Is Amtico Flooring better than laminate?

Amtico and laminate flooring are two of the most popular flooring options in Scotland, and across the world.

laminate

Amtico is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and are renowned for their huge range of styles and the high quality of their products. We are proud to be one of the only Approved Amtico Installers in the nation meaning that we are able to provide a full range of products and all our showroom staff are fully trained in Amtico products.

This is fantastic, but we realise that every single customer has their own unique tastes, budgets, and requirements, which is why we also offer an extensive selection of laminate, vinyl, hard wood, and more.

Amtico and laminate flooring are often compared and confused, which is not all that surprising considering the large number of similarities that there are between the two.

For a start, both Laminate Glasgow and Amtico are designed to mimic natural materials such as stone and wood and feature a HD printed top layer and textured finish to add realism to the tiles and planks.

So what is the difference?

As much as there are certain similarities between LVT and laminate, they are not the same, and there are also many differences between the two.

LVT from Amtico is certainly a more premium product, with a more realistic finish and is often indistinguishable from the real thing to the untrained eye.

Being much warmer and softer to walk on than hardwood, and able to be installed over all forms of underfloor heating, this makes it the perfect choice for practical homeowners who love the appearance of wooden or stone flooring.

The main difference, however, is in the manufacturing process. LVT is created by combining multiple layers of Polyvinyl chloride PVC, whilst laminate is created using high density fibreboard.

This does lead to a less durable product, but it is cheaper in most cases, and laminate production is considered pretty eco-friendly as recycled wood pulp is used as part of the construction.

The other big difference is the thickness of the tiles created. LVT flooring is thinner than laminate, under 5mm, whilst laminate can exceed 10mm in many cases.

LVT is quieter to walk on, and softer, and it is for this reason that our customers often report that LVT feels more premium when trying out both options down at our Glasgow showroom.

IF sound absorption and privacy is a big priority for you when installing a new floor, you really can’t go wrong with LVT.

What about ongoing maintenance?

There is very little to choose between laminate and Amtico flooring in terms of maintenance. This is because there is in fact very little maintenance to do.

Both are remarkably low effort to care for, although you should take care to use dry cleaning methods such as brushes to clean your laminate, whilst LVT can be cleaned using a wet mop with no difficulty or risk of damage being done.

How does mobile tyre fitting work?

Mobile tyre fitting is a relatively new service that is now offered by tyre repair and replacement companies up and down the UK.

If you have been fortunate enough never to get a puncture whilst out and about and have always had time to pop into your local garage when you need your tyres replaced, you might not even realise that these mobile fitters exist.

They do, however, and the service that they provide to people in your area is extremely important.

If you have a blowout or discover a puncture whilst out and about, you have a couple of options.

You can fit the spare tyre and find a local garage in your area that is open at that time (Not always easy in the middle of the night, or you can call a local expert who will be by your side in a matter of minutes to provide a full repair or replacement of your tyre and get you back safely on the road and on your way.

tyre replacement

The 2nd option sounds a lot more convenient right? This is exactly what a mobile tyre fitter offers providing round the clock tyre installation and tyre repair Edinburgh services to motorists in need across the region.

What is mobile tyre fitting?

In a word? Helpful. No matter where you are when you discover an issue with your tyres, a mobile tyre fitter is never too far away.

Taking your car into the garage takes time, and depending on the nature of the issue it might not even be possible. Even if it is, there are much better things that you could be doing with your day.

Mobile tyre fitting is exactly what it sounds like, tyre fitting on the move, by highly trained professionals at a time and place that suits you.

Mobile tyre fitters will travel directly to your vehicle, no matter if its at the roadside, at your home, at your workplace, or anywhere else in the local area.

They will do all the hard work on your behalf and leave you free to go about the rest of your day.

The best mobile tyre fitters come equipped with everything required to not only repair punctures but also to replace the entire tyre if required in their mobile fitting vans.

Routine mobile tyre fitting

One of the biggest misconceptions about mobile tyre fitting is that the service is an emergency only one and that if you are not in a rush or stuck at the roadside taking the vehicle into the garage is still the better option.

In reality, there are as many benefits to routine tyre fitting as there are to emergency tyre fitting.

You can arrange to have your tyres replacement wherever you want them and whenever you want them.

You could arrange for a fitter to come to your workplace and replace your tyres whilst you are in the office, or sit at home with your feet up and a cup of tea whilst they replace your tyres outside.

6 things to know before getting lip fillers

Lip fillers are often the very first cosmetic treatment that people get and are widely considered as a pretty low risk injectable when provided be a skilled cosmetic doctor.

However, this reputation does mean that some people rush into getting lip fillers Glasgow without doing all the appropriate research and end up disappointed or upset with the outcome as a result.

