There are four basic types of exterior window shutters: Bermuda, board and batton, louvered, and paneled. These shutters come in a variety of materials which include wood, faux wood, synthetic foam, and vinyl. When it comes to wood shutters, basswood happens to be the most popular.

Also, while we discuss exterior windows, if you need to hire out scaffold towers in United Kingdom, please give us a call.  We also hire out scaffolding towers in big areas like London and small areas like Kingston Upon Hull!

Here are the different types of shutters for your exterior windows:

1. Raised Panel

A raised panel shutter is very similar to a kitchen or door cabinet. It can either have one or two raised panels. This type of shutter tends to have a low profile, which means that they can easily blend with any type of home, such as Greek Revival, Victorian, French Country, Federal, Ranch, and Colonial.

2. Louvered Shutters

These types of shutters happen to have an angled slat, which makes it possible for light and air to pass through it. Additionally, they tend to have a look that is more defined, when compared to other types of low-key panel shutters. Louvered shutters work best on residences that are casual, classical, or ornate in their appearance, such as Cape Cod, Italianate, Colonial, Federal, Ranch, and Georgian style homes.

3. Board And Batten

A board and batten shutter is often associated with the Old World, thanks to its rustic character. It also has a very simple construction. Normally, the shutter has between one and three boards that hold it together. It also comes with a thin cross panel that can either go at an angle, or horizontally across the board and batten shutter.

Given the characteristic look associated with these shutters, they are recommended for use in French Country, Cape Cod, and Mediterranean style homes.

4. Bahama/Bermuda

Bermuda (also known as Bahama) shutters, are a type of louvered shutters. Unlike regular shutters, which are fixed at the sides, these are normally fixed at the top. Their work is to let in air and light, as well as protect a home from storms.

The Bermuda shutters are common in houses that are constructed in tropical regions. They look beautiful when they are installed in Cottage, Ranch, and Cape Cod style homes.

Hardware For Your Shutters

When choosing shutter hardware, you have the option of going with operable or decorative. This is dependent on their installation. Holdbacks and hinges are the most popular. Holdbacks, also referred to as dogs, are metal tools that are installed to prevent your shutters from opening or closing.

How To Choose A Durable Exterior Window Shutter

Shutters that are made with MDF (medium density fiberboard) are normally covered using vinyl, and tend to look expensive, despite the fact that they are cheaper than wood shutters. Their main drawback is the fact that they are not able to withstand wet conditions and, therefore, start to sag and swell with time.

When shopping for shutters based on how much they cost, you will find that vinyl shutters are the least expensive. They tend to be hollow PVC shutters that contain unfinished edges, and are traditionally covered using an end cap. Their appearance is similar to that of plastic, with yellow being the most common color. As the weeks pass by, they can become very difficult to maintain.

A synthetic shutter has an appearance that is similar to that of wood, but is much cheaper. They are liked by many, due to the fact that they are fire and water resistant, and possess very good insulation qualities.

Faux wood is an ideal replacement for wood shutters, thanks in part to its stiffness. It is mainly used with wide or tall shutters, and costs much less than wood, and also comes in varying shapes and colors.

Climbing a ladder, regardless of the height, can be very risky when not properly executed. Ladders are useful tools that enable people to perform a lot of tasks and get things done, such as repairs, cleaning, painting, and building structures. However, they should be used properly, and with a great deal of caution in order to avoid accidents.

Basically, it is highly critical to follow the “3-point contact rule” when climbing a ladder. In order to use ladders safely, always observe three points of body contact at all times. This refers to both hands and a foot, or both feet and a hand on the ladder.

This rule does not only maintain proper contact, but also maintains the stability and safety of a person while climbing up or going down the ladder. Both hands should hold the rungs firmly before taking each step on the ladder. The 3-point contact rule should only be broken once on stable ground, or a safety platform.

Like other construction equipment, we rent out ladders in the United Kingdom! Of course, we also handle scaffolding tower hires anywhere in the UK.

Optimum Stability With a Ladder:

When using a tall ladder against a wall, maintain a 75 degree angle for optimum stability. The horizontal distance between the base of the ladder, and the support on the top end should be 1/4 of the entire length of the ladder. This means that the ladder should be leaning against the wall at an angle of 75 degrees when measured from the ground.

Another important guideline, when climbing a ladder that is placed against a wall, is the 4 to 1 rule. This means that for every 4 feet of height that has to be climbed, the base of the ladder must be moved 1 foot away from the wall. This rule is also closely aligned with the proper, and safe climbing angle of a ladder against a wall, which is 75 degrees.

