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It's that time of year when the clocks go back and we all start to miss summer. Gloomy weather can make our homes feel dreary and uninviting, affecting our mood and overall wellbeing. But there are ways of letting in natural light to cheer every room, and brighten spirits into the bargain. Make the most of winter sunshine with the following tips:

Tackle overgrown bushes, trees and climbing plants.

Whether it's a rampant wisteria or a rambling rose, plants that grow around windows can block a surprising amount of light. Bushes and trees close to the house have the same effect. So be brutal with your secateurs and loppers – you'll be amazed at the results.

Clean the windows.

Once you've cleared any foliage around them, it's time for some elbow grease. It's a simple trick, but sparkling windows inside and out really do make a difference to light levels in the home.
Accessorise. Place a wall mirror opposite a window to reflect

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Win this entertainment bundle worth over £1000

The first 50 NYEs Plumbing Supplies customers to spend £200 or more (ex. VAT) will be entered into our September prize draw for a chance to win this awesome entertainment bundle worth over £1000!

Prize includes a Samsung UE50AU7100KXXU Ultra HD 50" 4K HDR Smart TV (2021), a Samsung HWS60T Soundbar, a Sonos One Smart Speaker and a pair of Apple AirPods Pro.

Good luck everyone!

NYEs Plumbing Supplies
Dorking Road
Kingsfold
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 3SD

Our guide to building a loft conversion

The appetite for working from home has accelerated since lockdown, with many companies, including Twitter, allowing their staff to remain working remotely indefinitely. However, with this change in lifestyle has come the necessity for more personal space and householders are now looking to loft conversions for creating extra room.

Aside from utilising otherwise wasted space, loft conversions, when done well, are a great way to add value to your property and are a much more cost effective alternative to moving house, which can add up to thousands of pounds in taxes, estate agency fees and solicitor bills.

If you’re considering updating your property, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you successfully plan your loft conversion from beginning to end.

What can I use a loft conversion for?

Depending on the available space and head height

Flat roof maintenance: our guide to keeping your flat roof in good condition 

Flat roofs have developed a bad reputation in the past for being prone to developing faults, including leaking, sagging, ponding and plant growth. However, flat roofs, which are a cost effective option and easier to maintain compared to traditional pitched roofs, can last for up to 50 years when properly looked after. 

If you have a flat roof, then keeping it in a good state of repair is essential to ensuring its longevity and avoiding costly restoration in the future.

How often should I check my flat roof?

You should regularly check your flat roof for signs of wear and tear at least twice a year during spring and autumn. This will give you a chance to see any imperfections and make the necessary repairs before weather conditions change. It is also advisable to check for leaks and other damage following storms, strong winds or snow.

What

Finishing touches: The benefits of using shingle for landscaping projects

Whether you’re looking to create a dramatic finish in your garden, hoping to improve your driveway or wanting to install a path then shingle offers all the ingredients you need to create an impact. 

Ideal for all types and sizes of garden and outdoor areas, shingle is not only versatile but provides great durability and decorative effects.  

Why use shingle in your garden?

The versatility of shingle makes it a great material for using for all types of outdoor projects, including updating driveways, creating paths and installing pretty borders. It’s also incredibly low maintenance, which means a minimum amount of elbow-grease is required to keep it looking its best. 

Exterior cladding that’s made to last

Exterior cladding has become a popular design feature for properties over the last few years. Whether it’s a new build house or a modernisation project, cladding offers a versatile and attractive option for enhancing and overhauling appearances.

Traditionally, timber has been the main material used to produce exterior cladding planks. While it is a highly aesthetically pleasing option, timber requires a great deal of maintenance and tends to rot over time, meaning it will eventually need replacing. Depending on the species of wood, the treatment used and how well it is taken care of, timber cladding will last approximately 40 to 60 years. 

Innovations in exterior cladding

From the moment wood is cut, it will begin to degrade. Therefore, proper maintenance is essential to ensure it remains looking its best. However, new innovations in exterior

Tip top topsoil – not just good food for your garden

If you’re undertaking a landscaping project or giving your garden a makeover, chances are topsoil will feature on your shopping list. But did you know topsoil isn’t just good for planting? As well as being rich in nutrients, making it ideal for flower beds, topsoil can also be used for improving drainage or making repairs to patchy parts of lawn.  

Which type of topsoil should you use?

There are many different types of topsoil to choose from. Depending on where and how you intend to use topsoil, it is worth investigating the various compositions to ensure you get the right version for your project.

For example, sandy soil, drains quickly and therefore gets very dry during the warmer months. While clay soil, which is much higher in nutrients, tends to retain a high amount of water.