We never want anyone to walk away from our Glasgow clinic feeling this way so have compiled a list of the 10 things that everyone should know before getting lip fillers.

Lip fillers

Explain what you are looking to achieve

Before committing to a lip filler treatment, explain clearly to your doctor what it is that you are hoping to get out of the process. Whether this be addressing lip asymmetry, restoring lost volume, or creating a fuller and more attractive lip shape, this information will help you doctor to set realistic expectations and customise the treatment for your needs.

Celeb photos aren’t helpful

Getting lip fillers isn’t like getting a haircut, bringing a photo of a celebrity and asking to get lips like theirs isn’t a good idea. Not only might the clinic be unable to fulfil your request but everyone’s face structure is different and you should be looking to accentuate your own natural beauty rather than mimic someone else.

Bruising can occur

You may see a small amount of bruising around the top of the lip and around the mouth when you get lip fillers, but this should fade in a couple of days.

There are different types of filler available

Lip fillers can be made up of a number of different substances, both permanent and temporary, and whilst it is best to ask your doctor which is best suited to your needs, it is worth getting to know each type first. Hyaluronic acid based dermal lip fillers are some of the most popular fillers on the market and they dissolve over time and pose very few potential health risks.

Lip fillers aren’t permanent

No lip filler lasts forever, although there are ‘permanent’ fillers available that will last for as long as 10 years. These may be suitable for those who don’t wish to return to a clinic regularly but do come with some associated risks. Surprisingly, the most impressive results are often found in temporary fillers, such as those made from hyaluronic acid, but will required you to return for a follow up treatment every 6-12 months if you wish to retain the look they offer on a long-term basis.

Recovery is normally pretty easy

One of the biggest worries for those considering cosmetic treatments is the impact that recovery will have on their daily lives. Surgery usually involves many weeks of recovery and time off work and other activities but this is not something that you necessarily need to worry about with lip fillers. There is usually little to no downtime involved in an injectable lip filler treatment and the most discomfort that most people report is slight discomfort or swelling for a couple of days.

The Importance of Roof Repair: Protecting the roof that protects you

Your roof is the protector of your home, keeping you and your loved ones sheltered from the outside world and protecting your from the elements 24/7 365 days a year.

Given how much your roof absorbs, it is no surprise that it will become a bit tired and worn over time, and eventually you will need to take action to prolong its lifespan.

It is important that you do this at the right time, as a damaged roof is a serious concern that can compromise the integrity of your home and put your possessions and safety under threat.

Roof repair Glasgow is an essential service that should be carried out on all older roofs and those which have taken damage as a result of storms, bird activity, freak accidents, or for any other reason.

Why is your roof so important?

Your roof is your first, and only defence against rain, snow, sleet, wind, and anything else that the notorious Scottish weather can throw at it. It also plays a critical role in the energy efficiency of your property and helps you to keep your home at the perfect temperature for less all your long. You should arrange for roof inspections to be carried out on your roof by expert Glasgow roofers on a regular basis, and ensure that any issues that are detected are dealt with promptly.

This will help you to avoid far more costly repairs further down the line, and even complete roof replacement that is inevitable if the issues are allowed to escalate.

roof repair

5 benefits of roof repairs

Having your roof repaired as soon as issues are detected will save you a whole world of pain further down the line.

5 of the biggest benefits of fast roof repairs include:

Protecting your home

Roof leaks put the possessions and people inside your home at serious risk. Water can destroy your belongings in an instant, not to mention seeping into structural supports and potentially compromising the very foundations of the property. A damp environment is also prime real estate for mould and mildew growth that can be very harmful to nearby humans, especially those with existing allergies or medical conditions.

Extend your roof’s lifespan

You might think that roof repairs seem a bit expensive, especially if they are identified before any leaks have occurred, but the alternative is waiting for the roof to degrade even further, at which point, replacement will likely be the only option.

Trust us, it is a lot more cost-effective to repair your roof now and extend its lifespan by many years, than it is to replace it due to a lack of care.

Improves home value

The condition of the roof is an important factor to property buyers and keeping yours in great condition will maximise the amount that you are able to get for your home if you wish to sell in the future. This doesn’t mean you have to be considering moving out immediately, but a sturdy and visually attractive roof that increases curb appeal will put you in a great position if things every change.

Improve energy efficiency

A damaged roof is a serious flaw in your home’s energy efficiency, letting heat seep away and costing you a fortune during the winter in increased heating bills. Installing insulation is widely recognised as one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency in a property but this will have little impact if the roof is damaged. Leaks don’t only have to let water in, they also let air in and out and repairing them will make it a whole lot easier and cheaper to keep your home at the perfect temperature all year round.

