The floods that have ravaged parts of south east Queensland have claimed the life of one man and resulted in several evacuations and emergency rescues, including when a group of aged care residents were forced out of their homes. More than 200mm of rainfall fell overnight, causing flash floods.

Although most of the damage was done around The Sunshine Coast area, where flash flooding was prevalent (receiving 232mm of rain in a 24hour period on Thursday), Coolum and Nambour were also heavily hit.

According to a post on 7News.com.au, more than 320 requests were issued for State Emergency Service assistance,

“Parts of Coolum State School were also flooded, with accessibility issues causing some entrances to be closed and classes moved.

There are also hundreds of power outages and submerged roads.

A motorist was treated for minor injuries after their car was washed into floodwaters in the Mooloolah Valley, west of the Sunshine Coast, before midnight on Wednesday.”

Read more https://7news.com.au/news/qld/brisbane-weather-evacuations-flooding-as-200mm-deluge-hits-south-east-queensland-c-695538

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) also issued a warning of more intense rainfall leading to life-threatening flash flooding after Brisbane Airport recorded 232mm in about 24 hours.

According to the BOM, the rest of Brisbane also received rainfall ranging from 60-100mm with the Gold Coast recording rainfall between 100-200mm.

Other parts of the state are on high alert,

“Parts of Queensland are on flood watch, with warnings for coastal catchments between Bundaberg and the NSW border.

Major flood warnings are in place for the Condamine River downstream of Warwick in southern Queensland.

Warnings are also in place at Myall Creek, near Dalby, and Charleys Creek in Chinchilla.”

Source: https://7news.com.au/news/qld/brisbane-weather-evacuations-flooding-as-200mm-deluge-hits-south-east-queensland-c-695538

In the aftermath of the floods, many residents are also bracing themselves for the forecast heatwave conditions, expected to reach into the mid-40s. In-fact experts have warned residents to brace for potentially record-breaking heatwaves in February.

This combined collection of stagnant water from floods and extremely high temperatures pose an additional threat, that of a rise in insect populations, particularly mosquitoes.

Installing Retractable screens in Brisbane residences is an effective way of ensuring that the rise in mosquitoes, which usually happens a few days after flooding, doesn’t endanger you or your family.

Installing retractable screens will also allow you to keep your doors and windows opened, cooling your home, without the fear of mosquitoes swarming inside.

Why The Risk of Mosquito-borne Diseases Increases After a Flood

History has taught us that floods trigger not only a rise in insect populations in Australia but also outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Murray Valley encephalitis virus which is potentially life-threatening.

Ross River virus, while it isn’t fatal can cause debilitating symptoms and affects 5000 Australians annually.

Following flooding in NSW in 2016, authorities issued warnings about a rise in mosquitoes, so we can expect populations to rise in Brisbane and across south east Queensland as well.

Retractable screens in Brisbane and across the state will help keep the number of people bitten by mosquitoes down and thereby minimise the risk of mosquito-borne diseases spreading.

Given that mosquitoes need water for the breeding process, getting rid of stagnant water around your property is the first step to keeping infestations at bay.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water and the larvae then hatch and grow into adults within that water. In about a week, mosquitoes lay their eggs, the eggs hatch and develop into adults – thereby resulting in an explosion of their population. That is why the days following a flood are so important in stopping mosquito infestations.

While you cannot always control the mosquitoes that come from outside your property (either from your neighbours yards or nearby parks, rivers and roads), you can keep them from invading your home with retractable screens. In Brisbane we should be prepared for the coming high temperatures which have been forecast. Combined with heavier rainfall also expected we should ensure that all our windows and doors are covered.

When the rain gutters start clogging up, it’s important to take action and clean them out immediately.

Ignorance and/or inaction can lead to a situation where the gutters start breaking down. Instead of allowing this to happen, it’s highly recommended to invest in top-tier gutter cleaning tools right away.

Here’s a detailed look at the best gutter cleaning tools and why they’re worth buying.

Leaf Blower

When leaves start settling into the rain gutters, this can lead to significant short and long-term issues. The rain gutters start clogging up and unwanted leaves spread from one end to the other creating a mess. To avoid a situation such as this, it’s best to invest in a premium-grade leaf blower to get rid of these leaves.

The leaf blower is one of the best gutter cleaning tools available. They provide a very powerful targeted flow of air to clean leaves and other debris out quickly.

This ensures leaves and any other type of debris is removed from the rain gutters. If ignored, you are going to face a situation where the leaves start piling up and lodging into gaps in the gutters. This is when it becomes increasingly difficult to remove them without having to go up and pluck them out one by one.

