Guest post by Elijah Senolos

There are many incentives for solar in QLD.

Some of these incentives include tax breaks, rebates, and subsidies.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of incentives that are available to those who install solar panels.

We will also provide information on how to take advantage of these incentives.

So what are you waiting for? . . . Start planning to install solar panels today!

Incentives for solar in QLD?

There are a number of incentives available for those looking to install solar in Queensland. These include:

• A feed-in tariff pays households for the electricity they generate from their solar panels, regardless of whether they use it themselves or export it to the grid.
• The Queensland Government’s Solar Bonus Scheme pays households for the electricity they generate from their solar panels and export it to the grid.
• A solar rebate is a discount on the cost of installing a solar system.

How do I know if solar is right for me?

Solar panels can be a great way to save money on your energy bills, but how do you know if they’re right for you?

The best way to find out is to run a solar PV quote comparison.

This will give you an idea of what size solar system you need and how much money you could save on your energy bills.

But what other factors should you consider when deciding whether or not to go solar?

One important factor is whether or not there are any solar incentives in your state.

Solar incentives can make going solar more affordable and save you even more money on your energy bills.

What are the benefits of solar?

Solar panels provide an excellent source of renewable energy, and there are many benefits to installing solar panels in your home.

Solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home.

Solar panels are a great way to help the environment and make a positive impact on the world.

Installing solar panels is a great way to save money and be independent of the rising costs of electricity.

Solar panels are also a great way to feel good about yourself and your contribution to the fight against climate change.

How much money can I save with solar?

That depends on a few factors, including the size of your system, the amount of sunlight your location receives, and your electricity usage.

However, in general, you can expect to save around 30-50% on your electricity bill.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?

There are a number of reasons why people decide to install solar panels in their homes.

Some people want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, while others want to save money on their energy bills.

Overall, installing solar panels is a great way to save money and help the environment.

Solar panels can also increase the value of your home, so it’s a smart investment for the future.

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is what incentives and rebates for solar in QLD are available.

Incentives can make a big difference when it comes to the cost of installation and the payback period.

How do I go about getting solar panels installed?

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, the best place to start is by getting a quote.

You can find a list of qualified solar installers in Queensland on the Clean Energy Council website.

Once you’ve chosen an installer, they will help you through the process of applying for the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) subsidy.

The STC is a federal government incentive that provides a discount on the upfront cost of your solar system.

The other main incentive for installing solar panels in Queensland is the feed-in tariff.

This is a rate that you are paid for the electricity that your system produces, which can be sold back to the grid.

Summary.

In Queensland, there are a number of incentives available for those who choose to install solar energy systems.

These incentives include a state government rebate, as well as a number of electricity tariffs that offer reduced rates for those with solar energy systems.

In addition, the federal government offers a number of incentives for those who install solar energy systems, including a tax credit.

Guest Post by Alexia

Wiring is an essential process in the building of a new house.

Residents of a new modern house need electrical supply, and wiring does the job.

While it’s acceptable that one is financially prudent, wiring your house comes with caution to prevent electrical disasters.

If you’re planning to build a new house, you might be wondering, ‘How much does it cost to wire a house?’

As a homeowner, it’s imperative to your safety that you know how much it costs to wire a house.

The Cost To Wire A House

When it comes to wiring a house, there’s a variance of factors influencing its cost.

It’d be best to consider the fatalities that may result from the below-par wiring.

If you’re planning to build a new house, your contractor may have the cost of wiring added to the total cost of building.

However, your informed approach to expenses may demand that you know the costs to wire a house.

The factors that influence the cost of wiring a house are of a wide range–differences in cost come with the expenses that a professional has assessed about what wiring your house will incur.

Regardless, a homeowner expends AUD$4,000 up to AUD$17,500 to wire a new house on average.

You can also contact a professional electrician or an electrical services company and have them assess the given tasks and the specialised efforts required to wire your house.

With this, you can inquire and learn more about the estimates and breakdowns as well.

Factors Influencing Wiring Costs

While the national average amount of wiring a house is over AUD$4,000, factors such as area, quality of materials, permits, and labour cost play a significant part in their estimates.

These factors determine the cost of wiring a house regarding their demands.

• Size of House (Per Square Metre)

One of the factors that influence the cost of wiring a house is the size of the house.

A professional electrician has to, before anything else, measure the size of the house per square metre.

The average wiring cost per square metre lies between AUD$43 and AUD$73.

For this, it’s evident that the bigger the house, the more the expenses will go into wiring, and vice versa.

