Welcome to Planet South Lakes Blog

The grass has started growing again and those flowers you planted in the summer are slowly starting to grow, it must mean that summer is on the way. When the sun is shining there is nothing that we like to do more than go out into the garden and soak up some rays. But it is not always possible for us to do this as we may have work to do or need to look after the kids. Installing a conservatory means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Because most conservatories are made of a solaris polycarbonate roof, it means that up to 80% of the sun’s solar energy will be prevented from entering the conservatory through the roof, helping to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. Therefore you can sit back and relax in your conservatory and enjoy your garden from the indoors without feeling uncomfortably hot. It will also reduce the glare of the sun so you are not reduced to having to look like a celebrity by wearing sunglasses inside.

Conservatories in Barrow in Furness made up of solaris glass will reduce unwanted heat in the summer, but have the added benefit in that they will reduce the amount of heat lost in the winter. This means that with double glazing in Lancaster present in your conservatory you will be able to sit and admire your garden on even the coldest of days, without having to wear layers of clothing to keep warm.

Windows in Kendal are available in a variety of different colours so that you can match them up with the colour of your conservatory. The shape of them can also be sculptured to fit the existing look of the conservatory. So you need not be outside to enjoy the sun, chill out and relax in a brand new conservatory.

One of the main concerns when moving into a new property is heating. None of us want to live in a home which suffers from draughts, resorting in us having to wear layers of layers of clothing when indoors. We want to live in a home which will provide us with the level of heating we require throughout the year, no matter how cold it gets.

Double glazing in Lancaster is a sure fire way of ensuring that when heat is generated in the home, little of it will be lost through your windows. You may not have been aware that your windows and doors are the main culprits when it comes to loss of heat in the home, and you were wondering why your heating bills are so costly, now you know why! The bigger your home, the more you rely on your heating, making the installation of double glazing even more important if you want to reduce those costs.

The installation of new windows in Kendal can also make your home look more attractive to anyone who passes it. Although double glazing can be a costly affair, over time you will more than recoup the amount of money you paid for them, they will eventually pay for themselves thanks to the huge savings they have earned you.

You also need to decide how you want your new window to operate.  Are you happy for them to just slide upwards or slightly tilt inwards, or would you prefer that they open fully inwards so that ventilation is enchanced? Have a look into tilt and turn, sash and casement windows and judge for yourself which version will most suit your needs.

If you only have a small property and little garden, then ponder conservatories in Barrow in Furness as they can bring a whole new dimension to a home.

Over the past twenty years uPVC conservatories have become very popular and now with the creation of the orangery which has been dubbed as the next generation of conservatory they are set to continue to be popular for many years to come. The great thing about uPVC conservatories and orangeries is that they are an affordable way of adding extra living space to your home. No longer are conservatories and orangeries just used as a place for growing exotic plants they are now used for a variety of purposes.

The most common use for conservatories and orangeries is to provide an additional lounge area a space for relaxing, entertaining and watching television but with a unique atmosphere. The large windows and glass roof gives the room a light and airy feel which makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors when the weather stops you from going outside.

Probably the second most popular use of conservatories and orangeries is as a dining area. They make a great place to enjoy breakfast on a spring morning or enjoy a romantic candle lit meal in the evening under the night sky.

UPVC conservatories and orangeries also make a great addition to a kitchen. Kitchens are often the heart of the home and the place where the family spend the majority of the time. By adding a conservatory or orangery to a kitchen it can add much needed extra space whilst giving your kitchen a modern contemporary feel.

If you have children then a conservatory or orangery can make a great play room when they are young and as they grow the room can easily be adapted into a games room and separate lounge area for when they have friends around.

With more and more people opting to work from home uPVC conservatories or orangeries can make a great office area. The natural daylight which floods the room makes the perfect working environment and blinds can easily be added to prevent the glare on your computer screen.

Whatever use you decide to use a uPVC conservatory or orangery for it will make the perfect addition to your home and whats more it will also help to increase the value of your property if you decide to sell in the future.