To simplify things and make sure the cleaning process is a breeze, it’s smarter to invest in a quality leaf blower. This is the right way to make sure everything is cleaned well and there’s nothing left behind.

Power Washer

Having an adjustable, well-designed power washer can be a game-changer gutter cleaning tool.

When you are trying to work through debris, it’s important to have the right amount of pressure with a quality power washer. The stream of water is going to ensure the cleaning process isn’t long-winded and everything moves ahead as planned.

You can reach into those tight areas using a quality power washer while making sure everything is clean at the same time. Whether you are removing dirt, mud, or any other type of debris, the right power washer is going to make it look easy. This is why investing in one is the way to go.

Telescoping Wand

A telescoping wand is one of the more underrated cleaning tools available to property owners.

The brush attachment allows users to fiddle around tighter areas without getting stuck. Having this level of control is a must when it is time to work away at the rain gutters without feeling restricted.

As soon as the telescoping wand is put to use, the cleaning process becomes easier to manage. You can play around with the settings and make sure there’s enough space for you to move around without missing spots.

This cleaning tool is well-appreciated for its versatility because you can also use it for windows too.

Take the time to use these tools and make them a part of your cleaning process. Most property owners leave this until it’s too late and that’s when repair costs go through the roof. Start with a plan, invest in the right tools, and make sure your rain gutters are in great shape year-round.

We see the same scenery every single day in our houses, and that’s why so many homeowners decide that it’s time for a little remodeling. Painting the walls, rearranging the furniture, and going with new molding — these can seem like easy enough tasks from the start. However, many people find that they’re daunting. No matter what your goals are, check out these home- improvement tips.

When doing a DIY home improvement project, put safety first. Make sure you wear protective equipment such as a hard hat and goggles when needed. Use power tools (especially ones you are not familiar with) with extreme caution. Read the directions and ask for help when needed. Home improvement stores are a great resource of information.

great article on home upgrades

Get really good references for contractors you use on your home improvements. It is far too easy for a con artist to take your money and run, leaving you with a wreck of a home and no more money to fix it. Don’t trust just anyone. Make sure you have plenty of excellent references, from people you really trust.

If you are not bound financially, install the real hard wood flooring, rather than the laminate. Even though laminate does look like real wood, and in many cases it can be simpler to clean and take care of, but you cannot refinish these floors. This means they’ll have to be completely redone if a new look is desired.

Displaying books in your living area can be a great sign of intelligence as well as a nice decorating accessory. Make sure when you’re displaying your books to arrange them according to height and color. Not arranging books according to height will make your collection appear messy and unorganized. Arranging your books by color will make your area seem sophisticated.

Remodeling

To save money, refinish dreary cabinets in lieu of replacing them. Add a fresh coat of paint to the cabinet bases, and replace the doors and the hardware for a whole new look. That will allow you to modernize the kitchen without paying too much.

You can find many articles and web pages online that can give you tips when remodeling your home. A quick search on the internet can go a long way, and it doesn’t hurt to gain more knowledge. You want to make sure you tackle each project with confidence before you start it. You might finish the job quicker too, if you do just a little research.

When remodeling your kitchen or bath it may be wise not to do it yourself. These projects are extensive, time consuming, and much more involved than other home improvement projects. Often times it will actually save you money to hire a handy man or other licensed professional rather than take on these potentially monumental endeavors yourself.

Remove the clutter from your home and it will give you the feel of a new room without the expense of remodeling it. If you have broken or unused items around the home, get rid of it. There is no need to hold onto things that you do not use or need.

When you are remodeling your bathroom, make sure not to add carpeting to the floor. Not only does carpeting stain easily, but the water from the shower will give the carpet, and subsequently your whole bathroom, a foul odor. Instead, go with a tile that can withstand any water that may get on the floor.

Something that seems on the surface to be so simple can end up being incredibly complicated if you’re not aware of how to handle a task. Painting can turn into a nightmare; adding more lights could leave you in the dark. The tips in this article will help you learn about home improvement, so put them to good use.

Does your house need to be renovated in various ways? Or are you thinking about adding an expansion, like a patio? If so, this article contains many helpful tips that can answer some of your questions and get you started in the right direction to a successful home improvement project.

great article

When removing cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel, make sure you don’t just unscrew and yank them off the wall. You will more than likely end up taking some or all of the drywall off with you. Take time and care to remove each and every screw, and use a utility knife around the edges to break the caulking that was most likely used to seal between the cabinet and the wall.

Maybe the house or apartment you’re living in is great, but the view to the outside is not. If you have any offending sights that you wish to conceal, consider putting some plants or flowers on your window sill or in a window box. If you would like to take drastic measures in concealing your offending view, plant some shrubs or large trees in front of your window. This can ensure that you have a nicer view.

