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Rubber Flooring: The New Trend in Commercial Buildings

When discussing types of flooring options for commercial buildings, one material that has started gaining attention is rubber. This flooring product is not only safe, durable, aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose.

Knowing the benefits of this product will prepare you for your flooring makeover. To help you make an informed decision, ProjectLink has listed out a few of them:

Strength

Static Resistant and Sound Absorbency

Anti-Slip

Dimensional Stability

Water Resistant

Longer Lasting

Resistant to Impact

Resistant to Burns and Spills

Stain-Resistant

Homogenous

Pertaining to the easy installation, this flooring is high in demand. It finds its use in schools, gym, hospitals and other commercial areas. The properties that rubber flooring tiles and mats have, make it the best choice to be used as a flooring option in such buildings. Rubber flooring is also being used in cafeterias and commercial kitchens as it offers non-absorbent and anti-slip properties. These can also be installed successfully in restrooms, below-grade basements and garages.

Rubber flooring does not encourage the growth of molds and fungi easily. However, in a couple of years, it requires cleaning and maintenance in such areas. As a whole, it proves to be a useful flooring option.

Though all types of flooring share some characteristics, what sets rubber flooring apart is what you really need to know »

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/rubber-flooring-new-trend-commercial-buildings/

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Kitchen Design Trends Which are Going to Rule the Market in 2018

Looking for new and unique ideas to design or renovate your kitchen spaces? Have you been going through blogs and magazines looking for ideas? Before you put the shovel to the ground, go through our top trends list.

Smart and Open Kitchen

Quartz Countertops

Storage Solutions

Flooring

New Age Appliances

All-purpose Kitchen Islands

Simple clean designs and open spaces are what homeowners are opting these days. In order to give a large, ventilated space, upper wall cabinets are no longer preferred. Kitchen islands are handling various cooking requirements. Hardwood and metal or both are adding unique design touch to kitchen giving it a rustic as well modern industrial look. Customized tiles, hardwood flooring, dark, grey colors will be popular. Kitchen furniture such as floating shelves, bar stools, wooden ceilings are all in trend. Lighting is a crucial aspect and smart and app oriented lighting are taking place.

These are some of the trends and design concepts which will be trending in the coming year. One can opt for them to add better aesthetics, convenience, and functionality to their kitchen spaces.

Click here to know more about these emerging trends »

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Ideas for Sustainable Home Renovations

What is Sustainable Renovation?

There is a lot of buzz these days related to sustainable renovations. Sustainable renovation is the art of planning the dimensions of your house in such a manner so as to maximize the goal of energy savings and utilizing natural energy resources to an optimum level.

Why Sustainable Renovation?

Renovations is one the best opportunities to switch to sustainable and play your part in environment conservation. Opting for a sustainable renovation is one of those major steps that reduces a negative impact on the environment.

There is never a better time to go green. With lots of advanced eco-friendly techniques and consultants well-versed with energy efficient designs you can save big on energy bills.

Want to upgrade your current house with sustainable renovations - without stressing on your pockets? Then, you have landed at the right place. The ideas listed in this infographic will not only lighten your environmental footprint but will help you create a more livable and healthier home.

These eco-friendly techniques will help you have an affordable and hassle-free home remodel that you can be really proud of!

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Latest Developments in Building Fire Detection and Protection Systems

Every building whether commercial or residential require fire alarms and protection systems. The residents or staff must be aware of the fire risks in their building and measures available to counter fire in case of an emergency.

A fire detection is something which can help in sensing smoke, excessive heat, fire and raise an alarm for building residents or staff to take appropriate measures, evacuate the premises and take proper steps in controlling the fire. Fire alarm systems are crucial to give quick warning to its occupants when a fire occurs and evacuate the building.

The technology advancement in this field has led to many smart and innovative products which are capable of detecting fire or smoke at a much lesser time. They not only help in alarming and controlling the situation but also suppressing it instantly without creating any further losses.

Some of the technologies are mentioned below:

Water Mist System

Video Image Smoke Detection 

Integrated Voice Evacuation and Messaging System

Fire Sprinkler System

Sound Wave Fire Extinguisher

Personalized Voice Smoke Alarms

Click here to know more about these new fire safety technologies >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/new-fire-safety-technologies-for-buildings/

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Understanding Hot Water Technologies for Commercial Buildings

While planning or renovating building services, clean inlets for hot water are now a must. If the building hosts restaurants, dining areas or facilities like hotel rooms, one must keep in mind that hot water is essential.

Of course, when installing hot water systems in commercial buildings, the planning and management will never be as easy as a simple water geyser.