So, by this average cost, if you have a house with an 800 sqm measurement, you expect to spend between AUD$34,604.16 and AUD$57,673.60. Consequently, a house of 1,000 sqm will approximately incur AUD$43,000 to AUD$73,000, one of 1,500 sqm. incurs AUD$64,000 to AUD$111,000.

• Quality Of Materials

The wiring type and the quality to be used determines the cost.

Quality begets cost in this time of ours.

The wiring type, which could range from metallic sheathed to multi-conductor, determines the cost.

Multi-conductor could incur about AUD$0.85 to AUD$1.50 per metre.

Therefore, understanding the wiring materials to be used is a crucial thing to consider when estimating your electrical expenses.

• Labour

The amount of labour calculated to be spent on wiring a house is a significant factor influencing the amount of cost the project will require to be executed in good shape.

The licensed electrician is expected to charge between AUD$67 and AUD$134 per hour.

According to Amber Electrical Services, the national average cost of hiring a licensed electrician ranges from AUD$217 to AUD$699 per hour, with the experience of the professional causing a price variation.

It takes about three to eleven days to complete the wiring of some houses.

Completion comes late when wiring requires breaking into walls and repairing them.

Sometimes, homeowners have to pack out of their houses to rent a living space for the period the wiring takes.

This also increases cost.

• Permits

Where you live can have an impact on the cost of your permit. Depending on the state or territory, the average permit ranges from AUD$13 to AUD$670 (not including potential charge variations between jurisdictions).

For instance, your permit could be free in Victoria, while it may cost you up to AUD$1,591.35 in New South Wales.

Your electrician’s experience may also affect the cost–they may be able to install your electrical wiring more quickly and efficiently than someone new to the job.

• Project Scope

The costs to connect your home to the electrical grid run anywhere between AUD$1,350 and AUD$13,500.

While an expensive proposition, it’s a necessary one.

No electricity means no water or gas appliances in many modern homes, and no way to heat or cool your home once you’ve paid for the installation.

Of course, you can also consider alternatives, such as solar options, but to run a typical household with all of its appliances, electronics, and lighting requirements generally requires being connected to the grid.

Conclusion

Wiring a house can prove expensive. However, you must give it all it takes to have a great job done. This is to prevent any electrical disaster that could result in the loss of lives and properties. While there are prices for wiring, lives are priceless.

Author Bio: Alexia is passionate about electrical engineering and design. She currently works in one of the top electrical power distribution companies, working in the engineering department. She has five years of experience in maintenance, tuning, troubleshooting, and control. When she’s not installing or monitoring systems, she freelances.

Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

Designing a new driveway can be full of difficulties.

Nevertheless, driveway construction can be a very effective way to furnish your residence with a secure parking area that does not require frequent maintenance and provide you with a private parking space for your vehicle.

Here we have discussed the main steps you will need to keep in mind while building a new driveway.

What Is a Driveway?

A driveway is generally a private road used by individuals or small groups of people to access one or more residences.

Certain roads have traffic lights, especially those that lead to commercial establishments and parks.

Tools Required:

When constructing your driveway, you would most probably search for concreters near me,

If you are doing the deed yourself, you will go for the tools required to build a driveway.

Below are some of the tools you will need during the construction.

• • Wheelbarrow
  • Tape Measure
  • Shovel
  • Hand Spade
  • Vibrating Plate Compactor
  • Site String Line
  • Brick Saw
  • Stakes
  • Ear Protectors
  • Straight Edge Tool
  • Hand Float
  • Cement Trowel
  • Chalk
  • Hose
  • Spirit levels
  • Groover

Material Required

Every construction process needs to have some essential materials. Similarly, building a new driveway involves the following materials:

• • • Concrete
    • Gravel
    • Wooden stakes
    • Heavy-duty mesh
    • Screws

Step-by-Step Construction of a New Driveway

 Design

Planning and designing the driveway should be the topmost priority of an individual.

Without the design, it is nearly impossible to build a new driveway. . . thus, a person should design the type of driveway he would like to have.

Underground infrastructure inspection

Before digging, you must locate and identify any short utility lines that pass through the excavation zone to prevent obstructing your excavation plans for repairing or building a concrete driveway.

It might be possible to recalibrate or move specific lines impeding construction; the relevant government department can share more information.

Setting up the Site

It usually takes a few days for the process to complete.

Debris from the site is removed as soon as possible.

Excavation of 200mm is carried out, then a 100mm hardcore sub-base is placed and vibration compacted.

Driveways must be laid out correctly and set up with the correct levels and slopes.

