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Can my punctured tyre be repaired?Can my punctured tyre be repaired?

As a leading mobile tyre expert in Central Scotland, this is a question that we get a lot. If you have recently had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a flat tyre, you will need to either have your tyre replaced completely, or have it patch repaired.

Patch repairs can save you a decent amount of money by prolonging the lifespan of your tyres, but are not an option in every instance.

If your puncture is too large, or located in the wrong area of the tyre, it will have to be replaced entirely.

The great thing about using a mobile tyre fitting company is that these experts tend to travel to your location in a van equipped with everything needed to carry out either option, saving you the time and money of arranging a repair or purchasing a puncture repair kit only to later discover that repair is not possible and you will need to visit a local garage instead.

That said, it is always nice to know if there is a potential for your tyre to be repaired are if you will have to prepare yourself for the expense of purchasing new ones.

In most cases, a tyre can only be repaired if it meets the following criteria:

Mobile Tyre fitting

The puncture is within the tread area

Only punctures on the tread area of the tyre can be replaced. The tread area tends to encompass the central two-thirds of the tyres but the further towards the edge of the tyre the puncture is, the less chance of a successful repair.

Professional tyre fitters will only repair tyres if they are in generally good condition apart from the puncture itself. If there is cracking or marbling on the tyre or a dangerously low tread, they will refuse and offer a replacement instead.

The sidewall is undamaged

The sidewall of your tyre cannot be repaired safely due to the high amount of pressure it takes on whilst the vehicle is in motion. If you see any evidence of a puncture, bulging, or cracking in the sidewall, do not drive the vehicle and call for assistance.

Is there a chance that a puncture within the tread areas cannot be repaired?

Yes, the main reason that a puncture inside the potentially repairable area of the tyre cannot be patched up is if it is too large to do so. Any puncture that is larger than 6mm in diameter cannot be safely repaired.

Another reason it may not be possible to repair a tread area puncture is if the sidewall has been damaged as a result of driving on a flat or partially inflated tyre in the first place.

A lack of pressure in your tyres when driving can result in the sidewall crushing, causing the tyre to mottle and crush.

This, or a dislocation of the tyre occurring due to the same effect will damage the tyre beyond repair even in the original puncture may have qualified for a patch repair.

Should I repair my door or get a new one?Should I repair my door or get a new one?

Doors are at the heart of any property, keeping cold air in and warm air out and protecting you from unwanted intruders.

They are also the very first impression that a visitor will have of you and your home and create a smooth transition between internal and external space.

Keeping them in top condition is a must, therefore, and tackling any issues as soon as they arise will help you do just that.

How to tell if your doors need to be repaired/replaced

Some common issues with external doors that indicate that repair or new door installation is required include:

  • Difficulty in opening and closing the door
  • A rise in energy bills
  • Draughts beneath the door or around the frame
  • Loose or stiff locking mechanism
  • Water leaks
  • Visible damage to the frame or panels
  • Damage to the glass pane of the door
  • Warping

The extent of these issues, and how severe they are will play a major part in determining if repair will resolve them or replacement is required.

What issues can be resolved by door repair?

When you discover a problem with your door, your first thought will be can this be fixed, or is a new door required.

Door repairs can often be simply an expensive way to delay the inevitable, putting a temporary resolution in place only for the same issue to occur again a few months down the line.

Whilst replacing your door is certainly the more expensive option, the long-term savings you will make both by avoiding repair bills and by making your home more energy efficient will more than cover the cost over the years to come. Furthermore, a new door is a fantastic way to refresh the look of your home, and express your sense of style, increasing curb appeal and impressing visitors and passers-by alike.

A new door from an expert Glasgow doors company should also come with a warranty of at least 10 years, meaning that any future repairs that are needed will be covered, protecting both your wallet and the future of your home.

That said, replacing your door when a quick repair would have it back in tip-top condition once more is unnecessary so it is important to be able to tell the difference between a minor and major issue. The easiest way to do just that is to have your door inspected by a professional windows and doors Glasgow company, who will quickly be able to examine your door and give you a better idea of the extent of the problem and the cost of getting it fixed.

door being fixed
Here are a few of the more common door issues that can normally be resolved via repair:

Swelling

Swelling is an issue that is most common in older style solid timber doors that causes the door to change shape during damp or rainy weather.

This can make opening and closing the door impossible, a major safety hazard. Many people believe that once a door has swollen, a new one is the only option, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

Swollen doors can normally be sanded down and treated to regain their original shape and ensure the issue doesn’t happen again.

Damaged hinges

If the hinges of your door are damaged or rusted but the door panels themselves and the frame are in good working order, these can normally be replaced without too much difficulty.

The hinges of a uPVC or composite door will often deteriorate at a faster rate than the door itself, compromising the structural integrity of the unit but simply replacing the hinges can prolong the lifespan of the door by many years in most cases.

If you are good with DIY the chances are that you can even do this by yourself and won’t require the services of a professional door company.

Alignment issues

Doors that are used on a regular basis, particularly wooden ones that can be extremely heavy, will often become loose on their hinges, changing their alignment with the frame, lock, and other components of the door.

This can lead to a range of additional issues that can make a completely new door seem like the only available option, but a door specialist may well be able to fix your problems by tightening a few screws.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tH0PwzHn5g&pp=ygUOZG9vciBhbGlnbm1lbnQ%3D

It is important that you have any door alignment issues fixed as soon as possible, however, as using a mis-aligned door can lead to the locking mechanism of your door becoming damaged beyond repair.

If this happens the only way to fix the problem will be to have a new door installed, as the cost of realignment plus a new locking mechanism will likely make repair no longer the most cost-effective choice.

