Template - Front page: A porch for all seasons

A porch is much more than a place to shelter from the elements and a space to store your umbrellas. If it’s done well it can really add to your home’s kerb appeal.

As the pictures on this page show, a porch can have a glass roof, like conservatory, or a solid one, it can be brick, block or stone built.  Don’t forget all the glazing options too.

But before you start thinking about style, the most important question is how do you want to use the porch?

Whether it’s a space for storing wellies and coats or a grand entrance to really make your property stand out.  Like any addition to your home, it’s got to work for your lifestyle as well as suit the architecture of your home.

Without doubt, a Securahome porch helps keep out the draughts which means it has a positive impact on the warmth of your home.   This in turn will help keep energy bills down.

Porches also add an extra layer of security and will help deter any intruders. Doors come with multi-locking mechanisms for security,  toughened glass and double-glazed units.  All of this gives you an extra level of reassurance that your home and belongings are safe.

When it comes to styles, this is where our design team come into their own. We can build a porch that seamlessly adds to your home. It will be as if it’s always been there or we can create a standout feature for a truly grand entrance.

Remember the windows and doors are the standout feature of a porch and need to be chosen carefully. For a modern home UPVC offers minimal maintenance and a huge amount of flexibility in terms of style and finishes.

From classic white to oak through to solid and grained colours, UPVC is a really popular choice.

For a strikingly modern look, aluminium glazing offers slim frames and can be any RAL colour.  Timber on the other hand offers a traditional look that suits period properties.

To discover more about the options available for porches, visit our Swansea showroom or contact the Securahome design team on 0800 808 3224 for further information.

Template - Front page: The new conservatory – more flexible and thermally efficient than ever

Thermally efficient conservatories

Thermally efficient conservatories now take weeks rather than months to construct. bringing light and space to homes and usually need no expensive architect’s drawings or lengthy planning applications.  Conservatories are now flexible spaces to suit both modern and traditional properties.

As you can see from this page, conservatories have moved on: Today’s thermally efficient conservatories come with a lot of clever design, materials and technology that means while still offering a lot of light, the thermal efficiency of these glass extensions is better than ever.

What’s more the designs are more flexible than ever. From solid walls to all glass, conservatories make a light-filled addition to homes.

Roof

The roof on a traditional conservatory or orangery is at least 70 per cent translucent. For the best thermal insulation, we would recommend a low-emissivity (low-e) Activ Glass roof.

Helping to reduce the variations in temperature associated with older, traditional glass or polycarbonate roofs, ‘Activ’ low-e glass helps cut solar glare, protect furniture from fading and keep heat in during on cooler days.

To keep it clean and clear, the ‘Blue’ coating helps break down dirt that is simply washed away when it rains.

Importantly, this type of glass roof offers wide and breath-taking views of the stars on a clear night.

An alternative to full glass is an orangery-style roof. This style adds a solid plinth between the windows and glazed roof.

As well as creating a different interior and exterior design, the plinth is a practical place to add down-lighters to illuminate the space in the evenings.

Windows and doors

A+ rated windows and doors will help keep a thermally efficient conservatory by keeping heat in when you need it.  They additionally minimise solar gain in the warmer months.

As an alternative to the half-height dwarf walls and glazed windows as seen in traditional conservatories, bi-folding doors create a room that flows seamlessly into the garden.

If you are able to take up the length of your conservatory? Bi-folding doors create a glass wall that folds away to create an indoor-outdoor entertaining space.  This feature is at its best throughout the summer months.

Walls

With a modern thermally efficient conservatory, there’s far more flexibility of design and that includes the walls.

Not all conservatory walls must be half or even a third height, in fact, some can be all glass, while others contain cleverly concealed heaters!

Whether you are looking for a clear glass extension or an orangery with traditional appeal, the Securahome team can help you create a bespoke conservatory to enjoy on balmy summer evenings and crisp winter days.

Template - Front page: Transform your room – in a day – with bi-folding doors

Bringing light and a sense of space to your home without the need for an extension. Bi-folding doors have become one of the must-have home improvements.

These doors are one of the most requested home improvements by Securahome customers. They are ideal for those who want to create an almost seamless connection between indoors and out.