Calculate your concrete requirements

Since concrete is sold by cubic yards, you will need to measure the areA nd multiply by the depth.

Firm soil up with sand

Ensure that you have a robust and firm base in place if you want your concrete to have a chance to stand up to the weight.

You need to remove all topsoil and muddy aareas and replace with proper fill such as roadbase.

Compact soil with a plate compactor

To get a firm, even surface, it is essential to compact the basel, regardless of whether you add any materials.

Alternatively, you can use a hand tamp, from your local hardware store, if a comparator tool is unavailable.

It is essential to have a stable, well compacted base to support the concrete load and subsequent loads of vehicles using the drive.

Lay the stakes

By laying forms around the project site, you will make sure you get a good edge to the driveway, and have a strong support for levelling the concrete.

You must secure the forms to prevent movement.

Lay The Mesh

The best way to prevent cracking is to use reinforcing mesh.

Laying The Concrete

You need to be able to pour the concrete, vibrate it and finish the top surface in no more than 90 minutes.

For a small driveway its going to take two people to lay the concrete, for larger areas you might need 3-4.

It is highly recommended to search for “concreters near me” on the search engine so that they can do the task effortlessly.

Level the Concrete

You should smooth out the driveway with an edging trowel, wood float, and darby, creating joints with straight grooves.

Before the concete hardens, add a texture to the concrete so that when wet, it provides non-slip traction.

 Cure Concrete

Although concrete can harden overnight it takes several days to reach full strength.

This is called curing and during this period you should either regularly water it or apply  a specialized sealer.

Don’t walk on the concrete for 48 hours and don’t drive on it for 7 days, let it cure properly.

Bottom Line

Building a new driveway can be difficult for an average person, but a professional may be able to do it quickly.

As discussed above, you can find a concreter for your driveway.

I hope this has been an easy Step-by-Step Guide to Building a New Driveway.

How To Drill Like A Pro

Guest Post by Raymond Hartin

Brick and mortar are known for their appealing looks.

However, not knowing how to drill into it without causing any damage is an essential skill.

Drilling into brick and mortar without damaging or cracking doesn’t require special skills.

You don’t even need to be a handyman. If you have the right masonry drill bits, drills, and some basic skills, learning how to drill into brick is easy.

To get started, here are the steps to drill like a pro:

Assess The Project

Every brick and mortar is created differently, and home improvement projects vary from one another.

To know what you need to do, you should assess the project.

For instance, are you planning to drill different holes into the brick?

If so, you might want to forget about using regular electric drill and rent a heavy-duty one instead.

In addition, you should also know how old the brick is as you assess the project.

Drilling holes and hanging a heavy object that needs additional materials and expansion anchors might not be possible if the structure is old or deteriorating.

Many tasks will require you to drill directly into the bricks since they’re stronger than mortar.

For lighter fixings you might want to drill directly into the mortar.

Select The Appropriate Drill And Drill Bit Size

You want to ensure that you’re working with the appropriate drill and drill bits.

Carefully choosing such items can prevent you from causing irreparable damage or cracking to the material.

As mentioned, you’ll need a hammer drill instead of the standard one.

Hammer drills are the perfect power tools for drilling into brick and mortar, particularly if you need bigger holes.

This type of power tool works as a drill and hammer hybrid, which forces hammer-like movements into the brick with enough force to penetrate the concrete.

Hammer drills have two primary actions: breaking through the material and drilling through it to eliminate the debris from the boring home.

At present, there are two kinds of hammer drills:

• Rotary Hammer Drills: They’re suitable for drilling holes that exceed half an inch in diameter.
• Standard Hammer Drills: They’re the best go-to power tools for drilling holes that are half an inch or less.

Understanding the difference between these two and how to drill into brick and mortar using a hammer drill can let you work with precision.

For drill bits, you’ll need purpose-designed ones for brick and mortar, also referred to as masonry drill bits,

You have to consider the right size suited to your project and hammer drill.

Most masonry bits have exceptional power to break up masonry, and their hard-cutting tips are made for chewing through rougher materials with ease.

Use Protective Gear

When drilling into brick and mortar, you have to wear some safety items or protective gear to protect yourself and your health. Some of these safety items include the following:

• Hearing protection
• Dust mask
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves

Measure And Mark Properly

Don’t start any drilling project without first measuring and marking the location where you’re planning to drill.

Determine where you want to drill holes and use chalk to make distinct and clearer marks showing where you’ll drill.

Then, hold whatever you’re hanging from the holes you marked to ensure your measurements are correct.