Looking for a local home improvement company offering the very latest uPVC Conservatories in Cumbria? A tailor-made Orangery in Cumbria? Or a company who installs the very latest ‘A’ Rated Replacement Double Glazing Windows in Cumbria? Make Planet South Lakes your first choice.

CLICK HERE to contact Planet South Lakes online and arrange a free quotation or freephone 0800 615 2255.

After coming to Planet South Lakes last year for our bespoke conservatory, we knew that we would get service with you.

We came this time to install our replacement patio door. Obviously for a job like this, you want to go with someone you can trust, and we knew that would be you.

The patio door price was very good value for money and the installation was carried out very efficiently despite annoying weather conditions of wind and rain. The fitters worked incredibly hard and we are delighted with the final result.

The staff were excellent and did a fantastic job dealing with all of our queries. We recommended you to our next door neighbours after you fitted our conservatory in Barrow and they’ve just ordered one of your contemporary orangeries, so we’ll be very keen to see how good that looks when it’s finished.

Will you also thank David for helping us chose what colour and design to chose. He was really helpful at showing us what type of design would suit our needs.

Our thanks once again and we wish you all the success in the future.

Mr and Mrs York
Barrow

If like many people here in the UK you wish you had more time to enjoy your garden and outdoor space but find yourself hindered by the weather then pay attention. The changeable weather here in the UK (and especially where I live in the Barrow & Lancaster area) always seems to spoil things.

We can experience a few days of sunshine only to find that the rest are full of torrential rain or winds. This of course ruins any plans to enjoy that ‘precious ‘garden time leaving us stuck in our homes unless we want to get wet.

But what if there was a way to enjoy the best of both worlds? Wouldn’t it be better if we had somewhere we could shelter from the Great British weather but still gave upon the beautiful foliage in our garden? An orangery or conservatory could provide the perfect solution to this problem.

Although similar, an orangery actually pre dates conservatories and can be traced back to the 17th Century. They are traditionally made from brick and designed to protect plants and fruit from the harsh winter months. Today of course, they provide a bridge between a home extension and a modern conservatory, with their many windows and glazed roofs.

We all know what a conservatory is and how they look. They provide a safe haven from the rain but have large windows to allow plentiful supplies of sunlight and giving a good all round view of the garden. They also give somewhere to kick back and relax on a summers evening without the worry of getting chilly.

Anyone wanting to buy an orangery or conservatory around the Barrow and Lancaster area should contact Planet South Lakes. Providing top quality uPVC products, Planet South Lakes are a locally based company with a wealth of experience in this business.

Providing bespoke solutions for anyone wanting to incorporate one of these conservatories into their gardens around Barrow and Lancaster, Planet South Lakes also can help you get a great deal and the right product. Contact Plant South Lakes on 0800 612 2255 or visit the website at www.planetsouthlakes.com.

Planet South Lakes, one of the foremost providers of double glazing windows, PVC doors, conservatories and orangeries in the Lancaster, Morecambe and Barrow-in-Furness areas, are proud to announce their full range of products and services that will lead them from strength to strength for the rest of the year. With a combination of outstanding customer service, solid guarantees and bespoke design they are confident they have something to offer every homeowner in the North West.

PVC Conservatories
Planet South Lakes offer a completely bespoke design service, based on a variety of styles, which takes you right from the initial consultation in the Kendal showroom and includes all the building works, joinery and plumbing.  They will even provide an installation co-ordinator to make sure every stage of the construction goes smoothly.

Orangeries
Being the forerunner to the modern conservatory, often with a glazed roof, Orangeries prove to be a spacious and airy, yet cosy addition to any modern house, constructed with stone that will suit the style of the property itself.  A must for anyone wanting to add some old world panache, yet remain completely modern at the same time.

PVC Windows
Security is the order of the day with all the PVC windows that Planet South Lakes install.  As a member of FENSA, they take great pride in making sure all the windows they fit have the latest security features combined with an emphasis on ease of use.  Not only do they achieve this but their consultants will also make sure that from all the different varieties of windows  you choose, they will fit perfectly with the character of the building as well.

