• New aluminium bi-folding doors, especially those with the powder-coating, certainly project a nice little touch of refinement and are appealing to the eyes of all.
• When you get down to the capabilities of these great looking and functional doors, they are a lot more user friendly and easy to open.
• Each panel is securely supported on secure hinges which allows for the door to operate smoothly and almost silently.
• The door knob is on the inner panel of the door and you can easily fold the panels together by using said knob.
• Anyone out there seeking the very best in aluminium doors in Scotland, should contact and consult with renowned specialists.

More benefits of Using Bi-folding Aluminium Doors

• Bi-folding doors can be completely opened and folded up and are the ideal solution for folk who like having a fully opened door to increase the air flow between two rooms.
• Bi-folding doors provide you with the chance to enjoy different atmospheric options at your home or at the workplace, as they can be either left wide open, partially open, or fully closed, all depending upon what type of ambience you wish to give any rooms.
• After a fitting of these cool looking doors, you will have increased your home’s appearance to another level. And if you do decide that sometime in the future you wish to sell your home, this extra bonus feature will definitely provide an extra bonus for any potential buyer. (Many people actually buy with their eyes!)
• Bi-folding aluminium doors will easily outlast any of their wooden counterparts. There’s no possibility of any rotting or decaying even in the harshest of weather conditions, and if fitted with top quality double glazing, security is at a level which other doors just cannot touch.
• The upkeep of the doors is very easy, as all they will ever need is a brisk wipe with a damp cloth.
• Before purchasing any doors, make sure that you check out the company guarantee and what else they offer, to make sure that you are doing business with a trustworthy company. It’s always a lot better to be safe than sorry, right?

If you require more information about these doors, go online and check out the company’s website and see what other folk have to say about any of their products.

• You may also wish to find some reviews and testimonials from former customers and check their ratings regarding their professional workmanship.

And you won’t be the first to notice that neighbours, friends and relatives will have some great things to say about your new bi-folding doors!

The post All You Need to Know Why More people are Fitting Aluminium Bi-Folding Doors to Their Homes appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

• Instead, you will be sitting down with your friends and your family.
• The seating inside the Jacuzzi is one of the most important aspects and it needs to be studied before you buy the hot tub.

What are the characteristics of the seating in your hot tub?

The Seating In The Jacuzzi Needs To Be Comfortable For You

The seating in the hot tub in Surrey needs to be extremely comfortable to you to sit in. This is the most important characteristic of the seating. They should allow you to sit with good posture whilst you are in the water.

The Seating In The Jacuzzi Needs To Be Spacious Enough

The seating in the Jacuzzi needs to be spacious for people of different sizes. This means that everyone is going to be totally comfortable and they can relax. You should check how spacious the seats are.

The Seating In The Jacuzzi Needs To Be Easy For You To Get Out Of

The Jacuzzi installed in Guildford needs to be easy for you to get out of after you are finished. This may be harder for some people than others, so you should make sure that the Jacuzzi has handles. Then you can climb out of the hot tub without any difficulty at all.

The Seating In The Jacuzzi Needs To Be Lit At Night

The seating in the Jacuzzi needs to be lit at night. This will keep people safe in the hot tub at night. You will be able to get into the Jacuzzi safely when it is properly lit at night.

The Characteristics Of The Jets In Your Jacuzzi

The jets in your Jacuzzi need to have several different characteristics.

The Jets Need To Be Strong

You will want the jets in the Jacuzzi to be strong so that they are being completely effective. The strong jets will give you a pleasurable sensation all over your body.

The Jets Need To Be Easy For You To Turn Down

You might think that the jets are too strong. This means that you will want to turn them down. This should be easy for you to do.

The Jets Need To Be Easy For You To Change Direction

You will need to be able to change the direction of the water jets. This is going to allow you to target other parts of your body. Your shoulders could be stiff, so you can angle the jets to this part of your body. You might want your legs to be massaged so that they feel better. The jets can be angled at that part of your body.

Round-Up Of The Article

The seating of the Jacuzzi needs to be comfortable and it needs to be spacious as well. The Jacuzzi needs to be easy for you to get out of every time. The jets should be easy for you to move.