Keep your home looking great

We all want our homes to look their best at all times and your roof plays a major part in determining the aesthetic of the property from the outside. Repairing your roof when required, and having it cleaned on a regular basis will keep your home looking in tip-top condition at all times, impressive visitors, neighbours, and passers-by and creating a pleasant environment to come home to after a tough day in the office.

Roof repairs Glasgow

Is DIY roof repair a good idea?

No, working at height can be dangerous and any significant repair work should always be carried out by a highly trained experienced professional.

These experts carry out roof repairs on a regular basis and have all the experience, tools, and equipment required to prolong the lifespan of your roof. Make sure to do your research and find a reliable local roofer in your area, however, as the standard of repair work that is done will determine how effective the new roof will be and how long it will take for the issues to reappear.

Could infrared saunas be better for you than traditional saunas?

Are infrared saunas finally knocking traditional Finnish saunas off their perch as the ultimate heat treatment tool?

The benefits of using a sauna for recovery, relaxation, and socialisation are well known. The traditional style sauna, heated using wood, hot stones, or more recently electric heaters, have been used across the globe for centuries now, first appearing in Finland well over 2000 years ago.

Ever since, it has been used to ease muscle soreness, destress after a tough day, and an opportunity to get together with friends.

The concept behind the sauna itself, hasn’t changed too much either over that time. A small room, heated to a high temperature by a heating source, sometimes filled with steam by pouring water over hot stones.

However, times may be changing. The Infrared sauna is the latest piece of heat treatment technology to have hit the market, and it really has taken the wellness sector by storm.

Infrared saunas offer all the health and lifestyle benefits of a traditional Finnish sauna in a far more energy efficient way, focussing deep penetrating heat on the user, rather than heating only the room itself.

But is this just a fad? Traditional saunas have passed the test of time with flying colours and look set to thrive for many centuries yet. So, are Infrared saunas Glasgow here to stay? Or are they simply a passing trend?

That is exactly what this article will examine, looking at exactly how infrared saunas work, why their supporters are so adamant that they are a better option than traditional sauna, and finally at some of the biggest health benefits to infrared sauna use.

infrared sauna Glasgow

What are infrared saunas?

Infrared saunas, in contrast to traditional saunas, don’t heat the air around the sauna user, but rather their body directly.

When you use an infrared sauna, infrared lamps attached to the walls or ceiling will send electromagnetic radiation waves into your body. Infrared waves are not visible to the human eye, but they are also completely harmless and will have no negative impact on the human body. In fact, hospitals often use infrared to treat new-born babies.

Infrared waves are much more efficient at penetrating deep within the human tissue than conventional heat meaning that when you use an infrared sauna you will begin to feel the benefits far quicker, and they are likely to be more significant.

As a result of this targeted heat, infrared saunas operate at a much lower ambient room temperature than traditional saunas, normally somewhere in the region of 40-60 degrees Celsius rather than 70-90 degrees Celsius.

There are several different benefits to this with the main two being that those who do not enjoy extreme heat may find an infrared sauna more enjoyable, and that infrared saunas can safely be used for longer periods of time without risking overheating.

It is estimated that only 20% of all the heat that is generated by an infrared sauna goes to heating the air inside the room itself, with 80% heating the body directly.

Why would use choose an infrared sauna over a traditional sauna?

Energy Efficiency

If you are thinking about having your very own home sauna installed, an infrared sauna Glasgow is by far the most cost effective option.

They use significantly less energy to operate than a traditional sauna, due in part to the fact that the room does not need to be pre-heated before use. Energy bills are high enough as it is just now without choosing to increase them further unnecessarily when there is a cheaper option available that doesn’t involve a drop in either quality or effectiveness of results.

Deeper heat

The penetrating heat of an infrared sauna Glasgow amplifies many of the biggest health benefits of regular sauna use.

It sends blood surging round all parts of the body, opening blood vessels, and healing minor injuries at a faster rate. It removes lactic acid from muscles, allowing you to train harder and recover quicker than ever before. It even improves your skin’s appearance by producing an intense sweat that washes away much of the debris and toxins that have gathered in and around your skin’s pores over time.

Simply put, almost all the wonderful advantages of traditional saunas for your health that have been celebrated for all these past years exist with an infrared sauna, many to a greater extent.

infrared sauna door
Customisation options

Infrared saunas come with all the customisation options that you would expect from a technology that is at the forefront of innovation within the heat treatment industry. With a huge selections of colours, designs, shapes, and sizes to choose from, you will have no problem in finding a home infrared saunas that perfectly matches the aesthetic of your home.

Is DIY Pest Control worth it?

If you have discovered a pest problem involving rodents, birds, insects, or any other species in your home or business, you need to take action straight away.

A trip to your local supermarket will reveal a myriad of ‘DIY’ pest control products claiming to offer effective solutions to almost any pest problem you can think of at a lower price than calling in the professionals.

