Month: November 2018

Putting in place systems to meet your home security needs can seem like a daunting and expensive task, however, without a security system you can be more at risk than those who have a security system in place. For starters, without a secure home, your family is in danger of harm from intruders, whether they be wild animals or malicious individuals. A security system, therefore, protects your loved ones and gives you peace of mind. Secondly, home security is about preparation in case of an injury, for example. Most security systems, such as alarms, have a feature that allows you to call for help in distress.

Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that your valuables are safe. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your home security, some easier than others. Seven cheap ways include:

Meeting your neighbours

Your neighbours could save your life and that of your loved ones in case of a home invasion. Neighbours are usually well acquainted with the local area and can help to watch your home when you are not around. It is important to make an effort to meet new neighbours and establish relationships that give you people you can rely on. If there is a neighbourhood watch, you can join it and help each other keep the neighbourhood safe.

Evaluating the vulnerabilities of your home

Do you have Australian made roller shutters? Did you simply take them at the word of the professionals that the shutters provide security? Well, you can perform a mock burglary to see if they are as effective as advertised. Walk around your house or have a family member or friend do it for you, and see what areas are not secure. It is important to do this both in the day and at night. This exercise helps you to know what security features need an upgrade.

Finding your resources

You do not need to have a robbery in progress to look for the contacts of the neighbourhood watch or emergency services. You can find and keep important information such as how to contact the local police, fire brigade and ambulance service for a rainy day. Be sure to keep this information accessible, like pinning it on the fridge or saving important numbers in your phone.

Design a plan

Having security measures in place is an excellent place to start in terms of home security. Generally speaking, what do you do when your security measures fail? Have rules for opening doors for strangers, for example, locking the doors, and using the alarm system. Also, have your family members learn the exit strategy in case of an emergency.

Securing your home when on holiday

You may be leaving to take a break, but security takes no holidays. Have a plan in place for when you are away. For example, have a friend or neighbour pick up mail from the letterbox so that it does not pile up. Organise for someone to mow your lawn occasionally to give the impression of occupancy. You can also give a trusted neighbour your keys to periodically open the roller shutters during the day.

Keeping your valuables hidden

Look at your house from the outside. If there is something valuable that you can see, be sure to lock it away. While at it, keep an inventory of your valuables so that you can track them in case of a break-in.

Upgrading your defences

So, you have identified the weaknesses in your home, what’s next? Be sure to strengthen your security system. For example, use Australian made roller shutters on windows. Have solid core locks on the doors and if necessary, introduce bars and grills.

How Modern can help secure your home

The professional team at Modern can help you to pick the best kind of shutters for your home. They can install and help you test them to see if they are secure. If you are concerned about your home security, contact the friendly team at Modern to learn more about how you can protect your home and family.

Moving from living in a townhouse or apartment into a house with a big backyard can be exciting and filled with many possibilities…Do you plant trees? Do you take up gardening? Do you add a pond or a walkway? The options are endless.

For dog owners, they must also consider their four-legged friends as they employ their creativity and style their landscape. Otherwise, the dog might wreak havoc. One way to factor in your pet is to use louvre shutters to give them a comfortable living area.

What is a louvre shutter?

It is a horizontal slat, often angled to admit air and light while keeping away the sun and rain. Available in a large range of designs, colours and folding options louvre shutters can be a great addition to any home. Originally, louvres were used on top of roof holes in kitchens to provide ventilation while keeping snow and the rain out. They were crude; made of a barrel, mainly. Over time, they have evolved to accommodate elaborate designs and materials, giving the homeowner more options than they could have asked for.

Besides design, the louvres have also expanded to accommodate different materials. Modern ones can be made of glass, wood, aluminium or metal. They are often closed using a pulley system or motorised operators.

Why does a dog need protection?

Having established that louvre shutters serve to protect against the sun, rain and other weather elements, one might ask why their pet would need protection. For starters, dogs heat up easily. In fact, they are more prone to dehydration than humans. Additionally, dogs also get sunburned, more so on ears and the nose. To this end, making sure that your dog has access to water is extremely important to prevent dehydration on hot summer days, as well as shading the pavement and the main outdoor living area for your furry friend.