Ladders should be placed on stable, solid, and even ground at all times. This is very important, in order to avoid any form of accidents. Ladders can be extremely dangerous to climb when the base is not properly, and firmly holding against even ground. The foot of the ladder should not move or slide while added weight is applied by the person climbing it.

When climbing up or going down the ladder, it is important for the person to maintain their center of gravity, and to stay balanced. For this reason, a person who is having trouble maintaining balance, has very weak core muscles, or has fear of heights, is not fit to use a ladder at any time.

Furthermore, a person who is unable to observe the 3-point contact rule on the ladder should never attempt to climb one (examples are amputees, those with injuries, or those suffering from musculo-skeletal disabilities).

Proper Footwear:

Another safety precaution is to wear proper footwear. Shoes with heavy rubber soles are slip-resistant, so they are considered good choices. Also, do not make any attempts to adjust the ladder while climbing or stepping onto it.

Large items, such as boxes that need to be brought up using a ladder, should be handed over by another person on standby. Carrying a heavy load with both hands, while climbing a ladder, breaks the 3-point contact rule. That may be a recipe for disaster, particularly for those who have weak core muscles. In such instances, the help of another person is strongly recommended.

Are you thinking of installing security features such as lights, cameras, motion detectors and alarms on the outside of your home? In case you haven’t realized already, these projects might not be as easy as you initially assumed. But rest easy, here is a look at some of the things you need to know to get the results you want while installing an exterior security system.

What Is Valuable To You?

If you are installing security features on your premises, you must have something worth protecting. It could be your car, boat, family and all the things in your house. Understanding what deserves the greatest amount of protection will help you determine how much to spend, how advanced you want the security technology to be, and so forth.

For instance, while it might be worth putting a fancy premium camera on your front door, it makes little sense to have a similar installation pointing to something like a flower garden.

Have A Plan For Your Home’s Security Needs

Before you head to the shop to buy security lights, cameras or alarms, you need a plan that tells you what your security needs are like. For instance, establish how many places require the protection you seek. Such places include the doors, porches, driveways, stairways and so forth.

A plan will also help you establish what places need a certain security installation and not the alternatives. For instance, while the yard could use both a security light and a camera, a porch could do with only a camera.

Know The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Security Gadgets

A security camera is not just a security camera. For instance, an indoor security camera may not deliver good quality performance when put outdoors, where it would have to deal with rain, dust, and other rough weather conditions. The same can be said for alarms, with some being adequate for an indoor setting, but they might not have the best sound as an outdoor security installation.

Search For Any Possible Hideouts

Burglars are more confident about breaking into a home when they know that there are places to hide, which reduces their chances of getting caught. That is why your property should have clear, open spaces with no possible hideouts. This involves keeping the shrubs trimmed and ridding the property of any unnecessary structures that might offer a thief refuge, as they figure out how to get into your house and take off with your things.

Do A Lot Of Testing

Each home is different, and so are its security needs. Therefore, you need to understand what your home needs in terms of security gadgets. For instance, where can the devices be installed effectively and out of reach? Test each device to make sure it’s working as expected, before installation and after. This will ensure that there are no security blind spots in your security system.

Conclusion

When installing security features on the outside of your home, you will typically find yourself having to decide what goes where, based on your desired security features. But to avoid a lot of unnecessary head-scratching, the tips above are some things you ought to keep in mind as you go about this process, to make things easier. For quality & affordable scaffolding tower hires in the UK, give us a call today.

Although judging a book by its cover is not always nice, it is something everyone does when they first visit your home. Your exterior siding says a lot about your home. This is why you should make it a habit to inspect them regularly, and fix any broken spots that are rotting or coming off. More importantly, you should learn the processes involved in patching or replacing siding.

Here are a few insights that will help you complete this delicate, DIY project. If you need to do any access tower hires in the UK, remember to take a look at our selection. If you’re located in London, we offer nice equipment rentals there as well as smaller areas like Ely.

Inspect The Siding

Before you can start ripping things off and attaching new sets, it is important to assess the existing condition of your exterior walls. If the siding’s damage is only in one spot, then you should be able to just patch it. Experts often recommend installing a new siding altogether, since it may prove difficult to find the exact match of your existing boards.

If you don’t want to end up with a mix-matched home, then installing a new set is the better option. You can still inspect the model number that’s included by the manufacturers to help you trace the exact match. However, new parts will often look different, unless you do a thorough painting job. If the siding is falling off, then consider installing a new ones altogether.