But is it really worth it? Should your DIY attempts fail, you may well be left with a much worse problem than you had before as pest species often breed at a rapid rate meaning any delay can be extremely costly.

Furthermore, there are very strict regulations over the use of pesticides and if you end up harming a non-target species, even accidentally, you could face serious legal repercussions.

That isn’t to say that there is no benefit to home pest control, however. Putting preventative measures in place to prevent pest infestations forming in the first place is a highly effective step that should be taken by every homeowner, for example.

This article will run you through some of the more common pests found in the UK, looking at whether DIY pest control is a good idea and how to tell when it’s time to call one of the best pest controllers Preston.

best pest controllers preston

Bed Bugs

There are some pest species where it can be worth attempting DIY control before calling in the professionals and you could save a bit of money if you are successful.

Bed bugs are NOT one of them. It simply isn’t worth the risk of letting an infestation grow and the chances of achieving complete eradication without professional grade heat and fumigation equipment is extremely slim.

Bed bug removal can often take a few visits to complete as these insects are pretty hardy, but with the help of a professional you will get there, and the nightly battle will be over once and for all.

Infestations of bed bugs are some of the most upsetting and difficult to manage of all pest problems and all that matters is that you are able to take back control of your home as soon as possible.

If you run a hotel, hostel or similar shared accommodation business, the risk of bed bugs is higher than in a domestic home due to the high turnover of different guests so consult with. Professional pest control expert for tips on the best way to protect your reputation and guard against these biting nuisances.

Rodents

Mice and rat traps are some of the most commonly bought DIY pest products anywhere in the world.

Snap traps and bait boxes can be effective in killing rodents and you may well find that you do end up achieving limited success simply by placing them in areas where you have seen rodent activity.

Unfortunately, killing one or two rodents isn’t going to touch the sides when it comes to removing an extensive infestation and to do that you will almost certainly need to use a professional.

Professional pest controllers deal with rodents daily and will use a proven combination of rodenticides, trapping, and habitat modification over a series of treatment visits to achieve complete control.

The sooner you act the better as rodents not only breed quickly but also have a tendency to gnaw their way through almost anything, including electrical wiring, and thousands of property fires across the UK start in this manner every year.

pest control worker

Birds

Pest Birds such as gulls and feral pigeons have never been a bigger threat to human health in the cities and towns of the UK, roosting and nesting on houses and commercial buildings due to the close proximity of food sources.

There are a variety of bird scarers that can be purchased and installed in your garden such as model owls and other decoy birds of prey.

Unfortunately, whilst these may initially be effective, over time, birds will realise that the decoys pose no real threat and simply return to the property.

For effective and permanent relief from your bird pest control problems, the best thing to do is to have netting or spikes installed by a professional pest controller. They not only have the equipment and expertise to install these specialist deterrents, but are also aware of all the legislation regarding the treatment of pest bird species.

Birds of all kinds are strictly protected under animal welfare law and it is illegal to disturb birds nesting or remove eggs without the required licenses. The penalties for doing so can be pretty severe so it is never worth taking the risk.

For more information on the benefits of professional pest control services, get in touch with us now and speak to one of our highly trained BPCA accredited pest control experts.

How to prepare for double glazing installation

New double glazed Edinburgh windows and doors are a great investment in the future of your home and having them installed is an exciting time. You have lower energy bills, less noise, and great views to look forward to, but first you need to go through the installation process itself.

You have chosen your window design, agreed a quote, and are ready to go, but first you want to make sure that you and your home are fully prepared for the work to be carried out. Our expert installers are happy to help you prepare you home by moving furniture etc., will minimise disruption and will clean up meticulously after they have installed your windows.

However, there are a few simply ways for you to make the process as smooth as possible for you, and allow the professional fitter to carry out installation as effectively as possible.

Edinburgh windows and doors
These include:

Arranging installation around your schedule

Most double glazing Edinburgh windows and doors installers will be quite flexible over when they install your windows and are always happy to be flexible should there be any unexpected incidents that mean you need to reschedule.

Try to ensure that your installation date is a day where you will be able to keep any children or pets away from the area, during the working day when you are off work for example.

If possible, choose a date where you could be available the day after if required, just in case there is an unforeseen delay or problem with installation. If you don’t intend on being at home at all during installation that’s fine, but make sure to arrange for your installer to be able to able to gain access to the property.

Keep the driveway clear

If you have a driveway outside your property make sure to keep it clear on the day of installation. This will make it a bit easier for your installers to bring your new double glazed windows as close as possible and make the whole process a lot simpler. If this is not possible, don’t worry, but anything that you can do to make accessing the property that little bit easier will be much appreciated by your installers on the day and ensure you have your new windows in place as soon as possible.