How to avoid emergency boiler repairHow to avoid emergency boiler repair

A boiler breakdown is a complete nightmare, even if you are still under warranty. You will need to call your local boiler repair expert as a matter of emergency and hope that they have some availability in the near future.

In the winter months, the chance of getting a same day boiler repair service is extremely slim, and you may well find yourself shivering for several days in freezing temperatures whilst you wait for them to arrive. Sound fun? No, we didn’t think so.

You want to avoid breakdowns at all costs for both convenience and safety reasons, and whilst it may be impossible to completely eliminate the risk of it happening, there are certainly things that you can do to reduce the risk to an absolute minimum.

Here are a few of the best possible preventative measures that you can take, with the assistance of a gas safe engineer to reduce the risk of a boiler breakdown and emergency boiler repair Glasgow being required.

boiler repair

Have your boiler serviced on an annual basis

The importance of an annual boiler service really can’t be overstated. It will not only ensure that your boiler is in good working order and that there are no minor issues that might escalate into major problems in the future but will also involve a number of safety checks to ensure that there are no dangerous leaks that could put your family in danger.

Spotting any boiler repairs that need to be carried out during a service is far better than just waiting for the big breakdown as you will avoid the added expense of an emergency call-out and as boiler servicing is not normally carried out at peak times, you will be able to have the repairs sorted much sooner than would otherwise be possible.

Having your boiler serviced both prevents boiler repair being needed at all, and makes sure you don’t need to pay through the nose for it if it is. Many boiler installers offer a warranty of around 5-10 years on their boilers but this will almost always be subject to an annual service and failing to arrange one will put the cost of boiler repair firmly at your door.

Turn on the heating in the Summer

Sound ridiculous? Well turning on your heating periodically throughout the summer is actually the best way to prevent nasty surprises when the colder temperatures do arrive and you require your heating on a regular basis.

As well as keeping the system ticking over, the process will ensure that any issues are identified during months where your heating is not an essential. This will reduce the impact of boiler repairs on your life, and it will also probably be cheaper to have your system repaired at this time, with many engineers offering discounted rates to fill their schedule during periods of low demand.

Bleed the radiators in your home

Bleeding your radiators will help to reduce the pressure in your hot water system and protect against a wide variety of different boiler problems.

If you are unsure on the best way to do this, ask someone in your family to help you, or look online, it is a pretty simple process and there are plenty of tutorials available. Given the potentially high sky-high costs of boiler repair or breakdown there really is no excuse for failing to carry out basic boiler maintenance such as this.

Insulate pipework

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest issues leading to boiler repair, especially in Scotland and the North of England where temperatures during the winter months regularly drop below freezing.

Simply covering and insulating your pipework at home will ensure that this doesn’t occur and keep your water flowing freely all winter long. If you are going away for a time during the winter months, perhaps to visit the family over the festive season, try to have a trusted neighbour to pop in or programme your heating system so that it is not left stagnant for a long period.

Do a DIY boiler check

Examining your boiler in detail for any faults should only ever be done by a gas safe engineer but you can do your part by keeping the area around the boiler clutter free, ensuring that suitable ventilation can reach the boiler, and that debris is not allowed to build up in air vents and flumes.

gas safe engineer

You should also keep an eye on the pressure gauge located on your boiler and contact a gas safe engineer the moment that you see an issue if the adjustment tools on the system do not resolve the issue. Finally, install a carbon monoxide detector in close proximity to the boiler to ensure that any leaks are detected as soon as they occur, keeping your loved ones safe at all times.

10 Key Pest Control Tips for Businesses10 Key Pest Control Tips for Businesses

Commercial pest control is an invaluable part of your business, with your pest prevention plan either costing or saving you a tremendous amount of time, effort, and money.

Failing to plan ahead can have severe consequences in all aspects of your business, but none more so than in regards to pest control.

In the social media world we live in, news that you have been suffering with a pest infestation will spread rapidly in the local community and can lead to some pretty awful reviews, especially for hotels, restaurants, and others in the hospitality industry.

If you have found evidence of pests on your premises, it is vital that you call your local pest control Manchester professional immediately to limit the damage done. However, by far the best approach is to have a pest control expert visit your site on a regular basis as part of a preventative pest control plan that stops issues from arising in the first place.

pest controller

In the meantime, it is vital that you and your staff maintain best practice when it comes to dealing with pest species, and here are 10 key steps that you should take that will significantly reduce the risk of an infestation.

1)    Store rubbish securely

Food waste and other trash is like a magnet to pest species, and they thrive in open recycling and general waste bins.

Make sure that your bins, both interior and exterior, are fitted with secure lids and are cleared out regularly. Split rubbish bags can leave residue of food or drink on the side of the bin so don’t forget to wash out the bin itself as well as removing the contents.

2)    Keep food fresh

An invaluable hygiene tip for many reasons, food should always be used when fresh and never allowed to go rotten at the back of your fridge or storage room.

Flies and other insects will be attracted by the stench of rotten food and may well contaminate the fresh stuff nearby once on the premises.

3)    Install door sweeps

Pests come in all shapes and sizes, and many get fit through extremely small gaps, including the tiny slither space underneath your doors.

Door sweeps will eliminate one possible entry points for pest species and are one of the most cost-effective and simple pest prevention steps to take.

4)    Avoid putting food residue down commercial drains

Putting food, particularly oily food, down your drain is never a good plan, with the potential to cause blockages and other major drainage issues.

If food gathers in your pipework as a result of a blockage, or residue remains around the floor drain itself, this could well also attract pest species as well.

5)    Create a pest repelling garden

Certain plant species look great to both humans and pests and planting them in or around your property will increase the risk of an infestation.

