D.I.Y Window Replacement

D.I.Y Window Replacement

Consider yourself a dabbler in the fine art of D.I.Y? Of course it's possible to complete the window replacement for your home yourself. Pay close attention to the following tips to get you on your way to saving on having a tradesman doing the job for you. Before prepping yourself for the task ahead, don't have the mindset that it's going to be a "walk in the park". Unless you're proficient, highly competent and have all the necessary and correct tools, undertaking this job can turn out to be a disaster and overall cost more than the initial price you've been quoted by a tradesman. 

The Supplier

First thing on the list is to find a potential supplier who will come out to your site and take measurements and jot down all the specifics you are looking (e.g frame colour, glass design, handles and colour etc.) Many surveyors offer this as a free service these days and don't require any confirmation that you are going to choose them as the supplier. The surveyor is there to advise you on what will look appropriate in your property and also answer any questions you may have about the products you wish to purchase.  The surveyor should also direct your attention to the issue of safety glass in certain openings and also the issue of ventilation and fire escapes.

The Little Things
A very necessary part of window fitting is the use of trims, packers, drips, sealants, filler, expanding foam, pvc cleaner etc. The supplier of your windows should have an abundance of these products stored in their warehouse and when purchasing the windows, it doesn't hurt to ask for a price on everything inclusive. Your supplier buys these products in at trade price and should save you marginally on each additional product you purchase from the supplier rather than a hardware store. When agreeing on all these extras, make no mistake in agreeing your price and ensure both parties understand what was agreed to.
*it helps to have the purchased products on a signed document.*

Things to consider when choosing a supplier:

• Don't buy from a supplier solely based on the price.
• Ensure a product guarantee/ after-sales service is an option before purchasing.
• Check if suppliers deliver to the address.
• Research into whether or not telephone support/ on-line support is available for if/when you encounter a problem.

Other points to consider when installing D.I.Y double glazing:

• Bay windows are tricky and should only be attempted by someone who has had previous experience fitting such a product. 
• Start your D.I.Y replacement by fitting a small window first, have confidence in what you're doing and ensure the window is level to the base. 
• When de-glazing glass units, never rest them on their edge or on a hard surface as they can crack easily
• If you do however crack a glass unit, don't make the decision to go ahead and glaze the window. Once a seal is broken on a glass unit, the energy efficiency of the glass unit is dramatically reduced and condensation will occur. 
• If you are fitting a window from the outside and need the use of a ladder, ensure it's secured firmly or even get someone to hold it for you.
• Always assess the work required in fitting each window before commencing work, analyse each decision you are about to make before doing anything. This will ensure no unnecessary work is involved and also minimizes the risk of damaging the window.

DIY does save you money, but if you do no have the confidence or skill set required to replace and install new windows, it's advised that you get help from the professionals.

To get a free consultation you can call us on (01) 8021800 or email us at info@harvestenergy.ie.

Is Triple Glazing Worth It?

Triple Glazing – What are the advantages and disadvantages?

As you would assume, of course triple glazing should offer all the benefits that double glazing does and more. However, as we have come to realize with many products in this ever changing construction and home improvement market, that isn't necessarily the case. If you are basing your decision to purchase double or triple glazed windows on energy efficiency alone, then the payback on your initial payment does take some time to show the benefits, and with triple glazing costing that much extra that double glazing, is it really worth it?.

The benefits of double glazing aren't limited to simply reducing energy bills but also the reduction in noise pollution, draught prevention, aesthetics and the amount of maintenance that will be required in time also need to be taken into account. These are advantages to both double and triple glazing, of course the results vary but do the differences really make that much of a difference on your home?

