Call: 02089881662

Month: November 2021

4 Ways Potholes Can Damage Cars

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Whether you’re someone constantly pushing the speed limit or prefer to drive more cautiously, we all have a common enemy. Potholes! 

We can all agree that potholes are the true menaces of the road. But despite the uncomfortable ride and sudden lurches on the road, do you understand the full extent of how they can damage your car? 

We have broken down the four ways potholes can damage cars, making you a lot more cautious of swerving them where possible. However, we hope we can do a little more than that and convince you to fix potholes on your property if you have them! 

How Are Potholes Formed?

Before we detail how potholes can damage cars, lefts break down how these nuisances are formed. 

Potholes appear when water gets between small holes and cracks in the road surface. In the winter, ice will form and expand in the cracks, making them broader and deeper. Once the ice has thawed, it will refreeze and keep doing this until drier weather. As more vehicles drive across it, the area becomes displaced, increasing the damage to the road over time.

There are estimated to be 1.7 million potholes in the UK, with local councils repairing one every 19 seconds. They are continuously patched up, and it is only a matter of time before more will form in other parts of the road surface. It seems in British weather, we are fighting a losing battle against potholes.

Last year, the AA reported 1,766 pothole-related accidents, so it is essential to know their dangers to drivers and vehicles.

4 Ways Potholes Damage Vehicles

Potholes are almost impossible to avoid and are highly dangerous for vehicles. Damage can range in severity, but it can still cost you money to fix, even if the damage is minor. If you suspect any damage to your car, it is always worth getting it checked out sooner rather than later to keep you safe on the road and save you money.

Slowing down when approaching a pothole will help reduce the impact on your tyres and suspension, especially if the hole is more pronounced. However, if it is safe to do so, it is always better to try and avoid them altogether. Suppose you know a section of road is notorious for potholes. In that case, it is worth choosing an alternative route, even if that adds on a few extra minutes of journey time. This will hopefully save you from experiencing one of these four common problems:

1. Tyre Damage

Most pothole damage occurs in tyres because they directly interact with the surface. The harsh edges of potholes can penetrate the rubber and slash the tyre, so it loses air quickly, making it extremely dangerous to drive.

Hitting a pothole at high speed can cause a bulge in the wall of the tyre. The impact causes the liner to separate from the sidewall, allowing air to get in and causing a visible swelling in the tyre. It is something you must look out for as it does not affect your driving but could lead to a severe blowout that can occur at any time.

2. Wheel Damage

Wheel plates can also be affected by potholes. Depending on the severity of the impact, wheels can become distorted, so they no longer form an airtight seal with the tyre. It will ultimately lead to a flat tyre in need of replacement. The shock from hitting the pothole can also affect your wheel alignment and steering as it travels up through your car. 

3. Suspension Damage

Harsh jolts can damage your vehicle’s suspension, especially in smaller cars. Hitting a pothole can bend, snap, break, sever or deform any part of the suspension componentry in your vehicle. This includes the rubber bushes that cushion the metal-on-metal impact between the arms, levers, springs and joints in your vehicle’s front end. 

4. Undercarriage Damage

As well as cosmetic damage, essential parts of your vehicle’s undercarriage can become damaged by hitting the ground hard. Depending on the pothole’s depth, particularly in sporty cars, as your wheel drives into the hole, the bottom of your vehicle can hit the road surface.

This can lead to a hole in your exhaust, which is particularly dangerous. The fumes from your vehicle will not be able to pass properly through the catalytic converter, releasing harmful gasses and damaging your health and the environment. It will also make your car extremely noisy and less powerful when driving.

Preventing Pothole Damage 

After reading this list, we don’t blame you if you’re even more cautious around potholes. 

To prevent severe damage, you can practice sensible driving, avoiding potholes where possible. Look out for any puddles in the road, as that likely means, there is a pothole below. Make sure you regularly check and top up your tyre pressure, but this is only half the problem. 

To accurately prevent pothole damage, the best solution is to simply have potholes repaired. We feel passionate about this, which is why Kiasu offers a pothole repair service in and around London. Our team of pothole repair experts caters to both public and private clients to the highest standard. If you require our help, don’t hesitate to get in touch to learn more about how we can help you today. 

We can also help you with other property maintenance, including road marking services, to ensure total road safety compliance. 

Related

A guide to road markings (find out how they really work)

Is an electric car right for me?

Electric car charging – what you need to know

kiasu contact details footer

Choosing The Perfect Bathroom Layout

Posted on by rob.fullsend

If you are looking to update your bathroom, there are a few things you need to consider. From choosing the right sink to colour scheme and flooring, you need to plan out all of your options. Most importantly, you need to consider your bathroom layout.

