you experience these symptoms regularly.

What Does A Plumber Do?

A plumber does a variety of jobs, including installing pipes and drains, troubleshooting plumbing systems, and repairing worn or damaged parts. Some plumbers install new pipes, cut holes in walls, or hang steel supports from ceiling joints. Others are called on to unclog pipes and maintain septic systems. A plumber may also be called upon to install a new water heater, sink, or dishwasher. In many cases, a plumber’s work is more complex than simply replacing a tap or unclogging a drain. It might involve technology such as a CCTV Drain Survey Windsor. Find out more at https://www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-windsor/

Image credit

A plumber must be able to analyse a problem to determine its cause and recommend an effective solution. Plumbing jobs can be challenging and require a wide range of skills, from interpreting blueprints to troubleshooting. Plumbers may also have to write reports, track expenses, and organise inventory. If you are looking for a career in plumbing, start by looking at apprenticeships or college courses.

Commercial plumbing jobs can be very different from those in residential settings. Commercial plumbers tend to work with larger systems in public buildings. They may work with a multitude of outlets, including multiple floors, and are responsible for installing water systems, sewers, and other infrastructure. Their work can also be very extensive, involving the installation of drinking fountains, water sprinklers, and even waste removal systems. But even more than homes, commercial plumbing requires plumbing technicians to work on large scale projects.

To become a plumber, you must have a high level of physical fitness, excellent motor skills, and an ability to problem solve. You must also have the ability to work in confined spaces and lift heavy tools and equipment. Job prospects for plumbers are good with predicted job growth continuing.

Image credit

The typical plumber’s workday lasts between eight and ten hours. Their workweek can be flexible, with many self-employed or working part-time. Many plumbers work night shifts, but this is not mandatory. Some also provide 24 hour emergency call out services.

From small jobs to major commercial projects, plumbers have a wide range of skills, and take pride in determining problems and solving them. While their hands might be messy, the end result is an impressive hero badge in the eyes of customers.

In the long run, you can look forward to a satisfying and rewarding career as a plumber. You can even become a leader in your field and set your own hours.

 

How to Prevent Leaks in Kitchens and Bathrooms

No homeowner wants to deal with the aftermath of a water leak so if you want your home to stay waterproof and dry, you should take care of potential leaks in the kitchen and bathroom before they have a chance to occur.

Image credit

Leaks are often difficult to detect and can cause considerable damage to your home. In addition, water can also lead to mould growth. Luckily, there are a few smart ways to prevent leaks before they happen and using a high strength sealant is a great place to start. When you need sealant or Silicone sealant remover, go to a site like www.ct1.com/product-applications/how-to-remove-silicone-sealant/

If you suspect a leak, you’ll want to act fast. First, you need to shut off your main water supply. Doing this will release water pressure in your house pipes. Run a tap into a sink or bath to see if you can hear a hiss. If there is sitting water on the floor, you should soak it up immediately as it could ruin the flooring. In the worst case scenario, you may need to contact a professional plumber to fix the leak but always turn the water off at the mains.

Image credit

Another method to prevent leaks is to use waterproof sealant. Leaks in kitchens and bathrooms can result in water damage to cabinets and floor tiles. To seal the gaps between the tiles, use a waterproof sealant. By following these tips, you can easily prevent leaks from your kitchen and bathroom. Areas to focus on include bath and shower surrounds, sinks and the base of the toilet.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Facts

Each year, Cheltenham hosts one of the top events in the horse racing calendar – the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It’s a grade 1 National Hunt horse race staged at the Cheltenham racecourse in the Prestbury area of the town. It brings in huge economic value to the town, filling up hotels, restaurants, cafes and serviced accommodation for almost a week every March. This also provides work for many different trades including making sure Pat testing is all up to date where required. Giving electrician Cheltenham companies like  Blu-Fish the chance to make sure everything is safe around the town  when everybody arrives to enjoy this great horse racing occasion. Here are some fascinating facts about the impressive event:

Image Credit

The event is worth £100,000 000 to the Gloucestershire economy every year.

A whopping £2,300 000 is the amount of cash withdrawn at cash machines at the event on average each year.

£4,590,000 was the huge amount of prize money available at the Festival this year. This is the most of any jump event in the world with more than £1,000 000 on offer each day.

Prize money for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup was £625,000.

There were 80,000 trips on the shuttle buses between the racecourse and town centre. That’s a lot of transport over just a few days.

Image Credit

During the four-day event, more than 100,000 people passed through Cheltenham Train Station. If you’d love to experience the racing at Cheltenham and take in the town’s other cultural delights, book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. Serviced apartments offer a luxury home-from-home experience with many more benefits than a hotel stay. The maximum capacity of the racecourse on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day is 70,000 with the daily average attendance being 65,000.

More than 40,000 bread rolls are consumed during the event and 45,000 afternoon teas are served to visitors. Over 8000 gallons of coffee and tea are served.

The number of vehicles arriving and parking at the event over the four days is in excess of 36,000.

The National Hunt Chase is the longest race at the event at a distance of 21,120 feet.

The event employs a huge number of staff – almost 6,000 are needed to successfully stage the festival. There are 350 chefs alone!

The event was cancelled during the two World Wars and only one other year. A cancellation took place in 2001 due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that affected many parts of the country.

There are 240 private boxes available and over 100 helicopter passes each day of the event.

28 National Hunt races are run during the four-day festival and 22 fences are jumped during the Cheltenham Gold Cup race.

The most wins by a single jockey in one event was 7, achieved by Ruby Walsh.

There are no less than 12 restaurants on site who deal with 9 tons of potatoes, 5 tons of smoked and fresh salmon and 5 tons of cheese.

The shortest race of the event is just 2 miles long.

There are 5 feature races during the event that include the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, the SunBets Stayers’ Hurdle, the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the Ryanair Chase and the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.