However, there are other plants that certain pests detest and will steer well clear of, making them perfect for use in your business premises. For example, mint, lavender, and citronella have all been shown to repel insects, whilst giving your business a lovely pleasant aroma.

6)    Remove stagnant water

Standing water is another attraction to insects such as mosquitoes looking to breed and others such as cockroaches, thrive in all damp and mould covered areas.

Make sure that all spillages are cleared away promptly and that the area around your property is fitted with appropriate drainage to avoid flooding.

7)    Have your gutters cleaned

Blocked gutters can lead to an increase in standing water and a build up of debris in which pest species can thrive.

If can also lead to structural damage and a variety of other non-pest related problems so it is a good idea to have your gutters inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

8)    Have your roof inspected

When looking for potential pest entry points around your property, don’t forget about your roof. Birds and squirrels will often exploit small holes in a roof or fascia to gain access to the attic of a building and build their nests.

Squirrels made even make their own holes, but either way you should either conduct a visual inspection of your own roof, or hire a professional to do it.

9)    Dry out your mop

One of the simpler tips on this list but an important one nonetheless. Dirty mops combine damp and a variety of food debris, creating the optimal conditions for pests such as flies and cockroaches to thrive.

10) Hire a pest control professional

pest control manchester professional

You have a busy business to run, and constantly working to seal your property from pests is a major addition to your work load.

The most sensible thing to do is to hire a professional Pest Control Manchester BPCA professional to carry out routine pest prevention on a regular basis, keeping you, your property, your staff, and your customers safe at all times.

8 health benefits of an infrared sauna8 health benefits of an infrared sauna

Infrared saunas have been the talk of the health and wellness community lately with many medical professionals suggesting that they may be more beneficial that traditional saunas for the health of the user.

This blog will help to discover exactly why this is and give homeowners all the information that they need to choose the perfect luxury heat treatment room to install in their property.

infrared sauna Glasgow company

How do infrared saunas work?

Traditional sauna technology is pretty well known amongst most people. After all, it has been around for over 2000 years now. A heating element, usually electric in the modern day, is used to raise the temperature of the space to a high temperature, around 70-90 degrees Celsius.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, work a little differently. Infrared light itself is invisible, but certain wavelengths on the spectrum can be felt by humans in the form of radiant heat.

Infrared light has been shown to have a number of fantastic health benefits including promoting cell growth and more, and is used in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals and hospices.

Far Infrared light is the deepest penetrating of all infrared waves, able to penetrate both the epidermis and dermis, the two outermost layers of human skin. For this reason, it is far infrared light that is used in the majority of infrared saunas.

Rather than heating the room of the sauna, far infrared saunas focus their heat on you, the user, meaning the room itself is far more bearable, without compromising the wonderful health benefits that a sauna session can bring.

Read on to discover the benefits of a home infrared sauna from one of the leading infrared sauna Glasgow companies.

8 health benefits of infrared saunas

Reduces stress

Using an infrared sauna will elevate your serotonin levels in a similar manner to exercise, leading to reduced stress levels in the body. Users report feeling for more relaxed and peaceful after leaving the saunas and some studies have even suggested infrared saunas as effective tools for tackling symptoms of depression.

Relieve joint pain

Do you have a sore back, shoulder, or other joint/muscle pain that is constantly naggin at you? There is a reason hat heat is always recommended as a treatment method for such problems, but nothing is quite as effective as the deep penetrating heat of an infrared sauna, sending oxygenated blood flowing to the areas that need it most.

Faster recovery

After a tough workout your muscles can ache for days on end, making it hard to resume training and everyday activity a chore. The heat of an infrared sauna causes your blood vessels to dilate and your heart to send nutrient rich blood pumping through your body. This will allow you to recover quicker and achieve all your workout goals.

Lose weight

Using an infrared sauna causes your body’s metabolic rate to increase, leading to a faster rate of calorie burning.

Whilst this is a nice boost to get, it is important to remember that diet, sleep, and exercise are essential to losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way and that weight lost immediately after using a sauna is water weight that needs to be replaced.

Boost your immune system

When you are ill, your body will go into fever state, raising your temperature to fight the virus targeting your body.

Using an infrared sauna will trick your body into thinking you have a low fever. Leading to a boost in the release of white blood cells, lymphocytes and other anti-virals. This can actually significantly reduce the risk of you getting ill in the first place, with research suggesting the chances of getting a common cold can be slashed in half through regular infrared sauna use.

Remove toxins

Infrared saunas produce an intense sweat that will force your body to flush out nasty toxins such as heavy metals that have gathered under the skin.

Far infrared saunas have been shown to assist with the removal of mould, mercury, and more, reducing the risk of a number of pretty severe medical conditions.

Lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is extremely common in the UK and is responsible for many deaths and serious illnesses every year.

By dilating your blood vessels, infrared saunas can lead to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that if you suffer with low blood pressure, it is essential that you check with your doctor before you use a sauna, no matter if it is a traditional or infrared one to ensure that it is safe.

Improve skin health

Infrared waves have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two of the substances responsible for more youthful looking skin. The deep sweat produces by sauna use will also wash away much of the dirt and grime that has gathered on the skin, leaving you positively glowing.

Contact your local infrared sauna Glasgow company today for more information.

What do you need to be a great lawyer in Glasgow?What do you need to be a great lawyer in Glasgow?

No matter if you are looking for a lawyer to represent you, or looking to become a lawyer yourself, it is vital to know the qualities that are required to thrive in this extremely competitive and high-risk industry.

Here are some of the most important skills possessed by top lawyers in Glasgow who are recognised both nationally and internationally for their expertise.

