Bright sparks head for Barcelona with a bang(er)

Most people fly to Barcelona, a great destination for a city break. Roundhay-based electrical engineering contractors Parsons Technical Services will be making their way down in a clapped-out BMW worth £250 – and they’re hoping to raise £3,500 for charity along the way.

PTS-Express_webThey’re taking part in the Barcelona Banger Rally, which is now in its eighth year. Seventy teams will meet in Calais on 23rd May, aiming to arrive in Barcelona three days later after encountering various challenges along the way, not least of which is to make sure their elderly cars get them to their destination without breaking down.

As it’s a banger rally, cars must cost a maximum of £250. PTS have found a BMW – dubbed the ‘PTS Express’ – which has been specially decorated by local artist Joanna Harland, and the team will be dressing as superheroes for the challenge.

Alex Parsons, Director of Parsons Technical Services, says, “As a company new to the Roundhay area we wanted to support a local charity and make a difference in the local community.” They’ll be fundraising for St Gemma’s Hospice, a cause close to Alex’s heart, and they’re being sponsored Harrogate-based timber window renovation company Ventrolla.

Parsons Technical Services are electrical engineers and contractors working primarily in the industrial and commercial sectors – their technical skills and commitment to a job well done mean they’ll be overcoming any obstacles with ease as they head for Spain this May.

To donate, click on this link: http://bit.ly/11bzZR1

Where’s my anorak?

Ventrolla Timber Sash Window Renovation and Repair AnorakWorking for Ventrolla has turned me into a complete window anorak. There are streets near where I live that I now actively avoid going down because all I see is beautiful period properties defaced with plastic windows and it makes me sad, possibly in both senses of the word.

I feel like bashing on their windows screaming “Why????” like a scene from the Graduate. But I don’t of course. I just avoid the street.

But yes, I notice windows now; I can spot the difference between a Victorian and a Georgian at 200 yards (with my glasses on). I can tell you when and often where a window was made just by the shape of the horns and the number of panes.

I could tell you the history of timber sash windows at length and I would hope that if you’re lucky enough to live in a period property, you’d listen gleefully. However, everywhere I go I see timber sash windows in need of renovation; I see windows visibly rattling in their frames and rotten sills.

I’m sure that the reason many people replace their original timber sash windows with plastic imitations is that they think they’ll benefit from energy savings, what they may not know is that Ventrolla offer a solution that means you can keep your original characterful windows and have them perform like a modern unit. No rattles, no draughts and opening and shutting them is no longer an inch by annoying inch affair.

Our renovation and upgrade service using our patented Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System can improve energy efficiency 30%!  So, not only will Ventrolla have your windows purring like a … window shaped cat (sorry) but we will save you money on your energy bills too.  At the end of the day, we are all looking to save money and if it can be done without turning your home into a plastic clone … all the better.

Don’t replace, renovate !

To find out more about renovating your timber sash windows visit www.ventrolla.co.uk or call 0800 0277 454.

Give your Sash windows a Spring clean

Ventrolla-Timber-Sash-Window-Spring-Clean

Time to throw open your windows, dust off the spider webs and enjoy the weather while it lasts.

So spring has taken a bit longer than expected to blossom this year, but with the recent warm weather we’re sure many have been throwing back those shutters and letting in the beautiful British sunshine.

Just imagine then, when we hear of sash windows becoming stuck over the years and some even painted shut!

As timber renovation specialists, we think the only spring essential is to let fresh air into your home, especially on a glorious sunny days like the ones we had last week with no showers in sight.

Luckily, our experts are on hand across the country to make this happen, and with 30 years experience Ventrolla guarantee renovated sash windows not only look tip-top but function smoothly in order to make the best of the weather.

During the renovation process, our team of craftsmen replace all rotten timber with like for like box frames and sills. This makes sure we preserve the original features of the sashes and the unique aesthetics of a period property.

The sash cords are then replaced, pulleys serviced and the sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows.

As a final measure to achieve a seamless finish, the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) is then installed, which acts to combat draughts and rattles.

But don’t just take our word for it, have a look at our new online video demonstrating the intricate bespoke service that our experts provide or give us a call on 0800 0277 454 for more information.

What on earth is that?!

Wasp SpiderCan you think of anything you’d want less in your house than something that looks like this? It is aptly called a Wasp Spider and is currently moving through northern Europe giving the hibijibis to everyone who sees it. I think I’d rather be in the sea with a Tiger Shark, another portmanteau of the animal world.