You do not have to stick to your bathroom’s current layout; however, this does make the renovating process faster. You can re-shuffle and design an entirely new space that better suits your needs.

We have listed some of the essential things you should consider when planning to ensure your end up with your perfect bathroom layout.

Start With Your Toilet

When planning your bathroom layout, you need to consider the current configuration. It will indicate where the plumbing is, most significantly, the soil pipe. As the soil pipe leads directly outside, it is difficult to reposition and not worth the extra cost.

We suggest beginning your bathroom layout plan from the position of the toilet and working around that. Other components in the room can be adjusted if preferred. Kiasu can solve any plumbing needs, from installations to repairs. With 24/7 services and no call-out charge, we are proactive in saving our customers money.

Bath, Shower, Or Both?

If your bathroom is of an older design, it will most likely have a combined bath and shower. It is a great way to save space, however not always necessary. Many modern bathroom designs don’t include a bath at all, all depending on your preferences.

When planning your layout, you could also consider whether you can fit a separate bath and shower, especially if your bathroom is larger. L-shaped bathtubs are a good option if you only have room for a bath/shower as they give you extra space to shower without eating up too much of your floor space.

Is it Essential?

There are countless images on the internet of bathroom inspiration and ideas. It can lead to serious bathroom envy and want for features that may not be practical for your space or lifestyle.

Keep it simple. Consider what you require from a bathroom, then develop your bespoke design from there. Take inspiration from styles you like and make them work in the space you have got.

Storage

Storage is crucial when designing your bathroom layout. If your current bathroom lacks storage, this is a great time to consider where you can fit some extra cupboard space or shelves to make the most of the room.

If size limits you, you can save space by installing a cupboard above your toilet or opting for mirrored cabinets to maximise any extra space on your wall. Under-sink storage is an additional way you can utilise typically unused space.

Radiators & Towel Rails

A radiator is a valuable feature in a bathroom as it helps to dry out excess moisture, preventing damp, and it is also for heating up and drying towels. Whether you have an existing radiator or not, it is worth factoring one into your bathroom layout.

Towel rails are an excellent space-saving option as they maximise empty wall space and can hold more items. They come in a range of sizes, so you will be able to find one that fits perfectly in your room. Kiasu has an excellent team of experienced heating and gas engineers who can install any bathroom or wetroom plumbing.

Plan

Planning is essential when choosing your new bathroom layout. Make sure to measure your floor space and account for any windows or facilities you wish to keep in place. It is helpful to draw out a birdseye view of your desired floor plan to ensure everything fits.

There should be a minimum of 21 inches between your toilet and any other facilities, which will ensure you have enough space to move around comfortably. There is a range of online 3-D bathroom design tools you can use so you can more accurately see how your bathroom will look.

 

Now you have all the information you need for the perfect layout; you need to find the ideal people to build your bathroom. Kiasu is experienced in various services, from plastering and tiling to plumbing, painting, and decorating. You can be sure to find the perfect people for the job with us. If you wish to get in touch about your bathroom project, please call us now on 0208 988 1662.

What Shower Type is Best For Combi Boilers

Posted on by rob.fullsend

What Is a Combi Boiler?

A combination boiler – or combi boiler, as it is more commonly known, can provide hot water and central heating in the same system. There is no need for a separate water tank. When a tap is turned on, a combi boiler pushes cold water into the heating system, which is then heated up as it travels through the pipes. They are one of the most popular choices of boiler installations in the UK.

 

What Sets a Combi Boiler Apart from Other Boilers?

They are More Efficient

Compared to older boilers, combis are a lot more efficient. Swapping your old model boiler with installing a new combi boiler could save you hundreds in your annual energy bills. As the water is not stored in a tank, you should never run out of hot water when working correctly.

They are Safer

Water from a combi boiler is safe to drink as it comes directly from the water mains. This is not the case when using a separate water tank, as water is stored in a tank before it is piped around the house.

They are Cheaper to Run

Replacement parts for a combi boiler are a lot cheaper than older, traditional models. They are also easier to install as they are less complex, meaning combi boiler installation is more affordable. Running a combi boiler is cheaper as water is only heated when you need it.

They are Smaller

There is no need for a water tank or hot water cylinder with a combi boiler; therefore, they take up a lot less space than older types of boilers. Great for properties with limited space.

 

The Best Showers for Combi Boilers

There’s a wide range of showers to choose from with a combi boiler, as they have between 1 to 2 bar pressure. Read on to find out some options.

