Welcome to Planet South Lakes Blog

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.

Imagine a world without doors. For a start there would be a huge uptake in burglaries and privacy within your own home would virtually be none existent. We at Planet South Lakes do not take doors lightly, so not only do we provide front and back doors, but we are also able to install patio and French doors in your home.

And there has never been a better time to buy new doors in Barrow in Furness as we are offering up to a whopping 30% off all our doors, including residential and stable doors. All of our doors are constructed using the finest and strongest of materials, so you can be rest assured of the greatest protection within the home. All our doors are built to last so it is very important that you choose the right type of door for your home as you will be living with it for many years to come.

Even the most security conscious of people will be delighted with the locking mechanism provided on our uPVC doors.  All doors are composed of several locking points and the very best high security bolts, so the chance of anyone managing to break into your home is virtually nil.

Each of our doors are also available in a variety of different colours to suit your own individual taste.  The common misconception among people is that uPVC is available in a limited amount of colours compared to traditional timber frames.  Well not at Planet South Lakes as we are able to offer colours such as white, oak, rosewood and black.

Planet South Lakes is not just about doors though.  We are also the finest provider of conservatories in Cumbria and windows in Lancaster.  So pick up the phone and call us on 0800 612 2255 and see how we can turn your home into a luxurious haven.

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.

A recent study has shown that in the current economic climate many people are choosing to undertake home improvement tasks themselves rather than employing a registered tradesman. The research has shown that more and more people are choosing to undertake major home improvement projects themselves in a bid to save money.

Major projects include the installation of uPVC conservatories, orangeries and double glazing. The survey found that many people have been doing their own building work and have not been following guidelines or legislation.

Although adding a conservatory, orangery or double glazing is a great way of improving your home whether it is to improve your properties energy efficiency or to give you extra living space. If the job is to be a success it needs to be done properly. Conservatory installers and window fitters train for many years in order to be accomplished in their work. Although they make it look easy it is often more difficult than many people realise.

Planet South Lakes specialise in the installation of uPVC conservatories, orangeries, double glazing and replacement windows and doors in Cumbria and the South Lakes area.  We have a great deal of experience and our dedicated craftsmen will install your new bespoke conservatory, orangery or double glazing to the highest standard.

Visit www.planetsouthlakes.com or call us on 0800 612 2255 to find out about our latest offers and deals.

Planet Conservatories, Windows & Doors is coming to Lancaster – with a new indoor showroom. Part of the Conservatory, Window & Door Outlet network – Planet South Lakes has established itself to be among the most recognised installers of PVC conservatories, orangeries, replacement windows and doors throughout Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal and Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and throughout Cumbria. We have become this way by listening to our customers’ needs and providing answers in even the most testing of locations.

Choosing the right home improvement company for PVC conservatories, orangeries, windows and doors is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when thinking about adding a new bespoke conservatory or having replacement double glazing windows fitted. It’s not just about the price, it’s about the quality and value for money of the products themselves.

Planet South Lakes, currently based in Kendal, Cumbria understand that it means so much when you finally find a company who you feel you can trust to do the job properly – first time. It also makes a huge difference if workers are punctual, courteous, considerate and careful with your possessions. Planet’s dedicated craftsmen will install your new bespoke conservatory, custom built orangery or double glazed windows and doors to the highest standards – working with maximum respect for your property and with minimum disruption to your home life.

A properly planned and fitted PVC conservatory, orangery or quality double glazed windows and doors from Planet South Lakes will add lasting value to your home. That’s the way it should be. So that’s what we do.

So, if you looking for a local home improvement company offering the very latest uPVC Conservatories in Lancaster? A tailor-made Orangery in Lancaster? Or a company who installs the very latest ‘A’ Rated Replacement Double Glazing Windows in Lancaster? 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.

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.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m writing on behalf of me and my wife, as we recently purchased a Conservatory. The installers have been around this week, making sure it’s fitted exactly how we want. We are very pleased with the fitters, as they did a very good job and listened to everything we wanted the conservatory to look like.