The post The Characteristics Of Seating In Your Hot Tub appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

Furniture, is now bought for its utility, but also bought as a symbol of luxury and also of status. Furniture brings real change to an empty room and what we use that room for. We don’t decide what we want to use the room for, until the furniture is put inside. We put a bed and wardrobe in a room and it becomes the bedroom, and we put a sofa and armchair in a room and that is now the living room. Today, we have so much furniture to choose from, and it is manufactured in a multitude of materials to suit all tastes and all pockets. Let’s look at other important reasons to have furniture.

1. Creates Beauty – Furniture improves and enhances any room and changes it from a dull space, into something quite extraordinary. No room or home for that matter, is really complete until it gets its allocation of functional and beautiful furniture. Each room can be made to look different and stand out as an individual room. We can create themes in a particular room, using the furniture chosen and we can match it to the decor or vise versa.

2. Creates Functionality – Without the necessary furniture in a room, we would be unable to function properly. Imagine your kitchen with no dining table and chairs or no cabinets. If there were no kitchen units or work tops, how could we prepare meals and where would we put them, when we have prepared them. Similarly, settling down to watch TV without the comfort of a sofa and comfortable armchairs, would be impossible. Furniture gives meaning to any room and any furniture shop in Belfast will provide you with everything you need.

3. Life Is Easier – Having furniture all through your home, just makes your life so much easier due to its functionality. If you want to rest your legs and sit down on a kitchen chair or armchair, then it’s there for your convenience. If you are tired after a long day at the office, then have a lie down on the comfortable sofa or even better,lie down on your comfortable bed. The furniture provides the warmth that every home needs, and gives you piece of mind, when you most need it.

Get down to your local furniture store in Belfast and see how you can make your home more beautiful and your life a lot easier.

The post 3 Great Reasons Why We Need Furniture. appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

This quick and easy guide will cover everything you need to know to ensure your rise and recline chair remains in good working condition for years to come.

Caring for Mechanical Components

Most people don’t ever think about the mechanics inside a rise and recline chair, and most will never need to. However, those components are actually pretty complex. You don’t need to know exactly how everything works but failing to use the chair as intended could damage the mechanism, potentially leading to expensive repairs.

Make sure you:

• Never lean or place excessive downward pressure on the back of the chair when it’s fully reclined. This can place unexpected strain on interior components or topple the chair over.
• Never sit on the footrest or use it to hold anything particularly heavy. This can damage the mechanism or cause it to malfunction.
• Never sit on the remote control. It’s easy enough to do when you’re tired at the end of a long day, but sitting on the remote can damage the device and cause the interior mechanism to work improperly.

Caring for Electrical Components

Your rise and recline armchair’s electronic components are usually easier and less expensive to fix than its mechanical components, but you should still take care to avoid damage.

Make sure you:

• Check all power cables regularly for signs of damage.
• Change your battery regularly if your rise and recline chair is equipped with a battery backup system.
• Protect all electronics from sources of moisture or extreme heat.
• Never move your rise and recline armchair outside – they are only intended for indoor use.

The post How to Care for Your Rise and Recline Armchair appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

The type of insulation you buy will have an effect on how well it works so here we’ll go through the most popular types, helping you decide which is right for you.

Types of Building Insulation

Usually synthetic in nature, insulation is typically made from several common materials. Each will have its own pros and cons but they all serve to do the same thing.

• Fibreglass – Fibreglass is now the most common type of building insulation. Heat transfer is minimised by the effective use of woven glass fibres, interlaced together to provide a thermally efficient material.

Fibreglass can be dangerous to produce due to the damaging effect it can have on lungs and eyes but as long as it remains intact, it is perfectly safe. It is also fire resistant so makes a great building material.

• Mineral Wool – This could either refer to glass wool, essentially fibreglass or rock wool, produced from basalt. Whilst it isn’t combustible, mineral wool doesn’t benefit from the same fire-resistant properties as fibreglass or other types of insulation, making it less useful for extreme heat environments where risk of fire is high.

