Welcome to Planet South Lakes Blog

It would seem that every time you pick up a newspaper or turn on the national news, there is some report stating that energy bills are set to rise. The many electricity and gas companies claim that they are imposing this as householders need to rely less on their heaters at home and start helping save the planet.

As energy costs sky rocket through the roof, more people are checking out the value of installing new windows in Lancaster as a way of beating such price hikes. Although you may feel that the installation of double glazing is a pricey and unnecessary need or want, further down the line you will notice that double glazing is a perfect way of slashing money off heating bills.  They are a great long term investment.

This is because as uPVC windows are made of a harder and better composed material than say timber frames, it means they are more likely to prove to be a better insulator of heat.  As they are constructed of two panes of glass, it also means that it is virtually impossible for the glass to be removed or broken into, making your home a more secure place to live in.

Most window installers will supply windows in a variety of colours meaning that you can choose whichever most suit the look and feel of your home.  Therefore you need not worry that by losing your existing windows, you are going to lose the pleasing aesthetics of your property.

You must be aware though that you employ a reputable installation company to carry out the work.  Speak to friends and relatives and find out if any of them have previously had work done by one of the local installation company’s and see if they would recommend them to conduct work at your home.  If you want to further enhance the look of your home, have a think about also adding new doors in Barrow in Furness and conservatories in Cumbria.

Planet South Lakes are pleased to announce the availability of ‘A’ rated double glazed window units throughout the Lancaster, Morecambe, Barrow-in-Furness and Kendal areas. Planet’s ‘A’ rated windows offer a far higher energy efficiency rating than standard double glazed units and Pilkington K glass.

Many homeowners are unaware that double glazed windows have an energy efficiency rating much the same as refrigerators, washing machines and other domestic appliances. The energy efficiency is rated on a scale of A to G, A being highly energy efficient and G being the least efficient. Products which are rated C or above can also display the Energy Saving Recommended blue label.

Bearing in mind current energy and environmental concerns, homeowners are keen to do their bit for the environment, and having an energy efficiency rating for the products they purchase helps them decide which product not only suits their needs, but is environmentally friendly too.

When it comes to determining the energy efficiency rating of Double Glazing windows, there are several factors to consider, such as the area of the glass, the type of profile used for the frames, the thickness of the profile, whether or not it’s insulated and also the air leakage through trickle vents if fitted.

Due to the fact the area of glass is far larger than the frame area, thermal improvements to the glass goes a long way to improving the energy efficiency of not only your windows, but your home as a whole. With this in mind, the choice of which double glazed units you choose for your home is paramount in achieving a high energy efficiency rating.

Unlike the popular ‘Pilkington K’ glass, Planet’s ‘A’ rated Double Glazing units use magnetron coated Low E glass on the inner pane, which is highly effective in reflecting heat back into the room. The outer pane goes through a special process which removes the iron from the glass to create a product known as ‘white glass’.

All glass contains minerals and iron as a result of the standard manufacturing process; it’s these impurities which give glass its green tinge. However, Planet’s ‘A’ rated double glazing goes through a special process which removes the iron to produce a clearer ‘white’ glass, ideal for those with panoramic views of the South Lakes and Morecambe Bay.

A clearer double glazed unit with even better heat retaining qualities than Pilkington K glass sound like the ideal product, but it doesn’t stop there! Planet’s ‘A’ rated double glazing is also filled with Argon gas as opposed to dry air in the cavity between each pane. These argon gas filled units are more than twice as efficient as a standard unit, and 30% more efficient than Pilkington K glass.

We’ve also done away with the old aluminium spacer which separates each pane and replaced it with a polymer alternative. This is 950 times less conductive than aluminium and further adds to the unrivaled efficiency of this product. This unique polymer spacer also drastically cuts down on condensation which can be a problem with many cheaper options.

A spokesman from Planet South Lakes commented:
“We aim to offer homeowners throughout the south lakes and Morecambe bay areas the best double glazing products available. Planet’s ‘A’ rated double glazed unit far surpasses other products on both energy efficiency and durability.”

