Author: admin

How are tyres made?How are tyres made?



Millions, if not billions of tyres are in action across the globe every single day, but have you ever considered how exactly these incredibly important motoring products are actually manufactured?

Tyres perform the vital task of protecting the wheels of vehicles from the surfaces across they travel and are essential in getting you from A to B.

Rather than being constructed from one single material, tyres are constructed from a complex combination of a number of different compounds and feature more components that you would probably expect.

There are 4 key parts to the tyre manufacturing process that take a tyre from raw material to road ready and in this article we will look at each in a bit more detail.

https://mobiletyres.co.uk/ are one of the top tyre fitting companies in the UK at this point in time, and are a great source if you are looking for more information about choosing the right tyres for your vehicle.

Stage 1 – Compound Acquisition

The first stage of the tyre manufacturing process is the acquisition of the raw materials required by the tire manufacturing company.

Just some of the ingredients that are required for this programme include the steel used for steel belts and for steel belts, the chemicals required to create synthetic rubber and the surface dressings used to maximise grip and keep wear to a minimum.

Tyres are made from a combination of both natural and synthetic rubber with the natural rubber being taken from trees grown in specific plantations.

Most manufacturers have their own unique recipes for tyre creation with each using up to 12 different rubber compounds.

Stage 2 – Manufacturing

Once all the individual ingredients have been acquired, the manufacturing process can begin in earnest.

Firstly, steel wire is embedded within the rubber to create one sheet that is then cut to the required size.

The outer layer of rubber is blended and mixed before being kneaded into the tread required to provide grip on the road. This rubber is then cooled by immersion and cut into the tyre length needed.

Other important parts of this complex process include the embedding of textiles, the insertion of a stead bead and the extrusion of the sidewall.

Stage 3 – Tyre production

Now all the materials have been combined into rubber of the required length and composition, it is time for the job of forming the tyre itself to begin. First of all, the existing rubber is placed onto a tyre building machine that created the casing and the tread of the tyre.

After that, a fluid is applied to the ‘tyre’ that prepares it to be vulcanised and for the tyres to be completed.

Stage 4 Vulcanisation

Vulcanisation involves forming the nearly finished tyre into its final form, ie the one that you will install on your car. This is achieved by exposing the tyre to an appropriate pressure and temperature that engraves both the tread pattern and sidewall markings onto the surface of  the tyre itself.

How to meditate in a saunaHow to meditate in a sauna



The physical health benefits of a sauna have been praised for hundreds of years but the mental ones are just as impressive.

Better circulation, detoxification, better quality skin, lower blood pressure. These are all things that sauna users can expect to enjoy that their body will thank them for.

Adding meditation into the mix, and you take your sauna treatment to a whole new level, enhancing both your mental and physical wellbeing.

Meditation has risen dramatically in popularity over the past few decades and the steamy heat of a sauna is the perfect place to relax and engage in this age old ritual.

sauna towel

Sauna meditation is one of the most overlooked steam room benefits but is also one of the greatest for those who truly embrace their inner self. A profound body and mind experience awaits you. Read on to find out more.

What are the benefits of meditating inside a sauna#

Maximum relaxation

Sitting in a sauna alone is enough to relax the muscles and ease tension throughout your entire body. When you add meditation into the mix, this relaxation extends from the body into the mind and you can enter an advanced state of calm and focus. This mindset can help you to focus and become more productive in your daily life once you leave your sauna and it is no coincidence that many successful people swear by daily sauna sessions.

Mental detoxification

Detoxification is another major attraction of a sauna. The deep sweat that using a sauna produces can help to remove certain unwanted minerals and toxins from the skin. In a similar vein, meditation can help to remove mental clutter such as unnecessary worries and undue stress. The rejuvenation that people report after leaving a sauna is often described as having a massive weight lifted from their minds and meditation can make the weight that remains even lighter.

Lower Stress Levels

Saunas are widely acknowledged as one of the best tools for de-stressing the mind. Meditation is one of the others. Combine the two and you have a powerful stress relieving tool that will help the level of stress hormones in your body to fall and your mental state to improve tremendously.

Tips for successful sauna meditation

  • Reduce the temperature slightly – Slightly lower temperatures are more conducive to effective meditation so consider reducing the temperature slightly if you intend to use it for this purpose.
  • Hydrate properly – The high heat of a sauna and the focus of meditation is a combination that can lead to dehydration so make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your session.
  • Bring a Towel – Meditation is difficult if you are uncomfortable so make sure to bring a towel or cushion that you can use to support yourself. An upright posture is usually recommended for meditation.
  • Get in the zone – Don’t jump right into meditation the instant you enter the sauna. Instead, get yourself into the right headspace over time and take a few minutes to acclimate yourself before you begin.

10 signs it’s time to get a new boiler10 signs it’s time to get a new boiler

| | 0 Comments| 10:40 am


The lifespan of a boiler will vary depending on a number of factors including how regularly it has been serviced, any maintenance or repairs that have been carried out over the years, and sheer dumb luck.

Waiting too long to have your boiler replaced with a brand new boiler can have serious repercussions, increasing the risk of a breakdown at the worst possible time and potentially putting the safety of those nearby under threat.