Reliability and regulation play a key factor in commercial setups so it’s important to know what you are getting into.

Commercial water heaters can be a major pain point in your business when equipment malfunctions. Similar to the heating and air-conditioning, water heaters may also become the source of major expenses, with energy consumption increasing your utility bills or equipment needing frequent repairs.

Consider these essential tips for choosing and installing commercial water heaters in your building.

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Road Safety Essentials for Workers at Construction Zones

Road construction work zones are busy areas that present many potential hazards for construction workers, motorists, pedestrians, and other public road users with several work activities taking place at the same time. Therefore, it is important that worksite safety professionals consider some standards and guidelines. To help you plan, develop and implement your strategies efficiently, ProjectLink has compiled a list of road safety tips and equipment in an infographic. The safety solutions listed here will help you set up and maintain a safe work zone.

Want to make road safety a priority?

Go ahead and integrate these safety measures into your business practices.

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Spring Home Improvement: Tips for Choosing the Right Window & Door Styles

There is a reason why they call it spring time cleaning. As the weather gets pleasant, the days are longer – Spring is the perfect time to spruce up the house and make all those improvements to your home that you have been considering.

When it comes to window and door fittings, spring is the ideal time to make changes. Here are some reasons why:

a) Temperatures

The larger your door or window project, the more you will benefit from having your window replacement done in the spring. When an unconditioned air – hot or cold – comes into your home, it can make things rather uncomfortable. Unexpected dips in the winter and soaring temperatures of summer months can make difficult for the family if windows are missing.

b) Moisture

Although spring and fall have similarly pleasant temperatures, fall tends to be rainy. This could delay installations and cause other unwarranted damage while installation.

c) Longer Days

Spring and summer days are longer, and that can help make your replacement project shorter. The longer our specialists can work in a single day, the less they have to prep and break things down. Of course, it is also essential to identify and understand the needs of your window and door replacements. Windows and doors are a long-term investment, and cannot be changed often like other household refurbishments.

Here are a few reasons to consider before you take the plunge:

i) Your windows have a single-pane glass or temperature-conductive frames and sashes. A window replacement is beneficial if the home has a single-pane glass for all windows, these are not conducive to weather wear cracking at extreme temperatures. Single pane also does not provide adequate insulation if you live in colder climes.

ii) Your windows are in poor condition. Besides breakage and efficiency concerns, windows in poor condition can contribute to water and moisture leaks, humidity issues in the home and even pest infestations. Cracked window-panes, non-operational windows and rotting frames, sashes and sills on wood windows are all good reasons to consider replacement.

iii) Your windows pose safety problems. Windows that don’t open or shut completely or that are weak or loose because of improper maintenance or damage are good candidates for replacement. And if your home has upper-floor rooms with windows that don’t open, consider replacing them with operable windows and placing an easy-to-use fire ladder in the room so the windows can serve as exits in case of emergency.

If you decide to replace your windows, there are four factors to consider when choosing energy efficient models: frame, glass, design, and installation.

Click here to know more about them >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/home-improvement-tips-for-spring/

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Top 12 Cladding Ideas For Australian Houses

Who doesn’t dream of an attractive home with beautiful roof, exterior walls, and a garden with a natural setting? While purchasing a new house that fulfills your entire wishlist can always be a big step, availability of affordable options to transform your existing house into a dream one would be a great choice to exercise.

There are a lot of ways to brighten up your home’s exterior appearance, where the cladding is one of the most appreciated and affordable ways for your new house or even for renovation.

Apart from being an aesthetic tool, cladding forms a protective shield around your house, adding to the mechanical strength of the building's structure. Ensheathing the house walls, facade, roof, and canopies with cladding ensures that your house is robustly resistant to sunlight, moisture, rain, strong winds, and pollutants. Indeed, cladding materials always prove to be more tolerant to cracks compared to non-clad ones.

There are many cladding options available in the Australian market today. Be it renovation or a fresh construction, it is important to make sure you are aware of the differences between these products and what is going to offer the best solution for your home.

To help you out with your choices, ProjectLink has bundled up the 12 most affordable yet attractive cladding ideas. These options not only give your home a glamorous look but will fit your budget too. Browse these options and find the perfect choice for your project.

You are just one click away from giving that fascinating touch to your residence!

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/cladding-ideas-for-australian-houses/

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Best Inventory Management Solutions for Construction Industry

If your company is working on multiple projects around the city, then equipment and inventory management are nothing new to you. The unpredictability of the construction industry has made the management of parts and equipment a difficult task. Access to the right parts or equipment in a timely manner greatly affect customer service and work schedules.

