Maddie Grice, Author at Modern Group

Author: Maddie Grice

A Brief Look at a Modern History

Posted on by Maddie Grice

The Modern Group was originally founded in the 1970’s by Ron and Tina Bayley as a roof steam cleaning business and over the past 40 years it has grown into one of Australia’s largest and best home improvement companies. During the 70’s Modern, which was then trading under the name Bramalco, serviced residential and commercial properties and was run out of a small depot and their home. A small part of this business focused on roof repair and by 1987 the directors saw the potential in this area and focused their attention on developing strategies to allow this part of the business to flourish.

In early 1988 Bramalco Pty Ltd was formed, and quickly became the fastest growing home improvement business in South Australia. With such high demand for their services and rapid growth, roof restoration was born and quickly became the dominant part of the business.


In 1992, a Perth branch of Modern Roof Restoration was opened and Streamline Roller Shutters were introduced. The experience of the Adelaide staff combined with the enthusiasm of the Perth branch meant the Perth division of Modern was a huge success.

By 1997 the demand for Modern products and service had spread nationally  and branches had opened in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Wollongong and Central Coast NSW.

Modern could see a gap in the market and embarked on some intensive research to enhance Moderns current products to suit the extreme Australian conditions.

The results of this research was the launch of our heat reflective roof coating called Supablock™ and our second generation Enviro Blind Roller Shutters! – both of which were designed for the Australian climate and provide thermal insulating qualities to reduce the need for homeowners to rely on artificial heating and cooling.

Today, Modern is an Australian market leader in Roof Restoration, Re-Roofing, Roller Shutters, Plantation Shutters, Louvre Shutters and Solar Electricity and still proudly Australian owned and made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Exactly Is A Roof Restoration?

Posted on by Maddie Grice

The list of responsibilities a homeowner has is a long one. Of course, you are responsible for maintaining almost everything under your roof, but have you ever considered what maintenance your actual roof might need?

If you notice the occasional leak, feel a strange draft or just haven’t had a look at what’s going on up there, it might be a good idea to have a professional inspect what’s going on.

Modern offers a complimentary 33 point roofing inspection that will help determine if your roof requires some extra attention and catch any early signs of significant problems that could save you lots in the long run.
If there are signs of any significant damage to your roof, your Modern Roofing Specialist might suggest a Roof Restoration.

So What exactly is a roof restoration?
Roof restorations are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to a total roof replacement that goes far beyond a quick roof repair.

The first step is to ensure the roof is completely watertight. All leaks are repaired, faulty and broken tiles are replaced along with any leaky roof sheets, loose screws, nails and valley irons.

Your roof restoration specialist will then inspect and replace any ridge capping tiles.
Any faulty bedding mortar is replaced, and all capping tiles are repointed with a Flexible pointing compound to help prevent any future movement of capping tiles.

Your roof will then be deep cleaned. This is an essential step to ensure that the paint adheres properly to the tiles when it is painted, and no dust and dirt gets trapped in the tiles.

Then, a final clean of the roof is completed to ensure there is no leftover residue, and the fun part begins!
Your roof is then painted to your colour preference and will be looking better than ever.
In the final step, two coats of Supa Bloc protection are applied to provide ultimate UV protection to your home.

If you have any doubts about the condition of your roof, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Contact the roofing experts at your local service team on 13 11 78 to arrange a complimentary 33 point inspection and discuss how a roof restoration could make all the difference to your home.

Keep Enjoying your Backyard This Winter!

Posted on by Maddie Grice

Now that summer is drawing to a close and winter is creeping up with its cold temperatures and wet weather, it only feels natural to want to hide indoors under a blanket with a warm cup of tea.
After a summer filled with gatherings in the backyard, it seems a shame to have to retire that part of your home for the better part of three months… so why should you?

Here are some great ideas to help you embrace your outdoor areas and keep that space as valuable and welcoming as it is in summer!