Identifying the perfect moment to replace your boiler could save you a huge amount of stress, time, and money, so here are 10 signs that your boiler is reaching the end of its life and it’s time to begin searching for an expert new boiler Glasgow installer.

new boiler installation

10 signs you need a new boiler

1)     You have had your boiler for over a decade

No matter how well maintained your boiler has been, even the best gas boilers will only last around 10-15 years and if the one heating your property is older than this, the time has come to start searching for a replacement.

Even if there isn’t anything majorly wrong with your boiler at the current time, these older style boilers are far less energy efficient than their modern counterparts and putting off new boiler installation will undoubtedly result in inflated energy bills.

2)     It keeps breaking down

Perhaps the most obvious sign that your boiler is no longer fit for purpose. If your boiler is frequently failing to meet the heating requirements of your home, due to a lack of pressure, or you have had to have it repaired by a gas safe engineer several times in the last few years, you are probably best of simply getting a new one.

You might think that you are saving money by having your boiler repaired instead of replaced but regular call-outs begin to add up pretty quickly, especially if your warranty has expired, and new boiler installation may well be the most cost-effective long term choice.

3)     Your heating bills are larger than they should be

If your heating bills are rising at a disproportionate rate compared to similar properties of your size, no matter which energy supplier you use, your boiler may well be at fault.

As boilers age, their energy efficiency naturally falls slightly, but a major decrease indicates a more serious underlying issue, and can end up costing you hundreds of pounds during the winter months.

4)     The boiler flame is yellow

Gas boilers working properly will burn with a blue flame and many people are surprised to learn that a yellow or orange flame can actually be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak.

Carbon monoxide leaks are extremely dangerous and can be fatal if exposure is too great so it is vital you contact an emergency gas engineer if you suspect a leak. If the leak cannot be easily resolved, a new boiler may be the only option.

5)     Your boiler has a poor energy efficiency rating

In order to keep energy bills to a minimum, it is important that your boiler is A-rated, meaning it has an energy efficiency rating of at least 90%. The less energy efficient your boiler is, the more energy and money will be wasted, with E, F, and G rated boilers all wasting a minimum of 20p for every £1 you spend on heating.

6)     Your boiler is excessively noisy

That clunking and gurgling noise you hear every time your boiler fires up. Not a sign of perfect boiler operation. Loud boilers are a sign that there is an underlying issue that will undoubtedly be effecting the efficiency of the unit.

7)     You can smell gas

Never a good sign. Carbon monoxide itself may be odourless, but as a safety measure, gas companies add a sulphur smell to alert homeowners to a leak and if you do smell gas in your home, you should evacuate immediately, and call for help.

8)     Your warranty has expired

Most boiler manufacturers will offer warranties of around 7-12 years meaning any repairs or replacement parts will be covered at no additional cost. If your warranty has expired, this not only exposes you to the risk of emergency breakdowns but also indicates that your boiler is probably quite outdated and an upgrade is needed.

9)     It takes an age to heat your home

combi boilers

One of the biggest benefits of gas central heating is the efficiency at which they provide heat. If your home takes far longer to heat up than it should, or you would like, a new, energy efficient replacement may well be required.

10)  You have noticed a leak

A water leak from your boiler indicates serious damage to your plumbing system and can lead to further issues such as damp, mould, and mildew growth.

Is Alternative Dispute Resolution a good idea?Is Alternative Dispute Resolution a good idea?



Divorce Lawyers Clarkston

ADR is the name used for the ways that a dispute can be resolved without resorting to litigation.

ADR is seen by many as the preferable manner for resolving a dispute as it is a much more private and cost-effective approach than going through court.

The most commonly used forms of ADR include Arbitration, Mediation, and Adjudication.

The type of ADR that is appropriate for your situation, and indeed whether ADR is suitable for your requirements at all depends on a number of factors including the type of dispute, your financial situation, and the urgency of a problem.

What are the alternatives to ADR?

Before looking at specific types of ADR, it is worth considering what other options that are available to help resolve a dispute.

The main alternatives to using ADR are:

Litigation

ADR is seen as a good way to resolve a dispute without having to go to court, but in some situations, litigation might be the only way forward.

Sometimes you won’t have a choice and another party will be intent on taking you to court and will reject any attempts to negotiate.

In this situation, it is vital that you get legal advice and representation from an experienced Divorce Lawyer Oracle Law dispute lawyer.

Negotiation

Some forms of ADR are seen as more informal methods of dispute resolution, but it might be possible to solve a problem simply through an informal discussion.

You may also consider whether it is worth pursuing the issue at all.

Benefits of Using ADR

There are many different pros and cons associated with ADR that should be considered before going down the route to help solve a dispute.

Some of the reasons that ADR is recommended by so many dispute lawyers include:

Reduced Costs

When successful, ADR methods such as mediation are a much cheaper option than legal action.

When mediation results in a settlement the entire dispute process can be over in just 1-2 days, meaning the services of a mediator will need to be retained for a very short period.

You will, therefore, save a huge amount of money on legal fees and advice, not to mention that claims made in court can prove extremely expensive.

However, with mediation especially, there is no guarantee of success and if discussions break down the process may simply add unnecessary expenses to proceedings.

Fast Resolution

One of the main reasons that ADR is attempted, especially in commercial settings, is that it usually leads to a much quicker resolution to the problem in question.