Thermostatic Showers

These are the perfect choice for combi boilers as they can provide a continuous temperature. This is handy with combi boilers, as one problem with these boilers is if somebody uses hot water in another room, the shower’s temperature can fluctuate. You can even set a maximum temperature to keep your family safe from unexpected hot or cold water.

Digital Showers

The best feature of digital showers is that you can set the temperature and flow rate of the water, and you know the temperature will remain the same, similar to thermostatic showers. Digital showers are also available with great extra features like LED lights and remote controls.

Manual Showers

These can be used with high and low shower pressure, so you should always be able to find a manual shower to work with your boiler. Manual showers are more straightforward than other showers, so cheaper and easier to install.

The problem with manual showers is the valve does not control the temperature. Therefore, if somebody else uses the water supply in your building, the water could suddenly change. For this reason, these showers are not recommended in houses with young children.

 

Any Showers That Won’t Work With a Combi Boiler?

Power Showers

These showers won’t work with combi boilers as they are designed to increase the flow rate of tank fed supplies. Combi boilers produce water at a fixed rate, so it can’t be changed for a power shower.

 

If you have any further questions regarding combi boilers or any other property maintenance queries, contact us, and we will be more than happy to help. We’re based in London, but we work with clients across the UK. 

How To Transform Your Kitchen On a Budget

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Your kitchen is the most important room in your house. It gets used multiple times a day, making general wear and tear more likely. A complete kitchen renovation is one of the most expensive projects you can undertake in your home. They can cost between £5000 and £14000, so before you take the plunge, it is worth considering some smaller updates you can make instead.

These ideas will help to save you time and money but give you that much-needed refresh.

1. Face-Lift

There are many different ways you can update and upgrade your kitchen without opting for a complete remodel. Take a look at your kitchen and think about what parts are looking tired and need a refresh. By choosing a couple of features to focus on, you can massively limit the cost and time it will take to complete. You will be surprised by the difference a fresh lick of paint or a few new furniture additions can make to the overall look of your kitchen.

2. Colour Scheme

If you have had the same kitchen for many years, it can begin to look dull and fade over time. However, if it functions well for you and your appliances are in good working order, you may just require a bold new paint choice to update the look of your kitchen.

Re-painting walls or kitchen cabinets is a job that is accessible for most people. You will need to set a few hours aside to do it well, but it will be the most cost-effective method. If you lack spare time, you can hire a professional painter-decorator for a small fee. Kiasu offers London-based expert painting and decorating services. Our workforce is efficient, friendly, and professional.

3. Re-Think Your Storage

After years of use, your kitchen has probably accumulated a lot of clutter to fill the cupboards. Holding on to too many things can make you feel as though you are limited on space when perhaps you just need to adjust your storage methods.

It is crucial a kitchen remains practical and having a few too many pots and pans or ingredients you have used once can quickly eat up your space. Think about what you can let go of to free up some extra storage. It is also worth considering what you use most and putting these items in the most accessible place.

4. Tiling

The wall around your kitchen counter can gather food debris, dust, and grease, and although even with regular cleaning, the grout can eventually become dingy. Re-tiling your kitchen walls is a relatively cheap update you can make. Styles change often, and re-tiling can be an effective way to modernise your kitchen.

Tiling is a task you can take on yourself to minimise the fee. However, if you do not fancy the DIY, a professional can tile for a reasonable price. Charged either by square-foot or by hourly rate, the fee for the job will remain relatively low. Kiasu offers a tiling and plastering service for your London property. We can fit any tiles so that they perfectly coordinate with your surrounding features.

5. Features & accessories

Feature walls can be a simple yet effective way of brightening up your kitchen. If you have a kitchen diner, adding a bold wallpaper or exposed brick wall can help separate the dining area from the kitchen. You can also add a bright coloured backsplash around your hob or sink.

Adding accessories to your walls, such as shelving or artwork, can also help liven up your space. Funky prints in bold frames can help create a busier effect and help to bring your kitchen to life. You can also upgrade an appliance, such as your fridge, to make it a stand-out central feature in the room.

6. Light Fittings

One of the simplest ways you can update any space is with alternative light fittings. There are many unique shades and effective filament bulbs that can add a cool feature to your kitchen.

Depending on your budget, you can find plenty of good quality light fixtures on the high street for various prices. Installation is straightforward and quick, meaning you can soon be on your way to a lighter and brighter kitchen.

7. Fix-Up Existing Appliances

Your appliances are the most subject to wear and tear than any other part of your kitchen. While they do have a certain lifespan, you don’t want to waste unnecessary money replacing them before you have to.