PVC Doors
Choose from a traditional PVC door to something more in line with safety and security like a stable door or residential PVC Rockdoor.  One thing you can be sure of is to get a door that is longer lasting, elegant and in a range of styles that will suit every taste and budget.  With a modern PVC construction you will never have to worry about them rotting, fading or the need to paint them ever again.

French Doors and Patio Doors
Offering an easy way to access the garden, patio or courtyard, French doors and patio doors are an old favourite and a great addition to any modern home.  Not only can they help to increase the value of your house, as will any Planet South Lakes product, they provide an invaluable cooling effect and improve air flow during the hot summer months.

Rooflines
Not a feature that readily springs to the mind of a homeowner, as a tidy roof line is something rarely noticed, yet a rotting, leaking, paint peeling one will always be spotted and reflected on by a visitor after they leave.  As the saying goes ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ by having a PVC roofline fitted not only are you modernising your home but you are saving yourself the trouble of a lot of difficult ongoing maintenance.

Porches
For anyone wishing to add some extra space to the front of their property as well as some added elegance and style, a Planet South Lakes designer will work hand in hand with the homeowner to pick the best option for a front porch, as of course they do with any of their products.

A Planet South Lakes Spokesperson had this to add last week;
‘We are trying to achieve a situation where the homeowner has so much choice that we can  design a system that is truly bespoke and ticks all the right boxes to fit in perfectly with their desires and budget’

For more details about Planet South Lakes full range of products and services, to get a free online quotation or to book a free consultation then please visit www.planetsouthlakes.com, call free phone 0800 612 2255 or visit their Kendal Showroom.

Home-owners across Lancashire and Cumbria are looking to conservatories, orangeries and other home improvements as a faltering property market forces movers to stay put and improve their homes.

The recent credit-crunch and well-documented fall in house prices has meant that many simply cannot afford to move home and are forced to seek home improvements to enhance their living space.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors recently reported that housing transactions are at their lowest point since 1978. According to research from Sainsbury’s Bank, this has led to 21% of homeowners contemplating improvements over the next 12 months as opposed to moving house.

Reports suggest that 5.3 million homes are planning some form of structural work – of these, 1.2 million are looking to build a conservatory.

As one of the most versatile ways to improve your home, conservatories are cool in summer, warm in winter and can be used all year round. They can be used for entertaining, as an elegant dining or casual sitting room. A conservatory could also make the perfect home office environment, a playroom for the kids, or even a kitchen.

It is this versatility which makes conservatories one of the most popular forms of home improvement.

In addition to this, erecting a conservatory could save the hassle of moving home, which studies show to be one of the most stressful experiences that most people face in life.

A spokesman for Planet South Lakes, specialists in conservatories & orangeries across Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow-in-Furness had this to say.
“Conservatories are a great way to add extra living space and improve the value to your home. If you are not in a position to move, then a conservatory is certainly something you should consider.”

“We are expecting to be very busy over the next 12 months and beyond, as more and more people experience the benefits of our conservatories.”

For further information on Planet’s Conservatories & Orangeries, freephone 0800 612 2255 or contact us online.

A NEW action plan designed to boost the economy of Cumbria will be presented to keynote speaker Lord Mandelson and delegates at the Cumbria Economic Summit 2009 on Friday (February 20).

The Cumbria Sub Regional Action Plan contains 20 priority regeneration projects that will either progress or be completed over the next three years, and in the long term could create more than 11,000 new jobs.

The Action Plan, along with the Cumbria Economic Strategy, has been produced by economic development agency Cumbria Vision and partner organisations in the public and private sector to set a clear direction for the County’s economic renaissance.

The documents will be presented to Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and around 250 delegates from public sector organisations and local, national and international businesses who will gather at Sellafield Visitor Centre for the summit. The Cumbria Economic Summit 2009 is being staged by Cumbria Vision and the Northwest Regional Development Agency to showcase achievements to date and outline plans for the future.