Set Up The Stop

You have to set up the stop on your drill.

This will help you drill as deep as you have to.

If your drill doesn’t have an adjustable stop, try placing a masking tape on your drill bits to mark how deep you should drill.

Use Small Drill Bit First

You need to use small drill bits to make a pilot hole first.

Ensure that your bit is at a 90-degree angle to the wall and consider using a slow speed.

You can also use an auxiliary handle to increase stability and pressure.

If you have a one-speed drill, consider using a pulse drilling technique to avoid overheating.

Frequent long breaks can help protect your tool from damage due to overheating.

Drill Hole

Once you have created the pilot hole, use the right size bit and start drilling the hole.

As mentioned, ensure that your bit is at a 90-degree angle to the brick for better strength.

Install Appropriate Anchors

Now that you have a hole and haven’t cracked your brick, you can screw in the right anchor.

Depending on your preferences or what you’re hanging, make sure to use anchors that can hold the object’s weight.

Bottom Line

Drilling into brick and mortar doesn’t need to be complicated.

Drilling is easy if you use the right tools and follow the above steps.

Just make sure to use quality tools and equipment.

Moreover, don’t forget to practice and improve your skills before you drill a hole in a brick and mortar.

This way, you’ll get better results over time without having to hire professionals for the job.

 

Raymond Hartin

Raymond Hartin is a contractor who has been servicing for more than 10 years. Raymond shares his experience and knowledge in carpentry through guest posts. When he’s not busy, he enjoys camping with his family.

Guest Post by Jane Williams

The clean and cool air makes a home comfortable and safe.

It’s the factor that affects your daily mood, productivity, and, most importantly, your health.

The air conditioning system is responsible for regulating the airflow and the temperature within your home.

There are home improvements that you can take the do-it-yourself (DIY) route, but air conditioning maintenance and repair are technical jobs that you should leave to the experts.

If you’re still wondering if you’re making the right decision regarding this, here are five reasons to convince you that hiring professional air conditioning services is the right option to take:

Guarantees Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the top priority in modern times.

Aside from lowering your electrical bill, it’s a way to lessen your carbon footprint, which can significantly affect the environment.

Hiring professionals can maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency.

One of the common factors of air conditioning failure is installing an inappropriate unit.

Warm and humid spots around the house can indicate this problem.

Through proper planning and installing a suitable system for your home size and layout, you can prevent sudden failures and frequent repairs.

For large areas, ducted air conditioning systems work best in maintaining the same temperature throughout the house.

However, ductless systems or mini-split types are efficient for small rooms and homes with insufficient ceiling space for ductwork.

When your air conditioning system is installed correctly, you can prevent the unit from overworking to regulate your home’s temperature.

As it functions in its best condition, you can save more energy and budget for your electric consumption.

Provides Accurate And Faster Repair

There are many indications your system needs repair.

Some of these are varying temperatures, the air being too humid or too dry, black dirt around the air filter, and loud buzzing noises that are too loud to ignore.

Figuring out the problem and trying to repair it on your own might lead to further complications in the system.

If you’re not acquainted with the technicalities of your air conditioning system, it’s best to call expert services the first time you encounter an issue.

Professionals can do troubleshooting and repair faster.

They can quickly determine if it only needs thorough cleaning or a complex restoration and replacement of some parts.

Moreover, professional air conditioning repair fixes the problem permanently.

When you try to DIY complicated issues, you may overlook some issues needing expert care. It’s best to get professional services to save you from the hassles of frequent and costly repairs.

Extends The System’s Life

The lack of cleaning and maintenance is one of the most common air conditioning system issues.

While you can clean the outer parts of the unit, more hard-to-reach parts need attention, especially for ducted systems.

Air conditioning maintenance by professionals is necessary to prolong the system’s life.

It maximizes efficiency by making sure every part is in the best condition.

This way, you can prevent sudden unit replacement due to irreversible damage.

In addition, regular cleaning and maintenance help experts prevent possible future issues.

Replacing filters, cleaning the coil, and removing dust and debris in the ductwork are essential steps to keep the system functioning and avoid serious damage.

Furthermore, you can guarantee your home air conditioning system will keep you comfortable for at least ten years.

If it’s expertly maintained, rest assured, you’ll save more money in the long run.

Ensures Safe And Clean Air

Your health, safety, and comfort should always be the top priority.

Professional air conditioning maintenance services ensure the whole system provides clean and fresh air to keep your home safe and secure from harmful elements that can cause health problems.