We decided that we wanted uPVC Windows, as we’d been recommended them by our next door neighbours, they look really nice and are very secure.

My wife suggested that we get had Composite Doors installed, I don’t really know about them, but they work really well and it’s very nice to be able to open the front of the Conservatory fully.

The fitters were also very good at cleaning their mess. We expected some mess, but they were very good at cleaning it as they went. So can you please thank them for being very professional and overall very efficient.

Thank you once again for our new uPVC Conservatory.

Yours Sincerely,
Mr Timbert

A lot of people believe that the term bespoke and made-to-measure refer to the same thing. They do not.

The word bespoke comes from a long time ago when tailors stocked bolts of cloth in their workshops. Then when a customer chose a piece of fabric for a new suit, it was said to have “been spoken for”. This suit made to fit your exact body shape and personal requirements, is called “bespoke”, not “made-to-measure” which uses a template adjusted to individual measurements.

Whether the conservatory in Cumbria you are looking for is a more old fashioned design that will look to reflect the stature of a period property, or a contemporary conservatory to match a more modern property, chose bespoke and we will work with you on both the planning and construction, as well as the finer details to achieve the exact look that you want.

At Planet South Lakes, we use only the highest quality materials and employ the very best staff. This will make sure that your experience with us is a great one and will result in your perfect conservatory.

A custom designed bespoke conservatory can vastly improve the appearance and value of a property in a way that is harder to achieve with standard designs. On top of this, our double glazing windows and doors will further help to improve the value of your property.

To find out more, call us free on 0800 612 2255 to talk to our excellent sales support staff, or visit our website to find out more.

Dear John,

We are writing to congratulate you on the fantastic service we have received following our decision to involve Planet South Lakes in the installation of our conservatory in Kendal.

Following our first discussion with your company and visit by Angela we have seen a complete demonstration of pure professionalism – and that’s without the usual high-pressure sales techniques usually associated with companies operating in this industry.

From the installation of the PVC windows, to the stable door, to visits made to make minor adjustments, your staff have excelled. You are to be complimented on the quality of your product, service levels and staff. Particularly lots of thanks must go to Jamie and Liam, both of whom worked tirelessly and with patience in ensuring that all of our specifications had been addressed to our complete satisfaction.

Thank you so much. We would be pleased if you were to use this letter and our experience in the development of your business.

Yours faithfully,
Matthew Patts.

The City of Lancaster has a long and rich history from its origins as a Roman garrison, the site of which is now home to Lancaster Castle which overlooks the city from its high vantage point close to the River Lune. The city takes its name from both the Roman garrison and the river.

The city’s original name of Loncastre was recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086. Lon = lune, the French word meaning moon and caster = from the Latin word for camp or base.  So for lovers of Space 1999, Lancaster means Moon Base. How cool is that!

Many buildings in the city centre and St. Georges Quay date from the 18^th Century when Lancaster was one of the busiest ports in the UK. The city’s maritime heyday was short lived, however its Georgian buildings still remain, most of which are listed, especially those which fall within Lancaster’s Castle Conservation Area.

Owners of listed buildings have an obligation to repair and maintain them in such a manner that is sympathetic to their architectural period. This means those wanting to install new double glazed windows in Lancaster may not have the same choice of uPVC window frames as those who reside in more modern dwellings.

This can prove problematic as some double glazing suppliers and fitters in the Lancaster area have a very limited choice of frames which may not reflect the Georgian aesthetic. However the good news is here at Planet South Lakes we have a comprehensive range of double glazed windows and frames. Many of which are perfectly suited to Lancaster’s numerous Georgian buildings.

Council planning committees, Lancaster’s included, are keen to retain the cultural look of the city’s historic buildings, so if your property still has its original windows and you want to replace them with new energy saving double glazed windows, you may have to replace them like for like.

Again this is not a problem at Planet South Lakes as we have both leaded windows, Georgian Bar windows and uPVC frames in the traditional ‘sash’ style which gives you all the benefits of modern double glazed windows, yet retains the period aesthetic of historic cities such as Lancaster.