Make the Space Inviting
As we mentioned earlier, in the colder weather, it can be tempting to hibernate indoors, so you want to make your space look and feel just as cosy as your favourite spot on the couch.
If you don’t already have an outdoor furniture set, even though they are perfect for summer, they come into their own in winter. A comfortable couch and chaise will be worth every penny.
Adding extra cushions, rugs and blankets in thick textures such as wool, flannel, velvet and faux fur will make it even cosier and inviting.

Warm it up Visually
A trick regularly used by interior designers to create warmth in a room is to make sure any lighting used is a warm golden colour.
Swapping out any cool white globes in favour of more golden ones will make the space look more appealing in colder weather and give it a more luxe appeal!
To achieve this you can swap out the globes in lighting already installed in your outdoor areas or even purchase some outdoor lamps. For a budget option, fairy-light’s and candles will give the space a warm and inviting glow, just make sure your candles are in a safe area away from anything that might catch light! 

Photo: Pinterest

 

Winter Drinks Station

Having a dedicated space outside where you can make warm drinks to help keep you warm will further entice you and any guests outdoors.

Set up a small station with a kettle, some tea bags, coffee options and maybe even a hot chocolate. Adding a small coffee table and comfy chair will finish off the area and make it a go-to space for Sunday afternoons!

You could also incorporate some extras to help make some delicious winter cocktails! 

Get Toasty!
Nothing says winter in the outdoors quite like a fire pit!
To make your own, gather some kindling and place it in a well-ventilated area far away from anything that might catch alight. Collect some rocks to create a boundary, and voila!

If DIY isn’t for you or you’re working with a smaller space, you can pick up fire pits in all different shapes and sizes from your local hardware or barbecue retailer.

If you think this is something you and your family will love, you can also invest in in-built fireplaces that will enhance the look of your outdoor space!

Invest In Outdoor Blinds
If you want to make use of your outdoor space during winter, investing in Outdoor Blinds will be one of the best things you will do for your home! Weather-resistant and made to last, they will keep you tucked away from the elements and let you enjoy your outdoor areas, rain or shine!
For a free in-home consultation, contact your local service team on 13 11 78!

Warm up your home this Winter

Posted on by Maddie Grice

Warm-up with Colour and Texture

Winter is the perfect time to change up the colour scheme of your home. The colder weather is ideal for embracing rich colours such as dark green, jewel tones, reds, and oranges. A lux Fabric selection will also help create all the cosy ‘vibes’. Velvet, wool, soft cotton and (faux) fur will bring warmth and texture to any room.

Add Greenery

Bring a little of the outside inside with easy to maintain indoor plants. Alternatively, a fresh bunch of flowers from the farmers market or a high-quality silk alternative will brighten up even the coldest corners of your home. Rich greens, reds, yellows and also whites will work well with any winter colour pallet.

Reorganise and Rearrange

Change is as good as a holiday. Have a quick look over your living, dining and bedrooms and see if there is any way your space could be made more functional? Even experimenting with different trinkets and unique pieces to decorate coffee tables and sideboards can make a small but impactful difference. If you’re looking to make a significant change, a textured bedhead can warm up your bedroom and completely change the room’s overall vibe. You would be surprised at how even the most minor change can breathe a whole new life into a space.

Winter is for Layers

One of the easiest and most effortless ways to make your home feel cosier is to introduce layers. Throws cushions, rugs, and heavy curtains all help to create a cosy space you’ll love spending time in during the winter months.

Play with light

With winter comes shorter days and, as a result, less natural lighting.  The lack of natural light creates an opportunity to play with light and create a whole different mood at the flick of a switch. In Denmark, the concept of Hygge mentions the importance of using light to enhance your mood. Pools of warm light, candles and lamps to create a sense of intimacy and cosiness. With the proper lighting, you’ll be looking forward to cosy nights in all winter long.

Keep enjoying your outdoor spaces.