In countries such as Norway, Finland and Sweden triple glazed glass units are the most common form of glazing and I'm sure they feel that the triple glazed units benefits are far superior when compared to the double glazed glass unit option. Take what you will from triple glazed units being the standard choice in that area of the world, but keep in mind the dramatic change in climate the Scandinavian countries have compared to the cool temperate oceanic climate of Ireland.
The point that is being made here is that, although the U-Values and G-Values may be lower in the triple glazed units when compared to the double glazed units, is it really necessary to have triple glazed windows in Ireland? The Lower the U and G Value the better. U-Value is the measurement of heat loss through your glass and is expressed in watts per kelvin meter square Or W/Km2. G-Value measures the heat gained from the sun. 
Solar Gain passes through your glass in two ways:

1. Directly through the glass having Low Emissivity (aka Low E)/ Extra Clear glass allows easier passage for the natural light.
2. Heat is also absorbed by the glass which is subsequently radiated inwards.

As we can see from the above graph, triple glazing is evidently more energy efficient than double glazing, and although the cost of installing triple glazed units is higher, the savings on heating bills % should also be higher than the double glazed units. The main noticeable benefit of triple glazing is the reduction of cold spots beside windows in your home; improved wall insulation means that windows are a weak point and triple glazing cuts down on the cool patches in an otherwise warm room.  Triple glazing is also much better at reducing outside noise, and so particularly good for homes in busy or excessively noisy locations.

When analyzing your options, it's worth taking into consideration the Energy Rating of your home and also if you think the triple glazed unit choice is really worth the additional cost you will have to pay. If at present your home doesn't suffer from damp areas beside windows or needs an excessive amount heating during the colder seasons to keep the house warm, perhaps triple glazed units may not be necessary for you and a suitable option would be an A-Rated Glass Unit replacement.

Check out the link to see how our Double Glazed Units are made

You can call us on (01) 8021800 or email us at info@harvestenergy.ie to get your free consultation and quotation 

7 Ways to Help Increase your Home Value

Increasing your Home Value

Whether you're looking to sell or are looking to increase the value of your home, these 7 key home improvements are guaranteed to increase the value of your home. 

1) Remodeling the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the rooms that is at the top of the list when someone is looking to buy a home, and in most instances, it's the room that needs the most updating and maintenance because it is frequently in use. Many people see the kitchen as the heart of the home and as I'm sure it's no surprise, kitchen remodeling can be expected to hold the largest share of the remodeling budget allocations. 

For many families, the kitchen is where family and house guests gather for a chat, have a relaxing cup of tea and entertain guests. For this reason, you can expect your investment to be returned ten-fold in the amount of use that will be gotten from it. 

2) Adding a Bathroom

If you have the extra space in your home, there is no way you can go wrong with adding a second/third bathroom to your home. This is why you can expect to recoup 80%-130% of investments from adding another bathroom. Most home buyers will use any room with underutilized space or take an extra room to upgrade it into a master bathroom. With a home costing quite a decent sum, potential buyers love to see more "bang for their buck". There is no need to fear the investment as if you do decide this is the value adding idea you'd like to add to your home, rest easy knowing the investment will pay off.

3) Re-Inventing a Room

This home improvement can be the most expensive option when looking to add value to your home. Adding more square footage to your home can easily accumulate costs but it can also bring you a 50%-83% return on investment. Re-Inventing a room can be anything from adding an extension at the rear of your home, or even converting a conservatory into a sunroom. As we have mentioned above, potential buyers love to see space being utilized to its fullest. If your struggling for re-inventing ideas or don't have the additional space for building on another room, why not get a consultation from a contractor about converting your attic space into another bedroom or a walk in wardrobe?

4) Adding Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy efficient home improvements not only recoups 60%-90% of investment costs, but it can also help with reducing your heating bills as well! A sure-fire way to increase your homes value is to have a great energy rating. All of the windows and doors Harvest Energy manufacture and supply are energy efficient and A-Rated ensuring you of maximum quality. If this option seems like one you are likely to take, check out a select couple of blogs that may interest you as well

• Making an A-Rated Unit
• uPVC vs Aluclad vs Timber
• What Energy Rating Do Our Windows Hold?

