October 26, 2021

Nothing says wedding quite like the colour white. Regardless of whether you want your dream day to have all the bells and whistles or something more laidback. An all-white theme can be used for virtually any style. Here’s how to embrace it and make the biggest impact with the least colour.

Break up the white

If the entirety of your wedding is a sea of white, it can be polarising and appear sterile. This is not what you want, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a white colour palette, it just means you need to be clever about using different shades, textures and incorporating small elements of another colour. For example, if the groom wants to wear a white suit, wearing white shoes, a white shirt, tie etc can all blur into one and doesn’t accentuate key elements of their outfit. Wherever you want to use white, consider what else you are going to add to it or use a different of white. Some popular ideas to break up the white include:

Gold accents – This can be through crockery, cutlery or in table arrangements and adds a touch of luxury.

Greenery – Pop of greenery complements white so well. Think flower arrangements, in your arbour or even having your wedding outdoors can break up the white.

Timber detailing – Another texture that pairs well with white is timber. It can help to soften the white and can be used as sparingly as you like. A timber arbour, name placements or even timber chairs are some of the many options available to you.

Choose different types of flowers for your bouquet

A bouquet full of white is stunning and screams wedding. Rather than sticking with one type of flower, you can add dimension and interest by including a variety of different flowers. Incorporating fresh flowers and dried ones is a great way to do this. Also, consider the overall look of your bouquet compared to the bridesmaids, you want yours to stand out, not blend in. Of course, you don’t have to do this, but if the overall colour for the big day is white and white alone, it can help to break up the often harshness of crisp white.

Pick out your wedding attire early on

If you’ve decided that you want your bridal party to be in all white like yourself, it’s a good idea to choose your wedding attire before the bridal parties. You want them to look lovely, but you also don’t want their outfits to be too similar or more elaborate than yours. You don’t want to have wedding photos that are hard to tell who’s the bride and groom because everyone looks the same.

Be clear about your expectations for the guest’s dress code

Do you want your guests in full white? If yes, you need to be specific about what you’d like your guests to wear because if you’re not, you can bet on the big day some will arrive with a white top and different coloured bottoms or vice versa. Be clear and give them plenty of notice to organise something to wear. That way, on the day, there isn’t one or two sticking out like sore thumbs because they didn’t fully understand your vision. Some things to address are the shade of white, can it be creams, beiges? The formality of the attire, is it smart casual or formal? The more details you give your guests, the more likely they are going to get it right. While it is your wedding, at the end of the day, you need to be ok with the fact that some people may not want to wear white, or they may not come to your wedding in white.

Do your research first

It’s one thing to have an idea in your head, it’s another to translate it to real life. Do plenty of research first before making any purchases. A great place to start is the internet. A search online will reveal thousands of ideas and ways you can play with an all-white wedding. Put together a vision board with fabric samples or pictures and use these to show your vendors. They will then get a gauge of what you want for your big day and help you recreate it. They can even offer friendly advice and suggestions on what may work and what might not.

Consider how all-white may affect your photos

If your dress is bright white, the chair you’re sitting on at the reception is bright white, and so is the table, you’re going to blend in, and this can affect how good your photos turn out. If you end up with photos that look stark, washed out or hard to decipher who is what and where this can negatively impact the number of good photos you get out of your day. While a good photographer can work lighting and angles, you’re going to get better photos when the white is offset with noticeable textures and different shades of colours.

If you have your heart set on an all-white wedding, we hope this post has given you some ideas on how to execute it well. Here at Florido Weddings, we are wedding photography and videography specialists, and there isn’t too much we haven’t seen. It’s your special day, and we can help capture your beautiful white wedding into lasting memories. Contact us for more information.

It’s not uncommon for glass to get smashed, whether it’s from a storm, cricket ball or something in between. Broken glass should never be left, but does just the glass panel alone have to be replaced or the entire window? In his post, we’ll answer this question and more to help you determine what kind of service you need to book when dealing with smashed glass at your place.

Glass replacement vs window replacement

Here are some things to look at when deciding whether only the glass needs to be replaced or the whole window.

The glass is broken, but the window frame is in otherwise good condition

If your window frames are in good working order and it’s only the smashed glass that needs replacing, then a glass replacement should be enough in this instance. This is much cheaper, and if the broken glass pane is old and outdated, this is a good opportunity to update it with quality glass. Quality glass offers numerous benefits, including limiting the amount of heat that transfers between the home and outside and blocking out harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and discolouration to furniture and carpet. The glazier will ensure there are no gaps between your existing frame and the new glass by installing weather stripping and caulking. This can put a stop to drafts and help to provide the best thermal protection. If your frame has seen better days, putting new glass in it will fix the cosmetic and safety element but, you may not fully prevent drafts or heat from transferring.