Scheduling the use of equipment can often become a complicated and cumbersome task. This is especially true if there is a significant distance between projects or if the projects require many of the same tools. These activities can be managed with efficiency if the organisation adopts a robust construction inventory management system.

To help you manage inventory and improve your warehouse’s performance, ProjectLink has compiled a list of some efficient tips and solutions.

Take these techniques into consideration and stay on the top of every detail at the project site.

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Emerging Design Trends in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare service delivery is a fascinating and challenging industry. The work is driven by many variables including a growing population, ageing demographic, frequently changing Medicare reimbursement and other co-funding models as well as a fast pace of technological advancements in medicine and medical devices.

Construction of hospitals, medical precincts, and facilities has become extremely challenging in these times. It is important for capital project administrators, architects and construction professionals to recognize changing trends and take the necessary shift in thinking about the healthcare infrastructure and project delivery.

In this blog, we have discussed a few trends in hospital industry and some basic things to keep in mind if you are venturing into design and construction of healthcare facilities.

Microhospitals

Modernization of the ED

Infection Control

The Medical Village

Behavioral Health

Curious to discover more about them in detail? Check out the latest article on ProjectLink.com.au now...

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Top 10 home building and construction blogs

Whether your home needs a total renovation or remodelling to make better use of the space, ProjectLink is here to help you. We have compiled a list of 10 of the best home building blogs to help you enhance the beauty and safety of your home.

These construction blogs will not only give home builders, project managers, architects, and contractors the knowledge they need to be plugged into the right resources but will also provide information on the latest trends and developments shaping the Australia's construction industry.

This handy list of construction blogs would help you get the desired look of your home, and that too without putting too much of stress on your budgets.

Alternatives to Wood in Construction

There are 4 light weighted, fire and heat proof long lasting alternative materials to wood including, wood composites, bamboo, hemp, and stones. Read More»

Cladding Ideas for Australian Houses

Get 5 gorgeous yet durable cladding ideas for construction of Australian houses, including, stone, vinyl, weatherboards, metal, and fiber cement cladding. Read More»

Home Flooring Ideas that will Add the 'Wow' Factor

Explore top flooring ideas including hardwood, bamboo, cork, vinyl, and laminate flooring with all their advantages and disadvantages. Read More»

How to Make a Completely Insulated House?

Weatherproof your house, from heat and cold, with a proper insulation of attic, walls, and basements. Read More»

How to Prevent Fire Hazards at Home and Office

Guide for most basic safety precautions to prevent fire risks at homes and offices. Also, find the top suppliers of fire safety equipment in Australia. Read More»

How to Transform Ordinary Homes to Exotic Residences

Discover top trending styles and ideas that can help you make your homes look like exotic residences. Read More»

How to Decorate your Home with Stones

If you want to beautify and spice up the look of your home, you should think about adding these trending stones in your home decor. Read More»

How to Stay on Budget During Home Renovations

Keeping home renovations on budget can be tough. But, these tips will help you have an affordable and hassle-free remodel that you can be really proud of. Read More»

Latest Trends in Home Remodelling and Design

Want to give your home a makeover but don’t know where to start? Take a look at some impressive remodelling design trends at ProjectLink to get ideas. Read More»

How to Design a Perfect Outdoor Space this Spring

Designing a smart landscape requires solid planning. If you also long for a breathtaking outdoor space this spring, we have something just for you. Read More»

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How to Create a Good Work Culture for your Construction Team

The construction industry is fairly time sensitive. The coordination of teams and schedules depends on many external factors. Project managers cannot undermine the time pressure for sensitive jobs like laying of concrete or weather conditions like rain/sleet. Even with a tight hold on project sheets the primary resource to manage is your team!

Tools like data surveying can be integrated directly into building information modeling programs and even drive construction machinery on site. Mobile construction applications make it easier for employees to stay in touch, connected and productive wherever they are. Self-driving drones are now helping site worked reach high-risk areas for assessments. But the primary resource for any construction team are the people!

Companies must ensure that staff is provided with suitable work environments that encourage productivity and build a good work culture in the team.

Values Convert to Culture

Clarify the work culture by defining the core values of the company. Clarity on your organization's values means you are openly expressing things that are important to you about how you conduct business and interact with each other – and then figuring out how to live those values. It is important to balance aspiration with feasibility – this means that you can pick values that are not yet fully embodied in your organisation but you are working on including them in the near future. If your values are not practically defined, they will not build a good cultural foundation.