Secondly, if they are short-haired, they need an extra layer of protection. In winter, your dog could easily be covered in frost or stay wet throughout the night when the temperature drops more than during the day. Thirdly, harsh wind may cause your dogs bedding, toys and even water bowl to blow around if not appropriately sheltered.

How louvre shutters can help to create shelter for dogs

Modern louvre shutters not only decorate your outdoor area, but they also provide air ventilation. You can use them, for example, to keep the dog comfortable. Dogs love to wander and play throughout the day. However, if there are no fully shaded areas, they are prone to becoming either too hot or too cold, providing an uncomfortable environment for the dog.

Louvre Shutters have come a long way since the first time they were used, thanks to technology. Now, you can employ them to serve various functions while at the same time, serving decorative purposes. If you want to learn more about how louvre shutters can create the perfect outdoor area for your dog, contact Modern!

The winter is finally over, and you are just beginning to catch on to the excitement of spring. As you think of ways to enjoy the outdoors, one place to start is your backyard. On days when you are in no mood for a hike or a visit to the beach, you can curl up with a good book or host a barbecue right there. Having the right outdoor pieces in your backyard then becomes essential.

When hosting people, you want them to have a comfortable space to sit and relax. Secondly, you want the space to be protected from the weather. No one enjoys roasting meat under the hot sun or reading in a windy space. The right outdoor items will facilitate your activities comfortably.

In the end, your outdoor space will provide a place to rest and relax for several months. It needs to be perfect for the job. Whether it will serve for relaxation or entertainment, it also needs to be within your budget. Here are six items you need in your backyard:

1. Patio Chairs

If you plan to spend time in your backyard, you will need a place to sit. You can have different designs of lawn chairs placed in different places in the backyard to serve different needs and moods. Patio chairs serve comfort. However, be sure to have them complement one another. One way to work around this is to place them around a small table. The best part, there is something for every price range and design need.

2. Native Bird Feeders

If you are looking to make your backyard beautiful, one way to go at it is to attract native birds. These birds will give your home a sense of serenity and oneness with nature. Bear in mind that bird feeders come in many shapes, designs and sizes. You want something that will not only look good in your backyard but will also be easy to clean and maintain. Alternately, investing in some native plants will help to draw wildlife into your backyard all year round.

3. Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs have become a common trend. People use these rugs to protect the floor from foreign particles and dust. However, if you make a stylish pick, you can be sure to change the look of your backyard. As a rule of thumb, pick a material that can withstand foot traffic, the weather conditions and can wash easily. You can place your chairs and tables around the rugs to create a lasting evening setting.

4. Patio Umbrella

A patio umbrella can offer a fully shaded spot in your backyard. You can use it to refresh your swimming pool if you own one, as well as providing sun protection. The umbrella also makes your space look different. If you play with colours, you can create a contrast that your guests will enjoy looking at. On the quieter days, patio umbrellas can provide the perfect location for candlelit dinners with loved ones during summer nights.

5. LED Floodlights

You can use LED floodlights to illuminate the dark spaces in your outdoor space. Depending on how you use them, the lights may also serve to highlight the best parts of your lawn or a feature area. A floodlight makes your backyard easily accessible at night.

6. Aluminium Louvre Shutters

Aluminium louvre shutters help to provide protection from the sun and add another level of privacy. They are a perfect way to protect your outdoor items. You can use these shutters to subdivide your backyard into different spaces and experiment with design. No matter what the weather, louvre shutters will enable you to enjoy your outdoor area all summer long.

How Modern can help

Aluminium Louvre Shutters are an excellent way to decorate your backyard. They infuse the space with a unique style and personality. Additionally, they serve to protect you, your guests and your outdoor pieces from the weather elements like the wind. The team at Modern can help you to pick out and install the shutters in a way that fits in with your design preferences. If you are interested, contact Modern to learn more about our Aluminium Louvre Shutters.