Sticky Doors

Sticky doors are a common problem that arise in Australian homes, but they are relatively easy to repair. Sticky doors are generally caused by loose hinges and unsealed top and bottom of the door which causing swelling of the timber. Sometimes a sticky door can also be an indication of more serious foundation issues, such as subsidence.

If you do not address a sticky door in a timely manner, the door will gradually become harder to open, which causes severe damage to the hinges and handles. 

By following a few simple steps, you can easily repair the problem of a sticky door:

1.       Plane the door down to its correct height. Plane it from one side to centre. Then again from other side to centre so you get an even surface. The ideal gap between the door and the door jam is 2mm to 3mm.

2.      Sandpaper the perimeter of door giving it a smooth round edge.

3.       Seal it up with some paint, to stop moisture getting inside the door so that it will remain stable.

4.       If re-hanging the door by yourself, put your hammer down on the floor parallel to the door. At a 90 degree angle, place your chisel over the top of the hammer and under the door. You will have created a foot-operated lever which will make it a lot easier to lift the door up and down by yourself.

Energy Saving Roofing

Engaging in the re-roofing process allows you to increase your energy efficiency whilst also reducing the cost.

Cracks and missing tiles can contribute to the development of water leaks. This also results in cooler temperatures inside the home, which leads to additional energy consumption and more money attributed for heating purposes.

Re-roofing will improve insulation and ventilation, generally making your home more comfortable.

The re-roofing process also offers the opportunity for the installation of sarking, a flexible membrane that is laid under the roof battens that provides increased thermal insulation.

When selecting a material for a replacement roof, terracotta roof tiles are the premium choice for Australian homeowners. This is because they are resistant to the effects of frost during the cooler months. They also act as an additional barrier against dust and condensation.

Colourbond is the other main contender offering a cheaper alternative and a sleeker look. This is paramount in the design phase. 

Bathroom Design Trends

The most recent bathroom design trends of 2013 are all about water efficiency, the spa experience, and overall aesthetics.

Water-Efficiency

Water efficiency is now one of the primary considerations for Australian home owners. Companies such as Raymour are now supplying six star WELS rated basin mixers that use as little as 4.5L of water per minute with toilets also saving significant amounts of water with four star WELS rating.

Toilets have also evolved somewhat with wall hung and wall faced models increasing in popularity in recent times. These models have concealed cisterns and wall-hung designs are suspended above the floor for a clean and uncluttered look.

Spa Experience

Bathrooms are no longer seen as being a simple wash room but a home spa and a domain where people can unwind. Showers now deliver up to six shower patterns - from a refreshing light spray to a dense, massaging rain shower.

Kohler offers BubbleMassage baths that take up the same footprint as a conventional baths yet deliver the spa experience with thousands of warm-air-filled bubbles that massage and support the entire body.

Aesthetics

Bathrooms have now become a representation of the homeowner's personal style. Earp Bros is pioneering the trend towards textural stone finishes, organic timber planks and coloured mosaics. All of these features are the product of the very latest in ceramic tile technology.

Moreover, dimensional and tessellated tiles have also become a huge trend in bathrooms where the tiles have an innovative 3-D appearance.