How to Make a Winter Garden Cosy

Posted Sunrock Balconies

When it comes to winter, it can often mean that for many gardens they end up being ignored or go un-used.

However, if you’ve got the right setup you can still continue to use it actively when you want to. Your winter garden can be just as good of a source of enjoyment as it will often be in the summer. Many households look for the Scandi ‘hygge’ way of life nowadays! Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cosiness and comfort.

So, if you’re someone who wants to make good use out of their outdoor area and create this outdoor ‘hygge’ mood this winter, here are some tips on how to make a winter garden cosy.

 

Ambiance with lighting

 

The ambiance is important because if you’re not providing the right elements to the outdoor space, it can often look cold and uninviting. Lighting can be a great way to create the right atmosphere that a garden will be lacking during the wintertime.

They don’t need to be anything over the top or grand, but something simple like fairy lights can be impressive. The twinkly effect they provide is like the sky at night and can provide just enough lighting to make it comfortable.

If you want to go a bit beyond fairy lights, you could always get some standing lighting that are pinpointed all over the garden to allow illumination to and from the house. There are some great options out there from UV powered to wired light fittings.

 

Creating shelter

 

Shelter from the elements is key. When making your winter garden cosy, try to mimic the indoor feel and security that your indoor areas can provide. That means creating a type of roofing that will catch any rainfall and help reduce the wind from blowing through too.

 

Glass Balustrades

 

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your garden upgrade, you can always turn to Sunrock Balconies for Infinity Glass balconies or balustrades. they offer stunning visual benefits even in the dark. The glass balustrading provides the feeling of an openness and space. Not only that, they can help provide shelter.

 

Provide a source of warmth

 

It’s a cold time of year so you want to think about providing yourself with a source of warmth. This can be in the form of a fire pit or gas patio heater.

Providing blankets and throws will help to keep everyone warm and cosy too.

 

Keep it in good condition

 

And finally, be sure to keep your garden in good condition by mowing your grass and keeping any shrubs or trees cut back and neatened up. Pathways should be cleared of leaves, moss or algae to avoid slipping.

At Sunrock Balconies we create outdoor living rooms using infinity glass designed to your specifications.  We offer a complete end to end service from design to quotation to full installation for both residential and commercial customers.  We can also consult with your architect, contractors or tradesmen to get the best results for your balcony project.

Get in touch today and we will walk you through our hassle-free process. Why not call us on 01204 668 207 or send a message to info@sunrockbalconies.co.uk.  Further information about our full service range can be found on our website.

 

 

 

 

The Case for and Against Choosing Glass Balustrades

Posted Sunrock Balconies

So, you have a new home with a beautiful vista – congratulations! You may be considering some glass balustrading to make the most of it.

This could be an excellent choice, but as with any big decision, there are many factors to consider. Go into this decision with your eyes open by considering the pros and cons of Infinity glass balustrades.

 

Why you should choose glass balustrades for your project

 

A balcony made entirely of infinity glass is the perfect way to enjoy the landscape beyond your back door. Whether you look onto the ocean, the forest, or the city, you would rather get a full view of the scenery instead of it being mostly obscured. It gives you a sense of space rather than confinement.

Balconies that don’t use glass create a barrier between the inside and the outside. Conversely, a glass balustrade dissolves the barrier without losing it completely, giving the illusion of a large open space, looking out.

A glass balustrade could add value of your property. Glass balconies offer a more luxurious and upmarket look giving it increased curb appeal too.

If you are landscaping your property, you will roundly benefit from having a glass balustrade. For one thing, you will not need to consider the aesthetic implications of a traditional design that may impact your landscaping decisions. Instead, your glass balcony will complement any creative vision. You can enjoy your creation from the inside.

 

Will your property suit a glass balcony?

 

Traditionally glass balconies are deemed to be a luxurious and high end option. However, the cost of raw materials and production have come down and installing an infinity glass balcony will suit even with the most modest budget.

 

Glass balustrading may not suit every home. As it brings more contemporary look, it tends to suit modern, linear aesthetics, not traditional buildings and stonework. However, designers today tend to blend the old with the new, and in many cases, it works extremely well.

