Month: August 2018

There are tons of reasons you might want to add plantation shutters to your home. Whether you enjoy the aesthetic appeal, the practicality, or the functionality, plantation shutters can be a great addition to the look and quality of your property.

There’s a huge number of plantation shutters on the market, and you might be wondering where to start. Should you look at the cost of plantation shutters first? The materials? Or the benefits?

The benefits, installation process, cost, and maintenance are all important parts of choosing the best plantation shutters for you and your home.

The benefits of plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are sure to add a new level of style to your home, but they also offer benefits that reach far beyond their style and design.

Durability

High-quality plantation shutters are made from durable and long-lasting materials, which means that your shutters are truly an investment for your house. They won’t warp or deteriorate, so there’s no need to replace them, and their durability will save you money in the long run.

Style

Though the construction of Plantation Shutters has evolved throughout the decades, they are still some of the most elegant and appealing window treatments out there. Plantation Shutters have a timeless appeal that won’t go out of fashion as trends change.

Because of their universal style, Plantation Shutters look great with almost any décor and will only enhance your interior space.

Insulation

Here’s a benefit that your wallet will thank you for, Plantation Shutters effectively insulate your home, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This insulation can reduce air-conditioning and heating costs by up to 25%, so even when the cost of plantation shutters are slightly higher, the energy savings are worth the price tag.

Low maintenance

Plantation shutters are incredibly easy to maintain. Forget complex cleaning products and specific equipment; just grab a rag and your everyday surface spray to wipe down and clean.

Environmentally-friendly

Some window treatments, like Modern Plantation Shutters, are made from non-toxic and 100% fully recyclable materials. You can feel good about your new home purchase because they reduce your carbon footprint and are the safest for you and your family.

Installation

Installing Plantation Shutters might seem like a daunting process, but with Modern your shutter installation is quick and easy. Experts will come to your home to fit each individual window, ensuring that the final product functions perfectly for your home. Your shutters will then be custom assembled, and as soon as they’re ready, installation experts will come back to your home to install your brand new shutters.

You’ll only need to wait 4-8 weeks for your shutters, and you won’t have to lift a finger as your shutters are fitted and installed to perfection.

Cost

The cost of Plantation Shutters depends on a few different aspects, the first being the number of windows you’d like fitted. As the number of windows increases, so will the price. The second aspect that determines the price of your Plantation Shutters is the size of your windows. Plantation Shutters can be fitted to a huge variety of window sizes, so the price is dependent on window dimensions.

When you’re shopping around, it’s important not to get caught up in finding the cheapest cost of Plantation Shutters. If you find a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Quality tends to go down with the price, meaning cheap Plantation Shutters will deteriorate quickly and need replacement much sooner than high-quality products.

Maintenance

There are a lot of things around our homes that need constant maintenance. Pools need to be cleaned, gutters need to be cleared, and lawns need to be mowed. But Plantation Shutters are some of the easiest window treatments to maintain. Modern uses a unique, dense polymer foam, the shutters will never crack, warp, shrink, discolour, or lose tension. This means that you can forget a big maintenance bill with each passing season.

The shutters are also super simple to clean. A quick wipe down with a rag and the products you already have under your sink and your shutters will be sparkling clean once again.

Whether you’re after a timeless new look in your home, a low-maintenance solution, or huge energy savings, plantation shutters could be the perfect new addition to your home.

Contact Modern today if you would like to learn more about Plantation Shutters and how they can work for you!

Without the proper knowledge, it can be hard to know when your roof needs to be restored. From the ground your roof can look in perfect condition but on closer inspection you may find your roof needs a makeover. At Modern we know what is involved with a good roof restoration and what you need to look out for when shopping around. Before you decide to go ahead with a full restoration make sure you read the points below!

Do Your Research & Shop Around

For many homeowners it can be tempting to accept the first roof restoration company that comes along. While you may be in luck and receive good workmanship for many people this isn’t the case. Make sure you do plenty of research and choose a company that has a good reputation and work history.

Read plenty of reviews and ask around. There is nothing better than seeking information from previous customers.

Ensure An Inspection is Done

Before you are given any sort of quote a thorough inspection of your roof should be done. Your roof restoration company needs to know exactly what condition your roof is in before they advise what work needs to be done. The roofing expert should take the time to point out any cracked or broken tiles, areas of interest and areas that need immediate action.

