The Helioscreen All Seasons retractable roof range offers an array of options and lends itself to being a flexible solution for all applications thanks to its innovative versatility. Cleverly designed drive system, integrated water seals and optional dimmable 360 degree LED down lighting are just some reasons why the All Seasons is a renowned system and shows why Helioscreen has been a market leader for over 25 years in Australia.

Using the latest European design and engineering our retractable roof range is made from architectural grade aluminium and stainless steel fixtures that have been developed to ensure smooth operation and high durability.

Thanks to the unique high torque motor drive system the fabric is always kept under perfect tension by a self adjusting motor unit. Using optional weather sensors such as wind or rain sensors provides the added benefit of automatic control even when the user is away.

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Improve energy efficiency

This includes installing insulation in your ceilings and walls to reduce heat loss in winter and awnings to insulate against heat gain in summer. Modern blinds and awnings are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Another way is to upgrade your appliances to more energy-efficient models. Most appliances now carry energy ratings and manufacturers compete with one another to be the most energy-efficient in their class.

Switching to more energy-efficient lighting is another option. This will not only save you money on power bills but also reduce heat, thus improving thermal efficiency.

Add green features

Adding environmentally friendly features to your home will also increase its star rating and its value. Such features might include:

A native garden — water is becoming a precious resource, so homes with water-wise features will be more sought after as water rates rise and restrictions become more frequent.
Drip irrigation — this form of irrigation waters the roots of plants, doing away with the need for wasteful sprinklers.
A greywater system — this involves recycling household water for use on gardens and lawns.

Improve your home’s health

Just as there are ‘sick’ buildings (buildings where the occupants are frequently unwell), homes can be unhealthy too. There is evidence to suggest that poor ventilation contributes to ill health, as do some materials that household items are made from.

By improving ventilation in your home, making it allergen-free and choosing less harmful household products and chemicals, you will improve your home’s health and thus its overall value.

Adding it up

So just how much can you add to your home’s value? Well, if you look at the average cost of each of the greening methods mentioned above, you can start to get a better picture.

Insulation — $2000 – $3000
Blinds & awnings — $4000 – $5000
Appliances — $8000 – $10,000
Lighting — $500 – $1000
Landscaping — $2000 – $3000
Irrigation — $1000 – $2000
Grey water — $2500 – $3500

Altogether, that adds up to between $20,000 and $27,000. While it is a lot of money to spend in one go, green improvements can also be done gradually as your budget allows. If your home is worth $250,000 and your green improvements are worth 6 stars on the NABERS scale at three per cent each, that’s 18 per cent added value, or almost $50,000. Not bad for an outlay of around half that much. As well as improving the value of your home, your green improvements will also help to market it when it comes time to sell.

Thanks to Helioscreen for the Article.

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Awnings

Modern awnings can extend your outdoor entertainment areas by as much as four metres. They are designed to absorb heat and reduce the sun’s penetration, as well as stand up to the harshest wind conditions. They are rated according to the Beaufort scale, which measures resistance to wind speed. The higher the rating, the more resistant the material is to wind damage.

Folding-arm awnings can be motorised and even remotely controlled, with special sun and wind sensors that allow you to position them so they offer exactly the right amount of shade and protection for your guests. Made from long-lasting, UV-resistant materials in a huge range of colours and fabrics, today’s outdoor awnings are the perfect way to party under the sun.

Pergolas

A pergola can be a good solution when you have a group of guests sitting outdoors. Pergolas can be either freestanding or attached to the house and make an attractive focus for a garden or lawn area. Like awnings, modern pergolas are also constructed from weather and wind-resistant materials and come in a range of styles and colours.

If you’re having a band at your party, a pergola is often the ideal place for them to set up and play; much like the bandstands found in public parks many years ago. Make sure you warn your neighbours though, or you may have some uninvited guests at your party.

External screens

Not everyone at the party will be outside, so it’s important to provide shade for those guests who are indoors as well. Any rooms with large areas of glass will become hot and stuffy in a very short time, unless adequately shaded from the outside. Modern external screens absorb heat and provide protection by controlling the amount of direct sunlight that enters a room. And because they are made from low-impact fabrics, they don’t interfere with the view.

Other options

If you don’t do a lot of entertaining and are required to host a large gathering of people, such as a wedding party, you may decide to hire your sun protection for the day. Party hire suppliers offer a wide range of marquees, which can be set up on your lawn to provide catering and shelter for your guests. Parasols may be a better option if people are sitting about in small groups and these can be hired, along with tables and chairs, for relatively little expense.

Whether you party a little or a lot will ultimately determine your choice of sun protection, but remember that even with such effective devices as those described here, you should still wear a hat and sunscreen when out in the harsh Aussie sun.

Thanks to Helioscreen for the Article.

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