 

At Sunrock Balconies we create outdoor living rooms using infinity glass designed to your specifications.  We offer a complete end to end service from design to quotation to full installation for both residential and commercial customers.  We can also consult with your architect, contractors or tradesmen to get the best results for your balcony project.

 

Get in touch today and we will walk you through our hassle-free process. Why not call us on 01204 668 207 or send a message to info@sunrockbalconies.co.uk.  Further information about our full service range can be found on our website.

How to Avoid Coastal Corrosion

Posted Sunrock Balconies

Living by the coast is the dream of many. It could be the smell of the sea in the breeze, the sound of seagull cries, just being close to the beach or feeling the warm sand beneath your feet.

Undoubtedly it will not be the hassles of dealing with salt corrosion, excess moisture and rusting metal!

Coastal corrosion is a big problem for those who have homes that border the coast. With climate change and the constant onslaught of wind and rain, the right materials are a must.

 

Coastal Corrosion

Coastal corrosion can threaten your property’s integrity, and if your property is within 5km of the surf, you will notice it happening. If you’re further inland and 20km from the surf, you still may find that you are dealing with coastal corrosion. The continuous exposure to wind, high temperatures, and pollution can be the cause, though it’s much less severe than being close to the water.

 

Being close to saltwater spray is the main reason coastal corrosion occurs, as sea salt is a corrosive substance. It stays wet until the humidity levels are very low, so it erodes for longer and can cause damage.

 

If you have infinity glass balustrades on your balcony, you may notice that the stainless steel fixings are becoming discoloured which impairs the overall look. This brown discolouration, or tea staining does not affect the reliability or the durability of the structure, but it can look unsightly.

 

Deep grooves and metal folds on surfaces are more likely to erode, as these can trap salts in the small spaces. When the surface dries, the salts corrode the material faster. If you can ensure that the surfaces are smooth, less salt will be trapped in the surfaces

 

Marine grade stainless steel fixings

Marine grade stainless steel fixings are the answer. All of the Sunrock Balcony uprights, rails, and fixings used are made from marine grade 316 stainless steel because it has a high resistance to corrosion.

 

At Sunrock Balconies we create outdoor living rooms using infinity glass designed to your specifications.  We offer a complete end to end service from design to quotation to full installation for both residential and commercial customers.  We can also consult with your architect, contractors or tradesmen to get the best results for your balcony project.

 

Get in touch today and we will walk you through our hassle-free process. Why not call us on 01204 668 207 or send a message to info@sunrockbalconies.co.uk.  Further information about our full service range can be found on our website.

 

 

Do you Know your Balcony?

Posted Sunrock Balconies

A balcony is a balcony is a balcony… Or at least that’s what many assume.

 

But the truth is that there are lots of different kinds of balconies to fulfil a range of functions, beautifying your living space and allowing you to enjoy more outdoor space in your home where garden space is limited. A balcony is a wonderful place to grow flowers, herbs or even vegetables. You can lounge in your balcony while you watch the sun go down, or just enjoy your morning coffee al fresco. And when you’ve chosen the perfect kind of balcony for your home it can add aesthetic appeal and value. Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of balcony structures…

 

Stacked balconies

 

The most common and popular balcony structure, it’s easy to implement while also having fewer structural load implications for the property. Indeed, stack balconies are technically separate structures. And on some occasions, they don’t even share a structural connection to the building itself. Balconies are stacked on top of one another over separate floors.

Balconies are conjoined by pillars which support the weight and transfer it to the ground. Concrete pads are usually cast below the balconies to better stabilise the structure.

 

Cantilevered balconies

 

Cantilevered balconies are very aesthetically appealing as they appear to defy the laws of physics. They protrude from the surface of the wall with no visible means of support. They can be made from timber, concrete or steel. These are more complicated and need to be planned further in advance than other kinds of structures. Unlike other balcony structures, they tend to have a very slight “bounce” underfoot. They typically have a maximum depth of 1500-1800mm. The lower the depth, the less movement users can expect underfoot.

 

Hung balconies

 

Hung balconies use stainless steel cables which bear some of the weight. These attach to a plate at the edge of the balcony which connects to the supporting wall via the cables at a 45 degree angle. The fixing at the wall makes the most of the available bolt strength with equal parts “shear” and “pull out” forces. While these balconies are less common, they have a distinctive look and great stability.

