October 9, 2016 11:16 am
Published by Summit Cladding
Why choose James Hardie concrete cladding? We were first contacted by our customer, who lives in Studham, Bedfordshire to solve a problem he had with his cedar cladding. He bought the bungalow approximately five years ago, and virtually demolished it to create a modern, contemporary dwelling. The build was so impressive they had intended it to be shown on Grand Designs. Over time, the cladding had been affected by the weather and he wanted a material that was going to be maintenance free, but blend in with the forest setting. Our client visited our Crews Hill, Enfield showroom and then to a local installation of ours in the Ridgeway, to show him a concrete based board by James Hardie. James... View Article
July 5, 2016 10:42 am
Published by Summit Cladding
For some homeowners, the bulk of their energy goes into maintaining, designing and primping the interior of their home alone. The exterior is often sadly neglected and forgotten. This is a huge mistake because kerb appeal isn’t something that only matters when you’re putting your home on the market. It matters all year round. Well maintained homes cost less over time because things are less likely to deteriorate. Break-ins are significantly less likely to happen if a home looks well managed because intruders are generally put off by the presence of outdoor lighting and well-trimmed bushes and shrubs. If your home looks beautiful on the outside, it will have more appeal locally should you ever decide to sell and maintaining... View Article
June 27, 2016 10:35 am
Published by Summit Cladding
It’s not always an easy decision; changing from something you know well to a new product that you don’t. However, when it comes to your guttering, uPVC makes sense in every way possible. Its immediate advantages are that uPVC is super-strong, flexible and inexpensive. Not only that, but uPVC guttering is very durable and can withstand many years of even extreme weather conditions. It’s easy to install and bending is not an issue with uPVC due to the flexibility it has. Because uPVC guttering is manufactured in one seamless section, without the need for paint, installation is far simpler than it is with metal. The plastic won’t chip or scratch and it’s extremely difficult to damage it. Even a heavy... View Article
June 20, 2016 10:12 am
Published by Summit Cladding
The UK has many beautiful examples of Victorian properties thanks to the boom of the industrial revolution. Thousands of new homes were built across the country during the first half of the 19th century as demand for better accommodation in and around our major industrial centres grew. From terraced rows to grand villas, there are many styles of Victorian houses to be seen and most have real appeal thanks to the lovely original features which have sometimes been retained both within and without. If you are lucky enough to be the owner of a Victorian property, then you will know first-hand that DIY and repairs in general in properties of this age are never as straightforward as they might be... View Article
June 9, 2016 10:06 am
Published by Summit Cladding
Homes across the Western world have been benefitting from the addition of beautiful door canopies for centuries. From grand mansions to rural cottages and from semi-detached houses to blocks of flats, door canopies are versatile in their application and their practicality means that few buildings would not benefit from having one installed. In recent years there has been an increasing revival of this feature in homes which might be seen to benefit from some exterior beautification as well as the protection which they afford to those entering and exiting a building. Even the plainest of exteriors can be enlivened and given more kerb-appeal by the simple addition of a pretty or classic door canopy. Period properties which have lost their... View Article
May 31, 2016 10:09 am
Published by Summit Cladding
Cladding comes in a variety of hard-wearing materials which are designed to withstand the elements and to improve the aesthetics of buildings of all kinds. Lending an ‘old world’ or an attractive ‘clean’ and contemporary look to commercial or residential properties, cladding is the perfect solution for buildings which need to be simple to maintain but look great. Types of Cladding As mentioned above, there are a number of different types of cladding on the market and each has its strengths. When deciding which is best for you, choose carefully and consider all aspects of the building which you are cladding. UPVC cladding UPVC is exceptionally durable and also very attractive. It will never rot and is far more resistant... View Article
May 9, 2016 10:07 am
Published by Summit Cladding
Many homeowners feel a certain amount of anxiety in relation to the security of their home. How easy would it be for a potential intruder to gain access? What can I do to improve security in my home? These are both questions which people ask experts on a regular basis and the worry surrounding the issue is a very contentious issue for some. Whilst it is never good to allow fear to get the better of you; common sense and precaution are always to be advised; whilst we all want to be able to relax and enjoy our homes, a laissez faire attitude in relation to home security can lead to trouble. There are many facts and figures bandied about... View Article
April 9, 2016 9:59 am
Published by Summit Cladding
If you’re lucky enough to live in a period home, then you will be only too aware of the many issues which can arise when it comes to maintaining and replacing the fabric of the building. Hopefully these are tasks which you won’t have to undertake too often but things do wear…and even the most solidly built home can suffer from centuries of wind and rain! One of the most distinctive parts of any older home is often its entrance. Architects of the past were notoriously interested in creating beautiful, practical entrances which would both impress and delight passers-by and residents alike. Door Canopies Door canopies appear on houses of varying ages and on buildings of all types; grand mansions... View Article
March 9, 2016 9:58 am
Published by Summit Cladding
Regularly monitoring your roofline for tell-tale indications that there may be a problem with your gutters is the best way to ensure that the fabric of your property remains in good condition. If you keep a weather-eye on your property’s exterior then the chances are that when repairs are deemed necessary, they will be less costly than they might be if you only check once in a blue moon. Gutters are a vital part of your home’s protection; directing water away from the walls, windows and doors of the building they stop moisture from gaining access to the interior where it can cause real and sometimes permanent damage. What am I looking for? When you live in a building or... View Article
February 15, 2016 1:00 pm
Published by Summit Cladding
We’ve previously discussed the 7 steps to painting fascia and bargeboards. We also wanted to provide some best practice methods for applying the paint. Paint application is important in order to achieve a smooth, uninterrupted finish that shows off your finish in the best possible light. The following are painting techniques that have helped us professionally preserve our bargeboards and fascia for decades. Tip #1: Try to Paint the Entire Section at Once When painting, every time you stop and start mid section, you’ll end up with noticeable stop/start marks on the face of your bargeboards or fascia. Try to get the entire section painted evenly in order to achieve an even finish. Speed is important here, but try not... View Article