• Polyurethane Foam – Another great form of insulation, polyurethane is typically sprayed onto surfaces. Great for all those instances where bulky insulation panels wouldn’t fit. Polyurethane is environmentally friendly and features great levels of fire resistance.

• Polystyrene – Polystyrene is a waterproof thermoplastic foam which has excellent sound and thermal properties. Its surface is the smoothest of any insulation you will come across but unfortunately it does need to be treated to make it suitably fire resistant.

You will often find that fibreglass insulation is the cheapest you can buy. Its low profile makes it great for wall cavities as it can be dropped straight in, still leaving enough space to ensure thermal bridging doesn’t occur.

The Benefits of Insulation

The largest benefit you will receive is the reduced cost to heat your home. Any space that is airtight and is not susceptible to loosing heat through its external walls will require less energy to heat. Your thermostats will work far more effectively and will kick in much sooner as temperatures are easier to reach and maintain.

Another effect people don’t consider is the ability for insulation to reduce condensation. Condensation is usually the cause of significant damp problems which can damage your building’s fabric. Anything you can do to reduce it will save you money in the long run.

Buying Insulation

Luckily, insulation is readily available from several sources. Thermal insulation can be bought from manufacturers and trade merchants who specialise in construction materials. There are many different insulation products on the market so do your research – some types will work better in certain applications.

You will often find that insulation pays for itself with a large reduction in energy bills, a reduction you will quickly notice.

The post How Insulating Your Home Could Benefit You appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

A weighted blanket is heavier type of blanket that may be used to help people relax or to aid the treatment of the symptoms of a range of psychological issues and disorders, such as anxiety, insomnia and stress. They typically weigh anywhere between 4 and 14 kg, depending on the size of the blanket and the body weight of the user – the optimal weight is 10% of your body weight, so be sure to choose well. This will be heavier than a comparably-sized duvet or blanket and the additional weight induces a “grounding” or “earthing” effect on the body by pushing down on it during sleep to provide a calming effect and also simulate deep pressure touch (DPT) therapy, which uses firm pressure from hands to reduce anxiety and stress.

How does a weighted blanket help someone to relax?

The additional pressure that is provided on the body by a weighted blank has been shown in plentiful research from numerous studies to reduce the levels of a stress-related hormone cortisol and also increase the levels the sleep-related hormone melatonin. Together this balancing of hormone levels in the body can make it easier to calm down from the strains of work or life and ease tension in the mind so that you can fall asleep quickly and soundly. What’s more, the heavier weight of the blanket around the body is intended to feel like getting a hug – and what could be more relaxing than that? A weighted blanket doesn’t have to be used only for sleeping either, you can also try wrapping it around yourself to relax after a hard day at work or try it during meditation for extra calming.

Can a weighted blanket be used to help treat psychological disorders?

The grounding effect on the body from using a weighted blanket at night time can help to reduce the levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol. Cortisol is normally produced when the brain is alerted to danger in order to trigger a “fight or flight” response, but prolonged stress can also lead to increased amounts of cortisol in the body and can result in anxiety, depression, insomnia and weight gain if the levels don’t return to normal. Using a weighted blanket at night can therefore help to reduce stress and any consequential disorders that it can cause. Furthermore, the therapeutic deep pressure touch effect of a weighted blanket promotes relaxation and the release of feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin by the brain that can also help to treat anxiety, depression and stress. Weighted blankets can even be used to help people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Read more on the website https://senso-rex.com/gb/

The post The weighted blanket – a way to relax appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

Whatever your plans might have been, however, chances are that they didn’t include a stopped-up, foul-smelling, overflowing drain. You’re hours away from the big event and you need things fixed, fast.

Situations such as these occur every day. Real emergencies call for real emergency services.

And that’s precisely what you’ll get from the best team for emergency drain unblocking in Margate.

Rapid Response

When you’re stuck with a backed-up drain and waste collecting in the basin (or along the floor!), the last thing you’re going to want to hear is that you’ll “have to wait”. That’s why the best drain unblocking teams offer emergency services. They understand that a plumbing emergency can happen at any time of the day or night and are thus able to provide fast-acting services to clients 24/7.