Move fragile items

Professional double glazing installers will do all they can to keep any mess to a minimum inside your home and will lay down dust sheets to protect your carpets, rugs, and soft furnishings.

You should try to move any decorations or ornaments that are particularly fragile out of the way whilst installation is carried out just in case they accidentally get knocked.

This not only avoids your double glazing installation costing you far more than it needs to but also gives the installer more room to operate, allowing them to finish installation as quickly as possible.

 Move furniture

Our double glazing installers are happy to move heavy furniture for you when they come to your property to install your new double glazing.

This is a lot easier for us to do, however, if the surrounding area is free of smaller items such as plants, kids/pet toys etc. Try to clear the floor of the rooms in which your windows will be installed in advance, allowing for a smooth process on the day itself. We will be very grateful.

How long does it take to have new double glazed windows installed?

Double glazing installation

The exact time that it will take to have double glazed windows installed depends on a number of factors including the weather, the location of your property, and the size of the property.

If windows are located in hard to access areas or are uniquely shaped, the process may take a little longer but better this than the installers try to rush the job and make a fatal error that will come back to haunt you in the years to come.

Double glazed window installation should only ever be conducted by a highly trained and skilled professional and quality should always be prioritised over speed. An experienced installer will usually have all your windows replaced in under a day, but this is not always possible.

A good installation firm will communicate clearly with you if there may be a delay and explain exactly why this has occurred. We always try our best to complete our installations in a timely fashion and will never leave you with gaping holes in your property especially during the winter months.

You also need to factor in time to clean up any debris or trim the edges of a new double glazed window installation.

A guide to boiler servicing

Boiler servicing is conducted by Gas Safe engineers and involved a thorough inspection of your gas boiler.

Annual boiler servicing from CHS Glasgow will help to keep your boiler in top condition, maximising energy efficiency, prolonging the lifespan of the boiler, and reducing the risk of breakdowns or dangerous leaks.

If you are a landlord, boiler servicing is a legal requirement and you must have a certificate verifying that checks have been conducted. For homeowners, they will help to keep your home safe and ensure that you do not accidentally invalidate your boiler warranty or insurance policy.

But what exactly is involved in a boiler service, how much do they cost, and how do you find the right engineer to carry out this vital task?

This article will answer all these questions and more, giving you all the information that you could possibly need on boiler servicing in the UK.

What happens during a boiler service?

boiler being serviced

Basic Checks

When conducting an annual boiler service, a Gas Safe engineer will carefully inspect and clean your boiler to ensure it is in top condition.

Once complete, they will provide you with a report detailing their findings, any work done, and any work that is required in the near future.

They will begin the service with a visual inspection looking for any of the more obvious indications of boiler problems, faults, or issues.

These may include leaks of either gas or water, damage to electrical components, any combustible materials nearby, signs of overheating, and much more.

Efficiency checks

Once these basic checks have been complete, they will move on a an efficiency check where your boiler will be turned on in order to identify operational faults.

The engineer will check each and every component that could affect the efficiency of the boiler from the burner to the spark sensor probe.

They will also check the gas rate to determine if the unit is operating as it should according to the manufacturer’s guide. Finally, they will remove any dirt or debris that has built up that will impact negatively on the amount of heat energy that the boiler produces.

Safety checks

Ensuring your boiler is working efficiency is essential, but the safety of the unit is by far the most important aspect of a boiler service.

A Gas Safe engineer will conduct a detailed examination of the boiler’s stability as well as checking the seal and combustion components for any signs of damage or deterioration.

They will also make sure that the boiler is operating at a safe pressure level and test for any carbon monoxide leaks.

When is the best time to have your boiler serviced?

As boilers are used most during the winter months many people understandably decide to have their boiler serviced at this time of year. However, it actually makes a lot more sense to arrange a boiler service for the summer months for a number of different reasons.

Firstly, engineers and boiler companies tend to be a lot less busy during the summer, meaning that you have a lot more flexibility over when the service is carried out. Many will also offer discounts to those who book services at this time in order to fill their schedules.

Furthermore, it is much better for issues to be identified in the summer when your boiler is not required as often than in the winter when any time spent waiting for an engineer to be available will be spent in the freezing cold.

How much is a boiler service?

Technician servicing the gas boiler

Depending on the time of year you book your boiler service and the Gas Safe engineer in question, a boiler service tends to cost somewhere in the region of £70-£100. You, like many others, may consider skipping a boiler service in order to save yourself some money but this really isn’t a good idea and will only lead to paying more in the long run.

For a start, failing to arrange a service will lead to your boiler’s energy efficiency gradually dropping over the years costing you more in energy bills each winter.