Arbitration, for example, is a method used to secure a legally binding settlement to a dispute, without having to go through the lengthy court case process as an arbitrator will generally come to their conclusions much faster than it would take to be given a court date.

Reduced Hostility

Taking someone to court is the most confrontational and adversarial way to resolve a dispute and may exacerbate an already challenging situation.

There will always be one winner and one loser in a court case, and it is unlikely that there will ever be a continued relationship between two parties after the event.

In comparison, mediation encourages parties to find a middle-ground and negotiate a solution that both can live with.

If you are involved in a dispute with your ex-partner, child’s school, or business partner, it may be that you will need to see or work with the opposing party after the dispute has been resolved and in these situations a less confrontational resolution is preferable.

Confidentiality

Another benefit of ADR is that the entire process is usually confidential, whilst the outcome of a court case is public information.

This makes ADR attractive to businesses that would rather not have their disputes conducted in the public eye, as this would increase the risk of damaging their reputation and losing customers as a result.

ADR has many advantages but there are some situations where it is just not an appropriate option.

Negatives of using ADR

If you are unsure about whether or not to use an ADR method consult with a professional legal advisor who will be able to give you a better idea of the best way forward.

Some of the reasons that ADR may not be the best option include:

Reluctant Opponent

The vast majority of ADR methods are voluntary and require both sides to be committed to finding a solution.

If the other side is not willing to negotiate or partake, court may be the only way to find a resolution.

No precedent is set

Mediated agreements do not act as precedents for the future in the way that a court ruling would so if you need to establish a legal point, ADR may not be the best route.

Can be a lengthy process

Although the majority of ADR methods are designed to produce a fast resolution, some methods, such as Ombudsman investigations, can take up to a year or more before a conclusion is found.

10 ways to keep your home secure when away on holiday10 ways to keep your home secure when away on holiday



cctv-installers_glasgow

There are many things on your mind when going on holiday.

In the frenzy of packing, finding your passport, and double checking your travel plans, it can be easy to forget about the home you will be leaving behind.

Coming home from a holiday is never fun, but finding out that you have been the victim of criminal activity is devastating.

Here at Central FS, we are one of Scotland’s leading security experts and have put together this guide to the top 9 ways that you can keep your home secure whilst you are away.

Following this advice will give you peace of mind to enjoy your well-deserved break without constantly worrying about what might be going on back home.

Top 9 holiday security tips

1. Leave your curtains open

Making it appear as though someone is at home whilst you are on holiday is essential to avoiding being targeted by criminals.

Many people believe that closing curtains and hiding the valuables within is a good idea when leaving the property unoccupied but the fact is that having your curtains closed constantly for several days at a time is a clear indication to criminals that no-one is home.

Furthermore, once a burglar has gained access, they will be able to move around and search for things to steal without any risk of being seen by neighbours or passers by.

2. Don’t advertise your absence

In the excitement of preparing for a holiday it can be tempting to tell everyone you know about your upcoming break.

When chatting on the bus or posting on social media, however, you just never know who might be taking notes.

Try and keep your holiday on the quiet until you return, at which point feel free to go wild with your Instagram pictures.

3. Hide valuables

As mentioned above you should try and keep your curtains open when on holiday, but this does mean that opportunistic criminals will be able to take a peek inside your home.

Even if your home does appear inhabited, the sight of valuables such as laptops, tablets, and jewellery lying about inside might be too tempting for them to resist attempting to break-in.

Therefore, any smaller valuables should be hidden well out of sight of ground floor windows when on holiday, in a sock drawer, under a bed, or somewhere similar.

4. Stay Insured

If you are planning to be away for more than 14 days there is a good chance that your home insurance may not cover you if something happens after this point.

If you are unsure about whether you will be covered by your insurance firm after a certain point, make sure to get in touch before you go away.

5. Cancel regular deliveries

If you have any regular deliveries left outside your front door such as milk or newspapers, remember to ask for them to be halted until you return or arrange for someone to pick them up on your behalf.

A pile of papers, or a number of milk bottles sitting outside a property is a clear sign to criminals that no-one is currently inside.

6. Trim your garden

In a similar way to a build up of deliveries, long grass and untrimmed shrubbery can indicate a lack of ongoing activity in a property.

Make sure to cut the grass and clear away weeds before jetting off on your break.

7. Invest in a home security system

There are many home security technologies than can be used to keep your home protected when no-one is home.

The most effective of these include cctv installation glasgow, intruder alarms, and motion detection lighting.

Thanks to the joys of mobile technology, you will be able to check on the status of your home security from anywhere in the world, getting notifications on any alarm activations and accessing your live CCTV feeds straight from your mobile device.

8. Talk to your neighbours

Having a good relationship with your neighbours can be invaluable when you go on holiday, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.

You could also ask if they wouldn’t mind parking outside your home whilst you are away to give the impression that someone is at home.

9. Enjoy!

Once you have taken all these precautions you will have done everything that you can to protect your home whilst you go on holiday.

All that is left for you to do now is to relax and enjoy your well-deserved break in the knowledge that the chances of your home being the target of criminal activity are as low as possible and that you will be alerted to any incidents in real time.

If you have any questions or for more information on home security, contact Central FS today

Apartment Fires: Common causes and how to stop themApartment Fires: Common causes and how to stop them



waking-watch

A fire in the home is a terrifying thought no matter where you live, but for those living in high-rise apartment buildings, the fear is often even greater.

