Why shutters are a great alternative to blinds and curtains

You’ve just moved in, and it may be an automatic choice to adorn your windows with curtains and blinds in the conventional manner. However, there is another, less commonly considered option that you should think seriously about. Shutters offer a whole host of benefits, including great privacy, light and temperature control, in addition to gracing your home with a feature that is unique.

To help you decide if shutters could benefit you and your new home, we’ve put together this guide to why shutters are a great alternative to blinds and curtains.

Waste not, want not

One of the primary concerns for all homeowners is how to keep bills down to affordable levels, but still ensure that everyone in the house is comfortable. Historically, shutters have been favoured in warmer climates for their insulating properties, keeping the temperature warm in winter but cool in summer. Shutters also offer great user control, allowing the homeowner to adjust slats to fully or partially open to alter the airflow through a room. This makes shutters an energy efficient option, potentially allowing you to save on your energy bills.

Strong and silent

Durable and solid, shutters are more long-lasting than blinds and curtains, and can withstand more wear and tear. In addition, shutters are fixed in place, so do not flap in the wind like fabric window dressings, making them a quieter option on windy days.

Bar the brightness

Like temperature, light levels can be controlled with ease using shutters, protecting you from the glaring summer sun and your new furniture from UV rays. Whilst blinds also offer this protection, along with user control, the tailored fit of shutters prevents gaps appearing, and, therefore, light from leaking into the room.

Privacy matters

Unlike curtains which do not grant you privacy and sunlight simultaneously, shutters do provide this feature, stopping outsiders from looking in but allowing sunlight to permeate through.  However, if you do want a better look at the view outside, then shutters can be folded back from the windows.

Add value to your home

Unlike blinds and curtains, which may need replacing every few years, shutters are more durable and long-lasting, becoming a permanent fixture of your house that should never need replacing. Shutters can also add value to your home, making them a worthwhile investment and a capital improvement to your home.

Keeping it clean

Dust tends to cling to curtains and blinds more readily than on shutters, and is therefore, a better option for those who suffer from allergies. Cleaning just takes one quick flick of the duster, leaving you with more time to enjoy your new home.

Safe and sound

Cords, ropes and strings can potentially be dangerous if children get hold of them. Shutters don’t have this problem, and are entirely cordless, making them a safer option.

Appealing aesthetic

One of the most stressful aspects of moving into a new home is deciding on the decor. Timeless and homely, shutters are aesthetically appealing and neutral in appearance, available in wood or PVC to suit the majority of interiors. Not only that, their design means that shutters can be fitted to any window shape.

Angel Blinds and Shutters are a friendly, family run business, that have been serving Newcastle and surrounding areas for 15 years. They provide quality blinds and shutters to both domestic and commercial clients, offering excellent customer service, made to measure products and free home visits.

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10 Outdoor Items I Couldn’t Live Without

There’s a reason mankind invented tools. We can’t survive in the great outdoors all on our own — at least I can’t.

I couldn’t survive a camping trip without a backpack containing the essentials and then a couple of comforts from home. And I have no idea how yards were maintained in the days before the lawnmower was invented.

I get asked all the time for advice about lawn and gardening tools, camping equipment and devices, or what have you. Here 10 of my favorite items to use when I step out to say hi to Mother Nature:

Headlamp

I, like most human beings, could be considered legally blind in a dark forest. Armed with that knowledge, I never go on a camping trip without my trusty headlamp.

The headlamp is basically a flashlight I can strap to my head. It gives me the advantage of being able to use both my hands and see where I’m going at all times.

Pole Saw

Despite my best efforts, I’m not very tall. Unfortunately, certain branches scratching my windows are very tall, and while I won’t admit to being afraid of heights, I will very adamantly proclaim my hesitance at climbing up a ladder with a pair of sharp clippers.

Instead of endangering myself, I just use my pole saw, which is exactly what it sounds like — a saw at the end of a long pole.

It may be super simple invention, but this device is a life saver. It allows me to cut down branches that seem miles above my head — all from the safety of having my two feet planted firmly on the ground.

Mosquito Trap

If mosquitoes serve a positive function for this world, I haven’t been able to figure it out. Easily the most annoying creatures on the planet, I would shed no tears if I woke up tomorrow to a mosquito-less world.

That’s where a Mosquito Magnet trap comes into play. These nifty devices simulate human breath to lure mosquitos into a container, where they drown or die of dehydration.

My backyard is free of mosquitos, and my fear of grilling while a gazillion tiny vampires suck my blood is no more! Now my hands are always free to play games and eat food, instead of high-fiving mosquitos.

Glow-In-The-Dark Frisbee

Sometimes, I just don’t feel like doing much in the middle of the day, even though my friends are begging me to join their game of ultimate Frisbee. It’s so hot! The only other option is to play closer to nighttime, when it’s much cooler.

It’s times like those that I’m glad I have a glow-in-the-dark Frisbee. Now all I have to worry about is running into another person. If only they made glow-in-the-dark friends.