The formation of mold is a common problem in air conditioning systems.

Molds persist in dark and humid areas.

Technically, most materials for ductwork like galvanized steel, polyurethane, and aluminum are mildew resistant.

However, dust buildups in these ducts can serve as a breeding ground for molds.

Some common indication of mold formation in your air conditioning system is a musty odor and visible black dirt accumulation around the air vent.

When inhaled, this can cause throat irritation and wheezing.

These symptoms may lead to more serious respiratory illnesses if not given medical attention.

Keeping your air conditioning system free from dust and mold requires regular maintenance and cleaning.

You can ensure the air you breathe is always clean and safe for your health when experts properly clean each part of the system.

Lessens The Expenses

Although hiring professionals may seem expensive at first, doing so can lessen your home utility expenses in the long run.

The top advantage of an expertly installed and maintained air conditioning system is energy efficiency and lower monthly electric bills.

It means having a spare budget for other home expenses and improvement projects.

Moreover, hiring professional air conditioning services is also cost-effective in terms of replacement.

By spending a bit on regular inspection and maintenance, you can maximize the function of the whole system for at least a decade without major expenses on repairs.

Conclusion

Hiring professional services for air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance is imperative for your peace of mind.

It’s a technical component of your home that needs expert care to ensure your comfort, safety, and value for money.

Jane Williams
Jane Williams is a home energy advisor. She conducts webinars and writes blogs to share her knowledge on how to save energy. During her free time, she enjoys yoga and painting.

Guest Post by Sherazi Khan

You rely on your home’s locks to not only protect your belongings from thieves but to also protect you and your family from dangerous intruders who clearly don’t care about whether or not they’re doing the right thing.

When those locks are compromised, your safety and livelihood are all on the line.

Here’s a quick and simple guide to re-securing your home after your locks have become compromised.

When Do Locks Become Compromised?

Locks can be considered compromised for a number of reasons.

First, you have your obvious reasons. These include things such as an ex-roommate taking off with the keys to your home, locks breaking due to age or mistreatment, or the most obvious sign of a compromised lock; a successful break-in attempt.

However, there are less obvious ways they can be compromised, too.

Did you know if you hire a housesitter, or lend a babysitter the keys to watch your kids while you enjoy an evening out, they can simply take the key to a key shop and have it duplicated?

They can have a functional copy of your entry key within the time it takes you to get back from vacation or enjoy a good date night, and they’ll gain unhindered access to your home whenever they want.

You can also just lose your house key.

If a stranger sees you drop it and happens to figure out where you live, they can enter whenever they please. . . .and never put you address on a key ring!

If any of these occur, you must immediately take action.

How to Re-Secure Compromised Locks

Regardless of what happened to compromise the locks, the best way to fix it is to call an experienced locksmith and ask for re-keying services

Re-keying is when a locksmith will reset your existing locks to accept a new key, leaving the old key obsolete and non-functional.

This is cheaper than replacing every lock in your home due to something basic, and you can trust it to provide top-notch results.

There aren’t a lot of other practical options at your disposal. . . . you could replace all the locks that used that key entirely, but that requires buying entirely new locks for every door.

The price of that adds up; even if you do all of the installations yourself.

Or you could hope and pray no one uses the compromised lock for malicious purposes, and in today’s society, we wouldn’t bet on that.

Avoiding Compromised Locks

Finally, the best way to “re-secure” your locks is to prevent them from being compromised in the first place.

If possible, never leave your keys with anyone you don’t want to have access to your home. If you need a house sitter, get a family member or trusted friend. Keep track of your keys. Do whatever it is you need to do to keep others from potentially copying your key or otherwise gaining access to it when you don’t want them to. This will protect you, and it will protect your valuables. 

This goes for residential locks, , commercial locks, and any other type of lock you can imagine. 

Guest Post by Simon McIntyre

Your home is your castle, emphasis on “your”.

When first moving into a house most people change the locks, change paint colour, or change out window dressings.

Something that many people forget to change, or simply do not change, are house numbers.

Changing house numbers is a great, inexpensive way to make your home your own and change the look of the exterior of your home without expending a great deal of energy or money. 

Why Change Your House Numbers When Moving into a New Home?

When moving into a new home, you often change a great deal about it to help it feel more like your own and to help ensure that everything is just how you want it.

Changing out house numbers for some that you prefer is a great way to make your home your own and is a fantastic finishing touch.

Many people do not even think about their house numbers, they are simply there to signify which house is which and it hardly ever goes further than that.