If you have any doors that squeak upon open or closing, try using a little lubricant. Apply a small amount of commercial lubricant to the door hinge and open and close the door to allow it to enter the crevices. You can also try this with cooking oil, though the results may not last as long as a commercially available lubricant.

Remodeling

If you refinish your existing cabinets, rather than buying new ones, you can save a lot on your kitchen remodel. Repaint the cabinet base and replace the doors and fixtures to get an updated new look. It is a more affordable way to improve the look of the kitchen.

When remodeling your kitchen, decide whether you really need enclosed cabinetry. Cabinets are often one of the most expensive pieces of kitchen remodeling, and you can save money by choosing open shelving instead. Shelves give you instant access to your cooking utensils, serving dishes, and ingredients. It’s a great idea for casual kitchens that get a lot of use.

If you are going to do an remodeling on your home, make sure that your maintenance issues are fixed first. Don’t put in granite counters if the plumbing or wiring is outdated and needs fixing. You could end up having to rip out what you’ve done in the near future. Furthermore, buyers in today’s market want to know that the property they are buying is in good condition. And, you never know when you might need to sell up.

When doing remodeling work in your home, try making it your own, without going overboard with the decorating ideas. While you may like crazy and unique decor, there is a chance that you will scare off many potential buyers if your decorating selections look like they would be too much work to change.

Make sure before you get started in remodeling your basement that you have kept in mind heating, cooling, proper ventilation and dehumidification of the area. If you have enough headroom, your heating, cooling and much of your electrical equipment can be hidden behind a false ceiling. Prepare to hire a heating contractor to help you with your basement project.

A home improvement project can be fun to do, but it also can be very practical. Taking care of your house is something you should take seriously, and renovating older, worn out sections can make all the difference when you’re planning to sell it for a higher price. These tips can help you save time and money and make the best decision for your home.

DO IT YOURSELF: INSTALLING FLOOR TILE

Tiles tend to accentuate and beautify rooms; they are also easy to clean and quite durable hence a great option if you are looking into new flooring or even building a home. Prices, styles, and availability vary from one manufacturer to the next when it comes to tile floors. However, with these clear and precise instructions for installing a tile floor will make your home beautiful and presentable:

Before you start installing your tile floor, you need a few tools to help you along the way. Tools such as tile spacers, measuring tape, grout float, notched trowel, tile nippers, tile saw, knee pads, goggles, measuring tape, drill, mixing bucket, sponge, circular saw, chalk line and gloves.

There are a few materials that are key during the installation process from the tile, tile spacers, backer board, backer board screws, thin set mortar, sealant, tile adhesive, grout, and sponges will be of great use during the whole process. Ensure that the adhesive is recommended by the manufacturer and compatible with the tiles you want to install.

Here are some of the definitive steps to follow for a successful installation:

1. MEASURE

Before anything else, measure the floor you want to replace with tiles. Also measure the mortar, grout and backing board as well. The measurements will help you determine how much of everything you will require during installation. It is advisable to buy a little bit excess of the materials and not fixed figures to have flexibility and also for precaution. Buying the correct number of tiles on the onset will help you avoid mismatched floors regarding texture and color.

Lay out the tiles in a different set up to check for the minor variations such as color and texture. This will help you determine the exact floor color you desire or even mix it up to form your pattern.

2. CEMENT BOARD INSTALLATION

Before jumping into an installation, you are required to make a base for the tiles. The main purpose of the cement board underlayment is to ensure the floor is as stable enough to support the whole floor. The underlayment of the cement board to the subfloor also helps to smoothen the surface for the tile installation. Keep in mind after installation of the tile floor; the floor will be 0.5 inches higher than it is already. Therefore, ensure that appliances kept under the kitchen countertops or even in the different rooms of the house have ample space to fit and operate.

It may require you to shift some fixtures around the house that take up floor space such as toilets and at times the sink. You may notice some wobbliness in some areas of the floor; ensure that you stabilize these significant portions with the cement floor underlayment. By doing this you will prevent the tile floor from cracking, moisture seeping through the joints and extra expenses on the replacement.

3. ATTACHMENT

To fix the underlayment to the subfloor, use the drill with a driver to screw it in sturdily. As you screw in the underlayment, ensure the screws are six inches apart from each other and that they lay flat therefore not interfering with the rest of the process.