Before your glass got broken, it was showing signs of wear

It can be hard to recognise flaws in your glass when you are not sure what you’re looking for. There are some tell-tale signs that the quality of your glass is compromised. Some of these are drafts coming through the glass, condensation, and foggy looking windows. These problems may be caused by something as minor as broken seals or caulking or something more significant such as the window framing itself. To determine the cause, it’s best to call in a professional glazier, they can tell you exactly what’s creating the issue and how to fix it. If all your windows are like this, it is worth considering updating them all when you can. This can help to cut down on your quarterly energy bills and make your home more comfortable during the cold and warm seasons. Getting them all done at once can be more cost-effective than getting them done one at a time.

Common questions we get about smashed glass

Can you repair a smashed glass window?

No, a smashed window will need to be replaced.

Can I fix a smashed windowpane myself?

If the window has a small crack, yes you may be able to repair it yourself, however, this should only be a temporary measure until you can get it replaced. A smashed window is a different story. Large shards of glass pose a major safety risk, especially if it is old glass that does not meet current Australian standards. If you have safety glass and your window has been smashed, leaving it as-is will leave your home vulnerable to the elements as well as potential break and enters.

How long will it take to get someone to come out and fix my smashed window?

You’ll find that most glazing companies offer a 24/7 emergency glass service, and this allows you to contact them any time, day or night, and they will come out to replace your glass as soon as possible.

Benefits of updating both the glass and windows when needed

Lower energy costs

The biggest one, as mentioned, is the cost-saving benefits. Your heating and cooling works far better when you have quality glass and window fittings in place. It minimises the amount of heat that transfers through the glass, and therefore your heating and cooling doesn’t have to work for as long or hard to maintain a desired temperature within the home.

Can add value to your property

People are more earth-conscious than they’ve ever been, and quality windows can be a selling point to prospective home buyers and, in turn, make your home more valuable. Not only that, but modern-day fittings look more appealing and can boost your property’s curb appeal.

Makes your home safer

The harder your home is to break into, the less likely burglars are going to try to. Easy access through inferior windows can make your home a target for theft. You can protect your home and family with secure windows and premium glass.

Weighing up whether to replace the entire window or just the glass

If your glass has smashed and your window framing has a few issues or is old, it’s probably time to update it with a newer version. While the cost is an upfront outlay, it can help to boost the efficiency of your home, which can save you a considerable amount of money in the long term, plus all the other benefits we’ve mentioned above.

If you’re looking to update the windows around your home, look no further than our highly skilled team of qualified glaziers here at True Blue Glass. We cover everything from emergency glass repairs to replacements and so much more. Contact us today if you’d like more information.

Sometimes minor gutter issues can go unnoticed, and it’s not until you have a widespread problem that they get picked up. To protect your home from potentially costly and avoidable damage, it pays to routinely inspect the condition of your gutters. If you haven’t investigated your gutters for some time, or ever, here are some telltale signs that they need replacing.

Water issues

Some gutter problems are more obvious than others, and a common sign that something isn’t right is water not directing away as it should. If your gutters are filling up with water and spilling over, it may be just because they’ve collected debris such as leaves and twigs, and it is preventing the water from running away. In this scenario, a simple clean out should rectify the issue. If your gutters are clean but water is still collecting in them, then your downpipes might have a blockage, or it may be a bigger problem such as improper installation. If after cleaning out your gutters and checking for blockages, they still fill with water, it’s worth getting a professional out to take a look at them. Leaving your gutters as is and allowing water to pool in them can cause damage to your home and the foundation. A professional gutter specialist can advise you of the problem and whether it’s a repairable job or it’s better to replace them altogether.

Fractures

The smallest fracture in your guttering will lead to water seeping out and onto the fascia and house. The problem with little cracks is that they often go undetected as they can be difficult to see unless you are up close and examining them. The amount of water escaping through them isn’t always noticeable, to begin with, however over time, these fractures will continue to expand, and this is when they typically get noticed by the homeowner and the potential for widespread damage is drastically increased if not seen to quickly. Minor fractures may be repairable whereas larger ones might require complete replacement.

Separated or sagging gutters

For your gutters to work sufficiently the entire contraption needs to be intact and in proper working order. Separation of guttering can happen for a variety of reasons, and one of the more common ones is deterioration of the mechanisms holding the sections together. Another is lack of maintenance. By inspecting and taking care of your gutters, you can help to avoid significant water damage to your property and the areas surrounding it. Sagging gutters, again, are often caused by a build-up of debris, this extra weight places strain on the fixings and can cause them to sag and pull away. There’s a good chance that your home will be flooded with water if your gutters are in such condition, and getting them fixed should be a priority to avoid extensive damage.

