How Can Blinds or Awnings help with your BASIX?

Blinds and awnings would come under the “Thermal Comfort” banner in Basix.

The Thermal comfort section evaluates how efficiently the home will stay cool in
summer and warm in winter. You either pass or fail the Thermal Comfort section.

There is no point system for the Thermal comfort section.

“Often the Awnings and blinds are considering at the very end of planning with BASIX, but

keep in mind, they can assist with your Basix rating for your new Central Coast home”

Here are some ideas to help with the “Thermal Comfort” of

your new home in regards to awnings or blinds:

*choose blockout blinds, that block the heat or cold coming in through the glass.

The thicker the material, the better blockout.  Choosing a blockout blinds with

a white backing will also assist as the light/heat can reflect off the fabric. However

you can get blockout blinds in all colours that are very effecient.

To get a quote on blockout blinds for your new Central Coast home contact

Premier Shades.  They can quote off the plan and assist you with pre-build

budgeting and ideas on fabric and colour.

*choose honeycomb style blinds that are specially designed to insulate with pockets of air.

Ratings are available to show you how effecient these styles of blinds are.  These blinds can

be motorsied, and also have different “cell” sizes. A nice choice of modern colours are available

with widths up to 4metres.

cellular honeycomb blinds

To get a quote on cellular honeycomb blinds for your new Central Coast home contact

Premier Shades. They can quote off the plan and assist you with pre-build

budgeting.

* start from the outside by using AWNINGS over your windows.  Particularly those windows facing Western & Eastern Sun.

There are so many options here depending on your style of house and what your uses will be for the room that the window is for.

Pictured is an autolock which is really easy to operate and is versatile enough for all types of sun smart fabrics.

Auto-lock Arm awning, blocking the heat

To get a quote on awnings for your new Central Coast home contact

Premier Shades. They can quote off the plan and assist you with pre-build

budgeting and ideas.

*try Aluminium Roller Shutters that can not only block out the sun, but also be made to CSIRO fire standards.

A very efficient way to protect your home from the heat and cool, as well as great security.  Lots of modern

colours now available.  Introduced just recently was a “solar” motor option.  A lot cheaper than getting

things hard-wired, and you can remoting control the awning from inside your home.

Aluminium Roller Shutter.

To get a quote on Aluminium Roller Shutters for your new Central Coast home contact

Premier Shades. They can quote off the plan and assist you with pre-build

budgeting and CSIRO fire rating documentation.

What is Basix for building on the Central Coast?

Introduced by the NSW Government, BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index,
ensures your new Central Coast home is designed to use less potable water and be responsible for
fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets
for house and units. BASIX is one of the most robust sustainable planning
measures in Australia, delivering equitable and effective water and greenhouse
gas reductions across NSW.

How does BASIX
work?

BASIX is an online program that is accessible to anyone. The user (usually
the building designer) enters data relating to the house or unit design – such
as location, size, building materials etc – into the BASIX tool.

BASIX analyses this data and determines how it scores against the Energy and Water targets.
The design must pass specific targets (which vary according to location and
building type) before the user can print the BASIX Certificate.

Speak to your builder or designer about other ways to control the heat and cold in your home, or visit the Basix website below.

BASIX Help Line: 1300 650 908 – Weekdays: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

(Local call cost from fixed phones. Calls from mobiles at applicable rates.)

The best place to go for information about Basix if you are planning a new building is:

https://www.basix.nsw.gov.au/information/about.jsp

Facsimile: (02) 9228 6544

Email: basix@planning.nsw.gov.au

Contact: Premier Shades. 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming to arrange a free measure and quote on your new awnings or blinds.  They can quote off the plan and give you ideas of fabrics and sun rating before you build.  They work closely with local builders and designers and are aware of many of the specifications needed in new buildings.  Ph: 024324800.  or email: sales@premiershades.com.au

or Visit there showroom at 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming where many of the awnings and blinds mentioned above are on display and operational.

