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December 2021

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Why Do You Need to Have In-Home Safe Rooms?

The concept In-home safe room is not at the forefront of many homeowners’ thinking. That is because most people don’t have time to think about the benefits of constructing one due to their busy schedules. Here are the benefits that property owners can get from an in-home safe room.

Serves a Secure Haven when Mother Nature Gets Angry

Sometimes, mother nature tends to unleash horrific instances of her anger, such as tornadoes and hurricanes that might leave your life in danger. Even though some people rely on the basement and other structures for safety during these occurrences, these can conceivably turn into deadly traps due to flooding. In home safe rooms can prevent this issue since they are constructed above ground level. The structures are constructed to withstand or restrict the impact of natural calamities.

Can Protect you From Criminal Activities

Even though most individuals assume that their residence is always safe, property owners might experience dangerous situations from people who forcefully enter their homes. The criminals will expose your life and your loved one at risk. That’s something you can avoid by having access to your safe rooms. This option assists in offering you peace of mind when it comes to your valuable properties.

Offers Additional Storage Space

An in-house safe room is valuable whenever you are under any crisis. Property owners continually add on their houses to accommodate the increasing family and other expenses. This gives you enough time over the year for the safe room to be a valuable place for storing various products. The expenses are always going up, so constructing a safe room is a good move.

Increases the Value of Your Home

Since the house is one of the most significant investments an individual can make, you need to ensure that its value continues to go up. The extra room that is installed and, more significantly, the reassurance offered by having an in-home safe room will be a good selling punch line you don’t want to miss. That means that all the costs involved in installing a safe room will be repaid when you complete the sale.

The Government Will Help with Expenses

The valuable advantage that most people might ignore when installing a safe room is that you might get some financial help from FEMA. This is to help you build a safe room. Typically, your building expenses will be slashed by a certain percentage. Note that this percentage will depend on where you are located. You can pay the full amount when building the structure and then fill a compensation form the moment you complete the work.

Once you construct a safe room, you will protect your household whenever tornadoes hit since they will give you somewhere secure to stay. This will offer you peace of mind, and your family will respect you since they know you care.

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Your Ultimate Guide To Buying The Best Room Heater

Nowadays, everyone wants to keep a room heater given the extremely cold winter months. Keeping a room heater will help you maintain a warm and cozy environment no matter how cold it gets outside. If you have small babies at home, they will provide you with enough safety as well. Not just that, it becomes highly essential to purchase a good quality room heater for safety. They are not just efficient products but also durable and long lasting. So if you are planning to purchase one, make sure you read this post. Down below, we’ve enlisted a couple of essential points that will help you find the right heater for yourself.

Different Kinds Of Heaters

There are two different kinds of room heaters, radiant and convection. You could either keep the entire room to yourself for a longer period of time or find some oil field room heaters to suit your needs. Also, if you want to just target your couch or chair, you get hold of a radiant room heater. Such heaters are considered the best when it comes to spot heating.

Space

The size of the room and its space will help you buy the right heater. Always add specifications to know what suits you best. Ideally an ideal room heater should be 1500 watts.  This however, could vary depending on the heater type as well.

Safety

You also need a heater that is safe. Apart from following basic safety tips like not using extension cords that could overheat or even result in fire, you may also search for safety heaters within the heater itself. You could also go for something that automatically switches off whenever it gets too hot. Always keep the temperature setting at low to moderate levels and never leave your kids alone in the room with a heater on.

Energy Efficient

This won’t make your meters shoot upwards like air-conditioners, but nonetheless, try going for room heaters that are low on energy costs. Heaters often come with energy-saving modes which help you in this matter. Many room heaters also have adjustable timers and thermostats which also check energy consumption. Such room heaters are usually affordable, so make sure to check for the room heater price before you purchase.

Overall, we can definitely say that purchasing a room heater could bring you a host of both disadvantages and advantages. However, both come with merits and demerits. That’s why you should never use products just because there are a couple of disadvantages that come with it. You could simply solve the doubt or issue by making sure it’s the same with your sellers.

If you’re looking for room heaters, make sure you take a look at all the products, compare the heater price with others before you come to a conclusion. At Crompton, we offer you a variety of room heaters that you could easily purchase for yourself and your loved ones. So make sure to take a good look at them before purchasing.