For further information on Planet’s ‘A’ Rated Double Glazing, uPVC Doors, Conservatories and Orangeries visit www.planetsouthlakes.com or freephone 0800 612 2255.

How can a window actually save you money?

Planet South Lakes, a Conservatory Outlet retailer, uses a low emittance glass for it’s energy rated windows, which contains a coating that lies between the layers of glazing, making the glass reflective. The unique system keeps the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

There are some materials in glass insulation that can create a more energy efficient glass, such as glass coatings, gas fillers, warm edge spacers and new frame materials. The A-Rated Windows range uses all of these extremely effectively, making it the most energy efficient window available.

Currently there is a lot of discussion on the topic of reducing your carbon footprint, as well as in particular Energy Rated Windows. We all need to take a part in doing this and our PVC windows are a great way of doing this. They will help to reduce your carbon foot print and save you a load of cash from your wallet.

Our Energy Efficient Windows mean that there will be no draughts letting the warm air out. At the moment, with normal windows you are using more heat and energy than necessary because of a window that is not designed to contain the warm air inside.

For further information or for pricing information, request a free quote online.

Live in Lancaster or the surrounding areas. Thinking about having a new conservatory, a tailor-made orangery or improving your home with the very latest energy rated replacement windows and doors. We’d like to invite you to our fabulous indoor Kendal showroom near Lancaster. You’ll find fully built examples of beautifully furnished conservatories a bespoke contemporary orangery and a comprehensive display of replacement double glazed windows and doors, including the very latest ‘A’ rated PVC windows – giving you the chance to ”try before you buy”.

We promise you a warm welcome and relaxed, friendly shopping experience.

You’ll find some great ideas in our Kendal showroom, be able to ask any questions you may have with people who know your area well – because they live locally. You’ll get useful FREE advice from some of the most helpful and professional people around – and it’s all FREE and without any obligation to buy! If you prefer we’ll be happy to call or visit your home whenever it suits you, including all evenings and weekends – click here if you would like to book a Home Appointment.

A little bit of interesting facts on Lancaster
Built on a site first fortified in Roman times, the superbly preserved medieval castle is just part of the array of fascinating historic buildings in Lancaster, a city where you will find evidence of Georgian pomp and Victorian civic philanthropy as well as Roman and Medieval remains.

Of course, Lancaster has always had a key role in England’s history, giving its name to the great county of Lancashire as well as to the Royal House of Lancaster, and Lancaster Castle is still owned by her Majesty the Queen.

The castle is still a working building, housing two crown courts and a prison. Guided tours throughout the year offer you a glimpse behind its high walls.

The castle and the ancient Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin form a magnificent backdrop to special events throughout the year, including the Georgian Fair and the hugely popular November fireworks celebrations.

Form this hilltop you can also look across to another famous Lancaster landmark and one of England’s grandest follies, dominating the skyline – the Ashton Memorial, set in the sweeping gardens of Williamson Park.

Looking to replace your old draughty Windows & Doors in Barrow?

Regardless of the design of your home, you will find something that really works with your property in our huge range of quality replacement double glazing uPVC windows and doors.

When you visit a Conservatory Outlet showroom you can talk to experts who will explain the extensive features and benefits of our energy rated windows and replacement doors. Efficient staff, loved for their knowledge, professionalism and friendly manner, will help and assist you in every way possible. It’s all part of the our free no obligation, no pressure service.

You’ll be very impressed when you visit a Plant South Lakes conservatory showroom – we’ve designed them with you in mind.

Fitting new windows and doors in PVC is one home improvement that really os a hugely sound investment. It immediately adds value, and improves the appearance and safety of your house. The latest high tech polymer materials used in the construction of our windows and doors means they will never rust, rot or warp, as well as never need to be painted. You will also notice a reduction in heating bills, outside noise eradication and the virtual elimination of condensation.