Is your Central Coast property safe?  New laws were introduced in Australia in 2010 by the ACCC and are now mandatory across the country.

If you have purchased an old home that has existing blinds and want to make it safe and comply with the new regulations, you may want to read up on the new laws.

Basically all cords and chains must be secured (drilled firmly) into a lock or cleat attached to the window frame or wall next to the blind. There are exact measurements to comply with which is best to look at the ACCC site listed below.    This is to prevent choking by young children.

If you have purchased off the shelf blinds that you are self installing, you still must comply with the new law. Fines can apply.  If you are getting professional blind companies to install your blinds, they will be aware of the law and install them correctly. They will also make sure the new warning labels are attached, which are also mandatory.

The new warning labels read:

Warning: young children have died by wrapping loose curtains and blind cords or chains around their necks. Secure cords or chains with cord guides or keep them out of reach by winding them around a cleat.  Move cots and furniture away from window covering cords or chains.  Do not remove this label. WARNING.

If you have an investment property, you may want to upgrade the blinds with some new locks and safety warning labels as part of your normal maintenance programme.

The ACCC website says:

children can become entangled in blind or curtain cords if they try to use, play with or play around window coverings. Even with raised coverings, children can climb onto window sills or furniture to access the cords. Cords or looped cords that become tangled around a child’s neck can very quickly cause strangulation.

Cords can also strangle infants sleeping or playing in cots placed near a window where cords are within reach, or hang into the cot.

to read more on the new laws click on the link below:-

Mandatory standards for Blinds, Curtains and Window Furnishings.

to purchase the locks, cleats and warning labels from a professional blind manufacturing company click the link below:

blind safety locks and warning labels for sale.

Can blinds really make a difference to the warmth of your home?

Definately!

You see most of the time the cold weather comes in easily from an exposed window.  You just have to feel the window to know what I’m talking about.

With the cost of heating and energy going up and up, its all about being smarter with your insulation to keep your heat in and not escaping through the window.

As with keeping warm as a human, its all about layers, and thickness when it comes to keeping your home warmer with blinds on the Central Coast.

Studies have shown the most effective way to keep your home warmer with window coverings is start from the outside.  Yes, an Awning covering the window can slow the air down and create a pocket of air between your window and the outside cold air, which is easier to warm up.

A thick blockout blind or curtain helps keep the heat that you are generating inside your home, not escaping out through the window. Saving you money on your energy bills.

blockout blinds come in a variety of thicknesses.  The thickest blockout blinds with a rubber white backing are idea for insultation.

The latest development in great insulation with blinds is the honeycomb style blind.  The look is similar to the honeycomb design (like bees), and the pockets of air warm up easier and keep your home warmer (or cooler for that matter).  The manufacturers claim it can make as much as 8 degrees difference to the warmth of your home with the honeycomb style blind.

Premier Shades at West Gosford stock the GALAXY CELLULAR PLEATED BLIND which provides gently filtered light or total blockout with sacrificing your privacy.  It is available in translucent polyester fabric or metalised blackout fabric.  The distinctive honeycomb pleat creates air pockets which act as insulators, reducing noise while keeping your home warm and cool in summer.

The white reflective backing reflects external solar heat, aiding the insulation process.  GALAXY is the revolutionary blind that will reduce energy bills.  You can select from a large range of fashion colours in light weights, 100% polyester fabric which is anti-static and repels dust and dirt.

Th care instructions for the GALAXY BLIND indicate it is easy to keep clean with a regular dust with a feather duster or vacuum brush attachment.  Spot cleaning can be done when necessary with warm soapy water or a dam cloth.  You must avoid vigorous rubbing and never use solvents.

Premier Shades at Wyoming has the honeycomb blind or Galaxy blind on display so you can see for yourself.  Visit their website at

www.premiershades.com.au or call in at 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming, NSW, 2250.  Phone them on 0243248800 for more details.

