Underfloor heating pipe on concrete slab

Concrete Slab with Underfloor Heating: The Smart Way to Build Warm, Efficient Floors

Posted on May 12, 2025

As suspended timber ground floors become less popular amongst new build construction firms. Block and beam and insulated concrete slab are becoming the staple. When insulation is a priority, a slab is the optimum and is easily paired with underfloor heating (UFH) Concrete Slab or Suspended Floor? Choosing the Right Foundation for UFH Recently, a client approached Resolve regarding the replacement of his suspended ground floor with a concrete slab. Personally, I am an advocate for suspended floors, primarily because I consider upgrading or retrofitting them to be a more sustainable and DIY-friendly...

The Hidden Weak Spot in Your Renovation – Insulating window reveals

Posted on April 17, 2025

by Russell Selby

There’s a critical detail that often slips our mind, and that’s the junctions in particular insulating window reveals. When it comes to upgrading a home’s energy performance, most people focus on the big stuff – new windows, fresh insulation, maybe new appliances. Job done, right? Not quite.Whether it’s where the wall meets the roof, the floor, or as we’re focusing on in this short blog, where the wall meets the window. These are the spots where performance can quietly unravel if they’re not treated with care. Types of heat loss Heat loss...

Double vs. Triple Glazing: A Financial Comparison Over 25 Years

Posted on April 2, 2025

by Russell Selby

When upgrading their home, homeowners often face a crucial decision regarding windows. Many will remember the rise of double-glazing windows in the 1990s and 2000s. Now, however, we are presented with a new option: double glazing or triple glazing? While triple glazing is widely considered a premium upgrade, it remains relatively uncommon. But is it worth the additional cost? Should more people be considering it? In this article, we compare the differences between double and triple glazing and conduct a financial assessment over a 25-year period to determine which option...

Changing EPC rules for Landlords

Posted on March 19, 2025

by Russell Selby

The UK government is proposing significant changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rules for landlords, set to take effect in 2026. These changes are designed to provide a more accurate and comprehensive reflection of a building’s energy efficiency of all properties. They also come with new rules that could substantially impact landlords in the private rental sector (PRS). Below, I explore these proposed changes, their potential impact, and what landlords and property investors need to consider moving forward.A New EPC Rating System for 2026 One of the major changes is...

battery storage in manchester attic (purple)

Powering Manchester’s Future: Saving more with Battery Storage Solar PV

Posted on February 19, 2025

by Russell Selby

Adding battery storage to your solar photovoltaic (PV) system can significantly enhance its utility and financial returns. But is it worth the extra investment, especially in a city like Manchester, where sunshine is scarce and energy markets are increasingly volatile? Let’s delve into the practicalities and economics of incorporating batteries into your PV system while considering the shocks that affect energy prices and market dynamics. Please first read the previous blog PV in Manchester for background understanding prior to this supplementary discussion. Solar Alone Isn’t Enough. Why Batteries Are the Missing...