Get a Written Quote

Once you have found a company you are happy to do your roof restoration make sure you ask for a written quote. A fully comprehensive written quote should state exactly what service your roof restoration company will provide and how much they will charge. While some tradesman may try to make you take their word for it, don’t be fooled.

Speak To Your Tradesman

Take the time to speak to your roof restoration expert before any work starts. Make sure you know exactly what they are going to be doing before any work starts. Your tradesman should walk you through all steps of the job so you know what will happen and how long it will take. Make sure you ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have during this time.

Check with Your Local Council

It is always a good idea to double check roof requirements with your local council. Generally there won’t be any issues but it is better to double check before any work commences. Some councils have restrictions and rules when it comes to roofing so make sure you do a quick check.

Making sure you stick to these 5 tips will ensure your roof restoration goes smoothly. Taking the time to do some research and quick checks will save you in the long run. Modern are the experts in roof restorations and can help you with repairs you may need.

Contact us today on 13 11 78 to start the ball rolling to a new and improved roof!

Preparing your home for winter is something that many home owners seem to neglect. After your home has endured a very hot summer you need to make sure your house is ready to deal with a cold winter. There are a few things you can do to make sure your home is ready to deal with the change in elements before you run into trouble during winter.

Our home improvement experts have put together 4 ideas to keep your home in tip top shape during the colder upcoming months.

1. Check for Gaps

During a very hot summer it is normal to experience a few cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Hot weather can cause materials to expand and shrink once they cool down cause gaps and cracks to form. You may not realise but these gaps and cracks cause air to escape and air to come into your home.

When you have a spare moment do a once over of all windows and doors to see if you have any gaps or cracks. During the winter months these will cause drafts and warm air to escape. Over the cooler months this can really increase the amount you use your heater. From your local hardware shop you can get sealers that will stop drafts and air escaping when you need it most.

2. Check Your Roof

Your roof is the first part of your home to take the brunt of what mother nature throws at us. Before winter arrives always check your roof for any cracked or missing tiles. Hot air rises so having broken or missing tiles will mean that your heater has to work double time to warm your house up.

Winter also brings lots of rain and moisture. Missing tiles means your home is not protected from water damage. Water damage can cause all sorts of problems not only to your roof but to internal rooms and electrical work. Modern can help with any roof repairs you may need. With your roof it is always better to deal with the problem sooner rather than later.

3. Get Out in the Garden

While not everyone enjoys gardening autumn is a great time to get outdoors and make sure your gutters are free from blockages and any low overhanging branches. During times of rain clear gutters will help drain water away from your house and down the drain pipe. If your gutters are full you will find they overflow which can cause damage to your roof and other parts of your house.

Taking a day or two to properly clean up your garden will save you a lot of heartache during winter time.

4. Check Your Heating System

Heating doesn’t get used for 6 months of the year and always needs to be checked before use. This includes a dual air conditioner that runs both hot and cold air. If you have a small portable heater that has been in storage for 6 months make sure you take the time to give it a good dusting before you turn it on.

Heaters and heating systems should be checked will in advance of use, if there is anything wrong you will then have plenty of time to get the system fixed before the onset of the cold weather.

Taking the time to double check these tips before the cold weather hits will save you a lot of heartache and headache come winter time. Modern can help you with any roof or gutter issues you need fixed. We can also help with any shutters that you may want installed to help keep the cold out.

For a quote or more information on any of our products contact us today!

It isn’t too long until Winter will hit us with full force. While it’s often hard for us to re-adjust to the new cooler climate, did you know that your roof also needs some attention? Autumn is the perfect time to check the health of your roof and make sure that it is winter ready.

Some of the team here at Modern have come up with some great tips and tricks that you should do to ensure your roof is up to the harsh winter weather.

1. Clear Your Gutters

This isn’t a job that anyone likes but it’s extremely important that you keep your gutters clear. During winter we get a lot of rain and frost that needs to be able to effectively run along your gutters. If your gutters are blocked by leaves and other debris you run the risk of your gutters flooding which can cause water to leak into your home.

This rule applies in summer as well, blocked gutters can become a big fire hazard if you allow them to be filled with leaves, sticks and garden matter. Once you have cleared your gutters make sure you cut back any bushes, trees or plants that hang over your gutters. This will stop your gutters from blocking up again so quickly.