It will also lead to a higher chance of expensive repairs being required and shorten the lifespan of the unit itself. Having to replace your boiler with a brand new one years before a replacement would otherwise have been required simply because you didn’t have it serviced is not a smart financial decision and could end up costing you thousands.

Get in touch

If you are looking for annual boiler servicing and want to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal, get in touch with our expert team of Gas Safe engineers today and we will be delighted to help.

Pro and cons of criminal defence lawyers

Recently been accused or charged with a crime? If so, you need to act fast. The sooner you find the appropriate legal representation the better, giving you the best possible chance of successfully defending yourself against the charges.

One of the options that you have at your disposal is to hire the services of a criminal defence lawyer Glasgow who handles cases similar to yours on a daily basis. Any decision that you make at this stage, however, will have far reaching consequences for the rest of your life and making the right choice could literally be the difference between keeping your freedom and losing it.

Before you go ahead and hire a criminal lawyer make sure to weigh up the pros and cons of doing so to make sure that you are comfortable with the decision. Luckily, to help you do just that, we have compiled a list of some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of doing just that.

Advantages of hiring a criminal defence lawyer

Criminal law

Protect you from the harshest penalties

Depending on the evidence available in your case and the skills of the lawyer you hired, you may be able to have your charges dropped completely or for the case to be dismissed in court.

This is not always possible and by reviewing the evidence in detail your lawyer will be able to tell straight away what the likely outcome of the case will be.

They will then work tirelessly to protect you from the worst case scenario, the one that the prosecutor is pushing for.

If you are innocent of the crime that you have been charged with, it is the job of a criminal defence lawyer to prove that and protect you from any punishment at all.

Extensive legal system knowledge

Knowing criminal law inside out is one thing, but the legal system itself is almost as complex and your lawyer will help to guide you through it.

They will know all the paperwork that needs to be filled, the meetings that must be taken, and the deadlines that must be met. They will also likely have experience of dealing with the judge and opposing counsel involved in your case and will use this knowledge to put together the defence that has the highest possible chance of being a success.

Protect your image

Even if you are completely innocent of what it is that you are being charged with, a lengthy legal process can have a major detrimental impact on your reputation. Your defence lawyer will do all that they can to achieve a quick resolution and allow you to go back to living your life and protect your reputation at all times along the way.

Explain complex terms

The legal world is packed with complicated language and spiel that can be extremely confusing for someone who is not on the inside. A great criminal defence lawyer will break down language and processes into layman’s terms, guiding you through the process and ensuring that the prosecution can not try to bury you in paperwork and overwhelm you with technical language.

If you are ever struggling with something to do with the case, your lawyer will only be a phone call away and will be able to both reassure you and work to alleviate your concerns.

Cons

criminal law case

Cost

By far the biggest negative of hiring a criminal defence lawyer Glasgow is that one with the experience and expertise that you require won’t come cheap.

In fact, many will demand a significant fee upfront, although this is far preferable to one whom hides behind hidden fees and additional unforeseen payments further down the line.

Bear in mind that your very future and freedom could be at risk if a criminal case does not go your way and the cost of hiring a lawyer will be more than worth it if they achieve the result that you are looking for.

For this reason, it is not a good idea to go cheap when choosing a lawyer either, and experience should always be put above initial fears over cost.

There are many legal aid options for those seeking legal representation and do not have the funds to hire their own lawyer. Everyone has the right to representation in the UK.

Handing over control of your case

Most people who decide to represent themselves instead of hiring a lawyer do so because they want to retain control of their own destiny. Unfortunately, doing so can often make that destiny far less appealing. Unless you have extensive experience of the criminal system yourself, representing yourself in court is a bad idea and almost always leads to a worse outcome for the defendant at the end

Is FaceTite effective as a Non-Invasive Facelift?

Non Surgical Facelift
FaceTite is a cosmetic procedure that combines fat reduction and skin tightening to reduce the signs of again and create a more toned, contoured face and neck area.

Also known as radiofrequency assisted liposuction (RFAL) is a highly effective and increasingly popular genuine alternative to a surgical facelift where the skin is manually tightened by a surgeon under general anaesthetic.

The radio frequency used in the FaceTite procedure both melts fat in the face area, increasing contours and creating a slimmer looking appearance, and tightens skin by heating the skin and increasing collagen production.

Glasgow patients love FaceTite as it offers all the benefits of a full surgical facelift without many of the associated downsides.

Non-surgical facelifts are most effective in the lower half of the face and can be used to tackle smile lines, sagging skin in the cheeks and jowls, and to add definition around the neck area.

FaceTite, as the name suggests, is not suitable for other areas of the body and you should browse our range of body countering services for more information on what is.

Who uses FaceTite?

Our FaceTite client base is large and there are a wide and diverse range of people who could benefit from the treatment.