4. CENTRAL POINTS

It is fundamental to find the central point of any room before you start any significant process. To find the focal point of the room, carefully measure from one end to the other end of the room steadily. Then mark the center point of that particular line. To be confident of this central point, measure the whole room in an entirely new and different direction of various points of the space and mark the center of each. The intersection of these lines makes the central point of the room. This ensures that you have a genuine center of the room whereby you will start your installation

5. TILE LAYOUT

Carefully position the tiles starting from the center of the room for a dry run, tracing them along the lines previously drawn to locate the center point. Ensure that you put pacers in between the tiles to provide ample space for perfect fitting.

6. INSTALL THE CENTRE TILE

Before placing the tiles, ensure the adhesive being used is recommended by the manufacturers. The manufacturers’ recommendation may vary from synthetic adhesive to the thin-set mortar. Using the notched side of the trowel, smear the glue at 45-degree angle on the floor- to avoid excess application or applying too little for the tile to be held in place correctly.

After successful application of the adhesive on the floor, take the center tile and carefully place it in its position. You can ensure it is well positioned by shifting it slightly back and forth so as to secure its place. After that, lift the tile and look at the bottom of the tile to check if it has areas that haven’t come in contact with the tile properly. If this is the case, take the trowel by its notched edge and apply a thicker paste on the floor but at the same time keeping it level. When the adhesive seems to be ample enough to hold the tile in place with no bare parts left, then reinstall the center tile at its position.

7. REMAINING TILES

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Using the center tile as the reference point, put the remaining tiles along straight lines in the room. Be careful not to use too much or too little adhesive. The adhesive used should be enough to hold the tile in place and not spill over in between the joints to the surface of the tile when pressure is applied. This is a sign that you should reduce the amount of adhesive used as it will give a bad finish to the floor.

If you need to trace the grout lines along the floor board, you can use pacers to establish a clear guide. In some instances, the tiles do not fit the room as expected due to different factors and may require you to cut the tile for proper fitting. Working from the central point towards the end will give your floors a more desirable pattern Also it will not affect the general outlook as the end row tile is cut to fit the room.

8. TIME ALLOWANCE

After you have reached completion of installing the tiles, it is important that you allow the adhesive to cure overnight or to depend on the manufacturers’ directive for that flooring or adhesive.

9. GROUT

The main function of the grout is to keep the color consistency of the floor as neutral as possible. There are different colors of grout and can be easily manipulated into matching the color of your tiles. Making it monochrome and as befitting as possible. Mix the grout into a paste-like form, not too lumpy and not too light. The grout should be thick and maintain a consistency of margarine or that recommended by the manufacturer.  Scoop the grout and smear it along the lines between the laid out tiles. Using the rubber grout float, ensure the grout reaches every nook and cranny of the joints. Spread the grout at an angle making the tile and its crevices to be in unison.

10. CLEANING

The grout might have spread all over during the application process and may require you to clean off the overspill. Take a damp sponge and carefully wipe off the grout from the tiles carefully while avoiding the grout lines in between the tiles. Keep water nearby so as to rinse the sponge frequently as possible avoiding spreading the grout further.  The damp sponge will ensure that the grout is leveled and smooth. It is fundamental to make sure that the grout on the tile is completely wiped off to avoid it from sticking permanently on your floor tiles. Leaving traces of grout may lead to a grout haze. Allow the applied grout to cure to a light mist then take a damp cloth to buff the tiles to shine. Different manufacturers have different procedures of curing the grout, seek your manufacturer’s advisement before any undertakings. It usually involves one spraying the grout to keep it damp over a few days.  Remember to apply a sealant along the grout lines after the grout has cured. The grout is safe to walk on after 24 hours but takes an extensive number of days to cure completely.

In the bathroom, you are advised to caulk along the tub line or toilet line to protect the floor from moisture that may seep.

Before any flooring construction begins, you may have to look into these few things to avoid poor results:

If the concrete has newly placed, then you must ensure that it is completely dried before you start installing your flooring. If the concrete is not properly dried up, you may have to wait some days before starting the installation. An experienced and qualified contractor can tell how long the particular concrete needs before construction begins. He or she should also install a drainage for moisture away from the building

Flooring is the last process to be done in a building meaning it is sometimes not given enough attention. Contractors are usually faced with a shortened timeline to beat. This results in an avalanche of problems as the flooring material have to have enough time to acclimatize to the surrounding. The floor has to first adjust according to the humidity and temperature of the building for proper fitting.

Finding the right flooring contractor is mundane. Hiring unqualified cheap contractors will only lead to more problems. An experienced commercial flooring contractor will help you finish the project on time and within the stipulated budget. They will show you the right materials, advise you on the materials that will suit your floors best and help you have a successful and satisfactory installation.