 

Faux / Juliet balconies

 

In researching a balcony for your home or business, you may hear the words “true” and “faux” balconies used. All of the above are considered “true” balconies. A “faux” balcony is one that has railings but no actual flooring. You’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air, but you won’t have an actual space to move out onto. These are also known as Juliet balconies in homage to Romeo’s famous wooing of Juliet on her balcony in Verona.

 

Mezzanine balconies

 

Unlike the other entries on this list, mezzanine balconies are actually installed within your home. They usually consist of a large deck area with railings. They’re a great way to make the most of your vertical space and lend more usable space to your home.

 

Want to know more?

 

Need an expert to advise you on your infinity glass balcony project? At Sunrock Balconies we create outdoor living rooms using infinity glass designed to your specifications. We offer a complete end to end service from design to quotation to full installation for both residential and commercial customers. We can also consult with your architect, contractors or tradesmen to get the best results for your balcony project.

Get in touch today and we will walk you through our hassle-free process. Why not call us on 01204 668 207 or send a message to info@sunrockbalconies.co.uk. Further information about our full service range can be found on our website.

 

Keeping Your Outside Space COVID-19 Protected

Posted Sunrock Balconies

Sunrock Balconies - Keeping your outside space COVID-19 protected

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly everyone across the globe.

But, as things slowly start to open up again and everyone begins to adjust to a new normal, people are looking for ways to reconnect with friends and family, relax, and have fun – especially during the summer months.

Thankfully, being in your outside space is a great way to enjoy company and stay safe – if you take the right measures to do so.

Before you enjoy time on your balcony, outdoor living room, or looking out over your infinity glass balustrades, it’s important to make sure your outdoor space is clean, sanitised, and protected from potential viruses.

It’s a relatively simple process you can repeat several times this summer to ensure you and your guests stay safe.

 

Declutter Your Space

 

A good rule of thumb is to completely empty your outdoor balcony of all furniture, plants, decor, etc. in order to have a clean slate. This will give you the opportunity to properly scrub and sanitise each individual piece, and you won’t have to “work around” items as you wash the deck itself, or the infinity glass that surrounds it.

 

When you move everything off of your balcony, you also have the chance to clear away any dust and debris. While these things might not spread viruses, they can be harmful to people with respiratory issues. Start your cleaning from the top of the balcony and work your way down.

 

As often as possible, sanitise anything your family or guests will come in contact with on your balcony or outdoor living room. You can use an easy solution of one part bleach to one part water to sterilise most outdoor surfaces with a mop or sponge.

 

Keeping Your Guests Safe

 

In addition to keeping things as clean and sanitised as possible, it’s still important to take proper precautions when gathering in groups. While being outside is helpful and reduces the risk of exposure, it doesn’t completely prevent it.

So, while you might want to reconnect with friends and family, keep your gatherings small and in line with Government guidance. Try to limit your outdoor events to only a few people, if possible. Keep bottles of hand sanitiser available in different spots around your outdoor space for your guests to use as often as they would like.

 

Additionally, you can make small changes that could make a big difference. For instance, label cups or glasses for each guest so there is no confusion when it comes to drinks. Instead of offering a ‘buffet-style’ option for food, offer pre-made plates, or serve your guests yourself. If people have to go inside to use the bathroom, encourage only one or two people in the house at once.

 

It’s exciting to be able to spend time outside again with the people you love. But, it is still important for everyone to remain diligent. At Sunrock Balconies, no one loves spending time on a beautiful infinity glass balcony more than us! But, we want to make sure all of our customers, our friends, and our families, remain safe in the wake of this pandemic. Keep these tips in mind throughout the summer to make sure anyone who enjoys your outdoor space stays healthy.

To contact Sunrock Balconies or to request an online quote, please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Ideas to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Space to your Home

Posted Sunrock Balconies

If you’re a homeowner, then it’s important that you’re making the most of all the space that your property provides.

While most people take plenty of care when it comes to the inside of their homes, many overlook the exterior area of the house. But it’s well worth taking the time to upgrade this outdoor space. It’ll allow you to enjoy being outdoors with your loved ones, and can also nudge the value of your property in the right direction.  