While relatively quick to install, they are able to transform a room into a stylish and light-filled space.

On warmer days, the doors can be folded back completely, to make a sociable indoor and outdoor space. On cooler days, the doors create a ‘glass wall’ brightening your home room on even the greyest of days.

Improvements in glazing technology mean that A rated bi-folding doors offer great thermal properties to keep a room warm in the winter. This means you can admire the garden while cosy inside!

Aluminium.

For a classic look and slim frames, aluminium is a very popular choice for bi-folding doors.

Working equally well on a modern or period home, the versatile doors are suitable wherever you want to transform your home, be that a living room, bedroom, kitchen, conservatory or orangery.

Thanks to the strength of aluminium, you can create a 90 per cent clear opening, bringing in the greatest amount of light to your home.

With flush floor levels as an option, you can create a threshold-less link between your home and garden.

As with all of our aluminium range these bi-folding doors and available in any RAL colour, meaning you can match or contrast with your existing windows and doors.

UPVC

If you already have UPVC windows and doors, then it makes sense to choose bi-folding doors to match.

Securahome’s UPVC bi-folding doors have low-threshold and multi-panel options, with a range of options and finishes.

Along with classic white and solid colours, there are a number of foiled, woodgrain effect finishes.  These include Rosewood, Mahogany Irish Oak, Chartwell Green and Light Oak. Our design team can help you choose a style that will work with your home.

Whether you choose aluminium or UPVC, all of our bi-folding doors combine style and elegance with the very latest in high performance and security.

The multi-locking system works alongside security features that exceed industry standards.

For added safety, each bi-fold comes with bespoke ‘finger safe’ gaskets, while the lead door includes a strong magnetic stay to prevent slamming.

Template - Front page: Recipe: Roast venison loin with boulangere potatoes and root vegetables

Swansea restaurant Slice is owned and run by award-winning chefs Adam Bannister and Chris Harris.

Since opening in 2014, Slice has gained entry to the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide. In 2015, Adam won the Welsh title on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

When it comes to special occasions they both have their favourite Welsh dishes, but Chris is offering a local delight – Welsh venison!

Low in fat and calories but high in protein, vitamins and minerals, venison loin can be cut into steaks and pan-fried or roasted whole in the oven. Its mildly gamey taste will take fruity and slightly sweet flavours perfectly.

Ingredients
• 1 kg/2lb 2oz venison loin, fat trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 4 onions (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper
• Root vegetables such as cavolo nero and salsify
Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180C.
• Trim the venison of any fat or sinew and rub with olive oil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Cook the venison for 7 minutes at 180C and give it 7 minutes rest so it’s nice and pink – venison is tastier when served medium rare.
• Heat the oil in a pan on a low heat and add chopped onions and salt. Cook until they turn soft and are translucent.
• Prepare the boulangere potatoes by cutting them into thin discs and cooking with the softened onions.
• Add the venison stock to the the potatoes and onions to give it a rich taste.
• Serve the venison, stock, potatoes and onions with steamed root vegetables such as cavolo nero and salsify.

Slice is a 16-seater restaurant is based in Eversley Road, Sketty.

To book a table contact Slice on 01792 290929.

Template - Front page: Things to do: Step back in time at Rhondda Heritage Park

The Welsh Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park, based at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Trehafod, near Pontypridd, offers a fascinating glimpse of our industrial past, with a few modern twists.

It’s the attention to detail at this attraction that really makes it stand out. From the former miners who act as guides (because nobody knows the industry better than those who once worked underground) to the delicious Italian café, this really is an opportunity to step back in time.

The Black Gold Tour takes you through the Trefor and Bertie Engine Houses and into the original lamp room, where you can almost hear the banter between the miners at the start and the end of their shifts.

At this point you can view the historic chimney stack, which dominates the skyline, along with the original pit-head wheel and winding gear.

Then it’s on to the Fan House and two engine houses, built in the late 1800s, before
it’s time to hold onto your pit helmets and prepare yourself for the new ride simulator, taking you through the underground tunnels of the former colliery!

