Imagine sitting on your balcony on a cool winter morning with a cup of tea in your hand. You are enjoying the warmth and life couldn’t get any better. But that scene plays out for just a month or two of the year. In our country, the heat can get quite brutal. Does that mean we don't enjoy all the spaces in our home all year round? All it needs is a curtain to allow you to enjoy these spaces for more time during the day and throughout the seasons!

Have you ever sat in your car only to realise that its hotter than an oven! A car, when parked needs to have its windows rolled up. Combine that with it standing in the sun, and the effect is truly that of an oven. In fact you’ll even find many videos online demonstrating baking in a shut car!

A safe haven for relaxation. A chance to be outdoors, but without being too exposed to the elements. That's the convenience that Balconies and Patios provide to us. But the thing to keep in mind is that while these wonderful additions to the architecture of our home and giving us comfort and protection, what is protecting them? Outdoor spaces are the most vulnerable to water damage that causes rot, mould and other serious issues.

We can talk of statistics, but as adults we are all aware that young children need constant supervision because their curiosity can sometimes turn very dangerous. Childproofing a home is an important part of a child’s growing up. But within that milieu, safety nets in balconies and staircases are crucial in protecting children from falls. These areas can be hazardous for young children, as they may not understand the dangers or have the physical ability to prevent an accident.