5) Adding a Deck/ Porch

Outdoor living spaces, can significantly increase the value of your home.  As more homeowners are adding decks and patios to their backyards, it instantly becomes more appealing to prospective buyers when the house is for sale. Similarly, you can add to the front of your home. Why not introduce a storm porch for additional benefits. Storm porches not only add a unique edge to your home but they also prevent those viscous weather elements that Ireland is so used to, targeting your front door. 

6) Energy-Efficient Insulation

As people are becoming more and more aware of the Building Energy Rating. (BER for short) Potential buyers and valuers also base the monetary value of your home off this rating along with a couple other factors. For anyone that doesn't know, "a BER Rating is a rating on the overall energy efficiency of a building, it measures from A-G with A being the most energy efficient rating and G being the least energy efficient rating" With the range of products and services available for improving the BER rating of your home, there should be no excuses for a poorly insulated home. With an improved energy efficiency rating for your home, the possibility of a warm and damp free home during the colder months is substantially reduced. Most potential buyers make sure to include this home improvement into their reports.

7) Basic Maintenance

Making those niggling home improvements and general maintenance changes to your home is a necessary evil that must be tackled to ensure your home is being valued to it's full potential. Making small improvements such as fixing a leaking roof, varnishing solid flooring and keeping paint fresh will always add the most value to your home. A home with no major changes or restorations to be made always entices a potential buyer into buying.

So just a reminder! If you plan on making adjustments to your home, remember that even the smallest changes can make a big difference to your homes value. Focus on energy efficiency and safety and see your values rise.


If you would like a free consultation on the possibilities of home improvements, contact us at info@harvestenergy.ie or (01) 8021800

Harvest Energy Construction

Construction

At Harvest Energy we have worked hard to build a reputation for high quality work, a reliable work force and utmost professionalism, and as you can see from our testimonials, we don't disappoint. 

Harvest Energy are highly skilled experts in all aspects of construction and building maintenance. Our expertise include:

• Complete New Builds
• Extensions
• Sun rooms
• Commercial and Domestic Renovations
• Demolition and Removal of Existing Buildings 
• Porches
• Conservatories

With our vast range of experience and talent across all areas of our construction team, we can make your dream home a reality

New Builds

Donaghmede

New buildings, especially those aspiring to achieve an A+ or a passive house energy rating require careful planning and meticulous implementation.

Harvest Energy offer complete project and site management on all our construction projects. This means that we have the capabilities to take care of the entire project from ground works and foundations to final coat of paint. The advantages of this is that you won't have to manage and schedule several different sub-contractors to work on your development but only with ourselves and an architect of your choice.

DP Gymnastics

We take on the responsibilities of managing all the sub-contractors and material suppliers providing you with full project management and peace of mind. We only work with reliable and qualified tradespeople, people who have proven themselves over the years, so you can be assured that your new home will be completed on time, within budget and according to your specifications.

We are fully insured and bonded and our qualifications have been certified by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland) and NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland). We only use NSAI approved materials, as our reputation for quality workmanship is worth far more to us than the minor gain in profit that is received by using materials that fail to meet our standards.

House Extensions
Types of Home Extensions

• Single Story House Extensions (side or rear extension)
• Two Story House Extensions
• Garage Conversions and Garage Extensions
• Attic Conversions (loft conversions)
• Basement Conversions
• Sunrooms and Conservatories

Sun Rooms

Bettystown

Sunrooms have steadily grown in popularity in recent years, as more and more home owners have decided to extend their homes rather than sell and buy a larger property. 

Skerries

Extending your home rather than moving saves you money as you don't have to be concerned with paying solicitor fees, stamp duties, removal costs, deposits on new services and perhaps most importantly there is no major changes to your family routine. Constructing an extension also gives you the opportunity to add extra elements to the room you are building an extension from e.g. a fireplace, a decorative element or new flooring.

Whether you are adding one small room or doubling the size of your home, we offer a comprehensive and professional service with competitive pricing for all types of house extensions. Larger house extensions require approval under the Building Regulations. Smaller extensions (under 40m2) don't require planning permission, providing you build within certain guidelines. These extensions can be built quickly, efficiently and are relatively inexpensively.