That being said, house numbers are great way to personalize your home and add a bit of your own flare and a bit of your own personality to your home without spending a fortune and without having to spend a ton of time and effort as well.

Custom house numbers in a size, colour and font that you choose is a fantastic way to ensure you have numbers that you love that are also going to work well and help others find your home.

How to Customise House Numbers

There are tons of ways that you can customise your house numbers to reflect your own personality.

The first is by choosing a font that you love.

Choosing a custom font is going to reflect your personality. Is your house modern, traditional mid-century styled?

These can all be reflected in the font that you choose.

Next, you can also customise the colour of your numbers.

Adding fun pops of colour to an otherwise plain or simple exterior can help make it fun, it can help to spice things up without having to do something like paint the entire exterior of your home a very loud colour.

Another easy way to customise is by choosing the size of the numbers that you want.

You can get some great numbers that are very large or that are smaller depending on the readability of your font and where you are going to be placing your numbers.

You can also choose a fun and quirky configuration like stair stepping the numbers, putting them in a column instead of a row, or making a special place for them that is unique and totally you.

The last way you can customise your numbers is by being able to choose what material they are made from.

Many house numbers are made of low-quality plastic.

This is fine if they are not going to be exposed to weather and extreme temperature changes.

With house numbers, it is always best to get numbers that are high quality and that are made of materials that are going to be able to withstand weather.

Aluminium is a great material that is going to be lightweight, it can be customised in colour and font, and it is going to be durable.

Spending a little extra to get a great set of house numbers that are well made, durable and that also look great is a must.

By investing in a quality product, you can get house numbers you love, those that work for you and your home, and numbers that are not going to break apart and get damaged after very little wear.

Changing up house numbers is a great way to make your home feel more like your home and to ensure that you put a bit of your personality into your new home.

Guest Post by Simon Wang

Clogged drains can be a pain, and most times, people don’t notice how nice it is to have free pipes until a clogged situation happens.

Though it’s quite easy to pick up your phone and call a plumber, it’s better to be aware of what can clog your drain and how to prevent it from happening.

Culprits Of Clogged Drains

Clogged drains don’t happen immediately.

Most times, these items only clog your drain when they build up over a long time.

At this point, the only solution would be to call a plumber like Brisbane drain plumbers.

However, if you already know what can clog your pipe, you can prevent it before it becomes destructive. Here are five common culprits of clogged drains.

Small Objects

Small objects that can clog your drain can range from things like rings, bracelets, stray Lego pieces, dice, and so on.

Whatever isn’t supposed to go down there (and is solid) is tagged as a small object.

Although, one ring can’t clog your pipe. However, when two, three, or more small objects keep running down the drain, they can clog up and block the flow of water or fluid.

This can happen in the shower, kitchen sink, and most commonly, the toilet.

Dirt

It’s good to wash off the dirt in your hands and feet in the shower or the washbasin. Nonetheless, you should know that excess debris or dirt can and will clog the drain except you have a different drainage system that doesn’t involve pipes.

So, what do you do? Instead of bringing your mud-infested feet straight into the shower, wash or rinse some dirt off outside first.

That way, you can lengthen the lifespan of your drain.

Food Remnants

Yes, the temptation to flush it all down the drain is rather inviting but the repercussion is costly.

There are some things you should never flush down a kitchen sink, no matter what.

Things like cooking oil, fruit peels especially orange and banana, meat fat, eggshells, onion peel, and any large chunk of a food item.

Paper

No drain or sink should swallow any kind of paper, except the toilet (in which case, only toilet paper is allowed).

You would be mistaken to believe that paper thins out when wet and so it can easily go down the drain.

This isn’t true.

The pieces of paper get stuck to the walls of the drain until they clog up and block the flow.

Hair

This is the most common enemy of drainage systems.

But just like dirt, it’s almost hard to prevent totally.

Wet hair can build up over time to become a dangerous ball of hair.

This hair build-up can then clog a drainage pipe almost completely.

What’s worse is that it’s the hardest clog culprit to get rid of.

What To Do About Them?

The answer is straightforward!

The only thing you can do to get rid of clogs is by cleaning your pipe.

When you have a complete block, it’s time to call the plumber to help you look at your pipes to get rid of the blockage.

But if things aren’t too intense yet, there are some first-aid treatments you can do that can save your drainage pipes.