Don’t let winter keep you from loving your outdoor living areas. While the weather is less inviting, Modern Outdoor Blinds create an intimate space that allows you to enjoy all that is wonderful about the outdoors with none of the bits you don’t.

If you want to enjoy your outdoor area all year round, contact your local service team on 13 11 78 for a free consultation.

Take Care of Your Home Post Rainfall

Posted on by Maddie Grice

It’s no secret Australia is home to some of the worlds most extreme weather. From bushfires to floods and 40 degrees celsius to minus 10, Australians and their homes can be pushed to the limits.

Recently, the eastern parts of Queensland and New South Wales have received unprecedented rainfall. Breaking river banks and records it was a timely reminder to us all of exactly how powerful Australian weather systems can be.

Living in Australia, you have a responsibility to check your home after powerful weather systems for any damage that may have occurred.

Considering the recent downpour, here are some of the most important things to check post rain, to make sure your home is kept in the best condition possible.

After experiencing storms or heavy rain. The first thing to do, is a visual external check of your home. To be safe, it is also a good idea to turn your gas and electricity off before your first inspection.

Look for-

  • Broken Glass
  • Damage to the structure of your home
  • Pooling water
  • Mould
  • Broken or damaged trees

If you have pets or young children, it’s also important to check your backyard for any mushrooms that may have sprouted with the wet conditions. Most of these can be extremely poisonous and deadly if consumed. To remove them, wear gardening gloves and dispose of them in the bin.

It is also a good idea to check all areas of the inside your home for any standing water. Mould takes just over 48 hours to start growing when there is water present and it can also lead to corrosion of the foundations of your home.

If there is any mould in your house, for the safety of everyone living there it is important to clean it thoroughly. To clean any mould off walls and windows, create a mixture at a  concentration of 80% vinegar to 20% water and pour into three separate buckets.

Using a microfibre cloth, dip it into the first bucket, then use it to clean a patch of mould. The same microfibre cloth should then be rinsed in the second bucket, then rinsed again in the third to ensure cross-contamination doesn’t occur.

When you get the opportunity and it is safe to do so, check your roof and gutters 

Check gutters and roofing for any signs of damage.

Your roofing and gutters are your homes first line of defence during wild weather. You may have noticed a leak during the rain or storm, or one may have occurred during that you haven’t noticed yet.

Gutters may have also become clogged or damaged with debris and to keep your home and roof safe, clearing this and inspecting them for damage is extremely important.

Don’t take a risk with your roof, contact Australia’s leading roofing experts for more than 40 years for a free 33 point inspection on 13 11 78.

Next time it rains, you’ll be very glad you did.

 

 

Note from State Emergency Services NSW, during severe thunderstorms and weather events that people should:

* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

 

 

What to Look For When Choosing A Roofing Company

Posted on by Maddie Grice

When you start your search for a roofing company, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with your options.

There are many roofing companies across Australia that offer similar services, but it is important to remember that you do get what you pay for. Slick Rick from down the road might give you a great deal… but how much might it end up costing you in the long run?

Here are some things to look for when choosing a roofing company! 

Choose Quality 

Seeing a small number can be extremely tempting when it comes to choosing what company to go with. Everyone wants to save money where they can, but doing so can bring with it some very expensive risks.

Check the Warranty

Some cheaper options do not offer a solid warranty that will hurt your hip pocket in the long run, particularly if the reason they are less expensive is because they have less experience and are using lower quality materials. It is also important to carefully check exactly what the warranty covers you for. Some companies offer extravagant warranties of 10 years for restorations, but when you break them down the amount of stipulations means there not really worth the paper they are written on.

Hire Someone With Experience

A highly trained professional contractor will have the experience and knowledge to make decisions and judgement calls to give you the best end result. Inexperienced tradies may not pick up on certain things until later in the process and have to backtrack which can be costly and time consumin

Look for Contractors that Have Strict Quality Control Protocols

A good contractor will follow stringent control protocols, so you have peace of mind knowing that all materials used have been tested to withstand the harsh year round Australian Conditions.