Whether modern or traditional, our replacement windows will look great in any home. The slender frames needed to achieve a slimline look have the same front to back dimension as traditional timber windows; this means it is possible to remove your old frames and replace them very easily and efficiently. Our high quality replacement window or door gives you the opportunity to choose from hundreds of design options. The colours range from black, green, cream and others to a simple and popular white, or even a woodgrain effect.

All of this means that your home will look beautiful and remain a place for you to enjoy in pure comfort and peace of mind. It’s an investment we feel you deserve.

For details of your nearest Conservatory Outlet retailer visit our Cumbria conservatories Showroom Page or if you prefer call us free on 0800 612 2255 and one of our customer support staff will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Today, more than ever, we are concerned about the amount of energy we are using in our homes. Job cuts, money worries and our impact on the environment are all major factors in the way we utilise and expend energy at home. Investing in energy saving uPVC windows and doors can provide a long lasting way of helping ensure that heat does not escape from our dwellings.

As an additional benefit, choosing a uPVC window that has an energy rating of C or above means that they actually help to utilise the solar energy coming into our homes, helping to heat up our homes. Choosing uPVC windows and doors that carry the C rating or above help to ensure that money is saved long term as it is a well documented fact that depending on our window set up there is a large scope for heat loss to occur.

But uPVC windows and doors cost loads of money I hear you cry! Now this is not necessarily the case. Anyone wanting double-glazing in the Morecambe Bay area can take advantage of some fantastic deals with amazing 30% savings. This combined with a £99.00 deposit and nothing to pay until 2010 (interest free), what more could you want.

Planet South Lakes have a superb range of uPVC windows and doors that are rated ‘C’ or above and also have some that carry the coveted ‘A’ rating. What this means for anyone living in or around Barrow and Lancaster is that they can have brand new windows and doors that will be guaranteed to be much more energy efficient than what is already there.

Getting your hands on these fabulous energy saving windows and doors has never been easier. With three easy ways to arrange a quotation you will not be stuck for a way to get in contact. For the computer savvy out there, why not visit the website www.planetsouthlakes.com. Alternatively, why not pick up the phone and call 0800 612 2255 to speak to an extremely friendly advisor or lastly, call in to the showroom and experience that personal touch.

Planet South Lakes’ uPVC windows are of the highest standard, well priced and easily maintained. Many people do not realise that windows are an essential part of the house to replace.

They can be ordered in different styles including casement, tilt and turn, energy rated and more. Please refer to our website for full details on the styles.

More obvious advantages of replacing windows includes an important drop in the price of your heating as well as improved security. When you order from Planet South Lakes you’re going to get the best quality windows.

Our uPVC windows are very aesthetically pleasing, secure and easily maintainable. We will give you the best windows in the UK.

Fitted with secured hinges, and locks for your conscience, it makes them amongst the safest windows available.

With all of the styles available and the safety features you really are getting a great windows.

If you want uPVC windows Cumbria then please do not hesitate to received a quote. If you are interested in building a conservatory please feel free to look at our Cumbria conservatories showroom for more information.

Also feel free to refer to our supplier – synseal

It would be an obvious point to make that having new uPVC doors and uPVC windows fitted would provide several benefits to your house as a whole. The addition of these new features would undoubtedly increase the value of your home and the good news is that they do not have to detract from the external styling of the property either. In fact, by adding something like a porch, conservatory or orangery you not only compliment the building but also add more room and in many cases a touch of elegance to your house.

Energy efficiency is also another good reason for having new uPVC windows or uPVC doors fitted. This measure helps to save the environment by reducing your carbon footprint but it can also save money in your pocket by reducing energy bills.

The one overriding feature that I believe is the most significant point to take into consideration, though, is the added security features that modern uPVC doors or uPVC windows have to offer.  Not only do you benefit from the most modern and sturdy of materials but the equipment is likely to be fitted with good locks and bolts and even something as seemingly insignificant as internal beading can prove to be a useful addition to security.

Here we will look at some of the more significant features that modern uPVC doors and uPVC windows have to offer.