Writer Erika Anderson in her article for the Forbes gives a simple exercise for this "…complete the following sentence as a way to start talking about [their] values: We care deeply about________; it's how we want to do business." This will help you understand and define your values clearly. Anderson says "In one company, our clients realized that some of the elements they had defined as values were really rules of conduct – one was "Be punctual," another was "Don't blame others"; they ended up deciding that the value underlying both was Accountability – and that became one of their four values." Be prudent about your selection, stick to four or five core values for your business. These will the guiding lights for the work culture you want create.

Construction businesses are often known to have a very traditional work setup. Rigid hierarchies and traditional systems are extremely unattractive to dynamic young employees. Many construction companies are now applying varied techniques and tactics to encourage productivity and build a good work culture in the team.

If you are also looking beyond traditional boundaries for your construction team, then these ideas and methodologies are worth considering!

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Safety Products to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Safety is such a huge subject. There are literally thousands of different elements to consider when it comes to maintaining a safe and palatable workplace. Not only is safety about protecting our workers from a physical and psychological point of view, however safety also comes down to providing the confidence and trust that our workers require to do the best job possible. Safe workplaces are identified to be effective workplaces and so investing some time and money into discovering solutions that promote safety - can save you generously in the benefits that it delivers.

Large or small, any construction project can be dangerous for workers around. With proper coordination, consultation and cooperation, organisations can ensure the health and safety of all members present on site. Equipping the staff members with personal safety equipment can reduce workplace accidents. At each step of the process in construction work, management must understand that safety cannot be overlooked in order to cut costs or make profits. Your business will benefit from great safety management and happy workers.

To protect both your workforce from fatalities, ProjectLink has covered a wide spectrum of safety solutions. We have a fantastic range of safety clothing protection which cover everything from eye protection, fall protection, body protection and much more. Safety signs are always a crucial feature for informing workers and First Aid kits are an industry standard in case of accident or injury. Our suppliers even offer comprehensive site inspection Services to give insight into the potential hazards of your workplace.

If it is one thing that ProjectLink prides itself on, it is the quality and range of our safety products and services. We understand the necessity for safety within the realm of construction and infrastructure which is why our website features thousands of different solutions to ensure that your business is getting the best outcomes that it deserves.

Take a look at these different options and pick the ones that fit your requirements perfectly. By choosing to view a product you will be able to get in touch with the supplier directly.

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Get your Outdoors Ready for Spring with these Smart Landscape Design Ideas

As the winter moves out, and the warmer months are setting in, families and homeowners are getting ready to get out and enjoy the lovely weather. There is nothing more exciting than a cook-off or dip in the pool when the sun is out. Here are some great landscape design ideas to get you ready for the outdoors.

It is a well-known fact that spending time in nature and greenery can boost well-being, relaxation, and health. Depending on your lifestyle and budgets you can consider a wide variety of landscape options.

From pools, patios, and decks, to outdoor kitchens, barbeque areas, and open-air dining and seating spaces can make wonderful additions to your garden and outdoor landscapes.

Outdoor Activities

If you are outdoorsy family or you love hosting people, extending your activities to the patio and garden area can add a change of scene and provide a wonderful ambience to your parties and get-togethers.

1. Swimming

Pools are a great addition to homes, especially in the summer months. It makes a great play area for the kids and adds a significant value to your property in the long run. If budgets permit, you can even consider a swim-up bar – where family and friends can savour drinks and enjoy the pool all in one! Deck chairs and lounge chairs can be great for sun-bathing and hosting a large number of people around pool areas. Keeping in mind current sustainability trends and regulations help ensure you that there are no water shortage problems in your area before investing in a pool.

2. Parties

If you are big on hosting people and have an active social life, an outdoor space that is landscaped and properly planned can do wonders. It adds extended space for larger events and can add a create a change of scene especially in the pleasant months. Comfortable outdoor furniture, gazebos and deck areas with landscaped plants and flora will charm all your guests. Make sure furniture is comfortable and resistant to the elements of nature.

3. Cooking

Many people enjoy cooking, and it is also a great way to host and entertain people. Ranging from a small portable grill to an entire cooking range, there are a wide variety of additions that you can make for outdoor cooking. Ensure you create a safe area for your outdoor kitchen and there is a specific demarcation for cooking, dining and socializing.

Portable cook tops grills will give you flexibility in terms of choosing a location and also are ideal for small backyards or patios. If you stay in an area where the weather is pleasant most part of the year, and you and your loved ones are crazy about barbeques and dinners under the open sky, you can consider investing in a permanent setup with a cooking range, outdoor refrigerator and beautiful wooden or concrete countertops.