Like any cosmetic procedure, however, there are those who are prime candidates for the treatment and will see the biggest benefits as a result.

Anyone who has developed skin laxity in their face or jowls thanks to fat pockets or sagging skin could be a candidate for a non-surgical facelift.

As people enter their late 40s and early 50s, they are likely to notice more of the tell-tale signs of aging.

For this reason, many of the people who have a FaceTite treatment are in this age range, and manage to enjoy a much more youthful appearance for many years longer than would otherwise have been the case.

Please get in touch with us today if you are unsure if FaceTite is the right option for your needs, and one of our expert doctors will be delighted to advise you.

What are the differences between a surgical and non-surgical facelift?

Surgical facelifts are conducted by a trained surgeon under general aneasthetic and involve insicions being made in the skin to allow for tightening and reshaping.

Recovery from this invasive process can take between 6-8 weeks depending on the patient and you should expect to pay anywhere in the region of £8,000-£12,000.

On the other hand, a non-surgical facelift using FaceTite does NOT require general anaesthetic and has a far less impactful effect on your ability to take part in day-to-day activity.

Completed in just a couple of hours in many situations, FaceTite treatment is conducted using local anaesthetic and there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure.

After the procedure is finished you will likely experience some minor swelling, redness, and bruising in the area for a few days, but won’t face anywhere near as much downtime.

You can expect to resume completely normal day-to-day activities in just 1-2 weeks.

Despite the results being just as impressive in many cases, and lasting upwards of 5 years, FaceTite is significantly cheaper than a surgery facelift, coming in at around £4,000-£5,000.

If you have a set budget, or simply can’t afford to take several weeks off work whilst you recover from surgery but still want to enjoy all the benefits of a facelift, a non-surgical facelift conducted using FaceTite is the perfect choice.

What happens after getting FaceTite?

In the immediate aftermath of FaceTite you may be provided with a compression garment that should be worn home to help ensure that the skin heals as it should.

After 1-2 days of complete rest, you will be able to return to work and just a couple of days after that the effects of your treatment will begin to show.

If you have any concerns regarding the treatment that you have received, contact the provider.

If you have any concerns regarding your health, including continual bleeding, or excessive pain, contact a doctor immediately.

The chances of anything going wrong with a non-invasive facelift using FaceTite are extremely low and significantly lower than with surgical alternatives.

When will the full results show?

The best thing about FaceTite is that the results you will enjoy will just keep getting better and better over time.

Within 10-14 days the full results will begin to show, but because the radio frequencies from FaceTite cause your body to begin producing the collagen that increases skin elasticity, the results will continue to get better and better for many months to come.

Expect to see the final results after around 3-6 months as this is the moment when you will reach peak collagen production.

DIY vs Professional Sauna Installation

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Fed up with having to traipse your way to the local spa or high-end gym to enjoy the wonderful relaxation and recovery benefits of a good sauna session?

If so, a home sauna could be a great investment. Home saunas are one of the most impressive and practical luxury items it is possible to have inside your home, and what’s better is that in the past few years they have become significantly more affordable.

Regular sessions in a sauna located in the comfort of your own home is not only an incredible luxury for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy, it also offers a range of practical health benefits that can aid in sports recovery and help you to relax after a long day.

Home sauna use has been proven to soothe aching muscles, detoxify the body, help both your body and mind to relax, and reduce the impact of stiff joint conditions such as arthritis.

A quick internet search will reveal a myriad of home sauna and steam room options, from bespoke professionally designed, and installed rooms that are built into a custom designed house to DIY kits that you have to build inside the home.

Costing close to £9,000, whilst a quality home sauna is more affordable now than in the past does not mean that they are exactly cheap. This is still a luxury item and doing the proper research is essential.

Despite what you might think, installing your own sauna can actually be more expensive in many situations.

This article will help you choose the perfect option for your needs and compare the benefits of each different installation approach.

Purchasing a pre-built sauna

If you are an experienced joiner who wants to take on a major project, you may decide to purchase all the materials and individual components that make up a home sauna and build yourself a bespoke set up completely from scratch.

There is only a very small number of people with the skills, time, and desire to do this, however.

For the majority of those who are looking to install a home sauna, there are two realistic options to achieve this.

One, have a professional company design, provide, and install the sauna for you; or two, purchased either a pre-built, or ‘flat-packed’ home sauna and attempt to install it yourself.

You should expect to pay around £2,000 more to have your sauna professionally installed, but doing so guarantees a certain level of competence that can avoid extremely expensive

If you or anyone else for that matter, attempts to move your new home sauna without professional help and damages it, this could end up costing you a LOT more than the £2,000 you might have saved.

Even if you do have the skills required to install the sauna yourself, you will still need to hire a qualified electrician to check that it has been installed safely and meets all the required standards.