Communication

lawyer meeting

Every single thing a lawyer does requires fantastic communication skills, from getting the most information from their clients and witnesses, to negotiating deals and presenting a powerful case in court.

Lawyers must constantly hone both their oral and written communication skills, after all there is much more paperwork involved in criminal cases than is shown in the movies.

They must be clear and concise with their speech, but also emotive and convincing as well as being able to alter their approach for different situations.

They will know exactly what approach is most likely to be successful with certain judges or to convince a jury.

They must also be fantastic listeners, taking on the information that they are given in an instant and interpreting it in the most useful possible way to help their client.

High pressure decision making

Lawyers, especially criminal lawyers, are often trusted with the very future of their clients and each decision that they make has huge potential implications.

Lawyers must possess the ability to make split second decisions, evaluating new information in an instant and drawing conclusions based on their experience and legal expertise.

They must also be able to notice and pounce upon any mistakes made by the opposing council and spot each and every potential weakness that exists in their arguments.

The best lawyers thrive in high-pressure situations and get the big calls right more often than not.

Evidence analysis

Most criminal cases have a huge amount of evidence attached, some will be useful, much will be largely irrelevant.

A lawyer must be able to identify the salient facts and utilise them to create the most compelling case possible on behalf of their client.

They must have the patience to go through mounds of paperwork and evidence and spot the needle in the haystack that just might tip the scales in their favour in terms of the outcome of the case.

Sometimes the evidence will be overwhelming, but often information can be interpreted in a number of different ways and it is the job of lawyer to use their evaluative skills to make sure they are in your favour.

People skills

Dealing with evidence is just a small part of what a lawyer does and they will spend the majority of their time dealing with people.

Lawyers make decisions that change the lives of people forever and must work closely with witnesses, clients, other lawyers, and experts frequently throughout their daily lives.

Being able to read people will give them key information on the mood of the jury and the confidence of their opposing counsel, and adapt their approach to a case based on what they see.

These are skills that can only be taught or learned to a certain extent and at the end of the day you’ve either got it or you don’t. The very best lawyers have it in abundance.

Adaptability

The legal process is not one straight road from accusation to court date, there are many twists, turns, and side-streets along the way and it is the job of a lawyer to be their clients satnav as they navigate this journey.

Lawyers must adapt their approach as they experience bumps along the way reacting the moves from the opposing counsel and thinking outside the box in an attempt to identify unique ways that they can assist their client.

Negotiating Skills

A criminal case is one long negotiation between parties and great negotiating skills will ensure that you are the one who comes out on top when the gavel finally falls.

In fact, the best lawyers rarely reach court anyway as they will often be able to settle, obtain a satisfactory plea agreement, or have the charges against their client dropped before the case gets that far.

It is essential, however, that they do have a good track record in court, as formidable courtroom opponents are more likely to get good out of court offers as the opposition looks to avoid facing them in an open battle.

Great negotiators have the scales tipped in their favour from the outset and are negotiating from a position of strength and this is exactly what experienced lawyers with years of successful cases behind them do on a daily basis.

Benefits of CCTV towers on business premisesBenefits of CCTV towers on business premises

CCTV installed

CCTV towers have taken the security industry by storm in recent years, offering instant temporary remote monitoring in locations where surveillance camera installation would otherwise be impossible.

CCTV is one of the best possible Construction site security measures that you can install on any property, acting as a highly effective deterrent to criminals, allowing you to monitor your site from anywhere in the world via mobile device, and allowing for a rapid response to any emergency situation.

They will also help to create a safer and more productive workplace, as workers will be more likely to follow safety procedures and work harder if they know that they may be being observed.

CCTV towers require no mains electricity access, making them ideal for construction sites, car parks, and other business premises in remote places.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of installing a CCTV tower on your business site.

Reduced Insurance Premiums

Installing a CCTV will give you peace of mind that the chances of criminal activity taking place on your site are extremely low.

You are not the only person who will be reassured however, and your insurance company may be willing to offer you a discounted premium due to the reduced risk of a criminal or liability claim.

Deterring criminals

Surveillance cameras are a serious deterrent to burglars, vandals, fly tippers, and anyone else intent on criminal activity.

Not only will intruders be deterred by a CCTV tower, with a 7m tall pole topped by multiple cameras being extremely difficult to miss, but its presence will also reduce the risk of pretty theft by staff or customers.

It is a horrible thought to think that your employees may consider stealing from you, but the fact is that it does happen.

If this does happen, CCTV footage can be invaluable, helping you identify the individual responsible, take the appropriate disciplinary action, and used as evidence in court if required.

Manage staff activity

Even for small or medium sized businesses, tracking activity across your site at all times can be impossible.

It is much easier to do this, however, with a mobile CCTV tower in place.

With a huge detection range, when placed in the centre of the site, a CCTV tower will allow you or your management team to monitor day-to-day activity by staff and contractors.

Modern CCTV towers will automatically transmit images via 5G, meaning that you can access surveillance images directly from your site from anywhere in the world.

This is perfect for those in charge of multiple business sites at once or for those responsible for remote sites where regularly attending the location in person is not possible.

Reassuring Staff

Knowing that their workplace is well protected against intruders will help staff to feel safe and relaxed in their work, increasing productivity, and creating a much happier environment on site.

CCTV will not only protect workers whilst on shift, but also cover car parks and entry and exit points, ensuring they feel protected from the moment they arrive to the moment that they leave work at the end of the day.

A mobile tower can also protect workers from each other, significantly reducing the chances of harassment and physical bullying in the workplace.

Health and Safety Regulations

No matter how cautious you are with your health and safety precautions you still need your staff to abide by the regulations in place to ensure they are effective.