GALAXY CELLULAR INSULATION BLIND by Premier Shades

Dirty blinds or blinds that are in need of repair can instantly devalue a house and make a potential tenant or buyer question the maintenance of the rest of the house.  Getting your blinds cleaned professionally is surprisingly affordable, with some companies offering a pickup and delivery services. Professional Central Coast blind cleaning companies often use Ultra Sonic machines, that remove the dirt and build up from your blinds without damaging them.  Check with your local blind cleaning company ( a list of local professional blind cleaning companies is listed at the bottom of this article) You should expect your custom made blinds to last you up to 8 years, however most warranty extends to 2 years.  If it is custom made in Australia you can expect spare parts to be available from local manufacturerers.   Off the shelf style blinds that are not custom made may last up to 2 years. Usually the off the shelf blinds have inferior mechanisms, that once broken are not replaceable as the blinds are made overseas and parts are not available. The fabric may still look ok, but the blind may not be operational. Often people prefer Roller Blinds (Holland Blinds) and Roman Blinds over Venetian blinds as they claim they are easier to clean.  The truth being fabric style roller blinds and curtains are often just as dirty, it is just the fabric style blinds absorb the dirt, and grit so you don’t see it.  Similar to carpet.  These days Timber style venetian blinds (not real wood) can be wiped down easily with a damp cloth. RE-OILING CEDAR VENETIAN BLINDS The traditonal cedar are a little harder to keep clean.  These will require regular re-oiling. Approximately every 12 months.   A professional blind cleaning company can do this for you, or take it to a local Cedar Blind manufacturing company on the Central Coast, such as Premier Shades at 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming. (ph: 02 43248800) This is a fairly time consuming thing to do as it requires dismantling the blind, oiling each individual slat, and then re-assembling it.  If you do it yourself, while the cedar venetian blind is within the window, then you could risk spilling oil on your flooring, or furnisher. However, it is possible.  Use a clear furnisher or decking oil and lint free cloth.  An oiled Cedar venetian is like an antique piece of furnisher.  Looked after properly, it will last a long time and look more beautiful as it ages.  A authentic Cedar Venetian can also be “re-strung” which means having new ladders and strings put throughout the blind.

cedar blind before re-oilingre-oiled cedar blind

If you would prefer to attempt to clean the blinds yourself, many of the  blind fabric manufacturers recommend that you clean your blinds with a damp sponge and sometimes mild detergent.  Chux do a product called the Magic Eraser (available in most supermarkets), which has proven popular to spot remove plainer style fabrics. It  has no harsh chemicals, but uses a mechanical process to remove stains.    click on the link to see if it is suitable for you to use on your blinds.  http://www.chux.com.au/faqs/magic-eraser-range/ It is always recommended that spot testing is done in an inconspicuous place in case of discolouration of your blinds. If you are the DIY type, spare parts are available from most local blind manufacturers. Premier Shades at 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming stocks spare parts for vertical blinds and venetian blinds.  If they cannot get a part for you, they will recommend a local company that can help you out.   In some cases you can freshen up a room cheaply by replacing the vertical blades of an old vertical blind, get new chains or clips.  An instant new look for a DIY price.  New vertical blind blades can be $5-$10 a blade to replace depending on the length.  Weights for the bottom of vertical blinds are often as little as $1 each and chains for roller blinds and vertical blinds are only a few dollars.  Do not put Vertical blinds in the bath or washing machine.  They can bend out of shape and discolour. The leading blind cleaning companies on the Central Coast are:-

Amazing Clean Blinds.

Mr. Ed Blind Cleaning & Repairs

A dual roller blind is a double bracketed roller blind often containing a block out blind on one bracket (positioned closer to the window), and a sunscreen blind on the other bracket (closer to the room).  This style of blind is idea if you want the best of what these two blinds offer.  Block out blinds offer great privacy and protection from the heat coming off the glass, while Sunscreen blinds block 90% of the heat and glare from a window, whilst still allowing you to see through and enjoy the view during the day (this works in reverse at night). 