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some tried and tested methods for bringing your garden up to speed. Take our tips on board, and it won’t be long before you’re enjoying all that having a picture-perfect outdoor space can bring.

 

Juliet balcony 

 

 

Want to improve the appearance of your home and let in as much light in as possible? Then consider adding a Juliet balcony to your property. These are especially recommended for master bedrooms since they let in so much light. On warm spring and summer mornings, you’ll be able to open your doors wide and let in that cool breeze. An infinity glass Juliet balcony isn’t a traditional balcony; it’s more an architectural feature that effectively transforms the room into one large balcony. It’ll allow you to enjoy the feeling of being outside, even when you’re in your bedroom.

 

Rooftop Terrace

 

Sunrock Balconies Infinity Glass top fix

 

When the sun is shining, you’ll want to make the most of being in the outdoors. There’s just nothing better than spending many hours under a warm sun, right on your own property. There’s sometimes just one issue: your garden won’t receive sunshine all day, because at some point your home or your neighbours’ home will block the sun. There’s one handy, awesome way to get around this issue, however, and that’s to add a rooftop terrace to your home. This will effectively give you two outdoor living spaces at your property: your back garden and your roof. Rooftop terraces are perfect for more or less all types of relaxed days outdoors, but they’re especially great for lounging and enjoying BBQs with your loved ones. 

 

Upgrade balustrades

 

Sunrock Balconies Infinity Blok Balcony

 

If you already have a balcony, but it’s looking a little dated, then consider upgrading to infinity glass balustrades. This will instantly give your home a sleek and modern appearance. This frameless feature will let in plenty of light into your balcony since there’s nothing blocking the light; there’ll be no shadows. If you have a home with a view, then you’ll get to look out at it in all its glory. There are aspects to enjoy while you’re sitting out there on your balcony, but you’ll also enjoy the view of your home from the street too. They look fantastic. 

 

If you’re ready to create the ultimate outdoor space in your home, then be sure to get in touch with Sunrock Balconies. We offer a wide range of services and have the expertise and experience you need to make your grand plans for your home a reality.

 

How to Enhance your Garden with Glass

Posted Sunrock Balconies

Sunrock Balconies - How to enhance your garden with glass

You can use a variety of materials to enhance your garden or outside space. Glass is one of the most versatile materials that you can use, both in practical and aesthetic ways.

It can create sleek lines and a contemporary feel, and it’s fantastic for increasing light and helping spaces to look bigger. If you want to use glass in your garden, you can install a range of features that have an impact on the look and feel of the space. Sunrock Balconies can offer you glass balconies and balustrades, as well as other glass products to help you make more of your garden.

Install a Water Feature

Water features are brilliant to add to any garden. They can help to create a more relaxing space, offering both a calming visual and sound. Glass water features are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a modern and sophisticated option for your garden. Consider a glass water wall, for example, where the water running down the wall can create rainbows as it catches the light. Or you might like a sphere of glass with water running down it, or perhaps a multifaceted glass water feature, where each piece feeds back into the others.

Have Glass Art or Sculptures

Art and sculptures are not just for inside your home. It’s also a good idea to add them to your garden, patio, terrace, or other outside space. There are many different things you can do with glass, both clear glass and coloured glass. Glass art outdoors often takes the form of sculpture, perhaps mixed with other materials such as certain metals or wood. You can choose something elegant and understated but effective, or maybe something bigger, more colourful, and even more powerful. Everyone has different tastes, so you have to find glass art that you enjoy.

Make Use of Mirrors

Mirrors are also a fantastic way to make use of glass outdoors. If you want to make your garden look bigger, the use of mirrors can help. Mirrors reflect the space around them and help it to look like there is more space for you to use. If you want to hang a mirror, you can find some beautiful traditional styles. However, you can also look for something more contemporary if you’re not a fan of arches or ornate frames. You could place a mirror at the end of your garden, at the head of your outdoor dining table, or somewhere else that will give the illusion of more space.