Look for an Established Contractor

Sometimes cheaper contractors just want to get the job done so they can move onto the next one. When you hire an expert contractor, they will likely care about the quality of the job. Ensuring that each job is completed to the highest quality standards that will reflect positively upon their business. Moderns always inspects work after it is completed, there is nothing more important than a satisfied customer”

Ensure They Are Accredited

There are a lot of cowboys in the roofing industry, make sure the installer/company has the appropriate state accreditation – The Modern Group is part of the MBA, HIA and BSA which means our installers work to a code of ethics that protect you as the consumer.

Make Sure They Take Appropriate Safety Measures

Is the company providing a fall-safe system for the installer. If the roof is more than 2metres of the ground work place health and safety needs to be taken into account. Moderns Provides this to all applicable jobs. Most home improvement can come with a risk, that risk increases if the job involves being on a roof. Accidents can happen at anytime and if a contractor is offering a bargain price, it may be because he is uninsured. If someone was to hurt themselves while working in an uninsured environment, it could become very messy for all involved.

So Who Should You Pick?

With all of the above in mind, finding the right company to complete your roofing services can be intimidating.

The Modern Group have been Australia’s go to roofing specialists for over 40 years. From minor roof repairs to major restorations and replacements, we are the full service roofing experts you can trust.

Save yourself the hassle and headaches of going with the wrong contractor and give your local Modern service team a call today on 13 11 78.

 

 

 

Improve Your Home Security With Roller Shutters

Posted on by Maddie Grice

There is nothing more important than the safety of your family. When you are at home, you want to feel safe in the knowledge that everyone and everything inside is protected from intruders.
Crime statistics show that over 20% of households have experienced a break in at some point with numbers steadily increasing.

Currently, Australia has the 5th highest burglary rate in the world and has become an important issue for homeowners across the country.

There are a number of ways you can increase the overall security of your home without the need for complex and expensive security systems.

Law enforcement offices agree on the fact, most break ins are ‘crimes of opportunity’.  Meaning, the best way to deter the crims, is to make it harder to break in than the next one they see.

Shut blinds and curtains at night.

Seems simple right? If there are some dodgy folk hanging round your neighbourhood, giving them a look into everything in your home isn’t good. If you have house lights on without anything blocking that view into the street, it’s almost like you are giving them a tour of the place. Not only will they know what you have… they will also know where it is.
A good rule of thumb is when you turn on your lights at night, shut any blinds and curtains you have even if its still dusk so they don’t get a peak at what’s inside.

Make sure windows are shut properly

A number of break-ins have been through windows recently, with crims shimmying them open even if they have only the smallest sliver of space between them and the wall. Before you go out or go to sleep, unless your windows have reinforced protection (and maybe even still) make sure they are shut securely.

Install outdoor sensor lights

This can be done relatively low cost and purchased at your local hardware store. Motion sensor lights can be positioned in your garden or front of the house and will light up when motion is detected. Not only will this increase your personal safety if you are outside during the night, but it will also deter crims as they will not light being easily spotted.

Keep your garden tidy

If a crim is looking to skate by without being seen, having a well maintained garden will offer less of an opportunity for them to hide and remain unnoticed. Keeping hedges and shrubs neat and tidy will also re-enforce the fact you are home and taking care of your house, not on holiday or away for extended periods of time.

Smart Security Cameras

 

For someone wanting to sneak in, the idea that the could be broadcast straight to your smartphone…? Not appealing. Smart security cameras have come a long way and now even offer 2 way communication and the ability to set off alarms from wherever you are. Many of them will come with stickers you can also place around windows in your home to let it be known that you are watching.

 

Install Roller Shutters

Roller shutters are one of the best things you could do to increase the level of security in your home. Windows are the weakest part of your house and even if shut, can be easily broken into.

Roller Shutters provide a barrier between the outside world and your windows, making your home much harder to forcibly enter.
They also provide a visual deterrent and will make anyone think twice about how difficult it would be to consider breaking in.