Roger Liddle, Chair of Cumbria Vision, said: “This is a tough time for business in Cumbria: there’s no hiding place from the impact of the most severe global recession since the Second World War. However, as a County we can weather storm better than many other places by concentrating our efforts on our unique strengths: using our skills in energy and nuclear to help the nation meet the looming challenges of energy security and climate change; and raising the quality of “Destination Cumbria” as a place to live, work, visit and invest.

“Our Action Plan focuses our efforts on projects that will advance those aims. From now on we need focus, drive and action. We need to take the emphasis away from strategy and plough ahead with delivery on the ground.”

The Sub Regional Action Plan aims to improve the economic performance by building on Cumbria’s two unique strengths – energy and “destination” – but recognises their full potential will only be realised with support from other sectors. These include education, skills and research; business, enterprise, and employment; investment in infrastructure and the rural economy.

Major regeneration projects contained within the Action Plan include the development of Carlisle Airport; Penrith New Squares; a new hospital for West Cumbria; nuclear new build at Sellafield; improvements around Lake Windermere; The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness residential and business development; and the new K Village premises in Kendal. This year will see the Energus skills and training facility open to students, a key project contained in the £2 billion Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan for West Cumbria; while work will be completed on the Waterfront Business Park, part of the £200 million The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness development.

These regeneration projects for Cumbria will feature in a series of video showcases and presentations from high profile speakers focusing on those industry sectors of most importance to Cumbria’s economy. Speakers joining Lord Mandelson this year include Dr Ian Hudson, Sellafield Programme Manager, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority; George Beveridge, Deputy Managing Director, Sellafield Ltd; Duncan Burt, Customer Services Manager – Transmission Commercial, National Grid; Simon Berry, Chairman and Managing Director of English Lakes Hotels Ltd; Beverley Blevans, Contact Centre Manager (Lillyhall) Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs; Dr Eunice Simmons, Dean of Science & Natural Resources, University of Cumbria; Cllr Tim Knowles, portfolio holder for Economy, Cumbria County Council; Andrew Tinkler, Chief Executive, Stobart Group; and Alistair Wannop, Dairy farmer and owner of Eden Golf Course.

There will also be speeches from Roger Liddle, Richard Greenwood, Chief Executive of Cumbria Vision, and Professor John Fyfe, international specialist in creating partnerships. Broadcaster Fiona Armstrong will compere the summit.

The Cumbria Economic Summit will also be an opportunity to hear about the main issues that are likely to be addressed by the Regional Strategy – the region’s first single integrated strategy which will bring together spatial, economic, social and environmental strategies to build a new long term vision for the prosperity of the North West region. It is currently being developed by the NWDA and 4NW, the Regional Leaders Forum, together with assistance from the Regional Strategy Advisory Group, which comprises of members of the public and representatives from the private, voluntary and community sectors.

Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said: “While the economic downturn means Cumbria faces new challenges, these significant changes also present new opportunities. With unique strengths in energy and nuclear, Cumbria is in a strong position to continue to succeed in the global market. It’s clear that all of our partners in Cumbria have a shared vision and are determined to work together to ensure that the priorities we have identified become a reality.”

Cumbria Vision was established by the Northwest Regional Development Agency in 2005 to galvanise the public and private sector in Cumbria and create a single direction to the County’s significant regeneration agenda, which spans both urban and rural concerns.

Since then Cumbria Vision has helped to establish the University of Cumbria; completed the £40 million Rural Regeneration Cumbria programme to tackle the effects of the 2001 Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak, and progressed the Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan –a £2 billion package of regeneration projects that build on West Cumbria’s nuclear expertise to create a hub for renewable energy production to serve both local communities and the UK. Other projects which have received substantial support include plans by Stobart Air Ltd to revamp Carlisle Airport, and ambitious proposals to bring a prestigious leisure and commercial development to Derwent Forest, near Cockermouth – one of the largest brownfield sites available for development in the UK.