With surveillance in place, this is much more likely, and any breaches can be swiftly identified and dealt with.

Furthermore, the footage from any accidents that do unfortunately occur as a result to lax behaviour can be used as part of future training.

If your staff see the result of poor safety practice in their own workplace, the impact of this training will be much greater than simply informing them of the risks, not to mention that they will want to do all they can to avoid being the subject of a future video.

How to choose a CCTV tower

With a multitude of CCTV options available, it can be difficult to know which to go for.

Some of the things to look out for when choosing the best CCTV system for your commercial site include:

Specifications

The basic capabilities of any CCTV system are the best place to start when it comes to narrowing down your options.

Battery size, memory, lens size, and range are all factors to consider when comparing CCTV towers.

Price

It can be tempting to opt for the cheapest security camera system that you can find but this could lead to unreliability, and a blackout or grainy footage is the last thing you need in an emergency.

Try to find the best possible tower within your budget, as this is an investment that will save you plenty of money in the long-term.

Why are Hot Tubs becoming so popular?Why are Hot Tubs becoming so popular?

hot tubs Scotland

Given the unpredictability of the British weather, you may be surprised to hear that the popularity of Hot Tubs has soared in recent years.

More people than ever before are choosing to have a hot tub spa installed in their garden as the benefits of year round use have become clear.

Here at Bubble Box, we are proud to provide Hot Tubs For Sale In Scotland to customers with industry leading bespoke Aquavia hot tub spas, and we have noticed a steady increase in demand over the past few years.

There are a number of key factors which have led to this increase in popularity:

Year Round Usage

In the past, some people have been put off buying a hot tub as they believed that it could only be used for a small amount of the year.

This is far from the case, however, and hot tubs are an ideal way to make the most of your outdoor space all year long.

In the winter months, when your outdoor space previously went almost unused for several months a hot tub is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the fabulous contrast between the warm water on your body and the cold air on your face.

By installing a gazebo or parasol by your tub you can listen to the sound of raindrops falling around you whilst relaxing under cover in a wonderfully heated tub.

Health benefits

One of the biggest contributors to an increase in hot tub popularity is heightened awareness about the health benefits of taking a soak.

Some of the health benefits offered by a hot tub include:

  • Improved Motion – The warm water of a hot tub creates hydrostatic pressure that helps to relieve joint inflammation, improve mobility, and offers temporary relief from symptoms of arthritis.
  • Muscle Relief – The massaging jets of a hot tub help to relax your muscles and ease aching after a workout or a long day at work.
  • Promoting good sleep – Sleep is an often underrated and essential part of a healthy lifestyle and a quick dip in a hot tub will help you to destress and relax before bed, preparing your body for a great night’s sleep.

Now that hot tubs are no longer seen as a luxury only item but have tangible proven health and muscle recovery benefits, more people than ever are seeing the value in having one installed in their home.

Quieter

Another concern that may have previously deterred people from purchasing a hot tub, especially those living in high population areas, is that the noise that the pumps and jets would make may disturb neighbours.

Most modern hot tubs are completely silent, however, meaning that this is no longer an issue, meaning you can relax and enjoy a soak without worrying about bothering anyone nearby.

Less Maintenance

Keeping a hot tub clean and operational all year round has never been easier.

All our Aquavia spas come equipped with smart clean water technology and optional ultraviolet cleaning to reduce the need for chemicals such as chlorine and make manual water cleaning a thing of the past.

Social Hub

Gardens are no longer somewhere to simply let the dog out and plant a few pretty flowers, and many of us are now using these valuable outdoor spaces as places to entertain and relax with friends and family.

A garden is a luxury and should be an extension of your living space all year round, and a hot tub is a fabulous addition to help make this a reality.

When hosting a party, barbeque, or simply having a few friends round to your home, hot tubs become a social hub, and everyone you know will be keen to pop round for a dip.

Aquavia spas are particularly impressive in this regard with optional features including colour sense lighting and Bluetooth speakers.

When you choose a hot tub model with a Bluetooth surround system included you will be able to connect your mobile device to the system, comprised of two top quality speakers and a subwoofer, and select the perfect music for the occasion.

Energy Efficiency

Another reason people may once have decided against buying a hot tub is that traditional models could be quite high in energy consumption and expensive to run.

Modern tubs, however, are incredibly well insulated and retain heat much better than was once possible.

Some Aquavia Spas, for example, come equipped with an Energy Saving Cover that includes double insulation to prevent temperature loss and water evaporation.

At 130mm in thickness, combining this cover with the Ecospa option allows owners to save as much as 67% in power consumption in comparison to a standard spa.

These technological advancements have made hot tubs a much more affordable option for the home and the rise in sales is testimony to this fact.

Solicitors and DivorceSolicitors and Divorce

Divorce Lawyer Service

A divorce is not uncommon, and marriages can break down for a variety of reasons. Regardless of why, it is important to understand how the process works and the importance of a solicitor in the process. This article examines the benefits of getting a solicitor in a divorce situation.

Can I get a divorce without a solicitor?

To put it simply, yes. You are not legally required, as either the person issuing or receiving the divorce. You are under no obligation to take legal advice from anyone during a divorce.

This is a simple answer but hides much of the complexity of a divorce process. A solicitor’s job is, in part, to make the process as simple as possible. A divorce is a complex legal and financial action which is likely to have a long-term effect on your finances, so getting it right is very important.

So, you can approach a divorce or respond to one without a solicitor, but it’s strongly advised you get one to secure the best outcome for yourself.

Denying your Divorce

Judges may deny a divorce; if your spouse contents it or avoids the service of divorce papers, or if you fail to provide demonstrating that your marriage has broken down, the judge may refuse the divorce.