This will take a significant chunk out of any savings that you made by avoiding professional assistance.

Many professional home sauna suppliers, have BOTH qualified joiners and qualified electricians as part of their installation team whose services are included within the cost of professional installation.

Professional Sauna Installation

With the exception of the occasional DIY expert who is trained in the required skills, DIY home sauna installation should not be attempted.

Hiring a respected professional company is worth the cost of sauna installation and is by far the best option for the following reasons, among many more:

  • Warranty protects you from any accidental damage or electrical faults
  • Perfect fit guaranteed
  • Expert installation from experienced professionals
  • Both joiners and electricians on hand throughout
  • Huge selection of custom designs

What about customisation?

One of the biggest potential benefits that people cite as a reason to build their own custom sauna rather than using a professional company is that they have complete creative control over the shape and aesthetics.

If you are someone who cares about maintaining consistency of design throughout your home this is particularly important.

Despite the massive range of practical benefits to home sauna ownership such as muscle recovery, stress relief, and detoxification, this is still an incredibly luxury asset to have in your home.

You want a sauna that looks fantastic and will impress your family and friends when they come to visit.

Professional sauna companies are fully aware of this and at INKA we have a huge selection of different bespoke designs to choose from. There really is something for everyone.

Professional sauna installers have put a huge amount of investment into the design of their products, and we have everything from stylish classic wood built Finnish saunas to the very latest contemporary designed infrared units.

Even the most competent DIY installer will struggle to match the quality of product and installation offered by a professional.

This is a treat that you have worked hard to afford, and you deserve the very best.

This is exactly what professional home sauna installation provides.

How solar panels could save you money in 2022

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Solar panels are a fantastic way to become more eco-friendly, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home, all whilst saving significant amounts on your energy bills every single year.

It is common knowledge that solar panels can any you money by reducing the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the national grid.

Did you also know, however, that you can also export any excess energy into the grid yourself, and get paid to do so?

This is exactly what is offered by the Smart Export Guarantee Scheme, currently available to all homeowners in the UK who produce their own renewable energy.

This article will examine exactly how solar panel installation can help you both save and make money and explain why there has never been a more appropriate time to invest in solar energy.

How can solar panels save you money?

It is estimated that most people will break even on their solar panel installation in around 10 years, impressive, given that photovoltaic and PV panels are designed to last upwards of 25.

Any money made, or saved, after the break-even point, is pure profit, making solar panels one of the best long-term financial investments that you can make.

But how exactly do solar panels Scotland return an investment?

Well, there are two main ways to recoup the installation costs of solar panels.

Firstly, by saving money on your energy bills, and secondly by selling excess energy through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme.

Save money with lower energy bills

The main reason that many people choose to install solar panels is to become more self-sufficient and reduce their reliance on ever more expensive fossil fuels.

Every year, by generating your own energy you could save as much as £500 off your energy bills, and the higher that prices rise, the more valuable the electricity that you generate will become.

It is impossible to give an exact figure for the amount that you will save as this depends on a number of different factors, primarily the size of the system in question but also the energy demands of your property, when it is that you use the most electricity, weather conditions, and more.

If you work from home, for example, you are likely to see larger savings as you will use more energy when production levels are at their highest.

To maximise your energy independence, you could consider installing a solar battery alongside your panels which will allow you to store energy that is not required immediately and utilise it when supply is low, during the night.

Bear in mind, however, that if you go down this route you will need to factor in the cost of purchasing and installing a battery when calculating potential savings.

Sell electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee allows solar panel owners across the UK to sell energy that they generate back into the national grid.

All energy companies with over 150,000 customers are required to offer an SEG tariff by the Government but there are no restrictions over what this tariff has to be and rates vary from just 1p/kWh to market leading rates of as much as 7.5p/kWh.

This variation means that in order to maximise the money you make from your solar panels, it is worth doing some research into the best options in your area and sticking with your current energy provider is unlikely to be the best option.

It is worth noting that even the very best SEG rates fall well below the market rate for buying electricity in the UK, 34.0p/kWh in 2022, so using your electricity in your own home, rather than selling it is always the most cost-effective way forward.

However, for those who do not have a solar battery installed, it is unrealistic to expect to use all the energy generated as supply almost always far exceeds demand during periods of high production.

SEG means that you will at least get some value out of this excess energy and ensure that not a single unit goes to waste.

What about the Feed-In-Tariff?

If you have had solar panels for a number of years, or have talked to friends or family who have, you have probably heard of the Feed-In Tariff.

This scheme preceded the SEG and is now closed to new applicants. The FIT not only paid homeowners for the energy they exported but for all of the energy they generated, even that used in their own home.

If you already have a FIT contract in place, you will still be able to collect payments until its expiration but if not, the SEG is your only route forward.

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