Hammock

I only had to sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag once before I decided it was time for an upgrade. My hammock keeps my back from feeling like it’s on fire, folds up neatly and fits right in my backpack — and it helps me along to the best naps ever.

Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud?

Folding End Table

My mind was blown when I found out someone had the genius idea of inventing a lawn end table. The lawn chair had already been invented — why not complete the ensemble?

I love this item in particular because it provides so much more storage space than a regular lawn chair, but it only takes up the amount of space as a second folded up lawn chair.

Portable Water Purifier

I learned the hard way that drinking water out of streams in the woods isn’t always the best idea. No one has quite figured out how to get fish and animals (and hippies) from doing their business in them.

Rather than carry around the weight of 80 ounces of water in my backpack, I just bring along my portable water purifier. This amazing invention uses a filter press to purify the water in my bottle as I press it down.

The water I drink is crystal clear, and I only have to have the one bottle in my pack!

Weed Torch

As a man, I like to burn things, which is why I use my weed torch instead of a regular weed eater. That’s right — I said weed torch.

It’s exactly what the name implies, and believe me, being able to watch those infectious weeds shrivel up in a small cloud of smoke is very satisfying.

Dry Bag

I enjoy the occasional canoe trip, but I definitely don’t enjoy getting my phone, wallet, and watch soaking wet. I used to cram everything I had into Ziploc bags like a chump, but after a while, I decided it was better that I actually look like I have my life together.

I was introduced to the dry bag, an amazing pack that utilizes laminated fabric and welded seams ^[5] to keep water away and my possessions dry.

Cooling Bucket Hat

My biggest fear is dying of heat exhaustion. No really, it is, it’s a terrible way to go. After reading the symptoms, I went and invested in the best piece of clothing ever.

This awesome hat provides two essential cooling functions— it keeps the sun away from my face and neck, and cools instantly when I get it wet, I just wring it out and snap it into place.

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How to be Safe When Renovating Your Home

Home renovations can be a nightmare when the contractor you’ve hired suddenly realizes that uncovering a wall also uncovered decades of dust and dirt. Or pulling up the carpet revealed more than what you were expecting to see. Contractors know the hazards in major home renovations and know how to work safely.  But when you are the one doing the work, you need to know how you can be safe as well.  Here are some DIY safety tips for when you are doing the work yourself.

DIY Safety

The basic safety equipment for DIY home projects and repairs involves making sure that what you see, breathe, or handle will not injure you or others.

Head: While it may sound like a no-brainer, wearing some kind of protection on your head will prevent any injury to your head. Hard hats are the best protection from bumping your head, or if something falls during your renovation.

Eyes: Protecting your eyes is essential to any DIY home project or repair. Wood chips, dust, insulation fibers, and even mold can fly into your eyes while working on your home. Your eyes can be easily scratched or injured to the extent that you may wind up losing all or part of your vision. Safety glasses are inexpensive but priceless for what they protect.  Find ones that fit well and protect your eyes even from the sides. And, no, your normal glasses won’t do to protect your eyes!

Lungs: One thing that is easily forgotten until it is too late is protecting your lungs from what you may inhale while renovating your home. Using a saw to cut wood creates a lot of wood shavings, and whether you are taking down or putting up drywall, there will be quite a bit of plaster dust in the air.

“Dust that is inhaled from asbestos or fiberglass is another matter entirely,” says Jim Jones, CEO of Mr. Maid Residential and Commercial Cleaning. “In this case, a trip to the hospital is imperative and without delay.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for asbestos being inhaled but doctors may prescribe breathing treatments and medication to help with the symptoms.”

“This is why companies exist where employees have the equipment and training to remove these materials safely,” Jones continued. “Working with wood and drywall can be dangerous because of the dust these material can create. Always wear a dust mask to prevent dust inhalation.  Extended periods of breathing in the dust will potentially cause lung problems.” ~ Taken from Quora.

While a disposable mask that covers your nose and mouth will protect you from particles of dust and mold, you will want to wear a respirator if you will be working with dangerous chemicals. Even some cleaning agents can be dangerous when combined, such as bleach and an ammonia product.

Ears: Your ears are quite sensitive and continuous loud noise from pneumatic nail guns, saws, or other tools and equipment you may use in your renovations could cause hearing loss. Wearing soft, disposable ear plugs will help to prevent damage to your hearing.

Hands, Fingers, Body: Wearing gloves that are suited to the type of work you are doing is also important for protecting you from cuts, burns, metal shavings, chemicals or solvents. If you are also going to be removing asbestos insulation, flooring, or siding you should also consider protective clothing. Especially if you will be crawling around in an old attic or basement.

DIY home projects and repairs should always include DIY safety.

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Attic room storage ideas

Loft conversions are a great way to add value to your home, and can offer that little bit of much needed space without having to uproot the family to move. While the unusual, snug shape of an attic room may be a selling point, it can also cause storage headaches for homeowners.      