If you lack the appropriate legal advice and fail to convey your message properly, even beginning the divorce process can become a serious chore and it can be delayed significantly.

What does a Solicitor Do?

In the simplest terms, a family law or divorce solicitor has the task of fighting for their client to get the best deal out of a divorce while also simplifying the process. Their job is to protect their clients’ interests.

For either the person initiating the divorce (the petitioner) or the person responding to the divorce (the respondent), a divorce solicitor provides several important services.

Primarily a solicitor will complete the wide variety of court forms and documents which are required; court documents which are completed incorrectly will be rejected and this can significantly extend the divorce process. When it comes to a respondent, they also have papers to carry out, and a solicitor will complete these on their behalf. This can save a lot of time and trouble for a respondent, because if these papers aren’t properly completed then they will be returned, and the process extended.

A solicitor,

  • Can help obtain a freezing order if you believe your spouse is hiding and attempting to transfer assets to avoid divvying them up
  • Deals with all the paperwork involved – one of the most complex parts of a divorce
  • Negotiate and mediate on your behalf regarding financial assets, property, and childcare
  • Provide advice on assets – another complex part of a divorce and one that is vital to get right
  • Provide advice regarding the laws and legislation

We’re Divorcing Amicably – do I need a Solicitor?

There is no situation where you are required a solicitor when it comes to a divorce.

Whether it is amicable or not, you do not legally require a solicitor for any part of the process. At the same time, having a

Even if you are divorcing amicably however, it is important to have expert legal advice. Marriage is a financial and legal contract and when it ends, having expert advice on how to bring it to an end is important. This is because of how many factors there are to consider in a divorce. You’ll need to ask yourself questions like,

  • Do you have accurate values for your assets?
  • What assets do you own?
  • What are you entitled to?
  • What will you need?
  • Do you have an accurate idea of what your ex’s income is?
  • How is going to end up responsible for the mortgage?

This is not to mention questions such as over childcare or the matrimonial home. The more assets you own or the more complex your assets, the more difficult this can become to handle.

Even if you are in full agreement with your partner over a divorce, the actual organisation of it (legally and financially speaking) can prove exceptionally difficult and demanding. So even if you are amicable with your ex-partner, having an experienced legal adviser on hand to help you draw up a deal which is good for you can be invaluable and is always a good step.

Amicable to Acrimonious

Many divorces unfortunately stop being amicable over the complexity of financial matters and childcare and can become acrimonious and your spouse and you may be unable to properly communicate. This is obviously a difficult situation to find yourself in.  

In these cases, a solicitor AT oraclelaw.com is a helpful mediator who can communicate with your ex-spouse on your behalf. This is invaluable and can do a massive amount to relieve the difficulty and stress of trying to engage with an uncooperative partner.

5 Reasons Construction Site Security Guards are Essential5 Reasons Construction Site Security Guards are Essential

site-security

If you are fed up with losing time and money dealing with vandalism and theft on your construction site, Prime Secure’s team of highly qualified experienced security guards are here to help.

Pre-covid research estimated the annual cost of stolen materials and equipment in the UK to be as much as £800m and as the pandemic forced sites to close temporarily or work under reduced capacities, the situation has only escalated.

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of your site being targeted is to hire a security guard from Prime Secure.

Here are 5 reasons that security guards are an essential part of any construction site’s security system.

1. Deter Criminals

Due to their very nature construction sites are attractive targets for thieves and vandals.

There is a significant quantity of expensive materials, tools, and vehicles that it is not practical to store away securely every night so are left on the premises when construction staff go home.

Hiring security guards to patrol your site can help to prevent theft during these hours and their sheer presence will significantly reduce the number of incidents you have to deal with.

Security officers provide a highly visible deterrent to criminals who will likely move on to an easier target once they spot your security staff.

If they do decide to enter your premises, your SIA licensed professional officers will quickly identify their location and usually intercept them before any damage is done or property is stolen.

2. Prevent Workplace Accidents

Given the high possibility of workplace accidents on construction sites, where trip hazards, working machinery, and heavy materials are commonplace, all possible steps should be taken to mitigate the risk of injuries.

Staff injuries can be distressing, bad for the morale of their colleagues, and expensive, both in terms of compensation payments and in sick pay.

Although the primary responsibility of security guards during their patrols is to identify any potential breaches in security, they can also identify any potential emergencies or hazards and take appropriate action.

Should the worst happen, and an accident does take place your security guards will also know how to contact the appropriate emergency services.

Once the situation is resolved they will report back to you as to what happened and you will be able to put in place precautions to ensure it never happens again.

3. Reduce Insurance Premiums

You are not the only person who will be reassured by the reassured by having security guards on your construction site, your insurance company will too.

It may be possible to get a discount on vehicle and property insurance if you have additional security such as manned guards or a CCTV system in place.

In addition to this if an injury occurs on site your security staff may be able to act as a witness to prove that you were not at fault and prevent expensive liabilities.

4. Representing your company

When visitors attend your site, possibly for a progress update or to deliver materials, your security staff are likely to be the first face they see.

They will verify identities and ensure that no unauthorised individuals enter your site but they will also represent your business, so it is vital that they are approachable, personable, and present a positive impression of your company.

They will reassure your visitors that they are safe whilst on site and will have an excellent knowledge of the entire premises so they can direct people to where they need to be.

For this reason, simply employing a security guard is not enough, it is key that you hire officers from a respected security company such as Prime Secure as our extensive training program means all our staff are not only excellent at dealing with confrontation and intruders but also welcoming and a positive representative of your company.

5. Provide feedback

The feedback that you receive from professional security guards can help you to optimise your construction site’s security protocol.