What most people do if the window get’s full sun (say in the afternoon) is put the block out blind down.  During the day they just have the sunscreen blind down, but the block out blind up.   At night the block out blind is down for privacy.  On particular hot or cold days, have both blinds down.  Heat enters/leaves through the windows, so having a double cushioning effect on your windows slows this process down.   Most people choose two colours that complement each other and the room.  Dual Roller blinds can be motorised.

Roller Blinds fabrics come in standard rolls of 2400mm, 2700mm and 3000mm. Make sure the fabric you want comes in the length you need. Alternatively you can “railroad” the fabric, which means flipping it on its side to give you a wider blind.  The only areas of concern with railroading a fabric is that some are not suitable to railroad and the fabric may “cup” on the ends. The pattern on the fabric will not look the same as others in the room if one is “railroaded”.  A larger blind requires larger rollers to cope with the weight. Anything blind over 5 metres squared should be considered a heavy blind.  Make sure the large roller is specified for a large blind as it a little bit more expensive.  (If the right roller is not used, a blind can sag or buckle under the weight).  Many manufacturers will not give warranty on certain railroaded fabrics.

Vertical Blinds can be made to the maximum of a Vertical Track which is 5500mm, however, you can butt two Vertical tracks next to each other, if you need a longer area covered.

Plantation Shutter panels usually come in widths of 1050mm, but the panels can be joined together to create a larger panel.  You will still have the framing around the shutter, but it does work well for sliding doors etc.

Aluminium Shutter panels usually come in widths of 1200mm.

visit: www.premiershades.com.au  or phone: 0243248800 for your local central coast shutter expert.

To view Plantation and Aluminium Shutters on display visit the showroom at Premier Shades, Blinds & Awnings.  18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming.

Timber style Venetian blinds can be made as small as 400mm wide.  The controls will need to be on the either end of the blind.

Roller Blinds can be made as small as 300mm wide with a chain control on one end.

Vertical Blinds can be made as small as 300mm wide. You can choose 89mm, 100mm or 127mm blade, but the smaller blades would look best.

Shutters are made in panels.  The standard panel width of most plantation shutters is 1050mm, however you can make a panel as small as 300mm. Remember it will have the border around it, so it will reduce the impact.  Smaller blades would work best with a smaller Shutter.

No, not necessarily.  If you are going for a different style in different rooms, choose the blind to suit that room.  As mentioned above, many people combine the “Wow” factor of Shutters in their main living area, with more affordable blinds in the bedrooms and other living areas.  The only issue with having different blinds in different areas of the house is if they can be seen from outside of the house.  It can look very patchy if each window from outside of your house is different.   This is why the White Smooth Style Timber Style Venetians work well with Shutters.  From the outside of your home, people can rarely if at all tell the difference.  You can choose the option of different blinds for your home as long as it looks uniform from each side of the house.

Yes, the reputation is deserved.

Shutters can add value in two ways to your home on the Central Coast!

1.  They add curb appeal as they can be seen from the street and instantly say “style” before anyone has entered your home.

2. Real Estate agents often talk about the “wow factor ” when buyers walk into a home and Shutters are on your windows in the main living area it certainly delivers the ‘wow factor’. They are often listed as the features on a home for sale, right after “European kitchen appliances”.

Are they expensive?

Authentic Plantation shutters on the Central Coast are about 3 times more expensive than regular timber style venetian blinds. Expect to pay anything from $250 to $600 a square metre. There will usually be a surcharge for installation, which is usually charged on a per panel rate.  Other charges could be for bi-fold, sliding or anywhere else where it requires extra work and componentry. Aluminium Plantations Shutters are slightly more expensive than Timber Plantations Shutters or PVC (Thermopoly Plantation Shutters).

Premier Shades also offer Certegy NO INTEREST EVER FINANCE. You can deposit 20%-50% and the balance will be paid by the finance company.  You will then be charged fortnightly for up to 2 years. click here to read how it works.   or call their office and have some information sent out 02 43248800.

