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What Are Roof Lanterns And How Are They Different From Skylights?

If you are trying to save money on electricity in your home, especially in the kitchen dining room or conservatory, you may want to consider investing in a roof lantern. This is an opening in the top of your roof, extending down into the kitchen or living area, that will provide you with a substantial amount of light. However, depending upon the structure of the roof lantern, it could be somewhat covered. You may not have a direct view of the outside. That’s why many people will install skylights instead of roof lanterns. These are going to have clear windowpanes that are typically flat, matching the pitch of the roof upon which they are installed. Here is an overview of the difference between a roof lantern and a skylight.

How Is A Roof Lantern Constructed?

First of all, an opening is placed in the top of the roof. This will extend into the kitchen area, or whatever room you are trying to provide extra light for. When you look at these from the side, they appear to be almost like a glass gazebo, designed to allow light to come in from all directions. They often have a top which is stylistic, and they are not designed to flow with the pitch of the roof at all. In fact, they are typically placed on the top of the roof so that they are perfectly vertical, and this is why, among many other reasons, that they are different from a skylight.

What Is A Skylight?

These are a much more basic form of a roof lantern. In fact, it is nothing more than an opening with glass that will either be permanently sealed, or it will give you the capability to open it up. You will have a direct view of the sky from the bottom, and in some cases, they will be connected to some type of automated system that can open or close the glass. This is going to let more light in than a traditional roof lantern. That is because there is nothing over the top of it. In both cases, you will need professionals that can install them for you, and it really depends on how much light you would like to let in.

Now that you know the difference between a roof lantern in a skylight, you can speak with a local contractor that can give you a quote. Regardless of the decision that you make, once this is installed, it’s going to improve the amount of light that you have in your home. You can have these installed over the course of several days, and they can certainly improve the value of your household. Find out more today about roof lanterns and skylights that you may want to install to bring more light into your home this year.

Top Reasons To Install Insulated Steel Doors In Your Workplace

Some quick research will show that the main concerns of many commercial building owners across the UK are energy-efficiency and security.

Many buildings in the Nation today are fitted with insulated steel doors since they help meet the security needs of building proprietors while lowering the overall power consumption costs in commercial properties. However, there are many other benefits to installing insulated steel doors as this article will show.

Benefits of Installing Insulated Steel Doors In a Commercial Property

  1. They Are Energy-Efficient

Heating costs tend to rise in commercial properties because of poor heat retention within the building. Doors are the main culprit for escaping heat not only because of their size but also because they are usually constantly being opened in a commercial building. Insulated steel doorsets are designed to retain heat within a building meaning that there are usually lower heating costs. The energy-efficiency of these doors can help lower your monthly/annual power bill drastically.

They Are Durable

Unlike doors made of other materials such as wood which require frequent repair because of damage caused by exposure to the elements and fluctuations in temperature, these doors require very little maintenance and further they last for a very long time.

They Are Extremely Secure

Most commercial building owners live in fear of their properties being penetrated by thugs. Insulated steel doors are very strong and very hard to break down thus enhancing the security of a building. The best part is that they can be custom-forged to enhance the beauty of a building without compromising on their secure nature.

They Require Little Maintenance

These doors do not require frequent repairs and they can hold their own regardless of the elements that they are exposed. By choosing to install these doors, you are usually making a investment that will not require your constant attention or lead you to accrue high maintenance costs.

They Keep Noise Out

The insulation layer on these steel doors plays two key roles:

• It helps keep heat within
• It blocks noise out

In a commercial setting, having a quiet environment is key to enhancing productivity. By keeping unwanted noise out, these doors there make a commercial building a more attractive workplace.

They Are Affordable

Insulated steel doors are less expensive compared to alternative types of doors that have similar benefits. Today, you are more likely to find wooden doors costing more than steel doors. Given their myriad benefits and their affordability, it is no wonder that most building owners prefer these doors for commercial properties compared to other alternatives in the market.

These are just a few of the reason why so many businesses depend on steel doorsets. They’ve become immensely popular in recent years, providing insulation, security, privacy and strength. You really can’t go wrong if you’re looking to reduce energy costs and improve security within your workplace, no matter the sector.

Why It Is Important To Upgrade Your Company’s Physical Offices Annually

When people hear the term upgrade an office, and they are the business owner, they are already expecting a significant expense. Expanding upon your office, changing the internal decor, or simply putting a new paint job it will cost a bit of money. You may also want to consider hiring a professional interior designer or decorator. This will add to the overall expense. However, it might be the most advantageous thing that you can do. Here are the reasons why you should consider upgrading your company’s physical offices on an annual basis if possible.

What Type Of Upgrades Would You Want To Consider?

There are certain upgrades that are advantageous to your business. However, it does depend on the type of business you are in. For example, you may want to consider changing out the furniture, such as chairs, tables, and the desks that are used, just to provide something new for your employees. From the perspective of your customers coming in, if you have a medical practice, that can also draw more people in. They will see that you are successful, and investing your money into your business, which may actually motivate them to recommend future clients.

Does This Have To Be An Elaborate Makeover?

The best way to describe how you will upgrade your physical offices is that it will be an incremental process. For example, you may want to consider painting the walls one year, changing the furniture the next, and changing out the carpet or flooring the following year. The only time that you should spend a substantial amount of money is if you are completely changing the entire layout of the office area. Keep in mind that this may be confusing for both your workers and those that are your clients, especially if they have been used to the same setting for many years or decades.

If you decide to upgrade your physical offices for your company, keep all of those suggestions in mind. In some ways, it’s a beneficial decision because of how it will emulate the success that your company is having. On the other hand, customers that have been used to the same setting for years may become slightly confused at the new appearance. However, if you do a complete makeover of your office, waiting room, and all of the other rooms at your facility, this should be done every 5 to 10 years which can help improve your property’s value.

There are many office fit out companies who can help you transform your existing office space, but you’ll see experience and prices will vary considerably. Depending on the scale of the work involved, it’s important to be focused in your search for the right company. For example, if you require building, and dilapidation, as well as interior design, you’re going to need to pick an expert with a wealth of experience across these areas. On the other hand, if you only require changes to the interior space such as interior design tweaks, choosing an interior designer who focuses on offices and commercial spaces may be best.

How to brighten up your home using accessories

Dark rooms are generally welcomed in winter months as they feel warm and cosy but during summer you may want to brighten up your home without too much effort. Brightening up a dark room can be challenging especially if the room has minimal natural light but we have put together a list of tips that you can use to easily brighten your home using minimal effort.

1. Bright art – vibrant paintings or canvases will brighten up any room. The brighter the better.

2. Colourful rugs – this simple trick will inject personality into any room whilst brightening it up

3. Mirrors – Mirrors will make any space feel larger. If you place opposite a window, they will double up your light sources.

4. Chandeliers – chandeliers will reflect sunlight and reflect it throughout a room.

5. Add metallics – adding metallic accessories is an easy way to brighten up any room and will reflect natural light.

Timeless interior design doesn’t have to standstill

Timeless interior design is difficult to get right, because how can you expect what’s to come in the future? And how can you be certain your decor will remain as good looking years down the line? Well whether it’s a renovation or you are just purchasing furniture that you really love, it’s fair to say that you are likely thinking more long-term than you did in the past. It makes perfect sense, you want to save money and don’t want to have to buy all new furniture in another 5 or 10 years time. To really narrow down on a timeless style, you need to be buying fewer, but more high-quality pieces but that doesn’t mean your look can’t develop or become better looking with age. With woods and rustic leather, you can use highly sought after natural materials that will never go out of fashion.