After all of that, you will have earned yourself a cappuccino or two, and Caffe Bracchi offers a delicious menu, celebrating the impact the Italian community has had on South Wales for more than a century.

Many Italians moved to the Valleys as part of the industrial boom, all those years ago, capitalising on the coal and iron industry with their coffee shops and ice cream parlours.

And while you enjoy a few refreshments, younger visitors can burn off their excess energy in The Energy Zone. This seasonal attraction offers everything you need to keep children, up to the age of 13, occupied while you sit back and relax.

Situated on the Colliery Court Yard, The Energy Zone is fully equipped with swings, slides, a climbing frame and much more.

At the end of the visit, there is the obligatory gift shop, which stocks everything from local interest books and cards to the more unusual items such as coal sculptures and replica miners’ lamps.

For further details contact 01443 682036 or visit www.rhonddaheritagepark.com

Template - Front page: Heritage windows and doors with a timeless appeal

Do you know about Heritage style windows and doors?

Do you think there are only two options of windows and doors for your home? Low-maintenance UPVC or timber? While wood has character, it needs maintenance and with today’s busy lifestyles this is not always easy. Plastic UPVC is very practical but can have little character.  Well, good news, there is now a real alternative. Securahome’s Heritage style windows and doors are perfect for when only the best will do for your home.

These timber alternative windows are made with all of the hallmarks of traditional, artisan joinery. Combining real charm and character with low-maintenance materials.

The Heritage style range of flush and sash windows have 19th century detailing.  Furthermore, they are made considering Article 4 Conservation regulations* which conforms to historical design guidelines.

The detail of this window range is unmistakable with traditional putty lines, butt joints and ironmongery. That is not all, in order to ensure that the finish is on-point, each window is finished by hand.

To increase the charm appeal, each frame has a texture finish which continues right to the edge of the frame.  It is this level of detailing which means that even though they are made from low-maintenance composite materials, these Heritage style windows are accepted in some conservation areas*.

In addition all windows in the Heritage range are A+ rated making them one of the most thermally efficient on the market.

Securahome’s Heritage Windows are available in a number of classic ‘painted timber’ shades.  This is in addition to natural finishes which include English and Silvered Oak colours

Visit our Gorseinon showroom in South Wales to compare our Heritage and timber ranges and see if you can tell the difference?

* Conservation guidelines vary, please check with the local authority planning office for your specific area.

Template - Front page: Spread the cost of your home improvement

Did you know that there are ways to spread the cost of your Securahome home improvement?

Our Platinum Easy Payment Plans help to ensure that your new purchase is predominately affordable. However it also means you don’t have to compromise on style or quality.

We also offer a ‘buy now pay later’ choice, which means, subject to paying a deposit. You can pay for your home improvement in 12-months-time.

For those who would like to pay in instalments over a longer period of time (120 months), interest rates start at just 9.9% APR Representative.

Full details of all of our Platinum Easy Payment Plan options are available on the Securahome website at: www.securahome.co.uk/help-support/interest-payment-plans.

Please note that credit is subject to application and status, terms and conditions will apply.

* Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Securahome PVCu Ltd, Unit D, Kestrel Way, Garngoch Industrial Estate, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WN. Securahome PVCu Ltd, Unit D, Kestrel Way, Garngoch Industrial Estate, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WN. is a credit broker, not the lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct authority.

Credit is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Further helpful information is available from the www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Template - Front page: From chilly conservatory to cosy family room

Do you have a cold conservatory problem?

A South Wales couple have transformed their old, underused, cold conservatory into a versatile family room. This is thanks to a stylish new solid roof and A rated glazing from Securahome.

Claire and Nigel Childs’ conservatory is 12 years old and is built on the back of their detached home in Llantrisant.

However, the couple soon realised that the polycarbonate roof and older style glazing was a problem.  It created a room which was too cold during the winter to make it comfortable, let alone cosy.

What made matters worse, in the height of summer, even with all of the windows and doors open, it was unbearably hot.  Without a happy medium, they could not use the part of the house that opened onto the garden.  Where as instead, they wanted that perfect extra room for the couple and their young son to use.

“We read up how modern solid roof extensions are far more thermally efficient than old-style conservatories.  They provide a more comfortable temperature all-year-round,” explained Nigel.