A Sunroom is a room that has glass roof and walls, typically attached to a house on only one side, used as a greenhouse or a Conservatories.

Conservatories work well in sunny areas, but can get really cold in winter, especially if they don't get much exposure to the sun. To turn your conservatory into a comfortable living space, you may need to insulate it.

We are home insulation specialists so you can rest assured that a conservatory build by us will be warm and snug.

Porches

Porches have many benefits, from increasing the security in your home, adding protection from the elements and creating a new look to your home.

Creating a porch by fitting a new door in front of your existing door you will gain more space immediately, with many porch door styles from sliding door, french doors or a single door with a side screen, all are available in a variety of colours and sizes, leaving you with the option of choosing your very own design to create the A-Rated porch that is perfect for you.

We can provide the porch to suit your home no matter how modest or extravagant. To build a new porch or entrance lobby we can offer the complete package from digging out foundations to completion of walls, floor, roof etc. Making a beautiful new entrance to your home.

Many of our porches are bespoke and can combine block work, materials used, glass design and roof choice to create the perfect porch for the customer. 

If you're looking work done, why not contact us on (01) 8021800 or info@harvestenergy.ie for a free consultation

You can find a full gallery of all our works at Harvest Energy Gallery

Double Glazing Repairs

Double Glazing Repairs

A couple years may have passed since your windows have been fitted, and now you're starting to notice that although your window frames are looking as well as the day they were fitted, the double glazed units and hinges aren't looking quite the same. Faults and problems do occur, and unfortunately these issues not only effect the look of your home but also there is a reduction in the effectiveness of your windows. Often, there is not much that can be done to prevent this unwelcome fault from occurring, however, if you do wish to maintain all the benefits of your A-Rated windows, you should repair any faults that occur as soon as possible.

Most suppliers provide a guarantee after the fitting for these sort of faults and will repair the fault free of charge. Harvest Energy's policy is a minimum of 1 Year on any product we supply and fit for our customers. Check out our website for all the details: www.harvestenergy.ie 

Common Faults In Double Glazed Units

Condensation
One of the most common faults that occurs with double glazed units is misting/condensation. This is when water breaks the air tight seal between the two panes of glass and as a result of moisture that gets inside the glass unit reacts to the heat of the home and the temperature on the outside pane of glass.
As you may have seen in our video- How to make an A-Rated Glass Unit, you will have seen that all of our glass units are filled with Argon Gas and sealed air-tight before being inserted into the window frame. However, over time the rubber seal that's purpose is to keep water entering into the frame breaks down and the water finds its way into the glass unit.

Packing

A Broken Packer

Condensation can also occur when the framework of your window moves or when a special packing (packers) that holds the glass unit in place becomes worn down. As the seals age they become more open to deterioration. Similarly, over time the special packer that cushions the glass and stops it from moving becomes compacted. This allows one or both of the panes to move slightly, when one pane drops lower than the other the unit becomes "stepped" and when this occurs, moisture finds it much easier to get into the unit.  

Frame Drops
Another fault that occurs in double glazed windows is "the drop". when this occurs, it will become difficult to open and close the window until the fault is repaired. This problem can be repaired by changing the hinges. However, in some instances it occurs when the frame warps due to the fluctuation in weather (e.g change of season that shows major temperature changes). Warping or swelling is an unusual issue with windows and is more of a problem for homeowners with Timber/ PVC doors.

Rusty Hinge

Other Faults that may occur:

• Hinges begin to rust
• Handles break 

Double glazing repairs

Almost all problems that are associated with windows can be repaired, condensation is a problem that every home owner will have to deal with eventually and you'll be glad to know that even if you aren't a past customer of Harvest Energy, you can still get a quote for the repairs Absolutely Free.  Repairs and replacements are done very efficiently and generally don't take any longer than a couple hours to complete the job. 