Affordable Rates

The last thing anyone wants to do when faced with a blocked-up drain and a severe time crunch is have to crunch the numbers and see if he or she can “afford” to have the problem fixed. The fact of the matter is that no one should have to suffer with substandard or unsanitary plumbing situations and certainly not because he or she has been priced out of receiving proper assistance.

That’s why the best emergency drain unblocking teams endeavour to provide their customers with affordable rates for their services. They will work with you as well as any insurance providers you may have to work out a deal that works for everyone. What’s more, if your drain, pipe, or other aspect of your plumbing needs replacing, they will work to provide you with several affordable options, allowing you the freedom of choice at a cost-effective price.

Repair Services

When they arrive, repair services will set to work identifying and repairing the source of your drain blockage. There are many different reasons that can result in blocked-up drains, from food particles building up over time to pipes rusting or starting to corrode to damage to the actual structure of the pipes and drainage system itself. Once they have identified the source of the blockage, they will endeavour to repair the damage or, if necessary, replace your drainage system altogether.

Experience You Can Trust

When it comes to something as important as your sink or shower’s drainage system, you’re going to want to work with a team that you can trust. That’s why the best plumbing and drainage unblocking teams can point to decades of experience and a superb track record to match.

Get the emergency help you need when you need it most with the help of the best drain unblocking teams today.

The post Get Great Plumbing Help When You Need it Most with a First-Class Emergency Drain Unblocking Team appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

I must say that I’m thoroughly impressed with the outcome now that we have what looks like a brand new bookshelf in the study and an old-style grandma chest which has somehow been brought back to life.

Some woods are (almost) forever

Both these two dated pieces of furniture (or what was left of them) were inherited from my late grandmother and were brought along by my husband as part of the consignment of goods left to me. I wasn’t there when everything was being sorted, otherwise I’d have had these old items thrown away immediately, something I now realise would have been a bit of waste because yes, apparently you really can repurpose old wooden furniture into some really nice pieces. It all depends on the type of wood used to construct the core structure of the furniture and in our case the granny-chest was made out of a core of mahogany wood, while the freestanding wardrobe (which is now a bookshelf) was made out of a core of African Teak wood.

I often tease my husband about it in saying that all he did was break the wardrobe apart and then added a coat of glossy wood stain to both pieces of furniture, but the truth is a lot more work went into both projects. Yes the wood stain definitely did a great job of enhancing and in a sense galvanising the finished pieces, but it also served to give them some new life. I had no idea African Teak wood actually looked so good and a the “brand new” bookshelf could now never be linked to all the filing, sanding, chiselling and breaking-apart I saw it subjected to while it was still a freestanding wardrobe. The depth of the wardrobe was a bit too wide for it to pass off as a bookshelf, but that was nothing a bit of precision sawing couldn’t fix. It’s important to keep as much of the good wood in place as possible, otherwise getting rid of potential splinter-causing edges would require a bit more sanding and filing.

The grandma-chest required a bit more sanding and filing, but fortunately its core structure wasn’t that badly beaten up, even though it really looked like it was one shift away from completely falling apart.

Where some fresh extra wood was required, engineered wood worked well to fill in the structural voids and again, the magic of some wood stain made the extra engineered wood look almost exactly like both the mahogany and African Teak wood.

The post Re-Purposing Your Dated Wooden Furniture appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

It seems we might have just used the space to spread out even more. Everything seems to be full of clutter at the moment. The garage is in a mess, and even the rooms we’ve done up seem to be less than immaculate already. I think we lack storage solutions more than space. Nothing is as organised as I would hope. Kids things come in all shapes and sizes, so they’re the hardest to keep tidy.

So my mission this week is to make a list of things that aren’t working so I can make a list of solutions. That’s definitely a task for a Mummy! One of the first problems I want to solve is the bathroom. I’m glad it’s only us sharing it because it can be so embarrassing to see the state it gets into. All the tools for nappy changing and toilet training are clogging up the space. Not to mention all the different products and toiletries the four of us use.