Source: Westmorland Gazette – www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk

Planet South Lakes is the latest Conservatory, Window & Door company to join our increasing network of Conservatory Outlet Dealers. With showrooms throughtout Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Wales, Conservatory Outlet is fast becoming one of the largest and most recommended home improvement companies in the UK, offering customers the latest energy efficient products backed by some of the best installation and fitting teams around.

Planet South Lakes pride themselves on the professionally installed conservatories, orangeries, windows and doors in PVC.  With experts on hand to offer advice, Planet South Lakes can find the perfect style and size of conservatory to suit your home and budget.

Planet have hundreds of different styles and colours of conservatories including the ever popular ‘P-Shape conservatory’ and the slightly more subtle Lean-To. As well as giving advice, Planet South Lakes are able to design, manufacture and install your conservatory and provide building, joinery, electrical and plumbing works, providing the all in one service and delivery you would expect from Cumbria’s most recommended and recognised leading home improvement specialist.

Good looks, rock solid security and great value for money…these are the main reasons hundreds of satisfied customers give for choosing Planet South Lakes Windows and Doors for their double glazing design and installations. The fully sculptured profile used on all Planet South Lakes uPVC and sash windows creates an elegant design to compliment the appearance of your property.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with a huge range of uPVC double glazing and sash windows. The latest locking mechanisms deter unwelcome intruders and with a wide choice of thermal glazing options including the latest energy saving A-Rated Windows help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Planet South Lakes are able to design, manufacture and install your dream windows all from their fabulous indoor showroom in Kendal Near Barrow-in-Furness.

Planet also supply a huge range of uPVC Doors in an array of styles, colours and glazing options to suit every taste, house style and budget. There’s even a premium range of rock doors for the ultimate in security and style.

All Planet South Lakes doors are built to last and stay looking great with a minimum of maintenance. And with uPVC construction they won’t fade, rot or need painting – ever again!

For details on the latest uPVC Conservatories, Windows and Doors from Planet South Lakes, freephone 0800 612 2255 today or better still…visit our fabulous Kendal Showroom.

Personalising your Planet South Lakes conservatory is a great idea, especially when your aim is to keep the surrounding environment comfortable yet attractive. Today, conservatories are available in different designs and materials such as PVC. Planet South Lakes provides a great range of stylish conservatories, in a wide range of styles to suit your needs.

How to Personalise your conservatory?
There are lots of designs available on the market, and at Planet Conservatories we have something to suit your current home and budget. You can choose the layout and features as per your requirements, choose from the great range of windows and doors, all designed in keeping with your current features. The designs can range from rather basic to extremely elegant and exotic. You are creating an extra room by adding a conservatory, increasing the appeal and possibly the value of your home, so ensure the conservatory you chose is in keeping with your home, and of a high specification.

With a wide range of colours to chose from you can customise your conservatory to fit in nicely with your home, Planet South Lakes can provide you just the right colour that you want. Our colour contrasts are both for the traditional and the modern look, ranging from widely acclaimed white frames to rich and dark wood and golden oak wood.

Some tips…
You can personalise the roof of the conservatory with either manual or automatic roof vents to allow for better air circulation. There are mainly two types of conservatory roofs available in the market – glass and polycarbonate. The glass roof designs offer a striking blend of style and quality that is durable. You can also choose Pilkington Activ self cleaning glass, which is available in tinted coloured finishes for better solar control, looks, comfort and shelter.

On the other hand, the polycarbonate roofs are the traditional option, having been produced for a long time. Most people also prefer double glazed polycarbonate units, which are light in weight, have heat insulation properties.

To personalise the glass of your PVC conservatory, you can give it a final finishing touch in your own style. Planet South Lakes provides you a wide range of double glazed units, available in attractive colours and designs. You can choose bevelled glass for lights, which gives it stylish and elegant look. Coloured glass is also available in a variety of attractive shades to add a border or attractive patterns.

For personalising your conservatory, getting all your requirements in one place is very important. No matter how detailed and particular you are the designers at Planet South Lakes can provide you a conservatory to the look you want.

For more information on Planet Conservatories freephone 0800 612 2255 or click here contact us online.