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Finding The Best Solution for Your Office

Are you based in the south-west and planning a move to new premises or maybe you’re thinking about refitting your existing workspace? To re-energise your employees and maximise your business’s potential, then a new office fit-out is just what you need? Areas that you can look to improve the office environment include –

  • Lighting
  • Furniture
  • Layout / Partitions
  • Flooring / Ceilings
  • Décor

Looking At the Options

To find the best solutions to your specific requirements, an essential factor is to acquire the most suitable supplier to install your project. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a search engine and search in your locality; for example, type office fit out in Swindon and take a good look at the available businesses. Having noted several you like the look of, it is then possible to cross-check how highly each supplier is rated using websites such as Feefo or Trustpilot; take a look at either of them to get a good idea of what information is available.

What To Consider Next

Having found a well-established, highly rated Installation specialist, the next step might be to consider what is available to you when planning your new office fit-out or refurbishment. Improving each of the following areas in your workspace can lead to numerous advantages to all the different areas of your business.

Lighting Your Way

An essential factor in any working environment is a good standard of lighting, where possible maximisation of any natural light can lead to improved levels of staff output and well-being, but this may not always be possible. If your building is not blessed with a generous number of windows, then artificial lighting is the only option open to you. A popular choice now widely used is LED lighting; this mode of light eliminates glare and gives the illusion of natural light.

Dividing Your Space

When you look at how you want to use your workspace, it is very likely that you’ll want to use some sort of partitioning system; options can include glass (both single and double-glazed), drywall and demountable (non-permanent) partitions. All have differing levels of acoustic, fire resistance, and aesthetic performance, investigate the specific properties of each and see which one is the best solution for you.

Above and Below

You may have a specific requirement for either the floors or the ceilings of your workspace; if that’s the case, then any good supplier will have several options available to you. Where flooring is concerned, popular choices are carpet tiles or vinyl flooring with numerous options of both; you may need safety flooring – that is also an option. If you need a specific type of ceiling, options can include various materials to give energy saving, acoustic and aesthetic benefits.

Furniture and Décor

Crucial factors in any good workspace are both what furniture your staff use and what their may surroundings look like. Continued improvements in ergonomic design give you a fantastic choice when it comes to furniture; whether it’s chairs or whole workstations, take some time to look at all the options to find what will suit you best. The same level of choice can also be said when you investigate how to change the décor in your office, from painting to vinyl finishes or planting; all can be used to create the perfect visual environment to wow your staff or impress visiting clients.

Having looked into all these different areas, all that is left is to contact the supplier you’ve chosen and get cracking – the benefits are endless!!

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Save your Roof

The best materials for your home

Your roof is one of the most dominant features of your home, seen from both close and afar, it can be the first thing that any guests will notice, setting the tone for what your house says about you. Indeed, it accounts for up to 30% of the visible area of your house, and therefore choosing the right material to make it look as good as possible is a big decision.

From roofers in Sussex to roofers in Bath, roofers take into account numerous different considerations before choosing your home’s roofing material, including the style of your home, local planning guidelines, and your own budget. On top of that is how long the material will last and how much weight your roof can withstand. You don’t want to overburden your support, so choose carefully.

Asphalt roll

Made from large rolls of the same material used in asphalt shingle, Asphalt roll roofing is used for fairly flat pitches and small projects such as shed roofs. Installed by laying overlapping strips lengthwise across the roof it’s incredibly easy to install and as such is much loved by DIYers.

If using, stay clear of house roofs and stick to sheds, garages, porches or outdoor bars. In order to give it the longest possible lifespan then you need to keep it clear of any debris and check it for damage on a monthly basis. If you find a puncture or rip, then it’s absolutely imperative you fix or patch it up immediately. Even with the best care, you can expect your asphalt roll roof to keep out the elements for no longer than 10 years and should contemplate replacing after five.

Clay tiles

Clay tiles come in a range of colours and styles and include specially designed tiles for the more intricate parts of the roof like gullies and ridges. They also have a wonderfully long lifespan, as one refurbishment in Lincolnshire found out. Whilst working on the roof of Boston Guild Hall, workers were amazed to find some of the tiles dated back to the 14th century. However, that isn’t granted, as British winters, with their constant freeze-thaw cycles, can take a significant toll on clay tiles. That is why any clay tiles sold in the UK have to meet the UK’s frost requirements. Clay tiles are around 25% more expensive than their concrete counterparts, mainly due to the manufacturing process, so that is something that will have to be taken into account if clay is something you desire.