By correctly maintaining your kitchen appliances, you can ensure they stay as good as new, saving you a lot of money in the long term.

8. Up-Cycle

Up-cycling has become a massive trend in recent years. By utilising your existing items or finding some great pre-loved pieces, you can reduce your spending and carbon footprint. Updating furniture by sanding, painting, or varnishing can completely alter the effect and bring new life into your home.

Up-cycling projects are fun ways to spend downtime. However, if you are too busy, antique fairs and car boot sales can be an excellent way to find good quality furniture for a fraction of the price. One-of-a-kind vintage items are popular and will add history and character to the room.

 

We hope this has given you some helpful money-saving ideas to spruce up your kitchen space. By re-thinking the process and getting creative, you can cut costs and end up with a completely new design unique to you. If you have any questions or wish to inquire about your kitchen transformation, call us now on 0208 988 1662.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety In The Workplace?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Health & safety is a crucial part of workplace planning, and fire safety is possible one of the most important things to consider. Workplaces often have high traffic in and out of the building, and they usually hold highly flammable materials such as chemicals and paper documents. Luckily, we can manage fire risk by installing effective fire safety solutions, such as fire alarms and extinguishers. But the question is; who is responsible for fire safety in the workplace? Let’s discuss this below.

 

Why Is Fire Safety In The Workplace So Important?

Fire safety regulations can change, so keeping up with what’s expected by law can be difficult. Workplaces might think their fire safety is compliant with the law without realising their safety protocol is outdated and unsafe. Workplace fires happen more often than you think. 

The fact that many workplaces house flammable materials means these fires can be devastating if not controlled. Throughout one year, 22,200 fires were reported in non-dwelling properties in the UK! 3,700 of these cases were recorded where alarms failed to sound. Installing fire alarms can significantly reduce the damage caused by fire.

Workplaces also have a high footfall; significant traffic means many lives are at risk from workplace fires. It is the responsibility of employees to ensure their staff are safe! Also, fires can destroy property, which could, in turn, ruin a business. Insurance companies probably won’t cover the cost of damage if appropriate fire safety solutions weren’t in place!

 

Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety In The Workplace?

The workplace’s responsibility for fire safety used to lie with the emergency services, but the rules have now changed. Multiple people are responsible, including the following:

  • Employers
  • Landlords
  • Owners
  • Occupiers
  • Anyone who has control of the premises

These people are all known as responsible person/people. When there is more than one responsible person, everyone needs to discuss who is responsible for what. It’s a good idea to put everything discussed down in writing!

 

What Fire Safety Measures Should Be Put In Place?

The responsible person needs to make sure all appropriate fire safety is in place and maintained. All the fire risks need to be removed, reduced, or managed with safety measures. This is to save lives and protect property! The main aim is to remove hazards, make sure the escape route is clear, and that people can escape quickly in an emergency.

Risk Assessments

This is a legal requirement for any workplace with over five employees (and it must be written down). The responsible person/people first need to identify potential fire hazards, anything that could start a fire or cause it to intensify/spread. Trained professionals can help with your fire risk assessment; this will ensure nothing is missed!

The responsible person also needs to identify anybody who is at increased risk. This includes people with disabilities, anyone working closely with fire hazards, or isolated within the building. 

All fire risks need to be removed where possible; otherwise, they need to be managed. Suppose it’s not possible to remove fire risks such as flammable materials. In that case, they should be placed with less flammable materials. These findings need to be recorded and written, and an emergency evacuation plan must be made. Here are some templates to help you write up your risk assessment!

No Smoking Policy

Not only is it bad for staff health for people to smoke on work premises, but smoking is also a huge fire hazard. Smoking materials caused 36% of fire-related fatalities in one year! The responsible person should inform everybody who uses the no-smoking policy and put signs up around the premises to remind them of the rules!

Fire Alarm Systems

The responsible person must ensure an adequate number of fire alarms are installed throughout the premises. If a room contains a fire risk (such as a kitchen with an oven), it must have a fire alarm fitted. Fire alarms should be marked with a BSI kitemark or European (CE) safety mark. They should always be installed and serviced by professionals!

Fire Extinguishers

These are a crucial part of fire safety in the workplace! Fire extinguishers slow down the spread of fire to save lives and prevent properties from being destroyed. It is up to the responsible person to ensure all extinguishers are serviced annually by a qualified person (BAFE qualification or equivalent). All extinguishers should also be inspected regularly by the responsible person to check for any damage.