Removing Damaged Boards

To repair broken boards, you will need a utility knife, a hammer, galvanized nails, a pry bar, and an impulse nailer. Other tools you may need include a caulking gun, circular saw, drill bit set, extension cord, level, scribbling tool, tape measure, hearing protection, and safety glasses. Begin by removing the nails at the corner cap and use a utility knife to score down the siding. Proceed to the nails on the lap board and use your hammer’s claw to split down the board. If you have removed all the nails attaching the damaged siding to the adjacent boards, it should simply pull out.

To avoid damaging adjacent boards that are in good condition, it is advisable to cut the nails that are attached to them, using a saw. You can also use wooden shims to wedge out the boards for easy access to the nails. When pulling off the damaged board using a pry bar, protect the adjacent boards with scrap plywood to prevent denting.

Installing New Siding

The next step is to install a new board, in place of the removed piece. Working from the bottom up, place the new board in the same position as the old damaged siding you just pulled out. Match the nail holes existing on the adjacent siding, and nail the new board to hit the same holes. This work may require an extra set of hands for support.

If you have interior sheathing and flashing, make sure to pre-drill the nail holes to avoid crushing the sheathing and damaging your insulation. It is recommended to use a reveal-set jig to help you match the existing siding reveal. Maintain a course overlap of at least 1 inch, and make sure the nails are drilled at least an inch inside the overlap board.

Another important caution is to nail-in only enough to hold the siding in place. Do not countersink them, as this will break the siding’s face, and present moisture problems. If the nails break the surface, use a caulking gun to caulk the nail heads.

Conclusion

Besides replacing your damaged exterior siding, there are various things you can do to make your repair last longer. Edge priming and thorough painting, for instance, can help improve the durability of the new siding by preventing rotting. Always use flashing to prevent the siding from touching the shingles, as any contact with the shingle is a guarantee for rotting.

Whether you want to repair damaged boards or change the appearance of your exterior walls, new siding installations require proper handling. In most cases, it is advisable to call professionals, especially if you have insurance concerns or don’t really know what you’re doing. Nonetheless, the above steps will help you to achieve quick minor repairs and maintenance.

The exterior of your house is the first thing you see when you get home, and the first thing visitors see when they come over. Therefore, it is vital that you keep the exterior thoroughly clean, just as you would do with the interior of your house.

Different seasons come with different cleaning challenges because of the variable weather patterns. A single cleaning method may not work for all the seasons, so here are some tips on cleaning your exterior for each season.

Spring Cleaning

Spring is the flowering season, so you are likely to find flowers and leaves all over your yard and corridors. It rains regularly during this season too, so mud may find its way to the walls of your home. Start by getting the leaves out of your gutter to prevent flooding. Use a rake to regularly clean the yard.

You may need to re-treat the wooden rails with a fresh coat of paint if you notice any rot; the same applies to your metal outdoor fixtures and the fence. You do not need to do a lot of scrubbing on your outdoor surfaces, as there is little chance that you will have stubborn stains.

Summer Cleaning

Summer is the season when the outdoors are recovering from extended snow and a wet Spring. You are likely to find some rot or mildew on the exterior of your home. You may use a pressure or power washer on the siding of the home, and also any concrete or stone patios. Pressurized water loosens any stubborn dirt, but may damage softer materials like wood.

To remove mildew, mix one part bleach to four parts water, and use rubber gloves when cleaning the area. You can scrub the concrete driveway, or the brick sides of the house, to remove any stubborn stains. Expect lots of dust to be on your driveway and outdoor corridors, as well as the patio and the siding. Wooden patios may require a layer of epoxy paint, or a sealer to deal with the damage caused by the previous seasons.

Fall Cleaning

During the Fall season, temperatures increasingly get colder, and the deciduous plants shed their leaves. Regular cleaning may be necessary. Cleaning during this period also helps prepare for the long Winter season ahead. Start by checking the chimneys and fireplaces to ensure that they are clean, and not blocked by soot or debris.

Clean the outside of your windows and inspect the caulking. Any cracked caulking needs to be repaired to prevent heat loss in the Winter. The windows can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. The screens are best cleaned with a dusting brush attached to a vacuum cleaner. If you have windows on the second floor, you will need equipment like a scaffolding tower which can be rented anywhere you are in the UK.

Make sure to clean the roof, any open drains, and the gutter. There is usually a lot of leaves that may lead to blockage and eventual flooding of the home. A garden hose, trowel, and a bucket can help in scooping the dead leaves and cleaning up the areas.

Finally, given that you will not be using the garden tools for some time, it is best to ensure that they are clean and devoid of any water. Otherwise, they will rot and rust during the prolonged Winter season.