1. Use a classic cloth hanger to ‘fish’ out clogged materials. By straightening the hanger to create a small hook, you can pass it through the drainage to fish out a few items that might be blocking your drain.
2. Put a screen or special filter on top of the drain either in the shower or washbasin. That way, the hair stays on top of the screen while the water goes through the drain.
3. Use the baking soda and vinegar combo. First, you’ll pour hot or boiling water down your drain and follow with a good amount of baking soda. Then mix a cup of white vinegar in water and pour it down the drain. That should do the trick.
4. A wet or dry vacuum can also work wonders. Simply use it to suck in the clogs from your drain the way you suck the dirt off the floor.
5. Plungers! It’s the obvious solution for a clogged drain because they’re designed primarily to unclog a drain. However, make sure that the plunger you’re using is correspondent to the size of the drain so that things can be easier.

Conclusion

Disturbance or interrupted flow isn’t the only reason you should worry about a clogged drain.

It’s known that when a pipe has been blocked for too long, it can burst somewhere else and destroy something even bigger (like the building for instance).

It can also decrease the durability of the pipe and the entire drainage system.

Hence you need to know what causes a clogged drain and what to do about it.

If it’s difficult to deal with, you can also call plumbing services or issues that you can’t and do.

Author Bio
Simon Wang is a home improvement expert. He offers quality services to his clients and makes sure that they are satisfied with his work. Simon loves swimming and playing basketball in his free time.

Guest post by Randolf Fuentes

Windows provide the needed light and ventilation in every home.

They also adds to the aesthetic quality of a property.

Today, one of the most preferred options is double glazed windows.

Many homeowners choose these windows because they can insulate homes better, reducing energy bills.

If you’re planning to install double glazed windows soon, you’ll need to know the qualities of these products and the process of selecting the best ones.

As you shop around, you might find the range of Double Glazed Window options overwhelming, but once you’re familiar with the essential qualities and process, you’ll be able to trim down your choices and find suitable ones for your home.

Here are some tips you’ll find useful:

Choose The Frames

Double glazed windows have different frames.

Each type of frame has its strengths.

Choose one that best fits your window, jamb, and glass needs.

The following are some of the standard frames you can consider:

uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride)

uPVC is one of the most energy-efficient options available. It’s way cheaper than traditional wooden frames but is more durable than other frames. It comes in various colours and sizes and is easy to clean too. All you need are a clean and soft cloth and a window cleaner to keep it spotless.

Timber

Timber is either hinged at the top or bottom. It can be expensive, but it often lasts longer than most double glazed window frames. Unlike uPVC, it requires regular maintenance.

Aluminium

Aluminium frames are low-maintenance, durable, and affordable. Traditionally, they’re available in grey and metal. Today, this option has many types, including fixed, awning, casement, sliding, bi-fold, and stacking windows.

Consider Thermal Efficiency

Since double glazed windows are sought for their ability to transfer heat, you should ensure that the windows you choose have this certain quality.

Along with thermal efficiency, look into the windows’ type of glass, such as clear, tinted, laminated, and tempered glass.

In addition, examine the type of gas used in glazing. It can be one of the following:

• Argon: It’s an odourless and colourless gas that’s dense and cheap.
• Krypton: It’s generally dense and best used in smaller spaces. However, it’s an expensive choice.
• Xenon: It’s the densest gas among the three types. It’s more expensive than most gases used in glazing, so many homeowners don’t choose it. In most cases, the gas is applied in industrial spaces.

Apart from the types of gas, check out the types of coating:

Low E (Low-Emissivity) Coatings

This thin and metallic oxide layer helps manage daylight transmittance to allow necessary solar gain. It’s known to reduce fading, and it can last up to 15 years in most cases. Generally, it reduces energy loss up to 50%.

Spectrally Selective Coatings

In low-temperature settings, spectrally selective coatings can reduce 40-70% heat. However, they still allow a sufficient amount of light.

Check The Air Leakage

Most of the time, the air leakage affects the heat transfer capacity of double glazed windows.

Air leakage is typically a direct result of the operating types of windows.

Here are some of the options you can pick from:

Awning, Hopper, And Casement

The awning type is hinged at the top and is opened outward while the casement one is hinged at the sides. On the other hand, the hopper kind is hinged at the bottom and is opened inward. These types have lower air leakage probability because of fit and lock features.

Single- And Double-Sliding

These windows slide horizontally and have higher air leakage rates than other options.

Fixed

The fixed type is permanent and airtight but may not suit rooms that lack proper ventilation. It’s ideal for walls or portions of the house with minimal space. However, replacing the panes might be a challenge and require maintenance.

Take Noise Reduction Quality Into Account

The noise reduction quality depends on the glass’ thickness.

The thicker the glass is, the more noise is reduced.

