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Your home should be your happy place, but high energy costs and constant bills can make it seem less than perfect. If you’re ready to lower your cost of living while increasing your home’s aesthetic, it might be time to consider roller shutters.

What contributes to cost of living

Many people save for years before buying their first property. Purchasing a home is expensive, even without the bills that come later. It’s easy to forget about energy costs every time you turn on the light or wash the dishes, but the reality is that these household bills can force homeowners to struggle to make ends meet. While daily habits like taking shorter showers and remembering to turn off lights can help, sometimes you need something more to lower your cost of living.

How roller shutters can reduce your cost of living

Shutters might not be the first idea to come to mind if you want to lower your cost of living, but the sturdy construction, effective insulation, and ability to filter UV rays make them a great solution to save you money.

Provides insulation

Weather varies greatly in Australia, so during the wintertime, we find our homes growing colder as the days go on. Curtains and blinds aren’t able to effectively insulate your home, and cold weather easily penetrates your glass windows. Roller shutters, however, provide a thick wall of insulation that holds in heat and repels the cold. This insulation can cut your winter heating bills drastically, lowering your overall cost of living.

Blocks out heat

Just as roller shutters are able to insulate in the winter, they’re also able to block out heat during the summer. Australian summers can sometimes be unbearable, especially if we live in a home that tends to hold in heat. The uncomfortable temperatures might mean that we have to run fans all day long or even install an air conditioning unit to stay cool. With roller shutters, the heat will be blocked from infiltrating your home, which means you’ll have to put less effort into keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. This can help you keep your bills low during what tends to be the most expensive season of the year, making roller shutters in Sydney an absolute must.

Create an energy barrier

Roller shutters provide your home with an energy barrier that’s far superior to the barrier your windows can provide. The barrier is present 24 hours a day, so your shutters are consistently working to lower your energy bills throughout the day and night.

Offers light control

In addition to temperature control, roller shutters give you total light control. Because of their solid construction, roller shutters can block out light completely, which not only saves you having to buy blackout curtains but also allows less heat indoors. On the other hand, you’re able to let plenty of sunlight in when you please, saving you from having to turn on lamps in the afternoon. Light and temperature control will help drastically lower your bills all year round while providing you with complete convenience and privacy.

How Modern can help

If you’re ready to take control over your cost of living, installing roller shutters in Sydney or around Australia is a great place to start. Modern can help you choose the shutters that best fit your lifestyle as well as answer any questions you might have.

Modern’s roller shutters are made with the highest quality materials, so you’ll have complete peace of mind making your purchase. You can be sure that your shutters will last through all seasons and even wild weather. Our installation specialists are professional, reliable, and fast, so you’ll have your shutters fitted perfectly in next to no time.

Do you already have roller shutters? Have you noticed a difference in your bills?

Contact Modern today to organise a quote for new roller shutters.

Whether you’re after lower energy bills, elevated style or protection from sun, there are plenty of reasons to add window treatments to your home. You might be researching your choices and wondering which new addition is right for your home.

Here’s what you should know about curtains, blinds and plantation shutters.

Curtains and blinds in your home

When it comes to curtains, blinds and shutters, you have a lot of choices. You might find yourself wondering where to start. Understanding the benefits of each window treatment will help you make the best decision for your home.

Curtains are made from one or two pieces of fabric panels that are typically used in pairs. These can be made from both light and heavy material in a variety of patterns and colours. Blinds, on the other hand, are made from several small pieces that tilt to block out sunlight. Finally, style meets practicality and functionality, plantation shutters are a sturdy solution that’s mounted to your window’s frame and tilt for superior adjustability.

How should you decide between curtains, blinds and shutters?

Before purchasing blinds or curtains for your home, there are a few things you should consider. The first is whether price or quality is more important to you. Curtains can be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable window treatment, but they’re also prone to fading and tearing. Because they’re not as sturdy as plantation shutters, it’s likely you’ll need to replace them every couple of years.

If you’re debating whether to install blinds or shutters in your home, you might also consider how much adjustability you want. While curtains tend to let through a small amount of light even when closed, shutters allow you to choose how much light and sound make their way into your home.

Plantation shutters have been around for many years. Dating back to ancient times, plantation shutters have have always been used for the same reasons, to keep light out and still ventilate a room or a home. While this may seem obvious, have you ever wondered about what plantation shutters were originally made of or how the name plantation shutters ever came to be?

Well, we have all the answers!

Read on to find out more about how Plantation Shutters have become a loved modern day window furnishing.

Windows Never Used to Have Glass

Originating back in ancient Greece, plantation shutters were used to cover windows and keep out the elements. Glass was a very expensive and hard to come by material so was very rarely used until more modern times. Shutters were made from marble as wood shutters had not been invented yet. Marble shutters were solid and non-moving. Living in a Mediterranean climate meant that this style shutter worked really well to let in light and air while keeping out occasional rain.

Moving forward to Tudor times, shutters were changed to be made out of wood, making them much easier to open and close. While still vastly different to the shutters we know today, Tudor style shutters were made from solid timber panels. These panels were secured to the inside wall and folded back to be flush with the internal wall when the window needed to be open. Once closed the wooden panels were secured with a mental bar of large piece of wood for security.

Wealthier families who could afford glass often had glass panels at the top of each window to allow light in without the shutter having to be opened. The bottom half of the window would still be a large wooden shutter. Today this style window furnishing is referred to as cafe style plantation shutters.

How the Name Plantation Shutters Came To Be

As time passed and people travelled and settled into different countries, plantation shutters were brought along to be developed in a new country. The best example of this is when Mediterranean and European settlers moved into America. This saw the rise in plantation shutters on American style housing.

This new trend became extremely popular in the South where large plantation houses integrated the new sophisticated designs into their housing. This is how the name came to be. To this day Southern plantation housing is still known for its grandeur and elegance which can be largely contributed to the addition of shutters.

During this period, shutters were made of wood however unlike the Tudor period had been worked to become lightweight, moveable, aesthetically pleasing and practical. Louvres were now able to be angled to allow light in and ventilate the room yet still allowed protection from the elements.

Shutters in Australia

Shutters we first brought to Australia when the early settlers first arrived. Bush housing windows were protected by timber louvres fixed to the windows. Once the colony became more established wooden louvres were eventually replaced with glass louvres. Over the years plantation shutters have been reworked into the shutters we know today.

Nowadays there are many choices when it comes to window furnishings. However, plantation shutters have always remained timeless and while they have improved greatly over the years they still remain a popular choice for many home owners. Check out our post for more ideas for your new plantation shutters.

Modern are the experts in plantation shutters and are always available to answer any questions to may have about our shutter options. Contact us today and our team can organise a time to arrange a quote!

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!