Internal Beading
At the end of the day a double glazed window is not designed to survive a sustained attack. After all, the emergency services need to gain quick access into your home if need be, but the idea of having modern windows fitted would be to deter the opportunist thief.  Older double glazed windows had the beading fitted on the outside of the glass, meaning that a potential burglar could pop out the plastic seal around the frame with a screwdriver and literally remove the entire unit.

Nowadays internal beading is fitted pretty much as standard which takes away this option.  If somebody wanted to break into your house with modern uPVC windows fitted they would literally have to smash the glass thus creating a lot of noise and bringing the attention of the neighbours to the fact that something was wrong.

Fire Safety
Having new uPVC windows fitted opens up the opportunity to make the house safer in the incidence of fire as well as improving the security of the property.  If you use a company that offers a bespoke design service you can make sure that they run through all the features and benefits of fitting windows within certain areas of the property that would allow for a quick escape during the rare instance of a fire in the home.  By having new windows fitted you are not only benefiting from all the points above, but it could also be the difference between life and death for you and your family.

Modern Locks and Bolts
Older doors in particular only have one lock that clicks into the frame at the middle of the door, making it easier for an intruder to force his way into the property.  The newest doors however have things such as multiple locking points, barrel locks with an anti drill design and anti-lift pins and hinge protectors, literally designed to prevent a would be burglar from lifting doors (especially in the case of an older conservatory or sliding patio door) right off their hinges.  These many added security features of modern uPVC windows and uPVC doors have evolved over the last 20-30 years of trial and error.

A process of developing technologies that would beat the ever increasing ingenuity of the burglar has led to the development of ever more secure locks and bolts to be added.  A burglar tends to be opportunistic and will deliberately seek out a soft target.  The best way to send out a message to them is to have new windows and doors fitted so they do not even give your property a second glance after noticing how the fittings look rock solid from the outside.

To explore your options the best step forward would be to book a session with a company that offers a bespoke design service.  There are a few good companies out there that offer this and not only will you be able be able to come up with a plan that suites the style of your building, takes into such external factors like a risk assessment of your property to determine the weak points but will also take into consideration your budget.

The real benefits of Planet’s ‘A’ Rated Windows

Choose Planet’s NEW ‘A’ Rated Double Glazed Windows – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Planet South Lakes have decided to let in the New Year by launching a set of resolutions that are specifically targeted to anyone looking to buy any of their conservatories, windows or doors throughout the Lancaster, Morecambe, Barrow-in-Furness or Kendal areas.

Resolution number one
As part of their massive January sale they are promising to save customers hundreds of £’s on all Conservatories, Orangeries, Windows and doors with a £99 deposit, interest free until 2010 offer.

Resolution number two
All Planet South Lakes’ range of high quality home improvement products is available with up to 30% off.  Their excellent range of styles and finishes are designed to blend perfectly into the ambience of any home.

Resolution number 3
Totally secure, maintenance free Rockdoors from £775 fully fitted.  This is a possible saving of up to £324.  With Planet South Lakes, every one of their Rockdoors is tailor made for your home – manufactured to virtually any height and, as with all their installations, fitted to the highest of standards.

As with all Planet South Lakes’ Conservatories, Windows or Doors you are provided with the piece of mind of their 1 2 3 guarantee, which offers a £1000 security guarantee, 10 years manufacturers guarantee and an insurance backed guarantee as well as their bespoke online Quotation service.

Alternatively you can visit their Kendal showroom where you will be warmly welcomed into a friendly atmosphere giving you the chance to see a great range of beautifully finished PVC conservatories and a comprehensive display of windows and doors up close.

A spokesperson from planet windows added;
“With all the great deals we have on offer we are trying to match the mood of the customer in the current climate.  Just because times may be hard at the moment, doesn’t mean that people still don’t take pride in the appearance of their homes.  We feel that these unbeatable savings will indicate that this is indeed the time to invest in the best for Conservatories, Windows and doors”