Blistering or bubbling paint

There’s no denying the gutters of our homes are exposed to tough conditions, and over time, paint can break down in this area. You can usually determine what is wear and tear and what is water damage from its appearance. Older paint will often flake off, water damaged paint, on the other hand, will normally blister or bubble. If you have noticed there are some areas with this around your guttering, it’s a possibility that inferior guttering is at fault. Whether you can repair it or have to replace it, will depend on the extent of the damage.

Eroded landscaping

When water has nowhere to go or is not directed away to the downpipes, it can bucket down onto the house and landscaping situated underneath it. If you’ve had rain of late and your plants that are directly below your guttering are looking washed out or flattened, it might be time for a gutter replacement.

Organic growth

Gutters that are clogged with debris or have cracks will most certainly have drainage problems. As the water is not directed away and the home and the foundation bear the brunt of the excess moisture, this can provide ideal conditions for organic growth such as mould and mildew. If you have either of these contaminants making themselves at home at your place, the first place to look at for potentials causes is your guttering. Mould and mildew are not only unsightly and bad for your health but, if the gutter issue is left unfixed, it can cause rot and structural damage to your property.

Rust spots

Rusty gutters are seen a lot in older homes, where steel guttering was generally used. Small areas of rust are usually treatable as a temporary fix, but if it is extensive, the only solution may be an entire gutter replacement.

When the right materials are used, and the correct installation processes are undertaken, your guttering should last for a good 20 years or more. That is if you are maintaining them regularly and no external factors such as storms or trees affect their integrity. By taking the time to look after your gutters, you can extend their lifespan and ensure they are doing their job properly. If your gutters have seen better days and need repairing or replacing, contact our highly skilled team of gutter professionals here at A.I Gutter and Roofing. We can look after all your guttering and roofing needs and make sure they are in tip-top shape.

Houses don’t come cheap, so you want to be sure you are looking after yours to avoid costly damage. One effective way of doing this is by cleaning out your gutters. While they may seem insignificant, if they are not up to par, they can have disastrous consequences on the condition of your home. Here are 10 reasons why you shouldn’t ignore your gutter maintenance if it is due.

ONE. It can cause structural issues

Problems with the integrity of your home is never a good thing, and clogged gutters can most certainly cause this. Water is the culprit. When it rains and water can’t run away freely, it can pool at the foundation of your home and spill into your roof cavity. If the problem is not fixed, it can cause widespread damage.

TWO. Prevents unwanted pests

Gutters that are full of leaves, twigs, and debris, along with pockets of water and food sources such as fungi, make the ideal environment for unwanted pests such as rodents to set up home. If you have rats or similar living in your gutters, you can bet your bottom dollar that they’ll get onto your home. These pests can carry diseases and chew through electrical work. The less inviting your gutters are, the less likely that pests such as these will have a long-term residence at your place.

THREE. Maintain your homes appearance and value

Intact gutters not only look better, but they can help your home to keep its value. This is especially true if your home has suffered because of poor guttering. If you would like to sell, this can be a huge drawback for prospective buyers. Gutter problems will often get picked up in the building and pest inspection. If your gutters need repairing or have caused damage, the buyer may request a reduction on their offer or pull out altogether. If you plan on selling anytime in the near or distant future, make sure your gutters are in proper working order.

FOUR. Protect your families health

When you think of compromised guttering, your family’s health probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, however, excess water and moisture build-up can cause an array of issues such as mould and bacteria growth. Both of which can be hazardous to one’s health. If you have pests residing in your gutters, this can make your family more susceptible to diseases, as many are easily transmissible to humans.

FIVE. Keep your landscaping alive

If your gutters aren’t functioning as they should, and they are broken or full of debris, when it rains, instead of the water heading to the downpipes, it will overflow from the guttering and flood your plants and greenery.

SIX. Extend the lifespan of your roof

When water is directed away from your roof and not towards it, you can extend its lifespan drastically. Considering your roof is integral to keeping your home dry and protected from the elements, it’s key that the necessary steps are taken to keep it in optimal working order.

SEVEN. Prevent your gutters from prematurely deteriorating

Cleaning your gutters often will ensure they don’t get weighed down from a build-up of debris or water. Excessive weight in your gutters can place strain on the contraption and cause them to pull away or break as a result.