Slate

This easily splittable stone rose to dominance in Wales, Cornwall and the north of England due to its plentiful supply. Slate provides a smart and traditional looking roofing material, often in grey, but it must be significantly overlapped on several sides if you are to ensure complete water resistance. You can get composite or concrete versions which are often interlocking, making them an easier choice for many. Slate roofs also require a pitch of 30 degrees and need to be finished with metal at the edges, so whilst they look great and are culturally traditionally, they do come with a lot of work.

Thatch

The archetypal roofing material of the British countryside. Roofers have used Thatch for generations due to its great insulation properties and its wonderful organic shape. Traditional and sustainable, it should be more common than it is. However, it can take a lot of work to mount and needs to be replaced every 25 years with maintenance every three or four years. The drier the climate, the longer it lasts, so with the UK having wetter winters than ever before, don’t be surprised to see less thatch around. Not only that, but the best material, water reed, is in short supply, as are traditional thatchers, leading to an overall decrease in this terrific roofing. Always found on a steep pitch, it rarely requires guttering due to its deep overhang.

Shingles

Shingles create a watertight, wind-resistant seal that protects your roof from most environmental damage. Available in wood, metal, clay, slate and asphalt, shingles are ideal for any house type. They can be left untreated, allowing the hot weather into a luscious silver or can be treated, maintaining their colour and gaining a longer life.

A more practical type are solar shingles which harness the sun’s energy and use it in your home. These panels are designed to blend in seamlessly with your existing roofing and have a watertight seal.

Metal roofing

With a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, metal roofing can be a great option for your home. Ideal for areas that experience drastic weather changes, synch as open moorland or holly, wet areas, metal roofs are made from large steel panels laid down with overlapping raised ridges. Usually steel or aluminium, copper and zinc are also options.

They do require some maintenance, and it’s important to check that the sealants haven’t failed or that any of the panels have buckled, bent or slipped.

Whatever your home type, there will be a roofing material that compliments it perfectly contacting the experts, shopping around and gathering many different quotes will allow you to make the best decision for what your home needs. From thatch to shingles, make sure your home’s health is protected from the top down with watertight, wind-resistant and quality looking roofing.

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Everything A Home Needs To Be A Successful Airbnb

If your home is in a prime location, be it a city’s exciting centre or a quiet rural getaway, you may find yourself interested in creating an Airbnb experience so as to welcome guests and begin earning income from their stay. The premise may seem rather straightforward; promising that you have the space, a guest (or guests) can stay within your home for a fee. Obtaining interest in your property, however, especially in a competitive market, is the real challenge.

Building an Airbnb profile that will generate ongoing and reliable custom requires scrutiny of your home. The room that you offer to a guest underpins their experience and, ultimately, their review. Therefore, to ensure satisfaction, you must consider your property. Here are the features that every home needs to be a successful Airbnb.

Comfortable Bed

The quality of an overnight stay is largely defined by the comfort of a bed. If a mattress is too unaccommodating or a duvet too lacklustre, then you’re offering a poor night’s sleep. Investing in a lavish set of bedding, one with considered tog and an admirable thread count, will see a great return. A high-quality mattress is just as important but can be, understandably, outside of some budgets. In this scenario, a mattress topper can be the best choice, offering impressive comfort for a fraction of the price.

Privacy and Independence

While some guests may relish in getting to know their host, many will feel unease at sharing a living space with a stranger. Offering privacy and independence is a great way to meet your guest’s needs, even if they don’t end up taking them.

Guest rooms can be separated from the house, such as with outbuildings and log cabins, allowing them to come and go as they please, without compromising the host’s personal living space. Even without the luxury of an outbuilding, home’s can offer rooms with features, such as kettles, mini-fridges, and en-suites, to help guests find their own level of comfort and independence.

Great Design

Comfort is only one part of the Airbnb experience. The other is style. No matter how comfortable a property is, without a considered design, one that helps your residence to feel like a ‘home’, your guests will likely be unable to discern their stay from that of a hotel. Be sure to embrace colours, statement designs, and decor. Plants and paintings can go a long way to help a room feel cosy and unique too.

Practical Utility

When travelling, a person will find themselves often requiring certain things: a charging point, freshwater, storage, and a place to comfortably wash. A host should design their guest’s room with these needs in mind. Charging points that accommodate various and even wireless devices are essential, as is storage so that guests can leave their valued belongings in a safe place while leaving the property.

Cleanliness

An ever more important feature of homes, especially in a post-pandemic world, is cleanliness. Cleaning your guest room thoroughly is important, as is offering sanitisers and cleaning wipes to guests, even just for their own comfort.