Once a guard has dealt with an ongoing situation, such as the attempted theft of construction materials, they will provide you with a full report of how the incident was allowed to happen and what changes should be made to the existing security system to ensure it never happens again.

These incident reports, alongside the general reports that your security guards will provide you with after their routine patrols, will help to prevent crime by identifying potential weaknesses in your site security and eliminating them.

Prime Secure has been providing SIA accredited professional security officers to construction sites for over 25 years and whatever your security needs, we are here to help.

Call us today on 0345 88 88 333 and our experienced team will be delighted to help.

Why Electric Radiators are the Future of Home HeatingWhy Electric Radiators are the Future of Home Heating

electric heating

Changing the heating system in your home may seem like a hassle you just don’t need.

But what if you could do so in a quick and easy way, whilst saving money, ensuring your family’s safety, and future-proofing your home?

Electric radiators can offer you all this and more, and we have put together this quick guide sharing just a few of the many benefits of making the switch.

Efficiency

With electric radiators, there is no energy wasted, with every last watt taken from the mains supply converted into heat energy. Not only does this make electric heating 100% efficient, saving you significant amounts of money on your heating bills, you will also have the option of combining your system with a renewable electricity source powered by wind, solar, or a heat pump in the future.

This will make your heating even more efficient as you will both ensure that no energy is lost during the conversion from electricity to heat but also reduce the amount of electricity you need to pay for in the first place.

Electric radiators are, therefore, a fantastic way to save yourself some money on fuel bill immediately after installation, as well as protecting yourself and your family for the future by installing a system completely compatible with renewable energy sources.

Responsiveness

When you turn on your heating system, you want your home to heat up as quickly as possible. Electric radiators excel at this, heating the air around them from the moment you turn them on and will be running at maximum efficiency in under 10 minutes. They take far less time to heat up than gas or oil fuelled radiators and will quickly bring the room up to your desired temperature.

Electric radiators also allow you to have far more control over the temperature in individual rooms as well as having the heating come on in some rooms at certain times but not in others.

Gas central heating is normally controlled by a single thermostat meaning that your entire house’s heating is dependent on the temperature in one room. You will often have to turn it up simply to heat other rooms to the initial temperature set, wasting money over heating unused rooms in the meantime.

Electric radiators offer far more flexibility and overall better control over your heating system in this regard, maximising fuel economy and ensuring every room in your house is warmed just the way you like it.

More control

When you purchase a smart radiator, you will be able to access and control your electric heating system from on the go using your smartphone.

Whether you want to set your heating on the way back from work to make sure your home is nice and warm when you arrive, or simply want the convenience of being able to adjust the temperature from the comfort of the sofa, electric heating offers you unrivalled flexibility and customisation.

Fast Installation

Not only are electric radiators easy to use, but they are also easy to install. People are often put off the hassle of changing their heating system due to having to extend or replace existing pipework or the expense of fitting an entire boiler.

None of this will be the case when you install electric radiators in your home. If you have some basic DIY experience and a decent enough toolbox lying around, you can even install them yourself. As there is no water involved in electric heating you won’t have to worry about connecting pipes or accidental flooding you can simply plug in and off you go.

If you would rather not complete the installation on your own, or simply don’t have the time, then Greener Energy Group’s highly trained first-class installers will have you up and running in no time at all.

Portability

The ease of installation offered by electric heating Glasgow means that it is also very easy to move your radiators around your home if required. If you decide to change the layout of a room and an electric radiator is no longer in an ideal location, you can simply move it somewhere else better suited.

You might also wish to test how the heat generated by your radiator moves around the room and try out your new electric radiators in different places. With traditional central heating, this is much more of a task, and you will require professional help if you ever wish to move your radiators.

Safety

Electric radiators are a much safer alternative to gas and oil central heating due simply to the fact that they don’t rely upon the constant burning of fuel.

Carbon monoxide leaks or gas explosions are a terrifying and genuine threat from traditional heating systems which will be eliminated immediately if you choose to switch to electric.

If you think it’s time to make the switch to electric radiators in your home then get in touch with Greener Energy Group today on 03335 77 66 99 or take our home suitability survey.

Should you invest in CCTV?Should you invest in CCTV?

burglar-alarms

CCTV systems have become among some of the most popular options for security on the market in Britain. They are seen as versatile, effective in preventing crime, and a great way to keep your home and property safe.

In this article we’ll talk about the benefits investing in CCTV systems for your home, and what options there are if you decide to go for CCTV.

The Main Benefits of CCTV

If you are eager to keep your property protected from burglars or criminals, CCTV does offer a serious option as a security system and burglar alarms Glasgow. It’s been estimated 67% of burglaries could be prevented with CCTV, and a Guardian article from back in 2017 found in an interview with former ‘professional’ burglars that a visible CCTV system was the thing that dissuaded them most from attempting to enter a property.

Preventing Crime before it happens

The ability of a visible CCTV system to deter criminals, who recognise the danger it brings of being caught and prosecuted, means you can often prevent a crime taking place. This is a serious investment in the security of your home.

Guaranteeing Prosecutions

The ability to capture high quality footage of the crime means that in the worst-case scenario where a crime takes place, you can be confident in knowing that the footage captured will help to ensure the criminals responsible are apprehended by the police and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Remote Access

Certain types of CCTV allow for the ability to ‘remote access’, which means that no matter where you may be, you can access the video feed of your CCTV. This means you can watch your home even if you’re on holiday, allowing you to observe any suspicious activity that takes place.  

Remote Monitoring

A feature offered by many services now is ‘remote monitoring’, which allows for a team of professionals to keep an eye on your CCTV feeds. If they spot any suspicious activity, they can alert the police, allowing for any criminals to be apprehended quickly.