EIGHT. Allows you see to minor issues before they become major ones

Cleaning out your gutters is a good opportunity for you to inspect them. This can allow you to fix minor issues before they have a chance to become major ones. This can give you a lot of headaches and money.

NINE. Prevent your gutters from rusting out

Older styles of guttering are susceptible to rust, and if water is left to sit in them for extended periods, this will progress the problem at a rapid rate. Rust will eat away at the gutters and create holes in the mechanism. Instead of the water directing to the downpipes, it seeps out through the holes and onto the house.

TEN. Protect your home in bushfire season

Bushfires can occur at any time and anywhere. If your gutters are full of dry leaf litter and twigs and there’s a fire nearby, your home is more at risk of catching alight. Embers can fly some distance in the wind, and if they land in a gutter brimming with dead organic matter, it’s extremely likely that it’ll ignite and before you know it, your entire roof is engulfed in flames. Even if you don’t live in a bushfire prone area, you never know when a fire may occur, for example, a neighbouring housefire. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and as a bonus, you are reaping all the benefits mentioned above as well.

As you can see, there are many benefits to cleaning out your gutters, a little effort goes a long way to keeping you, your family, and your home safe.

We understand that cleaning out gutters is a messy job, and it can be easy to put it on the back burner for a later date. Why tackle it yourself when you can call in the professionals here at Global Vac Gutter Cleaning? We use vacuum technology and can clean your gutters quickly, leaving no mess behind. Contact us today.

If you have asphalt paving at your place and it’s seen better days, you may be contemplating repairing or replacing it to bring it back to life. Have you considered resurfacing? In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about asphalt paving resurfacing to help you determine whether it’s a suitable solution for your pavement or not.

Understanding the differences between asphalt repairs, resurfacing and replacements

It’s important to understand what the different asphalt services are to be able to choose the most suitable option. We’ll explain the differences between the three.

Replacement – So, this one is self-explanatory. It’s the process of ripping up your old pavement and essentially starting again.

Repairing – Repairs are usually done to fix up problem areas such as potholes or cracks. The remaining pavement is usually in otherwise good condition.

Resurfacing – Is the process of installing a new layer of asphalt over an existing pavement. This is typically the go-to choice when the sub-grade is in sound condition, but the surface has worn or has oxidised.

Establishing the condition of your pavement

The biggest deciding factor when weighing up between a replacement, repair or resurfacing is the current condition of your pavement. If it has significantly deteriorated, a repair or resurfacing may be off the cards as the foundation is not suitable for relaying asphalt over it.

Benefits of resurfacing your asphalt pavement

Can be more cost-effective

In most instances, you could expect pavement resurfacing to be more cost-effective than an entire replacement. The process of resurfacing is significantly quicker than a replacement as the labour, equipment and materials needed is typically less. If your subgrade is still in good nick and you’re tossing up between a replacement or resurfacing, resurfacing can save you some money, and you’ll still get the same durability and lifespan.

More convenient

While paving contractors will aim to complete their installations in a timely manner, there is less involved with resurfacing than a replacement and therefore, the duration that you’ll have tradies at your home is minimised. This is more convenient, allowing you to enjoy your peace and quiet.

It can boost your curb appeal

Pavements that look worse for wear or are riddled with holes can make your property look unkempt. Laying fresh asphalt down can give your pavement a brand new and fresh look. This can help to boost your home or businesses curb appeal. If you are planning on selling, this is always a good thing.

Makes your home safer

There’s a good chance that the asphalt areas at your home are used to walk on as well as driving. Damaged asphalt can be a hazard, especially when the sun starts to go down. Resurfacing provides a smooth surface that is soft underfoot and safe.

Some common questions we get asked about resurfacing

How do I know if my subgrade is in good enough condition for resurfacing?

In most cases, the paving contractor will evaluate the condition of the subgrade by conducting core testing. They will also look for issues such as extensive damage or alligator cracks on the surface, as this may deem the pavement unsuitable for an overlay. From the testing and the inspection, they’ll be able to determine whether it’s suitable or not.

How long should an asphalt overlay last?

You can expect asphalt resurfacing to last for a good decade or so however, improper use and lack of maintenance may see it wear prematurely. The installation technique can also affect its longevity, so always ensure that you hire a reputable company to lay your asphalt to ensure it lasts.

Why should I choose resurfacing over a pothole repair?

Pothole repairs should only be done as a short-term remedy. It’s likely if you have one pothole, another will form in another area. This is because water has had the chance to get under the surface and into the subgrade material. Resurfacing gives the entire surface a new finish and is much more effective than having to continually get potholes repaired. Plus, it looks better.