Can you Repair It Yourself?
If you have a person in the house that likes to dabble in D.I.Y, of course it's possible to get all the supplies necessary and have a crack at it yourself but 9 times out of 10 it is often less stressful and less time consuming to hire a professional to complete the job for you. Following the repair by the professional, you should be handed a guarantee to ease any worry of this being a problem again anytime soon.

How Costly Are The Repairs?

The disadvantage of being part of a market where all of our products are made to custom fit is that there is no set price list to provide customers with. When seeking a repair, one of our repair men will have to come visit to take an exact measurement of the glass replacement/ see how many hinges need to be replaced. As we have mentioned above, our consultations and call outs are free of charge so feel free to call anytime, our repair men and reps are very flexible and are happy to work around your schedule.

For more info, contact us at info@harvestenergy.ie or (01) 8021800

Check out our website at www.harvestenergy.ie

Security Benefits of Double Glazing

Security Benefits of Double Glazing

By now, most people are well aware of the fact that double glazing provides your home with a range of benefits. From the fantastic aesthetics, to reduced noise and possibly the most important, increased energy efficiency. Modern double glazing can enhance your home in many different ways.

However, not many people have realised until recently, the huge addition of security that is added to your home by getting double glazed windows. This mean you can sleep easy knowing that with your double glazed windows it is almost impossible for someone to break into a home through the windows. Most of us go to great lengths to make our homes as secure as possible, investing in everything from costly security alarms to CCTV. Quality double glazed units are guaranteed to add an additional and vital layer of security.

How double glazing can enhance the security of your home

There are numerous ways in which double glazed units help enhance the security of your home. It's well known now that your windows and doors are the main entry points for burglars/ intruders so it goes without saying that you should opt for units of the highest quality in order to enjoy the maximum security benefits double glazing offers.

Security benefits of double glazing

• Secure locks: Most high quality double glazed units now come with sturdy locks to help keep intruders out of your home. These locking systems are accompanied with a key, from there it's your responsibility to ensure the windows are locked to provide optimum security. It's best to hide the key in a place that's nearby but also only somewhere you know where to find it. Knowing a burglar won't be able to break into your home at night should provide plenty of peace of mind for you.

• Tougher glass: While some intruders may attempt the more  subtle methods of breaking and entering, others won't bother with that due to the time involved, they will go for the option they feel is most effective, that option is smashing the glass. Vandals also cause damage in this way, even if they have no desire to gain entry to your home. If you get toughened glass units that are double glazed, the burglar will have a tough time breaking and entering! After realising their efforts don't make any real progress they tend to rethink their objectives and leave the property in fear if they stay too long they might be spotted. If a burglar/vandal does infact break through one of the glass panes, they will still have to break through the other side of the glazed unit. 

• Tougher frames: If you have chosen a uPVC frame as the window profile, you can benefit from the increased strength and durability compared to older, wooden framed windows that tend to deteriorate at a much faster speed that uPVC. For a thief, an old wooden window or door frame is a real treat, as it can be easily forced to gain entry. Tougher material such as uPVC makes life more difficult for the average thief or vandal, which in turn makes your property more secure.
• Internally Glazed: Most windows and doors are now internally glazed for the additional security it adds. Intruders until this change was made, were able to take the bead out of the window, pop the double glazed glass unit out and gain easy access. Now, this is no longer an option for the intruder. With the bead now being on the internal side, glass removal is only capable from being inside the property. 

It is also worth remembering that high quality double glazed units will not only improve security levels in your home but can also help to reduce overall household costs, (not only heating bills). 
This is due to the enhanced security that comes with double glazing can reduce the risk of break-ins and vandalism, many insurance companies now take into consideration the windows and door the home has before pricing the insurance as they know just how seldom a break-in can occur while double glazed windows and a composite door are being used by the homeowners. This decreased risk can therefore be reflected in the premiums you pay for your home insurance coverage, enabling you to the cut the cost of protecting your home as well as increasing security.

Check out our latest offers on uPVC windows at > Offers

Check out a gallery of uPVC windows we've fit accompanied by testimonials at > Gallery