2. Check For Rust

While you are cleaning your gutters keep an eye out for any rusted sections. This is something many people ignore and rusty gutters aren’t going to help you during a large storm or larger period of rain. If your gutters are allowed to rust they will not be able to run rainwater along your house to the drain, meaning possible leaks.

If you do find any rust on your gutters our Modern Gutter experts can come and have a look and let you know what needs to be done to get your gutters back to tip top condition.

3. Check Your Tiles

Take the time to have a good look over your roof tiles and shingles. Any cracked or broken tiles need to be replaced as soon as possible. If left unfixed water can leak into your home doing more damage to the inside of your home as well as in your roof. These kinds of issues ideally need to be fixed before any bad weather so as to prevent bigger issues down the track.

4. Check For Damp Spots

If you see any damp spots show up on the inside ceiling of your home then you should get in touch with a roofer as soon as possible. This is a sign that your roof is leaking somewhere and needs fixing. If left untreated you will eventually end up with internal damage that can be very expensive to fix.

Modern are the experts in roofing and gutters and can help you whenever you need it. Our experts can give your roof and gutters a health check to determine if you have any areas of concern. We also understand that roof emergencies happen, we are available 24Hrs to help with emergency repairs.

Contact us today to receive an obligation free quote on a roof or gutter job!

We all know how stunning and timeless plantation shutters look in any home. Favoured among coastal areas, plantation shutters provide the maximum amount of light and air control for any room. There are many home owners who choose not to install plantation shutters due to the fact that they can’t give up their love for blinds and curtains.

But, why should you?

Plantation shutters and blinds and curtains can be teamed up to make the perfect window treatment. Not sure how? The experts at Modern have come up with some great reasons why the two go together perfectly.

1. They Finish off The Room
   Plantation shutters look amazing on their own, but team them up with blinds and curtains to really help bring your room together and finish it off. This combination gives a tailored and cosy look to the room. You will find your living space becomes a lot more inviting, especially during the winter months.
2. Play Around With Colours
   Using blinds and curtains allows you to add colour to your room without losing the benefits that shutters provide. Your curtains don’t need to be functioning, two panels of material either side of the window frame will give you the colour boost you have been missing.
3. They Add Another Layer of Privacy
   Pair your shutters with a heavy drape to create another level of privacy and darkness. While plantation shutters do a great job of blocking out daylight, adding a drape over the top will give you another layer of darkness. This also helps make the room feel a lot cosier in cooler months.
4. Add Height to Your Room
   Using a curtain rod to mount your curtains higher and wider than your window will give the illusion that your ceilings are higher than they actually are. This works because it makes your window look bigger and wider than it really is. Many experts agree that mounting the rod 6 inches higher than your window frame is the perfect height.
5. Use Tiebacks
   If you have a room that is more formal or if you are wanting a more tailored look, use tiebacks. The use of tiebacks will pull the curtain material back for a tailored and sophisticated look. Tiebacks are also a great way to help keep any fabric from getting caught in your plantation shutters.

Don’t let your love of curtains, blinds and plantation shutters make you choose one over the other. Enjoy the best of both worlds and pair the two together for a look you will absolutely love. To enquire about Plantation Shutters contact Modern for a free quote!

Interested in plantation shutters but not completely convinced? We have put together our top 5 plantation shutter ideas for 2017.

We have some great ideas to keep up with modern living but with a touch of privacy and control. There are even some ideas of what you can do with old plantation shutters!

1. Choose a bright white colour for a contemporary feel

Who says that shutters have to match the colour of your room! While shutters are there for practical reasons they can become a statement piece at the same time. Choosing a bright white colour will make your new shutters stand out due to the colour contrast with your walls.

If you are looking for a contemporary window fitting that will stand out and bring your room together we can help! Our experts can come and provide advice on the best colour to suit your needs.

2. Old plantations can be reworked to look rustic

Having new shutters installed and don’t know what to do with your old ones? Old shutters can be re-worked into wall art that can be used around your home. This works well for homes where vintage is the style of choice. Give your plantation shutters a rustic look to fit in with your vintage theme. Light colours work really well for this. Painting your shutters a bright colour and hanging them on the wall is a fantastic way to frame statement pieces of furniture.

If you’re looking for something a little more out there, you can even fashion your old plantation shutters into a bed head. This actually looks spectacular once the shutters have been sanded back and given a new lick of paint!