Install Glass Balustrades, Railings and Floors

 

Sunrock Balconies Enhance your garden with glass

 

Sunrock Balconies offers a range of glass products that you can use to improve not just the aesthetics of your garden, but also the functionality. Infinity glass balustrades allow you to install a barrier that doesn’t obstruct or obscure your view. The infinity glass is installed seamlessly to enhance your garden. Staircases and steps can be made more stylish with glass railings, and even glass floors on balconies can allow light to shine through to the space below.

Enhance your garden with glass to turn it into a more inviting space that you will want to use all year. To contact us or request an online quote, please click here.

 

Make Full Use of your Garden during Lockdown

Posted Sunrock Balconies

Sunrock Balconies Make the most of your garden during lockdown 1

During the lockdown to protect us in the coronavirus outbreak, many people have found that their garden or balcony has been a godsend.

It provides somewhere to sit outside on sunny days and means that you’re not stuck inside even when you’re at home. If you’re lucky enough to have an outside space to use, knowing how to make the most of it will make your experience of lockdown more pleasant. While people are gradually returning to work and other activities, there’s no telling when we all might be able to get back to normal. In the meantime, it’s worth perfecting your outdoor space so you can make full use of it.

Add Additional Living Space

 

When you’re spending a lot of time at home, your home can start to feel smaller. However, when you have outdoor space, you can use it to the best of your ability to expand your home. Outdoor living space is a blessing when you want to get out of the house. It might be in the form of a patio or terrace, or perhaps a balcony. You can use outdoor living space to create somewhere to relax, eat, and drink and even cook, too, with an outdoor kitchen or barbecue.

 

Set Up Somewhere to Sit

 

Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling terrace, somewhere to sit and enjoy your garden is essential. You can set up a seating area in several ways, whether it’s with a comfortable sofa, a bistro table and a couple of chairs, or a full dining set. When you’re deciding where to create a seating area, think about the view you will get, the position in relation to the sun and shade, and how you’re going to use the rest of the space that you have available. Choose furniture that’s comfortable and stylish, and designed for use outside.

 

Get a Great View

 

Sunrock Balconies Make the most of your garden during lockdown

 

Making the most of the view that you have is another great way to make full use of your garden. Using infinity glass for your balcony can help it look bigger and give you a better view. Having infinity glass balustrades installed by Sunrock Balconies will give you a completely frameless perimeter that enhances your outdoor space. You can also make changes to your garden to improve your view, such as trimming trees that might be blocking what you can see. You might not be able to change anything outside of your property line, but there are things that you can change.

 

Connect Indoors and Outdoors

 

Another way to make the most of your garden is to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. You can connect the two spaces so that they flow more seamlessly into each other. Now might not be the time for any major renovations, but you can still make your existing space flow more. Use a similar decor style both inside and outside, open up your doors, and be creative outdoors to create more of an indoor look.

When you make full use of your garden during lockdown, you can keep yourself occupied and have a great space to relax. If you are looking to expand your outdoor living space, then contact Sunrock Balconies for an on-line quote or to browse our fabulous products, please visit the website here. 

 

 

 

All About Glass

Posted Sunrock Balconies

Glass is one of the most common materials used for the production of items we use every day. Our pre-historic ancestors used naturally formed glass from volcanic lava which had rapidly solidified without crystallisation for weapons or tools. This type of glass was of great value and was very much sought after.

Archaeological evidence of the first manufacturing of glass has been found in Ancient Egypt dating back to 1500BC. However, glass from these times was produced by glazing pre-made items or beads that had accidentally formed from metalwork. It was in the Bronze Age that the first signs of glassmaking as we know it became apparent where molten glass was poured into containers.

It wasn’t until the 1st century BC that glass blowing was first used by Syrian and Palestinian workers. This changed the whole industry enabling easy production at lower costs. The Romans spread the technique across their empire, and it became commonplace not only for the production of jewellery and containers but for architectural purposes.

How is glass made today?

Glass is made from sand. Sand contains soda ash, lime and silica, which when heated, becomes liquid. We’re talking temperatures of at least 1700°C or 3090°F!

Once it’s reached this temperature it completely transforms so it will never return to its original state and even when cooled it never quite solidifies. Scientists call this type of liquid an ‘amorphous solid’. So, as incredible as is sounds, it has the characteristics of a solid and a liquid!

Why is glass so versatile?