You don’t have to get a whole house done at once.  Most Shutter companies are fine with a few rooms at a time. The most popular rooms to get done are Master Bedrooms and the main living area (often the one that faces the street – for street appeal)

What’s the Warranty?

Plantation Shutter warranties can vary from 2 years to 25 years. Will all things, look for a reputable company that will honour the warranty terms and put it in writing.  There is no use getting a long warranty then finding the company is no longer operating after a few years.   Alternatively if you get it in writing, the warranty terms may exclude things like leaving a window open, or a 40 degree plus day.

The cheapest shutters.

The huge price difference is due to the huge quality differences available.  Like anything, different Shutters suit different decorating requirements.  At the cheaper end of the market expect  cheaper PVC made shutters, that will not handle high heated windows.   The cheaper PVC shutters will not have any internal support (like aluminium, which is found in the better quality Thermopoly Shutters) A hot window is a windows that faces the western (afternoon) or eastern (morning sun) .  Basically any day over 35-40 degrees could see your shutters warp or bend.  Other issues with cheaper shutters is some can be made of chipboard with really thick covering of paint.  A quick karate chop and the shutter will fall apart.  They are also very vulnerable if they get wet.  If you leave a window open they may swell up and burst if the paint job is not perfect and moisture gets in. This may not be covered by the warranty.   This is why you will often find the cheaper style of shutters only available in panel withs of 650mm-700mm wide. If either of these limitations would not effect you then you should be fine.

Be also careful of the paint finish.  It must have a quality paint finish with a UV protection in it.  If it doesn’t the white plantation shutters will turn yellow in a hot window.

Quoting “Apples” for “Apples”

Make sure you are really clear on what you are getting. Unfortunately the Blind, Awning and Shutter industry in Australia is only starting to be regulated with Premier Shades at Wyoming (Central Coast) having the first Australian qualified tradesman in the Blind industry (July 2017). There are a lot of backyard operators that source all types of brands and tell you they are the same, or they are “coming out of the same factory” or my favorite they say is “Australian made” but the price is cheaper than imported.

• Try and get as much of the quote in writing outlining the brand and warranty terms.
• Check online reviews.
• When the difference is thousands of dollars then you may need to start questioning the authenticity of the “same product”.
• It may look the same at face value, but it may not be made the same or painted with a quality UV protective paint.
• There is not enough in the margins of plantation shutters for there to be a 20% difference in price. Something is fishy.

Why does it take so long?

At the top end of the market you are paying for Authentic Cedar Shutters or Australian Aluminium shutters made in Australia. The Australian made Shutters are often more versatile with the types of wood or powder coating colours (Aluminium)  they can use and can match your decorating them and source wood from anywhere in the world.  Still expect around 4- 6 weeks for Australian made product.

Over 70% of shutters sold in Australia are made in China. The lead time is anywhere from 6-12 weeks.  This is due to the cheap labour costs as shutters are quite labour intensive to make. Depending on the factory the quality is still very good, but the downside is if there is any errors you will wait another 6-12 weeks for them to be fixed. The only other delays would be around Chinese New Year. Factories in China close for 3-4 weeks around Chinese New Year, which is often in the first 3 months of the calendar year.  Add Australian factory close downs around December/January, and the timing can stretch to 16 weeks plus.

If a supplier is over 12 weeks with no communication with you as the customer they may be a low volume seller.  For a ship to leave China the container needs to be full.  If it is not full, it won’t leave.  If they can’t fill a container in that time frame, they are not selling a lot of shutters.

The savvy home decorator often opts for a combination of both Smooth White Venetians and Shutters.  This combination works well.  Shutters are often used for the main living areas and rooms exposed to the street view, while the thicker horizontal blades of the “shutter venetian blinds “ ( a wider blade 63mm + glossy smooth) can work well in bedrooms and other less used rooms of the house.

What is good value?