Winter Cleaning

There is little activity outdoors during the Winter season. Nevertheless, you may want to try to keep everything clean, if it’s not too cold. When cleaning your windows in cold temperatures, use warm water instead of hot water. Hot water causes the glass to expand fast and then crack. A mix of water and vinegar may help.

In addition, ensure that the gutter and drainage systems are not clogged, so as to prevent flooding. The wooden patios may require resealing just before the cold sets in, to prevent damage and rot. Regularly wiping off the melted ice may help prevent rapid damage to the surface. Other areas, such as the driveways and outdoor corridors, do not need more than just removing snow and ice.

Conclusion

Each season provides a special challenge to outdoor cleaning. Determine the areas that get dirty the most during each of the seasons, and focus your efforts on keeping those areas clean. Also, be on the lookout for damage on various surfaces, as a result of foul weather, and fix them as soon as possible. Ensure that the exterior of your house remains clean all year long by following the above tips.

The current roofing industry combines functionality and aesthetics to achieve excellent outcomes. As a result, shingles come in different materials and designs. The manufacturing process not only entails pleasing customers, but making shingles for different weather conditions. Therefore, when you go looking for roofing materials, you should move beyond their appearance and gauge their suitability for the climate you live in. If you’re doing your own projects, remember to use the right equipment. If working from height, make sure to check out ladders or access towers, which we rent out at affordable rates, all over the United Kingdom.

Here are the most common roofing shingles and how they’re used best:

#1. Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are products of sedimentary rock deposits. These roofing materials are, therefore, heavier and longer lasting than other shingles. However, slate can break easily, so it needs careful handling. If you decide to use these shingles, you should find a qualified contractor to do the installation. Slate is best for humid climates, since they have algaecides to keep algae away.

Slate shingles stand out because the material allows the manufacturers to come up with beautiful design features. It is no wonder that this material is an expensive, high-end product in most markets. Given that it also provides excellent weather and fire protection, it’s one of the best shingles you can buy.

#2. Metal Shingles

Metal shingles make for a highly durable roof, with little maintenance costs. The shingles may come from aluminum, copper or steel. The tough nature of these metals makes them the strongest of all shingles, with an average lifespan of about 50 years. The installation process is also straightforward, since one can install the shingles on almost any existing roof.

Metal shingles will satiate many customer tastes, since they come in different colors and designs. Due to the vast selection of available options, the material is common in many parts of the world. However, it is suitable for areas with strong winds, since the toughness of the material and its flat installation design make it resistant to high wind forces.

#3. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used shingles, and they come in different colors and designs. However, the shingles fall into two categories: organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles are made from waste paper that is soaked in asphalt, and then coated with an adhesive. Fiberglass, on the other hand, uses fiberglass to reinforce the waste paper, instead of an adhesive. The thickness of the shingle varies, depending on the quantity of asphalt used.

Asphalt is lighter than slate and metal, which makes it demanding when it comes to maintenance. Its lifespan is also relatively low, at about 20-30 years. However, the nature of asphalt shingles makes them appropriate in areas which experience strong winds and high precipitation. The lightness allows them to resist wind currents, while their coating prevents algae from growing, due to dampness.

#4. Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are the most versatile type of roofing materials, since the manufacturing process allows for various design options. The production involves pouring concrete into molds of varying shapes and sizes. After this, multiple colors are painted onto the tiles. However, the roofing support needs to be strong enough to hold the tiles, since they are usually bulky and heavy.

The tough nature of the concrete tiles makes them suitable for harsh weather conditions. They are great for areas with frequent high winds, and they also offer noise insulation. They are also heat absorbers, so they are ideal for desert climates, and are found in places like Arizona and Nevada. Some other advantages of concrete tiles are that they are easy to maintain, are fireproof, and offer a lifespan of over 50 years.

#5. Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are light and attractive materials, made from cut wood. The lightness of timber makes the installation process relatively easy. However, wood shingles require a high level of maintenance because they are susceptible to splits, rot, and mold. Since they are a fire hazard, they are less popular than other roofing materials.

Wood shingles improve a home’s insulation, absorb moisture, and offer resistance to sun rays. These features make wood roofing a suitable material for almost any weather. If it’s a windy area, heavier wood and a firmer installation will be needed. If it is a humid climate, a thicker, protective coating can be applied to the wood.

Conclusion

Finding out if a particular roofing material is suitable for the climate of your residence is a prudent step, since it will determine how comfortable you will be in your home. After considering which shingles you’ll be using, you will need to factor in some other aspects such as the budget, longevity, design, and installation difficulties.