Well luckily their migration has been halted by the ongoing cold weather the UK has been recently suffering. This is a rare positive point to the winter months when Christmas is a distant memory, the novelty of the snow has worn off and you’ve seen your first quarter energy bill we all start to long for BBQ’s in the garden and blue skies.

When it comes to keeping the cold and the wind out we know that a 150 year old timber sash window in a Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian property may not perform as well as a modern, but charmless plastic window and that the temptation to replace them can be strong.

As the UK’s leading Timber Window Renovation Specialist we know how much character a beautiful period timber window adds to a property and always champion their renovation and restoration over replacement with uPVC plastic imitations.

So we have developed a unique system called the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) which allows you to preserve the heritage of your windows while benefiting from same draught free, rattle free energy efficiency of a modern window.

To find out more about Ventrolla’s renovation and draught proofing service visit www.ventrolla.co.uk or call 0800 0277 454.

So here’s hoping that next year the jet stream behaves itself and I’m not using my Tesco club card to scrape ice off my car in April.

UK Property Winners and Losers of 2012

realty-market-300x225It’s been a turbulent year for the housing market with prices flat lining or falling, much to the misery of homeowners wanting to sell. Better mortgage deals and a rise in mortgage approvals have failed to give the market the kick start it really needs.

This has affected certain parts of the country more than others, which has been summarised by MSN as the ‘UK property winners and losers 2012’.

Based on data from property website Zoopla, let’s start with the bad news first.

The three worst hit towns include Egham in Surrey (-8%), Dalton-In-Furness in Cumbria (-9.7%) and rolling in at an unfortunate first place is Houghton Le Spring in County Durham. Homeowners here have experienced a 11.6% decline in just 12 months, which means you could get your hands on a two-bedroom semi-detached for £124,995 – what a steal!

But it’s not all doom and gloom in other parts of the country. The three towns that got to enjoy a welcome rise in house prices was Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire (+10.8%), Malvern in Worcestershire (+10.9%) and top of the list is Cirencester in Gloucester. The market town’s properties rose by more than 11%, resulting in an average value of £351,356.

And there’s even more good news, as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have predicted that house sales are set to climb in 2013 to their highest level since the market crashed in 2007.

If you’re going through the process of selling your period home or intend to, it may be worth considering renovating your timber sash windows and doors. Using the restoration expertVentrolla and its unique perimeter sealing system can add extra value and a selling feature that is becoming more recognised by estate agents and potential buyers.

If you’d like to find out more, just give our friendly advisors a call for free on 0800 0277 454 or clickwww.ventrolla.co.uk to arrange a FREE no-obligation survey. They will be more than happy to talk through the issue and discuss the options available.

Make A Change With Climate Week

Climate-Week-logo-300x140Have you noticed the weather starting to take a turn for the better, the night’s drawing out, and temperatures rising too? We have at Ventrollaand we’ve even started to think that spring has finally sprung!

We all love our changing seasons, not least because we are a nation obsessed by the weather. But with climate change always making the headlines, it is often a worry how long our seasons will continue to change.

As timber window renovation specialists, we are constantly promoting the importance of energy efficiency, actively demonstrating how our products can help with environmental issues and help to create a sustainable future.

Therefore we are getting behind the biggest national awareness campaign in Britain, ‘Climate Week’ taking place this week.

The campaign, which has been running since Monday 4th March and ends on Sunday 10th March, celebrates ways in which to protect our planet. This is done through a host of activities taking place throughout the week, in schools to local businesses, charities to councils.

These events are all aimed to showcase practical solutions to combat climate change, share ideas, show what has already been achieved in workplaces and communities across Britain and encourage others to do the same.

As an example to showcase our work, the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS)is the ideal product to improve the energy efficiency, and therefore environmental-friendliness, ofdraughty or rattling timber sash windows.

By installing this system, a window’s energy efficiency rating is improved up to 30%, which significantly reduces energy bills.

Our commitment to combating climate change is also apparent from our recent Green Deal accreditation, being the only draught-proofing installer under the government’s flagship scheme.

So, to do your bit to help Britain’s biggest ever environmental campaign, take a look at the Climate Week website for more details on events near you. Likewise, if you would like more information onVentrolla’s energy efficient solutions, speak to our friendly advisors on 0800 0277 454 or visit our website.

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Make A Change With Climate Week

Climate WeekHave you noticed the weather starting to take a turn for the better, the night’s drawing out, and temperatures rising too? We have at Ventrolla and we’ve even started to think that spring has finally sprung!