In fact, windows with thick glass can reduce noises up to 90%, especially if they’re installed with uPVC frames to keep them durable and fixed.

Go For Mould Prevention

While condensation could be a result of preventing mould growth, you can still consider the type of windows as a factor.

When choosing a window, check the type of glass and frame where moulds won’t thrive.

Pick the ones with minimal spaces to ensure that every area is breathable and prevents mould growth.

Apart from this, opt for moisture-resistant windows, as they keep condensation from taking place.

Wrapping Up

Double glazed windows aren’t just stylish but also durable, energy-efficient, and noise-reducing.

You’ll find a wide range of double glazed windows, but deciding on the best ones will be easy if you follow these useful tips.

 

Author Bio
Randolf Fuentes is a home improvement specialist. He offers consultation to homeowners. He also writes blog posts and guest posts to share tips, tricks, and information about home improvement and renovation. Randolf love to travel and cook food for his familly.

Guest post by Andrej Kovačević

This trend has been evident in Australia for some time though other countries are seeing the same thing. There are many reasons this is happening, and it’s important to explore why.

Why are Home buyers Looking for More Rooms?

You can’t boil this trend down to just one or two reasons. The following are some reasons:

Millennials Staying

One reason people are looking for homes with more rooms has to do with the new living situation many families are finding themselves in.

Traditionally, young folks moved out of their parents’ homes, but that’s not happening. A large number of millennials are staying home.

It’s happening so much that many families are starting to buy homes with this in mind.

Parents want to have enough room for their grown children to stay or move back home whenever needed. These families try to purchase a home large enough to accommodate their children’s families at times. This wasn’t common before, yet it’s becoming common now.

This is happening for various reasons. Some of these millennials have a lot of student debt, which makes it hard for them to move on.

If all that wasn’t enough, the housing market in Australia is becoming inaccessible to younger folks.

Homes are simply too expensive, and that’s keeping millennials at home longer. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it means home seekers are looking for more rooms to accommodate their grown kids.

The last thing these caring parents want is to let their kids sleep on a sofa.

Everyone deserves a room with a comfortable bed and a heavenly mattress topper.

Home Migration

Another reason Australian home buyers are looking for homes with more bedrooms has to do with the work-from-home movement.

When the internet came around, this trend was inevitable, and it’s happening. More folks are starting to work from home because it’s much easier.

People are using today’s technology, like the cloud, to connect with coworkers and their employers without going to the office.

This new reality means folks need enough space at home to work.

People want enough rooms to convert one or two into offices. This trend is also leading to other changes, like the fact that many Australian home buyers aren’t concerned about finding a home in a big city where the work is.

The Pandemic

The pandemic helped change things in Australia, just like it has around the world. It has impacted the way people live, and it makes sense that it’s changed what home buyers look for.

The pandemic amplified some things already mentioned. For example, more people had to work from home during the pandemic.

A good chunk of people who didn’t want to work from home or didn’t see the value of it got a taste of it. These folks got used to it and saw the benefits.

A number of people were already making this switch, and the pandemic made that number bigger.

Since people were forced to stay home and work there, more people are interested in homes with offices or rooms that could be converted into offices.

Staying at home also made it obvious to some people that their small homes weren’t large enough for their families. These folks are looking to purchase homes with more space and more rooms.

Bigger Family Desires

Everyone knows that Australia has an issue with birth rates and the overall population. There simply aren’t enough people in this country to sustain it and something needs to change.

While some of this depends on what the country does, there’s something that only families can change. It seems many families are stepping up since more Australians are hoping to have more children.

While the country has to wait and see if this trend produces more children, the desire is very real.

More home seekers are hoping to buy a home that can accommodate the number of children they hope to have someday. This is yet another reason why many folks are looking for larger houses.

It’s important to say that this is just a desire. There’s no telling whether or not more folks will have kids, but it’s clear that this desire is creating a trend.

Leisure Push

Australians are also interested in buying homes they can relax and have fun in. Having enough bedrooms is a big part of that.

It frees up the rest of the house so that new homeowners have more space to play with. Folks can have man or woman caves and home dens.

Families could have family rooms and theater rooms, especially since the pandemic closed all theaters. Having a large house seems to make folks happier.

People also want bigger bedrooms. They aren’t satisfied with small bedrooms because they feel cramped. People want larger-than-life bedrooms where they can feel at peace and escape the world for a bit.

Now, you know all there is to know about today’s desire for homes with more bedrooms and space. This push is being driven by all sorts of things, which is pretty interesting.