Multi-unit residential buildings pose a range of unique fire safety concerns due to the close proximity of neighbours and evacuation procedures that can become confusing in an emergency.

Furthermore, management companies are all too often under so much pressure to deal with other competing factors, that tenant fire safety is not made enough of a priority.

If you live in a flat within a high-rise building knowing the risks associated with fire, and putting precautions in place to mitigate them, really could be the difference between life and death.

The majority of apartment fires in the UK are preventable, starting as a result of human error, so with the right preparation, you can prevent a minor accident from escalating into something much worse.

Here is all the information you need about the common causes of apartment fires, how to prevent them, and what to do if the worst happens.

What causes apartment fires?

Whilst the consequences of an apartment fire can be much worse, the root causes are similar to a fire in any other property.

Apartment fires start most often as a result of carelessness in everyday activity, with cooking fires being the most common cause.

Electrical equipment malfunctions are another major fire risk, as is anything involving a naked flame, such as lit candles and cigarettes.

Best ways to prevent apartment fires

Many fire risks can be minimised significantly through some simple precautions taken by tenants.

Here are some of the best tips for fire safety:

Cooking

  • Never leave a stove unattended whilst cooking.
  • Turn off all appliances once cooking is complete
  • Avoid wearing highly flammable or loose fitting clothing whilst cooking.
  • Take particular care when cooking with oil or grease as a fire involving these is particularly difficult to control.

Heating

  • Turn off all electric/space heaters before going to bed.
  • Leave at least 1m clearance around electric/space heaters
  • Fireplaces are extremely rare in apartments but if you do have one keep it clean and well maintained and ensure that any ashes have fully cooled before disposing of them safely.

Smoking

  • If you are renting your apartment you may not be allowed to smoke inside, according to your tenant agreement, but if you are take extreme care when doing so.
  • Never smoke in bed or near to flammable soft furnishings.
  • Keep all matches and lighters well out of reach of children.
  • Fully extinguish all cigarettes before disposal.

Electronic Devices

  • Make sure to have all electronic devices checked by a qualified electrician on a regular basis.
  • Look for the common signs of wearing and faulty electronics, such as burn marks on wall sockets, and frayed wiring.

Fire Safety Measures

The following fire safety measures should be put in place in every single apartment, to reduce the risk of a fire escalating out of control without residents being aware.

Smoke Detectors

Having a fully operational set of interlinked smoke alarms is now a legal requirement, and for good reason.

Ensuring that your smoke detectors are fully operational is an easy way for apartment dwellers to ensure that if a fire does start, they will be alerted as early as possible.

Detectors should be placed outside every single room where people sleep, as well as in the kitchen, the most popular living space, and in hallways.

Test your alarms once a month to ensure they are in good working order.

Fire Extinguishers

Having a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen is a good way to stop minor fires from escalating.

Make sure to keep your extinguishers up to date and in working order.

If the communal areas of your apartment building do not have fire extinguishers or they are not working properly, contact the building management company immediately.

Waking Watch Services

If your apartment building has been identified as having fire safety issues above and beyond the normal risks mentioned above, a waking watch serviced may be required.

Waking watch was introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017, to ensure a simultaneous evacuation in properties found to have the same, or similar, flammable cladding to that which had such a devastating impact at Grenfell.

Waking watch involves highly trained professional fire marshals patrolling your building 24/7, looking for fires and raising the alarm if one is found.

In the event of a fire, they will liaise with the emergency services and oversee the safe evacuation of the entire building.

Waking watch officers are highly effective, but should only be put in place as a temporary measure, due to the cost to tenants, until a common fire alarm system can be installed, or the condemned cladding has been replaced.

Here at V360, we take apartment fire safety as seriously as you do, offering both temporary waking watch officers of the highest standard, and an industry leading V-Fire common alarm system.

Pros and Cons of Spring Window ReplacementPros and Cons of Spring Window Replacement

| | 0 Comments| 12:50 pm


Double-glazing

As spring comes around once more, many people are considering freshening up their home by installing a brand-new set of windows in their property.

Maybe you have been planning all winter for the changes you want to make once the weather improves and it is finally time to get those shiny new windows you are after, or perhaps you are still deciding if this is an investment worth making.

Before you make any final decision there are both benefits and limitations to springtime window replacement that you should take into account.

Pros of Spring Window Installation

Spring is by far the most popular time to have new windows installed and our expert technicians are kept extremely busy all season installing top-of-the-range double and triple glazed uPVC windows for customers across Scotland.

Just some of the reasons spring is a great time to have new windows installed include:

Freshening up your home

A thorough spring clean is nice, but nothing will freshen up your home quite like a brand new set of shiny windows.

With fantastic curb appeal, loads of natural light, and a uPVC frame that can be customised to suit whatever style you are going for, your home will look and feel great, starting the spring season off in style.

Easy Installation

As the days grow longer and the clocks move forward, spring offers more daylight hours for window installation.

This means that professional window installers will have your new windows installed in no time at all.

The low humidity and usually mild temperatures of this time of year are also conducive to easy installation and there really is no better time for stress-free, seamless window installation.

Temperature Control

Inefficient windows are now only a nightmare during the winter, where single glazed and poorly installed windows will seriously compromise your insulation, leaking heat and leading to higher energy bills, but will also make keeping your home cool in summer a complete nightmare.