We all love our changing seasons, not least because we are a nation obsessed by the weather. But with climate change always making the headlines, it is often a worry how long our seasons will continue to change.

As timber window renovation specialists, we are constantly promoting the importance of energy efficiency, actively demonstrating how our products can help with environmental issues and help to create a sustainable future.

Therefore we are getting behind the biggest national awareness campaign in Britain, ‘Climate Week’ taking place this week.

The campaign, which has been running since Monday 4th March and ends on Sunday 10th March, celebrates ways in which to protect our planet. This is done through a host of activities taking place throughout the week, in schools to local businesses, charities to councils.

These events are all aimed to showcase practical solutions to combat climate change, share ideas, show what has already been achieved in workplaces and communities across Britain and encourage others to do the same.

As an example to showcase our work, the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) is the ideal product to improve the energy efficiency, and therefore environmental-friendliness, of draughty or rattling timber sash windows.

By installing this system, a window’s energy efficiency rating is improved up to 30%, which significantly reduces energy bills.

Our commitment to combating climate change is also apparent from our recent Green Deal accreditation, being the only draught-proofing installer under the government’s flagship scheme.

So, to do your bit to help Britain’s biggest ever environmental campaign, take a look at the Climate Week website for more details on events near you. Likewise, if you would like more information on Ventrolla’s energy efficient solutions, speak to our friendly advisors on 0800 0277 454 or visit our website.

UK Property Winners and Losers of 2012

It’s been a turbulent year for the housing market with prices flat lining or falling, much to the misery of homeowners wanting to sell. Better mortgage deals and a rise in mortgage approvals have failed to give the market the kick start it really needs.

This has affected certain parts of the country more than others, which has been summarised by MSN as the ‘UK property winners and losers 2012’.
Based on data from property website Zoopla, let’s start with the bad news first.

The three worst hit towns include Egham in Surrey (-8%), Dalton-In-Furness in Cumbria (-9.7%) and rolling in at an unfortunate first place is Houghton Le Spring in County Durham. Homeowners here have experienced a 11.6% decline in just 12 months, which means you could get your hands on a two-bedroom semi-detached for £124,995 – what a steal!

But it’s not all doom and gloom in other parts of the country. The three towns that got to enjoy a welcome rise in house prices was Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire (+10.8%), Malvern in Worcestershire (+10.9%) and top of the list is Cirencester in Gloucester. The market town’s properties rose by more than 11%, resulting in an average value of £351,356.

And there’s even more good news, as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have predicted that house sales are set to climb in 2013 to their highest level since the market crashed in 2007.

If you’re going through the process of selling your period home or intend to, it may be worth considering renovating your timber sash windows and doors. Using the restoration expert Ventrolla and its unique perimeter sealing system can add extra value and a selling feature that is becoming more recognised by estate agents and potential buyers.

If you’d like to find out more, just give our friendly advisors a call for free on 0800 0277 454 or click www.ventrolla.co.uk to arrange a FREE no-obligation survey. They will be more than happy to talk through the issue and discuss the options available.

KEEPING WARMTH WRAPPED UP OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON

Ho Ho Ho. Yes it’s that time of year again where we’ll be joining the family, eating and drinking to our hearts content whilst singing along to cheesy Christmas songs.

As the big day approaches you want to ensure that you can enjoy the festive season in the warmth and comfort of your own home – especially as Lakeland’s recent survey found that 70% of us will be staying put this Christmas.

The last thing you want is Granny settling down to watch the Queen’s speech with the sound of rattling sash windows interrupting.

Or draughts that blow through the living room as you’re settling down in front of the TV for a Christmas film.

The culprits of these uncomfortable conditions are more often than not timber sash windows or doors.

Here are three quick fix tips Ventrolla has pulled together to help you combat these problems in the short term;

  • Install self-adhesive foam strips between the window and the frame to fill any gaps
  • Cover up the key holes and letterboxes with cardboard, with a Christmas wrapping lining
  • Use draft excluders for every door. If you don’t have time to go out and buy one, why not stuff a pair of tights with newspaper or stocks

But remember, these are only temporary measures. For a sustainable solution for 2013, Ventrolla advises that you get a renovation expert to take a look at your sash windows and doors. They will then be able to assess the level of repair required and advise you on the work needed to renovate and upgrade their performance.

So to make sure Jack Frost isn’t nipping at your nose next year, get in touch with Ventrolla in the New Year for a FREE no-obligation survey on 0800 0277 454 or click www.ventrolla.co.uk.

And above all, have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year from everyone at Ventrolla.