Do I have to maintain my asphalt pavement?

The short answer? Yes. The most effective way to prevent your asphalt pavement from damage is by looking after it. Have a chat with your contractor about what you can be doing to extend the lifespan of your pavement. The less you have to resurface it, the less money it is for you. The good news is having an asphalt pavement doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of time maintaining it, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. A quick sweep once a week will help to lift dirt and remove debris that has collected on it. While it may seem insignificant, if dirt and debris are left on the surface, and it is driven on, over time it can wear away at the asphalt. Always ensure you are following the maintenance guidelines as outlined by your contractor for the best results.

Always consult with a professional

It may be tempting to try and fix your asphalt pavement yourself but, it is a big job that requires a lot of planning and should always be left to the professionals. Here at Colossal Allies Asphalt, we cover everything asphalt and can help you to get your pavement looking brand new again. Contact us today for more information.

Paving is an economical and effective way to spruce up an outdoor area, but it needs to be done properly to ensure it maintains its form and appearance. Before laying your pavers, you should ensure you don’t forget to consider these 5 important things. Let’s take a look.

Have a plan

Installing a new hardscaping area is exciting, and you may have the perfect pavers in mind, but before you go and purchase them, first and foremost, you need to have a plan in place. You need to consider the layout of the area, drainage and whether you are going to hire a professional to install your pavers or if you are going to complete the work yourself. If you decide to DIY, make sure you do plenty of research first. Getting it wrong can cause a variety of issues. Take your time to investigate the different styles of pavers, their durability, and gather as much inspiration as you can. This will ensure you end up with a finished product that you are entirely satisfied with.

Choose the right pavers for the job

There are tonnes of paver materials to choose from, and they all vary in stain resistance, weight-bearing capabilities, non-slip benefits, and so much more. The paver you choose must be up to the job. To give you an example, using thin pavers that are designed for paths and walkways for a driveway, are unlikely to withstand constant pressure from heavy vehicles, and they are probably going to crack. The same applies to poolside pavers, they need to be able to withstand exposure to salt or chlorine, as well as have great traction and non-slip properties. To get a long-lasting finish, you will also need to consider whether you want to set the pavers in sand or mortar. Some are better suited than others depending on the intended purpose of the hardscaping project.

Pick the perfect colour for the job

Many pavers are made from natural materials such as stone, and they often feature swirls, marbles and speckles of various hues and colours, in fact, no two natural stone pavers are alike. The paver you choose should work well with the rest of your exterior. This shouldn’t be too hard as most pavers suit various styles of homes. The colour can also affect the functionality of your paved area. For example, dark coloured pavers tend to heat up in the hot summer sun and walking on them barefoot can cause burns. On the other hand, using light coloured pavers such as white can cause glare and reflect the sunlight up and towards your face. Both of these factors are worth considering when choosing your pavers.

The size and layout

The layout of the intended paved area can influence the size of pavers you can use and the pattern. If the area you are paving is relatively small, you can still use large pavers, you will just have to make sure they fit, allowing enough room for gaps between them. Placing them too close together may see them chip and deteriorate sooner than they should. Using bigger pavers in a small area means less time is required to install them, and less sand is needed to fill the paver joints.

Estimate your materials

Over or under ordering materials can be a costly or inconvenient mistake. You should break down each material you need to complete the job and the cost associated with it. Some of these include the subgrade material, paver quantities, sand, or mortar. You can work out how much material you need by measuring out the area you plan on paving. Once you have the width and length measured out, you multiply the two together. This will give the total square metres that you need. To cover breakages, it is always a good idea to add 5% on top of the total number so, you are not left short. If you are doing the work yourself, you will also need to factor in the equipment and tools that you’ll need. The last thing you want is to have your pavers delivered and materials only to have to stop after you’ve just started to run to the shops, especially if you are setting the pavers in mortar. Make sure you have everything you need from the get-go to ensure the installation process runs smoothly and you get a professional-looking result.

To get a high-quality finish on your paving project, it pays to hire a qualified paving contractor. They can offer sound advice on which paver types are best suited to the job and the best pattern and material choices given the style of your home. Not only that, but they’ll make sure the correct drainage solutions are implemented to prevent water from pooling or ending up in your house when it rains. Proper drainage is a common element DIYers fail to get right. Most reputable contractors offer a guarantee on their workmanship, so you’ll be covered if anything unforeseen happens to your newly paved area.

If you’re looking for stunning pavers for your place, or you simply have some questions about a paving project, get in touch with our friendly team here at Bonita Stone. We have a paving background ourselves and have a collection of all Australian made pavers on offer. Contact us today for more information.