Types of Cameras Available

There’s a broad range of different CCTV cameras available on the market – indeed CCTV is one of the most versatile forms of security there is, meaning it’s easy to find a design suited to your home and specific security needs. The most common designs on the market are,

Wired home security cameras

Wired home security cameras are the most traditional design available and remain popular. They are relatively simple and must be fixed to a wall or other outdoor surface. They are (as the name implies) connected by a wire to a monitor. Wired security cameras are great because they are reliable and there’s little chance of ‘network’ interference with their recording. This limited chance of network failures makes them incredibly reliable.

Wired systems are ‘closed’ systems, which means they cannot be remotely accessed or ‘hacked’. This further increases their reliability and your overall security.

Furthermore, there’s a guarantee of a consistent quality of both video and streaming. If you go for say, a 4K wired camera system, it will not drop to say 720p due to a poor connection. This means it is incredibly reliable and makes for superb evidence in the case anything goes wrong.

Wired home security cameras are often best for large scale installations. Since they are a hardwired system, it can be used to cover a relatively wide area.

Wireless security cameras

Wireless cameras are called as such because of how they transmit and receive their data; they may still require a cable for power.

Wireless systems have become incredibly popular due to the ability to remotely access them. This means if you’re on holiday or away from your home (which is by far the time in which its most likely for a burglary or incident to occur), you can have direct access to what’s going on in your home.

Wireless systems are excellent for those homes with good broadband and internet, since this decides the quality of their recording

Wireless systems are a lot more flexible and often easier to install, since there’s no need to handle cables, wirings, or any other elements of traditional set up. This also means lower costs – since set up isn’t as intensive. This versatility also means it is easy to move the cameras around after the initial installation.

The Best Ways to Clean a CouchThe Best Ways to Clean a Couch

Acorn-Upholstery-Cleaning

Couches are a massive part of our homes; they bring much needed style and comfort to your living room. At the same time, couches undergo a lot of stress – much more than you might think. From eating dinner, to watching films and TV, to playing with pes and kids, there’s all kinds of dirt which can end up captured by the couch. Bodily oils, cooking smells, crumbs, dirt, dust, animal hairs, and more. These can end up cutting down the lifespan of a couch and really damage your quality of experience of your couch – undermining the appearance of your home.

It’s vital to know how to keep your couch clean to ensure it can still give you comfort and give your home that vital stylish flare. This can seem like a difficult task, but it’s not impossible. At Acorn Carpet Cleaning, we have some tips for ensuring couch cleaning is kept as simple as possible. In the case you find yourself overwhelmed by this, and or just want to ensure the best quality of cleaning is achieved, Acorn can provide its professional upholstery cleaning services to completely refresh your couch.

Important Codes to Know

There’s a lot of different materials and fabrics used when it comes to couches, and they require different approaches to clean. Not knowing these can end up damaging the couch – staining or, resulting in dye issues, or worsening existing marks.

Common tags that can be found include,

  • S – Clean only with a dry cleaner detergent
  • W – Water can be used in cleaning the couch
  • WS – Dry cleaning and mild detergents, as well as steam vacuums, can be used
  • X – No water; this material can only be vacuumed

Always look for these when approaching any cleaning job.

Basic Tips for Cleaning the Couch

You should clean your couch every weak to ensure the impact of, spills, general damage, and ware from regular use, as well as stains is kept to a minimum. By doing this, you can guarantee your couch will have a longer lifespan and feel much better. The best approach is the following,

  1. Using a dry brush, loosen any fabric, dirt, or debris
  2. A vacuum (on a low setting) should be used to remove these loose debris. It will also help to remove anything that is deeply embedded in the fibres of the couch.
  3. Consistently switch and flip cushions, to reduce a ‘worn down’ appearance.

Following these tips on a weekly basis can do a huge deal to ensure your couch remains looking fresh.

Deep Cleaning a Couch

Regular maintenance is good, but it can only do so much, and can struggle with deep stains and dirt. Deep cleaning is the best approach for handling this kind of problem. The approach for this involves the use of,

  • Proper cleaning cloths
  • Vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment
  • Baking soda

Baking soda is a great way to ensure a deep clean is successful. It’s of course vital to maintain the proper procedure when it comes to couch cleaning.

  1. Test the Fabric: Baking soda is fantastic for ensuring fabric is cleansed of grime and any embedded dirt, but it’s key to test it first. Find an inconspicuous area of the couch and test it there first. Baking soda is widely viewed as safe for most of the upholstery.
  2. Using a stiff brush, remove any loose debris, crumbs, dirt, dust, and hair.
  3. Sprinkle baking soda across the couch and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. In some cases, it’s good to mix the soda in dry carpet cleaner – this will ensure a deeper clean.
  4. Vacuum the soda up – ensuring you make use of the brush attachment. This ensures that the soda is thoroughly removed.
  5. For any remaining tough stains, its best to use a solution (suitable for the fabric) alongside a cleaning cloth to ‘blot away’ stains.

Shampooing a Couch

To ensure an even deeper, more effective clean, there is the option of shampooing a couch using a rented steam or carpet cleaner.

Hire Professionals, to save time, effort, and stress

It’s a demanding process to clean a couch, and there’s a lot to consider. As such, it can be best to hire professionals, who have the experience and training to clean a couch properly and without issue. Acorn Upholstery Cleaning Glasgow has all the experience, equipment, and knowledge to ensure a successful deep clean of your couch. This will not only save you a lot of time and effort, but it’ll ensure your couch is provided with a true deep clean. Give Acorn a call at 0141 212 0212 or give us an email at info@acorncarpetcleaning.co.uk for more information about our services.