The added privacy they provide is also a massive bonus when it comes to home security!!

      

If you are wanting to upgrade your home with the ultimate home security feature, contact your local service team on 13 11 78 for a complimentary in home consultation and design.

 

Are Outdoor Blinds the Solution You’ve Been Searching For?

Posted on by Maddie Grice

No one can deny Summer in Australia is beautiful. With some of the best beaches in the world our days are spent soaking up the sun and lounging on the beach. It’s also hard to deny that it gets hot in Australia… very hot.

By mid December, the thermostat can easily push past the 40 degree mark regularly and finding ways too cool down becomes priority number 1!

This could be as easy as turning on a fan or the air-conditioning, but for many this can be a very costly expense for the hip pocket and not an ideal solution for the environment. For people searching for other heat control solutions, many are turning to outdoor blinds to keep cool, keep costs low and raise the overall value of their homes. Outdoor blinds keep heat out of your home by blocking out the sun, providing a shaded outdoor space in your home and preventing unnecessary solar gain, therefore stopping heat before it can reach your home.

With the further benefits of glare & light control, additional privacy, UV ray and weather protection, they are the ultimate outdoor accessory for your home and you’ll be looking for excuses to be outside all the time.

But what blinds are right for you?

The two main types of outdoor blinds that Modern offer are the Envirotex and the PVC café style blinds. Both design styles are proudly Australian made and engineered to be able to cope with the tough conditions their home nation provides. They also both have the ability to be motorised for total convenience.

The Envirotex blinds are made from a strong and durable woven fabric that is fire retardant and resistant mould and mildew growth. They are also able to withstand high winds and corrosion making them perfect for even coastal locations.

Modern has also engineered a unique heavy duty axle that also acts as a reducer that helps to avoid the unsightly sag that many outdoor blinds can develop over the years.

To make them even more customisable, there are different fabrics to meet each of your aesthetic and functional needs.

 

Alternatively, the Café blinds are perfect if you are looking to preserve your view and keep your space looking big. Designed never to yellow or become brittle and are available in both a clear and tinted fabric. They are Maintenance free, durable, corrosion resistant and boast self retracting screens that you can utilise to take advantage of cool breezes.

Contact your local service team on 13 11 78 for a complimentary in home consultation if you think that outdoor blinds might be the solution you’ve been looking for!

 

7 Reasons Why House Roof Restoration Is Necessary

Posted on by Maddie Grice

Your roof us easily one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior. A roof in good condition will protect you and your family from the elements, increase the efficiency of your air conditioners and enhance the overall curb appeal and value of your home. In poor shape, a roof can leak, develop harmful mould growth, attract unwelcomed creatures and cause major issues when it comes to insurance claims. As a homeowner, looking after your roof should be a priority. Here are seven important reasons why getting a Roof Restoration is necessary.

Boost the Curb Appeal and Value of your home

Want to increase the value of your home? Start with your roof! The outside of your home offers the first impression to potential buyers. A recent survey revealed that potential homebuyers will generally make up their minds about a home within the first five minutes, so investing the time and money in having your roof looking its best is definitely worth it. It is also important that your roof is in good condition if you do go to sell to make sure your home passes any building and pest inspections your buyers may require.

Peace of mind for storm season

There is nothing worse than having to sprint to find a bucket the moment it starts raining, but when it starts storming things can quickly become more serious. Even if there are no visible signs of water damage or leaks, sometimes the damage you can’t see can be even worse and cause a huge amount of damage to your property.  Being the only barrier between yourself, your family and your home a Roof Restoration will bring peace of mind and you will be able to rest easy knowing that your home can tackle the wild weather.

Save money and energy.

When it comes to heating and cooling our homes, we don’t want to waste a penny. Expensive electricity bills can be made worse if your roof has cracks or holes that allow your warm and cool air to escape. They key to bringing your electricity down during the hot summer days and cold winter nights, is making your home as insulated as possible.  Investing in this area definitely makes a roof restoration worth it and will save you money in the long run.

