Latest news with #Temu.com
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Home Q&A: How to use curtains to banish draughts
Curtains are an old-fashioned fix for draughty windows, and with highly insulated windows, are only needed for aesthetic flair and privacy. That said, here's what they can do if your windows with higher U-values in older double glazing and rattling frames are not delivering. Curtain lining can provide an additional thermal and even acoustic barrier to improve the U-values of your curtains and windows. Alternatively, you could deploy two sets of curtains, with insulated lined curtains for cooler conditions and light to medium varieties for spring/summer. Look for specific thermal interlining when purchasing. For PVC windows and French doors, look into what's termed 'perfect fit' insulated blinds. These highly affordable blinds are comprised of a fabric pleated surface set in a custom frame with a honeycomb structure that holds off cold and keeps a modest amount of heat indoors. Pull them up or down out of the way on sunnier days to let in some free, passive UV gain. Suppliers include For large picture or period windows, take the curtains as close to the ceiling as possible in pencil pleats and let them pool slightly on the ground. Natural Cosy Texture door curtain, from €76, Next. Ensure the curtain is hung well beyond the reveal (8cm wouldn't be excessive). All curtains should be at least twice their size in centimetres to the size of the window to allow for draping. Velcro strips to hold it to the wall, in combination with a blind, can add to the curtain's thermal talents. Don't forget ropy old doors. These can also take a curtain detailed with internal wadding, but this must be pulled completely and safely back when not in use. Thermal door liners or even rugs can be pinned up on a door to cover gaps between boards, touching the floor to exclude some draughts. Temu offer magnetic, no-drill door curtains from around €18, Got a question for our Home team? Email home@
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Cheap hack that means neighbours can't see into your garden during summer months – and it's under £2
TEMU is selling the perfect product for keeping snoopers out of your garden - and it's just £2. With another bank holiday just around the corner, many of us have likely made plans to relax and enjoy the sun in the garden. 2 A privacy fence is a great way to keep your garden safe from prying eyes Credit: 2 The Temu svcreen can be easily attached to a balcony or fence However, there's nothing worse than your sacred haven being peeped into by prying neighbours . Putting up a high fence may seem like the obvious solution, but these can be pricey - and lead to disagreements with neighbours. So to avoid any drama, Temu's The dark green screen comes in a variety of sizes, from 1m x 1m to 1.5m x 10 m, so your garden can be protected, whatever its size. It is made from durable PVC mesh, so you don't have to worry about it getting blown away in a storm. The screen comes with eyelets, so you can easily attach it to an existing fence of balcony, for added protection. Plus, it's priced at just £1.96, so won't break the bank. Shoppers better hurry though, as there are currently only a few screens left on the website. Most read in Fabulous Customers have flooded the review section of the product with praise for the screen. One person said: "Brilliant, well made and worth the money." DIY Privacy Fences: Affordable Garden Solutions A second person said: "Well worth the money, it will give me the privacy I need." A third person said: "It looks good." B&Q's The stylish screen comes in a realistic leaf design, perfect for blending in to your greenery. What are your rights over a fence row? IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour. How do I know which side I own? A The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry. In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn't any legal basis for this. You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for. Often households can't get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn't panic. Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the Pros say: "The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the 'good' side. 'This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 'This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a 'good' and 'bad' fence side.' Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary's owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit. While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it's not foolproof - so you can't be certain. Fines and punishment It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it's completely up to whoever owns the fence. Fencing pros have suggested: 'It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no 'bad' side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.' If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside But if it's installed on the outside, it can provide an 'easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden'. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes. If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them. Changing a boundary If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed. The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added. In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it. But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself - since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage. How high can a garden fence be? The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours'. A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it's over than 2m. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the Plus, the product has been made with premium wood and weather resistant plastic, making it extra durable - so you don't have to worry about it coming down in windy or rainy conditions. A product description reads: "Bring refreshing greenery to your outdoor décor with this artificial hedge panel. "Designed for versatility, it works as a fence screen, wall décor, or garden hedge. "Its durable construction offers UV protection, while the breathable design ensures proper airflow. Read more on the Irish Sun "Perfect for balconies, patios, or terraces, it combines beauty and practicality without the need for ongoing maintenance." However, the privacy screen is only available online, so you will have to order it via the B&Q website instead of heading to your local store if you are keen to snap up the bargain.