Glass is relatively inexpensive to produce. Because it’s transparent it can be used for a variety of purposes in and around our homes and workplaces. It is commonplace within the architecture of buildings adding interest, natural light and character.

It has a resistance to heat once it is set and it is ‘chemically inert’ – in other words it’s unreactive to materials or food products place on it or in it, so it is great for storage of food for instance.

Coloured, opaque, etched, moulded or cut, glass is exceptionally adaptable but equally, can be easily recycled or upcycled.

What is Laminated Glass?

Sunrock Balconies use laminated glass for balustrades. Laminated glass has a plastic interlay placed between two sheets of glass during production. This creates a tight bond so if the laminated glass does get damaged it will remain intact because the fragments are bound on the thin film of interlay. Therefore, it doesn’t shatter into tiny pieces and reduces the risk of injury.

Laminated glass provides greater UV resistance and sound proofing compared to standard glass so it’s great for external balcony balustrading and internal glass walls.

So, we’ve established that glass is exceptionally versatile and practical. That’s exactly why Sunrock uses it for infinity glass balustrades because they match these qualities. Fabulous design features, adding interest and luxury they will add style and sophistication to your home or outside space.

All are designed to your specifications making sure that Sunrock balustrading helps to change your lifestyle and create a feeling of space from within as well as more living space outside. We guarantee everything will be compliant with UK building regulations.

Take a look through our product range to get some more ideas, or if you are ready for the next step then request a quote today. If you’re still unsure, feel free to Get in touch – we’d be happy to answer any questions or discuss a job you have in mind.

Top Tips to keep your Balustrades in Tip Top Condition

Posted Sunrock Balconies

There is no doubt that a glass balcony is a great way to improve both the look and functionality of your outdoor area whether it’s a patio, deck or small garden or even indoors as an architectural feature. Sunrock Infinity Glass Balustrades are beautifully engineered and ultra-modern. Completely frameless or built with stylish stainless-steel posts, they deliver a wonderful feeling of space.

Glass is very durable. It will not be affected by weathering such as rotting or fading. Sunrock balustrades without a handrail are manufactured with 17.5 mm laminated toughened glass. Those with a secure handrail will be 15mm toughened glass. All rails and fixings are matching marine grade 316 stainless steel which is particularly good if you are by the coast or have a swimming pool.  

So how do you keep Sunrock’s Infinity Glass Balustrades as beautiful as the day they were installed? It’s simple – clean them every few weeks and this will keep them looking amazing. It will also avoid the need for a deep clean and definitely no need for specialist cleaning.

Regular Cleaning

The best way to clean glass balustrades is to wipe them down regularly with a cloth just using clear warm water. Any watermarks can be avoided by drying the glass off with a towel or microfibre cloth.

If the water droplets have dried off leaving waterspots, these can be buffed away with the towel and won’t damage the glass.

Grime or Grit

If it’s been some time since the balustrades have been cleaned, or if there is heavy soiling such as dried mud, bird droppings or general grime, a small amount of washing up liquid in the warm water will help break this down. Used sparingly the detergent won’t damage the glass. Whenever this method is used, the balustrade should be wiped down with clear water afterwards to remove any residues of dirt and detergent

Grease or Stickiness

Got fingerprints? Don’t worry these are easy to remove too. Although they are more likely to occur on internal balustrading they could equally occur outside, particularly with young children around. By using a household class cleaner which has properties to break down grease and stickiness those fingerprints will soon disappear. We would recommend you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Scratches or Staining

For stainless steel posts or handrails which have not been maintained appropriately, they may have small scratches or staining on them. There are stainless steel cleaners which, used gently, can be purchased which are mildly abrasive so any marks or scratches can be diminished. Once again, we recommend you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and also do a small patch test on a hidden part of the rail.

No, No, No

Here’s what you should never do!

  • Never use sandpaper or wire wool
  • Never use any product that contains muriatic or hydrochloric acid
  • Never use chloride based products

If you follow the Sunrock guidelines here, you will be able to keep your balustrades looking fabulous and as good as new.

If you’d like to know more about our products or would like to talk through a project you have in mind, Sunrock Balconies has a dedicated team of experts who can help and advise you on all aspects of your project. Our aim is to help add function, style, and appeal to your home so get in touch today.