To choose floors that best suit your company, you will need to consider some factors before residing to one option. Some of these factors may include:

Traffic

Choosing floors for a commercial setting is not synonymous to choosing to the floor for your home. Commercial spaces tend to have more foot traffic and heavy machinery traffic that one needs to consider before any installation. Areas such as hallways, entries, lobbies, and corridors are prone to experience more foot traffic as compared to showrooms and actual offices. This will require you to install more durable material along the prior areas that are more resistant to wear and tear.

Other areas of the commercial building will need flooring with really high resistance to damage because of the heavy machinery accessing the areas and not merely footprints.

Maintenance

Commercial building owners are more inclined to buying flooring material that needs very minimal attention when it comes to cleaning. Different commercial flooring has different maintenance procedures.

A hard flooring surface is necessary for commercial flooring and should also be easy to clean and maintain. Areas that are susceptible to moisture and prone to the growth of mildew and mold should have commercial grade flooring.

Vinyl and natural stone are usually preferred for a commercial set up, mainly because of their aesthetic value. However, these two flooring types require high maintenance. Labor in cleaning the floors will be more intensive as compared to a carpet flooring.

Durability

When it comes to longevity of your flooring material, proper research is required for proper floor installation. Given it’s a commercial building, you need not replace your floors frequently as it may disrupt the flow of business. As a manager, choose floors that are not prone to scratch, staining or any damage easily. Most commercial flooring contractors suggest ceramic tiles for flooring and luxury vinyl tiles which have a hard underfoot but able to handle heavy traffic. These two materials last longer than all other flooring materials in the market.

Some carpets are also tailored to suit the commercial set up. The carpets usually have high resistance and can withstand heavy traffic.

Safety

Choose floors that will not pose a threat or danger when cleaning is in progress. You can opt for carpeting or rubber floors to prevent this dynamic

Aesthetic value

Flooring can easily determine the ambiance of your commercial space. If you want to achieve a cozy, inviting and warm mood, then carpeting or broadloom will serve the purpose unquestionably. They also tend to absorb excessive noise in places that need quiet time such as hospital rooms and schools.

If you want to have a little bit of classy feeling, you may want to consider hardwood flooring, porcelain or marble. These types of flooring will alleviate the value of the building.

PROS OF HIRING A COMMERCIAL FLOORING CONTRACTOR

Do not just hire anyone who refers to themselves as a contractor. It is crucial that you do your research on which company you want to incorporate in your floor installment process. Hiring a wrong contractor will cost you dearly and will leave you with regrets and poor results. You can get references of qualified professional contractors from manufacturing companies, commercial setups that have recently done their floors or even online. Be sure to ask about past experiences or portfolios of previously done floors by the construction company. Here are some of the advantages of hiring a commercial flooring contractor:

Assessment

As a manager, sometimes you may not see the value of hiring a professional flooring contractor to revamp your floors. This is a gross oversight that will lead to a series of problems in the long run. An experienced flooring contractor can test the subfloors for stability and prepare it efficiently for installation. A good contractor can also help you when it comes to choosing the right floors for your commercial setup for an affordable pricing. The professional will be able to establish whether the company needs new floors or simply to upgrade the maintenance level previously followed.

Profound planning

A good and qualified flooring contractor will find it quite easy to transition from one step to the next leading is result oriented planning and outcome. Experienced commercial flooring contractors stipulate what is to be carried out, when and for how long. This detailed explanation will help you save a lot of time and also plan around the floor installation process. A qualified commercial flooring contractor is usually very strict and flexible when it comes to constructing floors. They are time conscious and work within the time frame they provide to give you the best results.

Preparedness

A professional commercial flooring contractor will always keep you in the loop during the floor installation process. These updates will help you understand the construction process and also keep tabs on the flow of the whole process whether it is ongoing, the challenges and the drawbacks. External factors such weather, transport sometimes even electricity may slow down the construction process. A professional flooring contractor will advise accordingly on how to speed up the process and still work within the budget as he or she understands the dynamics of the market and construction.

Operational efficiency

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A professional commercial flooring contractor offers more than just the installation of floors to your space. He or she can assist with movement or relocation of furniture to a storage facility, removal of the previous flooring, the installing process and after that cleaning of the floors. A qualified and professional commercial flooring contractor will ensure that the installation was done properly, and the floors will be of service extensively.

The Dallas Flooring Warehouse offers a wide array of flooring choices for both residential and commercial flooring. We are also regarded as one of best commercial flooring service companies. Our affordable floors and services are quite extensive and satisfying. We have different designs, colors, texture, and sizes to suit any taste when it comes to flooring installation or to revamp a space.