Furniture

Consider sturdy, comfortable and durable materials for your outdoor furniture. Based on the look and feel of your outdoor landscape you can choose classic wicker furniture. Wicker matches beautifully with the greenscapes of your house.

When you have a young family and outdoor kitchen you can consider simple picnic table style benches in your garden area. Dot your outdoor pool or garden area with garden umbrellas. These will add splashes of colour and provide shade and protection when required.

Click here to know more about other additions or ideas >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/spring-landscape-design-ideas/

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How Listing on ProjectLink can Help your Business to Grow

If you are looking for a way to help your online business to grow, you need to put a major attention on advertising. Fortunately, being listed on quality directories can do wonders for your online marketing efforts. ProjectLink is one of a kind. It is Australia’s biggest online directory designed specifically for key industry buyers to source products & services for their current and future commercial, residential, industrial and major projects.

This online directory not only lets you browse the right type of products and services for any construction project but also helps businesses gain more exposure and leads by letting them list their products. Promoting your business through ProjectLink is a smart as well as time-saving business move.

So, list your business today and make your path to success with the cost-effective plans from ProjectLink.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/member/add-my-business/

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Cool Tools for Construction Safety and Heat Stress Relief

Managing Summers!

As the summer months roll in, the rising temperature will pose an undue disadvantage to the construction projects. Excessively high temperatures on the construction site can be a serious health hazard to the construction staff.

Dehydration and heat stress are a common cause of injuries and fatalities on site, but these are perhaps the most easily avoidable.

To keep your talent safe and productive, employers must educate employees and supervisors alike about the potential dangers of heat stress and heat stroke.

Managing the Heat Risk

Heat stress is caused when the body is unable to regulate itself by sweating and the core body temperature rises to critical levels. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is not able to lose enough heat generated by physical work and external heat sources. It is a medical emergency that can lead to cramps, exhaustion, stroke and in severe cases, death. The good news is that heat illness and deaths are preventable. A key component of prevention is to provide mandatory breaks, or recovery periods, for employees working when temperatures are high.

Simple tips and tools for countering the Aussie heat can help construction teams safely manage staff.

Hydration

Work Shift Timings

Mandatory Breaks

Dress Smart

Protect Against the Sun

Be Prepared

To create a healthy and safe environment for all workers at construction and mining sites, employers need to provide them with personal protective equipment.

ProjectLink has compiled a list of some effective cooling products that all workers should wear while working in hot environments. Read on to find more.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/tips-tools-to-stay-cool-at-work/

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The roof is the most integral part of any construction project. It is that shelter which protects the building from extreme weather conditions like heat, sunlight, rain etc.

The selection of the right kind of roof ensures that the building stays strong for a longer period of time. If you select the correct commercial roofing for your construction project, you save on a lot of repairs and wear and tear cost in the future.

To understand roofing system, we must first understand the parts of a roofing system. A commercial roofing system can be divided into three parts:

1. The Material

The materials mostly used for roofing are metal, laminated glass, concrete tiles, clay tiles, asphalt, PVC, Teflon fabric, slate, wood etc. The right roofing material for your building is determined on the basis of the kind of building, use, climatic conditions and environmental factors. The choice of material is also made on the basis of the construction material used and aesthetics. The availability of roofing material is another factor that is considered while planning for roof construction.

2. The Construction

The construction of the roof is the next step after roofing material selection. The roof construction is based on two factors, the support system, and the pitch. The support system consists of structures like pillars or other supports that are planned and constructed based on the area of the building and the weight of the roof.

The pitch, on the other hand, is the angle of the roof from the lowest to the highest point. The pitch of a roof differs based on the roof type. For example, a thatched roof will have a steeper pitch to let the water drain down easily while a roof with clay tiles will not have a pitch as steep as the thatched roof. The climatic conditions of the region also play an important role in the calculation of the pitch.

3. The Durability

For any construction project, the durability of the building is the most important point to consider. The durability of a building is measured by the durability if its roof.

To make the roof durable the above two factors play a pivotal role. The correct roofing material installed at the right pitch gives you the perfect roof for your building.

The durability of the roofing material is very important because the roof of a building is not accessed often and at times it may get quite delayed before any proper action may be taken for roof damages.

With so many options of roofing materials and systems available today, it is hard to figure out which would be the most suitable option for your building project. Several factors need to be considered before making the choice.

To help you make an informed decision, ProjectLink has listed out some of the materials, systems and tips to help you choose one that best fits your needs and budget.

Take these tips into consideration and pick the right roof for your building project.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/tips-for-choosing-commercial-roofing/