Stop your roof from absorbing unwanted heat

If cooling your home is a priority, you can also upgrade your Roof Restoration to include SupaBlock. SupaBlock is a UV reflective paint that contains special ceramic pigments that reflect heat the from sun, reducing the temperature of the roofs surface.  Compared to regular paint, SUPABLOCK paint dramatically reduces the amount of heat that is able to get into your home.

 

Protection against unwanted pests

Australia is home to many different types of animals that you definitely don’t want to take up residence in your roof. Snakes, possums and rats can take advantage of damaged roofs, sneaking in, building nests and causing even more damage in the process. Safely capturing and removing wildlife from your roof can be a costly exercise as you will almost always need professional assistance. Especially if the animal causes more damage within your roof

 

Increase the overall lifespan of your roof

A roof restoration will bring keep your roof in good condition and save you the large expense of having to have extensive repairs or even a full replacement in the future. An experienced roofing expert will be able to find any weaknesses, such as any cracked tiles or leaks in your roof and work to fix them before any major damage occurs.

Special attention paid to your gutters in a roof restoration will also help increase the lifespan of your roof by ensuring they are clear and leak free. This is also a bonus during the Australian summer as blocked and overflowing gutters can be a huge fire risk.

Make Sure you’re covered by your insurance

 Depending on your cover level and type, there are responsibilities you have as a homeowner. A problem many homeowners face is having Insurance claims regarding roofing knocked back by insurance companies because the roof has not been properly maintained. Insurance will rarely cover any issues related to rusty roofing or gutters, blocked gutters, leaves and debris on the roof or blocked flashings. The good news is these are all preventable issues that can be easily assessed and fixed by trusted roofing experts.

For over 40 years, the Modern Group have been Australia’s go-to roofing specialist for all things from minor leak repairs, Roof Restorations and full Roof Replacements. For a complimentary roof inspection and consultation, contact your local service team on 13 11 78 today!

 

 

 

 

Keep Your Cool This Summer

Posted on by Maddie Grice

Right now we’re all feeling the full effects of the Aussie summer. With our days reaching the mid-thirties and the nights not dipping too far below that. So how do we keep cool without running the air conditioner 24/7?

Here are our top tips for insulating your home and minimising your electricity bill!

Control the levels of natural light entering the house.

The idea of shutting your curtains might seem a bit gloomy, but it will help to lower the heat in your house significantly.

A solution many are turning to is using blinds such as plantation shutters. The design of these blinds allows the user to control the level of light entering the house, so you can still brighten up your home without letting the sun heat things up too much.

Check your home for drafts

Warm air can sneak into your home in cracks and gaps in your home. To avoid this, seal them with rubber weather shields (you can purchase these at your local hardware store) and make sure windows are shut tightly when not open.

Upgrade your paint

White walls in the home will absorb less heat and help to keep your house cool! It the colour doesn’t necessarily have to be stark white, but any lighter colour will help to keep the temperature down. If you’re really serious about cooling your home. For your roof, make sure it is in its best condition with a Modern roof restoration. Even the smallest crack or broken tile can cause precious cool air to leak out of your home. Modern also offer Supablock, an effective heat reflective coating for your roof that will dramatically reduce your cooling costs throughout summer.

Introduce some Greenery

Strategically picked and placed, indoor plants can help cool down your house because they absorb the hot air and loose water during the transpiration process, leaving their surroundings cool and fresh! The can also help block some sunlight from entering the house if positioned near windows and doorways.

Invest in Roller Shutters

Similarly to Plantation Shutters, Roller Shutters help control the level of light entering your home and the material also helps to keep the heat out. They are also certified to BAL level 40 when shut, making them an essential safety feature for your home if you are in bushfire prone areas.

If you’re ready to lower the cost of keeping cool this summer with Plantation and Roller Shutters, contact your local service team on 13 11 78 today!