Rather than continuing to use fans, portable air conditioning units, or similar to attempt to cool your home down, which can be extremely costly in terms of electricity consumption, modern windows are excellent at preventing heat transfer, keeping your home nice and cool in the summer and keeping heat in your home for longer when temperatures drop.

This means that although the initial installation of double or triple-glazing is still a significant investment, reduced energy bills over the life-span of the windows will repay your expenditure several times over.

Air out your home

Over the winter where regularly airing your home is challenging due to the inclement weather and low temperatures, there will have been a build up of dust, pollutants, and allergens in your home.

This can result in health problems such as asthma attacks and allergic reactions if left untreated.

As part of a good spring clean to get rid of such pollutants, and keep your home safe and healthy, opening up your windows on a regular basis is a good idea.

This is difficult, however, if your windows are stuck shut or difficult to open fully.

We have a huge range of easy to operate windows that open in a number of ways, including:

  • Casement windows
  • Tilt and turn windows
  • French windows
  • Top-Hung windows

This selection means that whatever the location of your home, windows, we have an option that can easily be opened to allow fresh spring air to blow away the remnants of a damp musty winter.

Cons of spring window installation

Spring is the ideal time to install new windows in your home but as with any time of year, there are some seasonal issues to consider.

Weather

Whilst spring usually offers the perfect conditions for window installation, nothing is ever guaranteed (especially in Scotland).

Our technicians are able to install Double Glazing Edinburgh windows in almost all conditions or seasons, but if snow, torrential rain, or high winds do occur, your spring installation may take slightly longer than it would otherwise.

Availability

Spring is popular for a reason, and you are not the only one looking to take advantage of all the fantastic benefits previously mentioned.

At Advanced, this is our busiest time of year, as it is for almost all window contractors, and you should get in touch as early as possible to arrange an appointment.

Contact the Advanced Group

If you are ready to invest in the future of your home this spring and are looking for industry leading double or triple glazed windows from a trusted expert installer, contact The Advanced Group today.

For a free quote, to talk to our expert sales team, or for more information on any of our products contact us by phone on 08000 502 502 or fill out the form below.

6 Ways to protect your construction sites from theft6 Ways to protect your construction sites from theft

| | 0 Comments| 11:16 am


Building site security

Theft is a major problem on construction sites, with an estimated £800m lost every year from the UK industry alone in stolen materials, equipment, and tools.

To prevent your site from becoming part of this damning statistic in the future, here are 6 of the best is to boost your protection against thieves and vandals.

1. Lock away materials

Building materials are one of the most commonly targeted items on any construction site due to the costly nature of metals such as copper.

Every building project needs these materials on site but that doesn’t mean that they need to be out in the open for all to see when not in use.

Keeping target materials in a secure location such as sheds or storage trailers until such time that they are actively needed on site, is a good way to make it harder for thieves to access them and make your site a less attractive prospect.

Shipping containers are another low cost but highly effective storage method that you could use for this purpose.

2. Keep equipment and tools away from the perimeter

Just because storing equipment and tools on site overnight is a necessity, doesn’t mean that you need to advertise the fact that there are there

When construction work ends for the day, making sure that all equipment is moved out of sight away from the perimeter fence will make the challenge of stealing them much more intimidating for thieves.

If you can take equipment back to the main yard then great, but if not make sure that all vehicles have their keys removed and that they cannot be reached from outside the fence or easily slipped through the fence by a staff member.

3. Only use materials when necessary

One of the biggest flaws in Building Site Security that we see on a daily basis, is equipment and materials left lying around for days on end without being used.

This is a risk that just isn’t worth taking and taking simple steps like ensuring materials are only delivered the day before being used, as opposed to several days, and moving vehicles off site once their services are no longer required are easy but highly effective ways to limit your risk.

4. Ensure there is enough lighting on site

Criminals thrive in dark poorly lit areas, giving them plenty of cover to sneak around unnoticed on your property.

Make sure that your construction site is well lit at night-time to increase visibility and that you always park vehicles in central locations close to light sources.

If you are looking to save money, then motion detected lights may be a good idea as these will not run the entire night but only be activated when necessary.

5. Install Surveillance Cameras

Having CCTV on your site can hugely improve your defence against vandals, thieves, and trespassers.

CCTV footage can not only help the police to track down intruders and possibly retrieved stolen goods after an incident, but your security team will also be able to monitor the feeds live and respond to intrusions in real-time, often intercepting potential criminals before any harm is done.

You may think that construction sites are not best suited to CCTV installation, due to a lack of mains electricity and often difficult to navigate terrain, but thanks to modern technology, this is no longer a barrier.

You can now install eco mobile CCTV towers on your construction site that run on batteries or solar and can easily be put in place, moved, and removed, with minimal disturbance.

To maximise energy efficiency even further you could opt for a motion detector activated CCTV system that only turns on when virtual tripwires are triggered by activity on your site.

This will ensure that you never miss an important moment in any key areas without having to worry about your system running out of battery.

6. Keep detailed records

The best way to track the movement of people and equipment is to keep detailed records of activity on your site.

An inventory will help you to identify if anything has gone missing and ensure that you are not purchasing too many materials or supplies that will be left lying around the site.