3. Shutters and heavy curtains

Plantation shutters are perfect for giving you full control over light and privacy in your home. There are many home owners who are put off shutters because they can’t give up their drapes and heavy curtains. Why do you have to give up one for the other, why not have both?

Plantation shutters are perfect when paired with drapes and curtains. Your drapes will frame your window and shutters for an elegant and sophisticated look. In the day your drapes can stay open to let in the light from the window but still be in control of how much light comes in. At night drapes and curtains can be closed to give the room warmth and softness. This is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms where you spend lots of time in the evening.

4. Shutters to separate rooms

Many homes now are designed to be open plan. While open plan living is fantastic, in some areas you may prefer to have a bit more privacy. Rather than splashing out lots of money to have walls put up and rooms made, plantation shutters are fantastic for breaking open areas up.

Sliding plantation shutters are perfect to break up open areas and provide privacy. Just like window based plantation shutters you still have total control over how open the shutters can be. With lots of different colour choices available you will have no problem picking a colour that blends in seamlessly with your home decor or for a contemporary look choose a bold and contrasting colour.

5. Shutters on glass doors

Glass sliding doors have always been popular in Australian homes. They connect the inside with outside and make outdoor living all the more appealing. For some people glass doors can be very exposing. You may also find that heat from the summer sun becomes a problem, heating up the house too much.

At Modern, we can install plantation shutters to go with your sliding glass doors. This will give you excellent protection from the sun in summer and help keep heating in during the winter months. The best thing about these kind of shutters is the access to light and views. Plantation shutters will still make your room light and bright without taking away from your outdoor lifestyle.

There are so many things you can do with plantation shutters. You will be spoilt for choice when you choose plantation shutters through Modern. Plantation shutters are timeless and elegant, making them a perfect addition to any family home!

There are so many things you can do with plantation shutters. You will be spoilt for choice when you choose plantation shutters through Modern. Plantation shutters are timeless and elegant, making them a perfect addition to any family home!

Summer has well and truly arrived. The long hot days are here and they’re not being kind. Like most Australian’s you are probably spending a lot more time outdoors, wearing the least amount of clothing legally possible. Once it is time to come back inside the house is usually so hot that a late night trip the cinema (don’t forget your cardigan, you know how cold it gets in there!) seems like a good idea.

If you’re trying to give the a/c a break and lacking cool down inspiration, we have some cool tips and tricks that will help you cool down and enjoy a hot summer.

1. Sleep like a baby

If you have left it too late in the day to be able to properly cool the house down you can take advantage of the old frozen sheets trick. Putting your sheets in the freezer a couple of minutes before you go to bed will give your body a chance to cool down, making it easier to fall asleep. A secret tip is to put your sheets in a bag first so that you don’t get any ice, water or food on them!

2. Hit the bottle

If putting the sheet in the freezer doesn’t really appeal to you what about a water bottle? Water bottles can be used for hot and cold water and come in really handy in summer. Fill the water bottle up with cold water and pop it in the freezer for a few hours. Once the water is frozen you can put the water bottle between your sheets to cool yourself down. If the water bottle starts to perspire due to the heat, just wrap it in a towel and you’re good to go!

3. Long Live the Fan!

If you have fans lying around put them to good use! Opening a window and pointing the fans out of the window will help to push hot air house of the room you are in. Alternatively you can put a tray of cold water with ice in it, in front of the fan. This will turn the air colder as the fan blows on you. Give this one a try, it actually does work really well!

4. Live in Darkness

If you know the day is going to be exceptionally hot in order for your house to remain cooler you need to think ahead. Beat the heat and close all your windows and blinds. This will make your house dark and will not let any sunlight in.

If you have roller shutters they will become your best friend during the hotter months. Roller shutters are perfect at blocking out the sun’s rays and significantly reducing the heat inside your house. Lower your roller shutters in the morning and you will notice the difference throughout the day. You will also notice the difference when your power bill comes in! If you don’t already have roller shutter Modern can help!

5. Hydrate

Finally, staying hydrated is one of the biggest ways to help yourself stay cooler. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day but try to stay away from coffee or energy drinks that contain caffeine. Drinks containing caffeine dehydrate you and make you feel thirsty, make water your number one option during summer and you will feel much better.

Don’t let the heat ruin your summer, stay cool using our tips. If you feel your house needs a bit more protection from the sun, let Modern help. Our team have been helping Australian’s stay cool for over 25 years! Call 13 11 78 today to arrange a quote!