“We contacted Securahome and their design team.  Reassuringly, they instantly came to the property to discuss all of the options available to us.  We were able to discuss all the different solid roof extensions we could install.

The solution

“Securahome explained in detail all of the various modern materials and contemporary designs available.  Furthermore, they were able to create a free 3D drawing of the space to help us visualise the end result”.

“It was important for us to have a room to fit our needs and the Securahome team really captured the design we had in mind”.

“They were fantastic from the moment they walked into our home to begin planning the extension we had in mind. Within a few weeks they were on site and work was underway.”

Nigel and his wife Claire kept the original conservatory frame.  But installed a part-glazed roof and replaced all of the surrounding glass with new A+ grade, energy-efficient windows.

This created a bright family room for every day of the year, whatever the Welsh weather throws at it.

The conservatory has been added to the kitchen and will be used on occasions as a dining room or an extra family lounge for entertaining friends.

Final result

Nigel explained: “The transformation of our cold conservatory is incredible and we now have an extra room that we can use all year round.

“The Securahome team are efficient and arrive on time. Nothing is too much trouble for them and I would happily recommend them to others.”

To find out more about how Securahome could transform your home, speak to one of our design team on 0800 808 3224.

Template - Front page: New Showroom from 17th February

Come and see our NEW SHOWROOM from the 17th of February 2018.

We have upgraded all of our displays.  Our showroom now makes it very easy for you to visualise an installation.  Come down to see and even touch some of the ground-breaking, home improvement products we now offer.

Have you have been considering the benefits of a solid conservatory roof ?  Do you want to create a fresh look for your home with modern aluminium windows and doors? why now come down to our new showroom as they are now all in store for you to see for yourself.

One of the leading products for people considering a new extension to their home, or renovating an existing conservatory, is a solid roof.

These modern solid roofs are transforming what was once a seasonal space into a year-round room. High-quality insulation means they have the same thermal properties as a traditionally constructed roof.  If you would you like to use that extra space all year round? Speak to us. We can provide 3D CAD visuals and interest free payment plans.

Here in the showroom you will now find garden-rooms constructed with both a traditional looking, tiled-effect and a more modern, grey solid roof. While they are cosy in the winter months, the rooms still help bring plenty of light into your home.

And with staff on hand to discuss our Platinum Easy Payment Plan – you can’t afford to miss out on popping in to see how we can improve your living space.  We have multiple different finance options so why wait, pop in and see how you can update your property.

We are based in Gorseinon – 5 minutes from the M4 – Junction 47

Template - Front page: Ideas for your glazed extension

What are the benefits of a glazed extension?

When it comes to adding an extension to your South Wales home, glass helps to bring in natural light, making an airy and welcoming new room. If this is what you are after, a glazed extension is perfect for your home.

At Securahome we work alongside you to plan your new room so that it not only suits your needs, but blends with your home. This ranges from a traditional Victorian town house to a modern detached and everything in between.

When it comes to home improvements, there are many bonuses to a glazed extension.  Not only do they offer added space but they bring light into your house.

Depending on where you live ? they can also allow you a greater view of the stunning South Wales countryside or beautiful Gower peninsula.

For many it will create an opportunity admire your garden from the comfort of your favourite armchair.

Advantages of a glazed extension

One great thing about our range isthey have A+ rated windows, making them far more thermally efficient than those built less than a decade ago.

So, whatever the weather may throw at you… From the sunny climes to the heavy downpours and freezing chills, your new living space is yours to enjoy all year round.

All you have to do is decide what type of glass extension best reflects your needs.

The UPVC range means minimal maintenance which is important when living near the Swansea shores and open to the elements.

Engineered timber conservatories come in a variety of styles which are built to last and resistant to warping or twisting.

Orangeries are becoming increasingly popular because they have the ability to suit both modern and traditional properties.

They can offer a real “wow” factor, creating a great living space to relax in or to entertain friends.

Many South Wales homeowners are choosing a solid roof sunroom which again lets in light and can be a flexible living space for a variety of uses.

Come and visit Securahome today to see the range and ideas for yourself!