I read up on bathroom furniture on a blog site at bellabathrooms.co.uk the other day. It makes sense to fit cupboards around those nooks and crannies under the sink and around the cistern. Plus it would save me hours of cleaning every week! Just being able to put all the different bubble bath bottles away would be a start! It would certainly make for a stylish renovation of the room for us.

Image courtesy of Flickr.com

Storing toys has become a huge problem. They’re just so big and bulky. I’ve been looking at those toy hammocks and hanging tiers for toys recently. I think they’ll be ideal for the kids rooms. For those bigger, bulkier toys, like walkers and shopping trolleys, I really need a cupboard of some sort. Fitted wardrobes make sense, but they’ll be stealing valuable space in the room that I just can’t afford to lose. Instead, I think it’s time to declutter the under-stairs cupboard.

There is a corner of my living room that I use for a pouf and coffee table. I’ve spotted some that lift up to reveal storage underneath. This would be perfect for us to store all the family board games and store away some of the toys. It seems there are lots of furniture ideas out there that incorporate storage. One of the things on my list is a new bed that lifts up with storage for all your jumpers and bedding.

It’s funny how we can spread out to fill any space. I’m certain if I lived in a mansion I would still run out of space in five minutes. It’s soon going to be Christmas, so I guess it’s time for a clearout to make space for the next wave of toys. And so it starts again!

The post Here’s Where I Really Need To Get Organised In My House appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.

We tend to think of the garden as a place to relax in the summer, and avoid in the winter. Since most summers seem to last approximately a week and a half, for most of the year the garden is left to its own devices; a place for patio furniture to rust and for pets to do their business.

If you’re considering how best to freshen up your home, why not take your outdoor space into account? Creating a seamless transition between a kitchen/living room and the garden opens up your home, making it feel lighter and more spacious. It also adds value to the house, making it a wise financial investment as well.

What is Indoor Outdoor living?

When we say ‘indoor outdoor living’, we’re referring to the integration of a house’s outdoor space into the inner space, so that rather than being used solely as a place to do exclusively ‘outdoor’ activities, such as gardening, it is used more like another interior room. This may include turning the patio or part of the garden into an additional  dining area, living area, or even games room. However you decide to use it, it should encourage you to use it as often as you would use any other communal room, helping you get the most out of every inch of your home.

Different ways to achieve it

Indoor outdoor living should be seamless, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through flooring. Having the same tiles running from your kitchen to your patio/terrace, with a patio or bi-fold door in-between, helps to create the impression that the outdoor dining or living space is an extension of the kitchen. This has the added benefit of making your kitchen appear larger and lighter. For a truly seamless appearance, you may have to employ builders to raise the floor level of the outdoor space, but this needn’t prove too costly.

But how best to use your newly created outside space? Think about your household needs. Do you have a large family that might enjoy an additional sitting area with an outdoor settee and armchairs, and a table to enjoy drinks or games? Or perhaps you’d like to add a dining area onto your kitchen, to host parties for your friends and family. Many furniture stores stock dining tables and chairs designed to withstand everything the weather can throw at them.

Speaking of weather, if you’re concerned about what the elements might do to your indoor outdoor space, there are many items you can invest in to help protect it, from metal framed gazebos to parasols to awnings, as well as heat lamps for additional warmth.

Bi-fold doors make a seamless transition between inside and outside

Bi-fold glass doors are one of the best investments you can make when creating an indoor outdoor space. They span the majority of an external wall, so that the barrier between the interior and exterior appears almost non-existent. This makes the outdoor space feel like a true extension of your home, rather than a room cut off by a traditional door. They open up your home in summer, while sealing in heat in winter, giving you and your home the best of both worlds.

Think that bi-fold doors could be the answer to bringing more light, character and space into your home? Why not find out more about the options out there by exploring the EKCO collection of aluminium bi fold doors complete with 25 year guarantee from Origin.

The post Indoor Outdoor Living is the latest home trend to fall in love with appeared first on Oddfamily.co.uk. A parenting blog where the children run the show.