You should also ask for regular patrol reports from your security personnel based on their observations around the site.

They will be able to use their extensive security experience to identify potential weaknesses in your security and make recommendations for how to resolve them.

Contact Prime Secure

Prime Secure have been providing bespoke security solutions to commercial customers across the UK for over 25 years.

We specialize in construction site security, using a proven combination of alarm systems, SIA licensed security guards, and mobile CCTV towers to create a powerful security system to help protect your site and staff.

For more information, or to arrange a free site survey, contact us today.

Heat Pumps Vs Hybrid Heating systemsHeat Pumps Vs Hybrid Heating systems



hybrid heating

Air Source heat pumps are a fantastic renewable energy solution that can help you slash your energy bills, reduce your carbon emissions, and massively increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Many homes across Scotland can be powered entirely through air source heat pumps, but in some situations a hybrid system combines a heat pump with a traditional fossil fuel boiler to achieve maximum efficiency.

With so many energy options available it can be difficult to know exactly which heating system is best suited to your needs.

For this reason, Greener Energy Group has put together this simple guide to air source heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps to give you all the information you could need.

Air Source Heat Pumps  

Air source heat pumps are one of the most popular renewable heating systems available in the UK, using the natural heat found in the outside air and converting it into usable energy that can help fuel your home heating and hot water system.

An air source heat pump works in a similar manner to a refrigerator except in reverse.

First, the fan unit will blow outside air over pipers containing a liquid refrigerant, converting it into a gas which is then compressed to raise the temperature even higher.

This gas is then moved into a heat exchanger, warming the surrounding water or air that is then circulated throughout your home into radiators, underfloor heating, or into a water tank for future use.

Air Source Heat Pump Benefits

There are many benefits to installing an air source heat pump on your property.

These include:

Saving Money

Oil and gas prices have soared in recent months and finding an alternative renewable energy source has never made more financial sense.

Installing a heat pump either alone or as part of a hybrid system, you will significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and protect yourself financially for the future.

Research suggests that a hybrid heat pump could save the average UK homeowner as much as 50% on their annual bills.

Government initiatives

By installing a renewable heat pump, you will qualify for several government grants and initiatives.

These include the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) that encourages people to move away from fossil fuels by offering quarterly payments for up to 7 years after the installation of renewable heating technology based upon the amount of energy you produce.

Reduce your carbon footprint

If you are considering a heat pump you are clearly conscious of reducing your carbon emissions and helping to save the planet.

Whilst air source heat pumps do require some amount of electricity to operate and are therefore not entirely emission free, but they are much more energy efficient, converting 1 unit of electric energy into 3 or 4 units of heat, making them a very impressive 300-400% efficient, compared to the 100% of electric systems and maximum 95% of gas combi boilers.

Hybrid Heating Systems

In Scotland, there are many older large buildings that cannot be further insulated and have extensive heat requirements that cannot be fulfilled fully by a heat pump alone.

In these situations, or because the location of your property is not optimal for maximum air pump performance, a hybrid heating system may be the perfect choice for you.

A hybrid heating system combines all the benefits of a hybrid heat pump with the efficiency of your existing fossil fuelled boiler to ensure you have stable and reliable heat all year round.

For the majority of the year, the heating and hot water for your home will be provided solely by your air source heat pump, with your boiler only kicking in to help when temperature drops during the winter months and demand is higher.

Which system is best?

If possible, it is always recommended that you power your homes heating system entirely using an air-source heat pump to maximise energy bill savings and help to save the environment simultaneously.

As mentioned, the hybrid heating Glasgow system was designed to allow those whose home is not yet suited to full renewable heating to still benefit from all the advantages of a heat pump without having to compromise their comfort.

If you are unsure about what heating system is most suitable for your home, or whether it is possible to install a heat pump on your property at all, take Greener Energy Group’s completely free HOME SUITABILITY SURVEY today or contact our expert team.

Contact Greener Energy Group

Greener energy Group are Scotland’s leading supplier of renewable energy heating solutions with over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

All our expert technicians are fully trained in both air source heat pump and hybrid system installation, meaning that once we have completed a home survey and identified the ideal solution for your needs, the system will be installed in more time at all, with very limited disruption to everyday life.

To start your journey towards cleaner energy, lower bills, and an ultra efficient home heating system call us today on 03335 77 66 99 or email us at info@greenerenergygroup.co.uk.

How can I use my hot tub more during the summer months?How can I use my hot tub more during the summer months?



Hot tubs

In the heat of summer, taking a dip in a hot tub may not seem that attractive, but they can actually be a fantastic asset to your outdoor space during the warmer months.

Many owners take advantage of the cooler temperatures of morning and evening to have a soak, a fantastic way to invigorate your body for the day ahead or soothe aching muscles after a hard shift at work.

Bubble Box are Scotland’s leading provider of Aquavia hot tub spas and with over 23 years of experience in the industry, we understand just how beneficial a tub can be during the summer.

We have put together this guide, offering advice on the best ways to enjoy your hot tub when temperatures rise, helping you maintain a relaxing and healthy environment at all times.

Social Hub

Summer means BBQs, drinks in the garden, and relaxing with friends long into the night, and a hot tub is the perfect addition to any social occasion.

Your friends and family will love coming round for a soak and are a fantastic centrepiece to your outdoor space.