At Premier Shades (www.premiershades.com.au)  we offer a number of different quality brands, materials and styles.  There is a brand, style  and price point to suit almost any home decorator on the Central Coast.  We have over 9 styles of Shutter combinations on display in our showroom at Wyoming (18/482 Pacific Highway at the 5 ways roundabout).  Our most popular brand has a 25 year structural warranty, and 5 year paint warranty on our most popular shutter.  This sturdy range of Thermopoly Synthetic Shutters which are re-enforced with an aluminium rod and has a 25 year warranty and a two-pac polypropylene paint finish. It can stand a hot western window or even a skylight window.

A great alternative to our premium plantation wood shutter, is our Bayview Shutter.  It is still a superior product, but only has a 5 year warranty making it a little more affordable.   Alternatively we can also source the Australian made Shutters. Australian Made Shutters are at the premium end of the market.  They work particular well if you would like a special designer feature using a particular type of wood or shape.

When we organise a free measure and quote for you, we can discuss your options and find the best products that suits you.  If you have an idea of sizes email Premier Shades and they will be able to give you a ball park figure over the email.  click here  www.premiershades.com.au

To get a free measure and quote for your Central Coast property click here.  Or phone Premier Shades at 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming on 02 43248800 during business hours.

There are a few variations and options for purchasing Shutters on the Central Coast.

Variations:

Plantation Wood Shutters (the wood is grown in plantations harvested to make the shutters) most popular timber is basswood.  Plantation wood can then be painted in crisp whites and ivory or stained in wood grain finishes. Staining the basswood means you get a consistant colour throughout all the shutters, unlike the finish you would get if you choose Cedar Shutters. The most popular colour for Shutters on the Central Coast is white, with 95% of sales being a bright white.

Although tradionally white plantation shutters work well within white timber frames, White Plantation Shutters can also work well in a variety of window frames, including Cedar.  see below

White Plantation Shutters within Cedar frames. Central Coast

Cedar Shutters. The colours available are often light, medium and dark.  You are dealing with a natural timber and the colours make vary from shutter to shutter, as well as the way the Cedar ages. (it usually get’s darker as it gets older).

Aluminium Shutters. Idea for outdoor use.  Aluminium shutters can have fixed blades or rotating blades. Fixed blades work well on the Central Coast if you want to block off the end of a deck that may look over a neighbour.   The standard colours are white or an anodised style silver, but they can also be powder coated to any colour in the dulux colour chart range.  Aluminium Shutters are great for creating a useable and affordable outdoor living area.  click here to learn more.  See below:-

Aluminium Shutters. Suitable for Central Coast outdoor living area

Roller Shutters. Ideal for security and completely blocking out light to a window.   A popular variation is motorisation, either with a remote control, or from a solar panel remote control.  Roller Shutters on the Central Coast are very popular for the weather protection they provide.  Because of the escalating cost of electricity, a good roller shutter can dramatically reduce the costs of heating or cooling your home, as most of the warmth or heat comes through the windows.

The other issues that Roller Shutters assist Central Coast homes is with security.  The Central Coast is famous for it’s beautiful beaches and holiday homes. Unfortunately you can’t keep an eye on your holiday property all the time.   When you are not staying in your holiday home on the Central Coast, having it securely looked up with Roller Shutters gives you piece of mind and may even reduce your insurance premiums.

Premier Shades also stock specific aluminium security roller shutters designed for fire retardancy and approved by the C.S.I.R.O. The Fire Safe Roller Shutter is bushfire rated and is made in Australia to Australian standards.  These security roller shutters are non perforated and are in alignment with BASIX requirements.  Certificates and documents can be provided.  Click here to learn more.

Another exclusive security roller shutter product from Premier Shades is “Sensi-Fire”. Sensi Fire Roller Shutters are a new innovative system that automatically opens your roller shutter in the event of a fire.

Aluminium Security Roller Shutters. Central Coast

To get a free measure and quote for your Central Coast property click here.  Or phone Premier Shades at 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming (at the 5 ways round about, 2 minutes north of Laycott Theatre) on 02 43248800 during business hours.