If your attic room is small, you really can’t afford to overlook any potential spots for storage. If your attic room is large, then you want to take full advantage of the airy space you have created. Either way, it’s essential to understand the many simple and innovative storage ideas that can help you maximise your space.

Fitted storage:

The sloping ceilings and difficult angles of a loft room can sometimes leave you with a dilemma as to where to put a standard wardrobe or bookshelf. The solution comes in the form of fitted furniture and units, designed to neatly fit the natural decline of the ceiling. If you have a larger loft space and are struggling to reach the higher shelves, then it might be wise to also add a sliding ladder.

Take advantage of the wall space around your windows and border them with shallow shelves; this won’t block out the light, and will actually serve to frame the view, and enhance it.

Sleep smart:

Go upwards, not outwards. It’s a simple trick, but if the attic is for your youngsters, then installing bunk beds is an elementary step to conserve space. Also consider purchasing a fold-out bed this two-in-one solution will provide you with a bed during the night, and transform into a sofa during the day.

Furniture placement:

Wise placement of furniture is essential to ensure you don’t waste your space. Slot in a cosy window seat under the slanted ceiling for a peaceful place to retreat to after a stressful day. Or why not be really creative and convert your attic into an en-suite bathroom by popping your bathtub in the corner of the room? This may seem bizarre, but it can add an intimate, open-plan feel to an attic room.

Creative storage for nooks and crannies:

A commonly ignored goldmine for space are the eaves of a loft. Here, different styles of small storage units can be installed to clear away the clutter. Using stylish baskets is an easy trick to contain your belongings, and they are often available in a variety of different sizes and colours, perfect to match any room size or decor. Floating shelves are also a great addition, perfect for when space is limited as they can be placed almost anywhere along your walls to act as a chic shelf to cache your belongings.

If your house is big enough to have a staircase leading up to your loft space, then stowing away your goods under the stairs could be an option, with some companies offering in-built drawers and shelves.

Divide up your space:

If you have a larger attic space, putting up partition walls can create a multi-room space that can offer hidden storage pockets and walk-in wardrobes, effectively shaving off the edges of an attic’s awkward shape. And why not make your partition wall a statement piece by covering it with bold and patterned wallpapers.

AKB Loft Conversions are a family run business who offer free quotations on all of their loft conversions and extensions. Operating throughout the Leeds area, they have extensive experience in guiding their customers on every step of their individual projects and offering first-class professionalism along the way.

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Do’s and Don’t of Flood Damage [infographic]

Infographic credit: CleanSafe Services Scotland

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How to Care for Roses

Roses have an unwarranted reputation as being picky flowers. Some gardeners who have always admired roses have avoided planting them because they hear that roses are too hard to grow. The truth is roses can be just as easy as any other flower as long as you know how to care for them. Check out the information below to get one step closer to having the rose garden of your dreams.

Start with the Basics

The first step of any successful garden is knowing what will grow in your area. Before you start picking out flowers to plant, you should check your check your hardiness zone. Once you know what your zone is, you can look for roses that can handle those conditions. Ask employees at local nurseries for advice. Nursery employees should be able to tell you about which shrubs do best in your area and what problems you should look out for.

Rose Standards

Rose standards, or tree roses, are true trees, but they add a special touch to gardens. Roses are grafted onto thick stems to create the appearance of a tree. Most roses can be used to make tree roses, but you want to choose a rose that will continue to bloom.

Rose standards require the same care as any other roses, but they do need special attention when it comes to pruning. Here are some tips for pruning your tree roses:

• Prune heavily when your roses are dormant.
• Remove dead or damaged canes and any canes with less than a ⅜ inch diameter.
• Remove suckers to prevent precious energy from being wasted on unnecessary growth.
• Get rid of broken, diseased or damaged stems.
• Always use clean and disinfected shears for pruning. Keeping your tools in good shape makes it easier to care for your plants.

Rose Bushes

Rose shrubs or bushes are a little easier to care for than tree roses since they’re not put at risk by grafting. Experienced gardeners usually opt for bare-root roses to avoid transplant shock. Taking care of your plants should be easy once you get through the first steps:

• Soak the roots of your plant while you prepare the hole you’re going to place it in. The hole for your rose should be about two feet deep, and no matter what kind of rose you’re planting, you’ll need to make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.
• Get rid of any damaged pieces before planting.
• Once your rose bush is growing, it might want as much as an inch of water a week to keep it healthy and happy. However, even roses that are disease resistant can get sick from having soggy foliage. You want to make sure you give your roses enough water to be satiated, but not too much that the soil and foliage stays soaked.
• You may need to spray with insecticidal soap or a black spot preventative spray if your rose bush is susceptible to diseases.

Roses aren’t any more difficult to grow than the average shrub, but their reputation scares off a lot of would be rosarians. With the knowledge of how to care for roses, though, you can have the garden you’ve always wanted — and minimize your stress while getting there.

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