Fire Doors

It is down to the responsible person to ensure fire doors are kept free from obstacles and remain in good working order. There must be the correct number of fire doors for the size of the property, and regular inspections must be carried out by a trained professional. It is a legal requirement that fire doors are correctly installed and maintained!

 

Never Forget About Fire Safety Training! 

Fire Drills

To be used alongside other safety measures, fire drills are a crucial part of fire safety! The purpose of a fire drill is to recreate the process if a fire did break out. The fire alarm is set off manually, and then the building is evacuated following the planned evacuation procedure. The process needs to be monitored and recorded. Any problems that occur need to be solved to ensure the process can run smoothly in the future!

Inform Staff of Their Role

We know how important it is for the responsible person to understand their role, but all staff need to understand how to help keep the workplace safe! Staff need to report any risks as soon as they are spotted. Staff also need to know the importance of following the evacuation plan properly. It is up to everybody in the workplace to work together to keep the premises safe!

Always Tell Visitors The Evacuation Plan

Don’t forget about visitors! They also have a role in fire safety. Make sure everybody who enters the building is informed of your emergency evacuation plan. Put signs up around the building also to remind you of this plan! Make sure all visitors sign in and out; this means you have a record of everybody inside. This is crucial if an emergency does occur, as you can make sure everybody has made it safely out of the building.

 

Seek Out Professional Help

If you are unsure about your fire safety in the workplace, the best advice is to get in touch with a qualified, skilled, fully trained professional! They can ensure your fire safety solutions are all up to scratch, meeting safety regulations to keep your staff and property safe! Contact us at Kiasu Workforce to find out more.

What Is M&E and What Does It Mean For Your Business?

Posted on by rob.fullsend

M&E services are provided by facility management companies, whose primary responsibility is to offer a vast range of property maintenance services. These services range anywhere from cleaning to landscaping, from air conditioning to electric car charging points. Rather than using different contracts by specialist supplies, M&E services provide one contract with a bundle of services. Using M&E services drastically reduces costs and makes installing and maintaining facilities a whole lot easier.

 

What Is M&E Facilities Management?

M&E stands for mechanical and electrical services; it refers to all of the systems that a facilities management company installs and maintains. M&E refers to the whole process; installation, certification, maintenance and repairs. Mechanical and electrical systems are different, but they often work in cooperation to help run a business.

Mechanical Systems

The primary output and purpose of a mechanical system is a physical action. Mechanical systems can contain electrical components and rely on electricity to operate, but their primary function is physical.

Here are some examples of mechanical systems businesses often use:

  • Escalators
  • Elevators
  • Air Conditioning Systems
  • Machinery
  • Tools & Equipment
  • Boilers

Electrical Systems

Electrical systems primarily produce digital outputs. Some electrical systems do have physical functions, but these are their secondary functions.

Here are some examples of electrical systems businesses often use:

  • Lighting Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Electric Car Charging Points
  • Fire Alarms
  • Power Supplies

 

M&E Installation

An engineer should always undertake the installation of mechanical and electrical systems. Professional facilities management engineers are correctly trained and highly knowledgeable. Systems can be complex; facilities management teams will always ensure the systems and business are safe, reliable and cost-effective.

M&E teams are there to help through every stage, from planning to installation, from testing to maintenance.

 

M&E Maintenance

Maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems should also always be undertaken by an engineer. Maintenance needs vary depending on industry requirements and what systems a business uses. Some companies require full-time on-site support or periodic/on-call maintenance.

M&E maintenance includes planned maintenance contracts, inspections, regular repairs and also 24/7 emergency services.

 

How M&E Services Benefit Businesses?

Maintain Business Assets

Mechanical and electrical systems are often businesses’ most valuable assets. Without these systems, many companies would have problems operating. Using M&E services ensures mechanical and electrical systems also meet safety standards, keeping staff and customers safe.

Free Up Company Time

Outsourcing facilities management frees up company time that they would otherwise use to train staff and complete maintenance. M&E services take care of the maintenance, giving businesses peace of mind that everything is done to the highest standard. This work can sometimes even be done remotely, meaning the engineers don’t even need to be on site.

Help Every Step Of The Way

Rather than sourcing a professional for each step, M&E services are available to help at each stage of the process. This saves money and time, and businesses can rest assured that the job is done correctly.

Maximise Efficiency & Save Money

M&E services make sure systems are up to date and working efficiently. This ensures mechanical and electrical systems work to the best standard and prevents future problems from occurring. Having regular maintenance significantly reduces the cost of replacements and repairs.

 

If your business requires M&E services in and around London, Kiasu Workforce is here to help. We pride ourselves on completing 100% of your projects 100% of the time. Contact us today to find out more.