At Bubble Box we offer spas equipped with an industry leading Bluetooth audio surround sound system, allowing you to enjoy music in the tub without the need for wires or additional speakers to be carried outside.

There is also a panel within the cabinet itself to operate the system and the speakers can be controlled directly via any phone or mobile device.

Bluetooth technology means that your hot tub can be the hub of the party, providing entertainment, comfort, and relaxation all night long.

Relaxation and Recuperation

As summer approaches it’s time to get back outside and do what we love most.

The popularity of hiking, golf, tennis, and other outdoor activities soars during the summer and there is nothing better for aching muscles than a nice relax in the hot tub after a long day of having fun.

Hot tubs Glasgow are proven to be extremely effective at releasing tension, easing sore muscles, and generally fuelling recuperation after exertion.

The buoyancy of the water also contributes to relieving stress and promoting relaxation within the joints and muscles.

At Bubble Box, our we offer a range of spas that can be equipped with a Relax Impact system, using massage nozzles to blow air bubbles onto your body when submerged.

These bubbles produce a relaxing, stimulating effect and are one of the very best methods of promoting muscle repair and recovery following a summer workout.

Cool Off

The name hot tub does not do much to promote their usability as a tool to cool off, but on a warm summers day, this is exactly what they offer.

By setting the temperature of your hot tub to below that of the average human body temperature 37.5°C you can hop in and enjoy the refreshing water at any time.

It is worth remembering that it is easy to get dehydrated in the summer when using a hot tub, so drinking plenty of water is another way to both cool down, and to protect your health.

Poorly insulated hot tubs have a tendency to overheat in the summer as their flimsy roofs act as a greenhouse, baking in the sun and warming the water underneath to uncomfortable temperatures.

In order to ensure that you are able to use your spa to cool off, you should check that you have purchases a hot tub cover that offers sufficient thickness and quality.

At Bubble Bath, our Energy Saving Cover offers unrivalled insulation, preventing the heat from the sun from penetrating to the water beneath.

At 130mm thick at its maximum, a cover like this allows you to always have your spa at the perfect temperature whatever time of year, saving you money in the winter, and ensuring a nice cool refreshing dip during the summer.

Contact Bubble Box Today

To take advantage of all the fantastic benefits of having a bespoke hot tub installed in your garden or patio this summer, get in touch with Bubble Box today and our expert specialists will be delighted to help.

We have over 23 years of experience in the industry and are proud to supply customers across Scotland with an industry leading range of the latest ISO 9001 certified Aquavia spas.

All our spas offer fantastic quality, with a 15 year structure warranty and the most reliable technology on the market.

To learn more about any of our spas contact us today by phone on 01505 850 325, or via email at spas@incaukltd.co.uk

Is it expensive to run a hot tub?Is it expensive to run a hot tub?



hot-tub

Hot tubs are a wonderful addition to any home, providing a luxury touch to your outdoor space and a fantastic hub for social gatherings or a chilled out evening alone. But how much do they cost?

At Bubble Box Glasgow, a leading supplier of bespoke hot tubs in the Glasgow Area, one of the first questions new customers ask our expert team is how much they should expect to pay in terms of ongoing running costs.

Luckily for them, where you purchase a high quality hot tub system, such as the luxury Eco Spas designed by our partners Aquavia Spa, the answer is pleasantly surprising.

The main ongoing costs of owning a hot tub are:

1. Electricity costs

There are a number of factors that determine just how much electricity your hot tub will use and the impact on your energy bills that will have.

These include:

Type of Hot Tub

Some spa types are incredibly expensive to run with inflatable hot tubs costing as much as £4 per day to run during the summer and even more when temperatures drop.

On the other hand, if you purchase a well-insulated premium hot tub from a respected installer hot tubs can be energy efficient and have a limited noticeable effect on energy use in your home.

Aquavia Eco Spa’s can be combined with an Energy Saving cover that uses many layers of polyurethane foam to maximise heat retention and by opting for this option you can expect to save use around 67% less energy than standard tubs.

The most energy efficient hot tubs on the market will only cost around 75p per day.

How you use your hot tub

Like any electrical appliance the more often you use your hot tub, and the duration of each session, the more you will pay.

It is recommended, to avoid health concerns such as heat stroke, that you only use your hot tub for up to 15 minutes at any one time at temperatures lower than 40°C and if you abide by these guidelines, you will significantly reduce the running costs.

2. Maintenance and repairs

So, running a hot tub doesn’t have to be a major financial commitment in terms of electricity use, but what about servicing and repairs if something goes wrong?

A hot tub service will usually cost around £150, and costs can be limited by using a respected local supplier to avoid paying additional call out fees to cover travel times.

For the best hot tubs and maintenance in the Glasgow area look no further than Bubble Box.

All Aquavia Spa products supplied and installed by Bubble Box come with unique warranties that help to give you peace of mind that if anything does go wrong you won’t have to break the bank paying for replacements or repairs.

Aquavia Spas come with the following warranties as standard:

  • 15 years on hot tub structure
  • 10 years on acrylic coverings
  • 2 years on components.

The Aquavia factory in Barcelona holds a range of quality certificates including ISO 9001 (Quality assurance) and CE markings (proving compliance with EU standards).

Aquavia can confidently offer these extended warranties due to the quality of their products making product faults extremely rare in the first place.