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How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Your Upholstery

Introduction

When you spill red wine on a surface it’s a horrifying few seconds of realization. You decide to scrub it away till the stain disappears or get rid of the fabric altogether. However, it doesn’t need to be that way. If the spill is on furniture and penetrates the cushion or damages the frame, you can search for “furniture repair near me” and hire professionals to fix it. However, getting rid of red wine stains from your upholstery and other fabrics is easy. Here’s how:

The Process

  1. Science behind stubborn red wine stains – Removing red wine stains is very difficult even if you’ve spilled a mere five ounces. The wine gets its red color from chromogens, a substance inside grapes. Chromogen molecules look and behave just like dyes and that’s why they leave such a stubborn stain on fabrics. Red wine is also full of naturally occurring tannins that are used to make ink. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way and you can remove even the most stubborn stain off your clothes and upholstery fabrics.
  1. Act quickly before cleaning the stains – While the most stubborn red wine stains can be removed, if you act quick enough your job gets easier. As soon as the wine hits the upholstery fabric, the carpet, or your clothes, it will spread outward and seep downward. You should quit any activity you’re doing and attack the stain as fast as possible.

It’s also important to not agitate wine stains by scrubbing or rubbing the fabric. When you rub or scrub the wine stain, you push the wine deeper into the fabric and increase the staining process. Instead, take a fresh and clean piece of cloth and blot the spot gently to soak up excess wine. Salt also acts as a great fighting material against wine stains. Salt is a hygroscopic material and is great at absorbing moisture. Spread it over the stained spot to soak in as much wine as possible. You can vacuum it off later.

  1. Use club soda or carbonated water – Simple wine stains can easily be handled with carbonated water or soda water. Soda water won’t harm or corrode your delicate upholstery fabric. Fill up a spray bottle with carbonated water and spray it on the stained spot. Allow the soda water to seep into the upholstery and let it sit there for a while.

Carbonated water will gradually saturate the wine inside the upholstery. When the wine is completely saturated, use a wet cloth to blot the stain and tap it out. Repeat this process several times till the stain is completely removed and the upholstery looks as good as new.

  1. Use hydrogen peroxide and dish soap – On their own, both dish soap and hydrogen peroxide won’t be able to get rid of the stain. However, you make a powerful mixture when you mix them in a bowl. Mix three parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap and fill it up in a spray bottle. You use the same method as carbonated water. Spray the mixture on the stain, let it seep in, and saturate the red wine.

The peroxide will chemically remove the stained patch on the upholstery. Repeat this process till the stubborn stain is completely removed. After you get rid of the red wine and the stain, rub the previously stained area with fresh dish soap to get rid of any debris and dirt. Run it under the tap and then let it air dry for a day or two.

  1. Use baking soda and vinegar – You can also use a concoction of baking soda and vinegar to remove red wine stains from your upholstery. Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply this paste over the stained area and be generous with the application. Leave this paste on the stained patch for a few minutes so that it can absorb all the red wine and remove the odor as well.

After a few minutes, the stain should be removed. Now you can remove the baking soda and vinegar paste from the upholstery and vacuum any remaining residue. If the stain isn’t completely removed, repeat the process a couple more times. If there’s any yellow spot on the stained patch, you can use a fresh cloth soaked in warm water and rub it clean.

  1. Use white wine – When your upholstery is stained by red wine, only wine can get rid of the stain right? No matter how ridiculous this sounds, you can actually use wine to remove wine stains. Get a bottle of the cheapest white wine you have and pour it gently over the stained spot. Let the white wine sit and soak into the stained area for some time.

After a few minutes, blot the liquid on the stained spot with a clean microfiber cloth. If there’s still a bit of pigment visible on the previously stained area, spread a bit of baking soda on the relevant areas and let that soak up those pigments. Baking soda also soaks up the fragrance of both red and white wine so that your couch or chair doesn’t smell like wine all the time. On second thought, that does sound quite nice.

After the baking soda soaks up the remaining pigments, you can scrape it off and remove any remaining residue with a vacuum cleaner. After that, you can further clean the spot with some warm water and let it dry for a piece of stain-free upholstery fabric. It’s best to act quickly and use the white wine right after the spill when the red wine hasn’t settled in.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to remove red wine stains from your upholstery and all sorts of other surfaces, you should get to the task quickly and arm yourself with some cleaning tools and supplies. On the other hand, if the furniture has been corroded or damaged due to the red wine, you can search for “furniture repair near me” and get it fixed by professionals.

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