3. Ensuring Water Quality

In order to keep the quality of the water in your hot tub you may need to purchase a number of filters and water purifying chemicals that can add to the ongoing expenditure.

Bubble Box hot tubs, however, come equipped with Clean Water Technology that introduces ozone in the water through the internal filtration system.

This process helps to neutralise any debris found in the water including soap, body oil, and inorganic matter.

This system itself requires no observation and once activated will do its job and turn itself off again once finished.

Some of our spas are also equipped with Ultraviolet Treatment that uses UV technology to eliminate any bacteria in the water.

This system keeps your hot tubs water clean and fresh, breaks down combined chlorine, prevents mould growth, and reduces the need for chemical cleaning products by up to 80%.

This shows that by opting for a high quality hot tub system that includes in-built water cleaning products you can reduce the amount you need to spend on water purification to almost zero.

Contact Bubble Box Hot Tubs Glasgow

For information on any of our energy efficient range of industry leading hot tub spa systems contact us today on 01505 850 325 or fill out our contact form and one of our expert team will be delighted to help.

When you choose to have an Aquavia tub installed by our professional installers you will benefit from self-cleaning technology, extended warranties, and highly insulated materials meaning you can enjoy all the luxury and benefits of hot tub ownership without the expense of lower quality products.

7 Reasons to Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner7 Reasons to Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner



Carpet-Cleaning

Your carpet is a vital part of your home, creating a warm and cosy environment for you and your family to enjoy all year long.

It is also, however, the furnishing that experiences the most wear and tear of any soft furnishing with heavy traffic in living areas attracting to dirt and debris that simply cannot be removed using conventional cleaning methods such as vacuuming.

To keep your carpet looking fresh and new, and to remove all deep lying allergens from the fibres, you should have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year.

These are 7 of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional cleaning company such as Acorn Carpet Cleaning to help maintain the carpets in your home.

1. Eliminate Stains

Its every homeowner’s worse nightmare, you’ve finally decided on the perfect carpet to suit your home, only for a spillage or stain to leave it damaged beyond repair.

Coffee, wine, pet urine, mud, and ink are all causes of stains that are difficult to remove and can leave ugly marks if mistreated.

Professional carpet cleaners will use a hot steam treatment technique to eliminate stains or, where this is impossible as the stain is embedded, minimise its visibility.

2. Create a healthy living space

Dust and allergens that gather in the fibres of your carpet cannot be completely removed through vacuuming and other DIY cleaning methods.

These lead to bacteria growth that can result in health problems such as asthma attacks, allergic reactions, coughs, sneezing, and migraines.

Professional carpet cleaning companies use cleaning equipment that applies high temperature water to the very roots of your carpet fibres, eliminating allergens and leaving the entire carpet completely sanitised.

This will help improve the air quality within your home and generally make your living space a more comfortable place to be.

3. Remove Mould

Mould developing on your carpet is another side effect of DIY cleaning attempts that can cause a range of health problems.

If the liquid from your home carpet steamer or cleaning products does not dry properly, you may be left with damp patches on your carpet that promote mould growth.

Signs of mould growth include discolouration and unpleasant smells and its presence can lead to dermatitis, eczema, and various other allergic reactions.

4. Reduce high traffic signs

Carpeted areas that experience high levels of footfall, such as hallways, and landings, will wear faster than the rest of your carpet, due to the dirt that is traipsed through them.

Although preventing carpet deterioration completely is impossible, professional carpet cleaners will be able to get rid of the dirt itself, which can cause the carpet to become darker, and ensure that the difference between these areas and the rest of your home is much less apparent.

5. Freshen up your home

With all these reasons that carpets require ongoing maintenance, why bother at all? Well, carpets are a fantastic furnishing addition for any home, providing the finishing touch to your living space.

Just as a new carpet can completely revolutionise the look of your home, so to can a professional carpet clean.

If your carpet is looking tired and you are considering shelling out hundreds for a replacement a deep clean could have your carpet fibres looking as good as new and give your home the fresh look you’re after.

6. Remove cleaning residue

Sometimes despite their product description, home cleaning products can actually leave a sticky residue behind after being used.

If steamers or the products you use to treat your carpet are old, they may be faulty or damaged and leave some cleaning solution behind after use.

This can result in stains and damp patches that may attract mould, bad odours, or pest insects.

Professional carpet cleaning equipment is not only designed to make sure that no residue is left behind, but their hot water extraction method will also remove any existing grime that has been left by previous cleaning attempts.

7. Remove Odours

There are many things that can cause your carpets to develop a nasty smell that can make your living place a less than pleasant place to be.

These include:

  • Coffee
  • Pet Urine
  • Food Waste
  • Any other spillages

The deep cleaning method, used by professional carpet cleaning companies, is often the only way to completely eliminate these odours and allow you to enjoy your comfy carpet once more.

Contact Us

To take advantage of these fantastic benefits and many more contact Acorn Carpet Cleaning today on 0141 212 0212, info@acorncarpeting.co.uk, or via our Live Chat.

Acorn carpet cleaning is a respected and highly regarded family owned company based in Paisley and provides customers throughout the West of Scotland industry leading carpet cleaning solutions.

Our expert team puts customer service at the heart of everything we do. providing a flexible, reliable, and friendly service and taking the utmost care of your home when on the premises.