In the spirit of helping, we’ve analyzed the main pros and cons of professional carpet cleaners versus DIY carpet cleaners.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Pros

• More Effective Equipment: If you don’t have the budget to hire equipment, a professional cleaner will likely have more efficient and better cleaning tools. They can clean the carpets faster and more effectively and remove tough stains quicker.
• Carpet Drys Quicker: Professional carpet cleaners can dry your carpets faster thanks to their advanced cleaning techniques and equipment. If they’re cleaning carpets within a commercial building, there will be less disruption to your business.
• They are Experts: Knowing how to clean carpets is a big advantage for professionals and their customers. This is often a result of years of experience.
  

Cons

• Scheduling issues: Professional carpet cleaners might only work during specific hours, so it may be difficult to schedule cleaning times that fit your needs.
• The initial cost may be higher: Likely, hiring a professional to clean your carpets will initially cost more than if you were to do it yourself. The long-term savings of carpets being cleaner and less likely to need to be cleaned as often could offset this.
  

DIY Carpet Clean

Pros

• You Can Do It Anytime: If you intend to clean your carpets by yourself, you can do it at a time that works for you. If you’re working, you can do the job at home. If you have a business, you can clean it after work.
• Potentially cheaper: If you don’t plan to rush to buy the most recent carpet cleaning equipment, it will likely cost you less to clean your carpets yourself.
  

Cons

• You Need to Do It All: This is where many people find the key. DIY Carpet cleaning in joondalup simply means that you are doing everything yourself. If you do it yourself, you will need to put in a lot of effort and take some time.
• You don’t know which cleaning fluids or equipment to use. Without first hand experience, knowledge or direct experience, likely, you won’t be able to choose the right cleaning fluids and equipment. You could end up with a bad job or damage your carpets if you use the wrong cleaning fluids.
• More Time-consuming: In addition to the extra time required to clean your carpets, more time will be spent drying them. It can lead to a room or an area being unusable for a while if you don’t know how to dry carpets correctly, like the professionals.

The post The Pros And Cons Of Professional Cleaning Versus DIY Cleaning appeared first on Make Meaning.

With the help of jointing compounds, you can easily hide seams along the walls, thereby making the walls ready for applying paint. In case you’re unaware, the jointing compound is very easy to apply, especially if you’re thinking about going the DIY route. 

What Type Of Joint Compound Should You Use?

According to a reliable company for interior plastering in Auckland, when you decide to use a joint compound, the first decision that you need to undertake is – whether you should use powdered joint compound or lightweight ready-mix joint compound. 

Even though ready-mix joint compounds can be expensive to purchase, they’re great for easy maintenance and quicker application. Moreover, ready-mix joint compounds are also more forgiving (when applied) than powdered joint compounds because they take a long period before drying. Hence, if you make any mistake, then the same can be rectified before the joint compound solidifies. 

We suggest using ready-mix joint compounds instead of powdered joint compounds, especially if you’re inexperienced with the application process. 

The Benefits Of Ready-Mix Joint Compounds

• Helps in saving time since you don’t need any water supply during the mixing process.

• Helps in saving money since the task will be completed quickly and you can start the next job right away. 

• Helps in saving effort because ready-mix joint compounds are 30 per cent lighter than traditional plaster. 

• Provides an excellent finish.
• Doesn’t create much mess, hence less clean-up will be needed. 

How To Mix Powdered Joint Compound?

You must read the manufacturer’s label before mixing your joint compound because you need to find out how much water you need for the mix. Excessive water can quickly dilute the mixture. Alternatively, too little amount of water can make the compound too thick for application. 

If possible, try to mix the joint compound in a bucket. But, don’t fill the bucket to its brim because the joint compound along with water will splash out and create a bigger mess. Proceed to add only 1-2 gallons of joint compound and continue to add water as you mix. By following such a procedure, you’ll be able to use just the right amount of water. Do remember that you cannot take excess water out of the bucket. 

We suggest using a mixing paddle instead of using hands to properly mix the joint compound. 

The post DIY 101: How To Effectively Use Joint Compounds? appeared first on Make Meaning.

There is so much on the market. How can you decide which parts and accessories to invest in? Here are some tips to help you choose the right accessories and parts for your boat.

Take a look at the places you are boating.

Different seas have different requirements. Ask local boat owners for some advice.

Pay attention to your boating location, especially when docking or anchoring. You can purchase the right materials for your boat by determining where you are boating. Mushroom anchors are best for sandy beaches. Hooker or fluke anchors can get stuck on rocks if pulled up.

Extra props are like extra tires.

Your boat won’t go anywhere if it doesn’t have propellers. They are the main function of your boat.

Even if your knowledge is not great about changing your props, it’s important to have extra pairs of them that go with your boat. Although it’s easier to get help from others, they won’t help you if you don’t have the right materials. This is especially important if you travel long distances, especially in cold seasons.

To be safe, you might also wish to carry extra batteries with you on the trip.

Get your navigation aids in stock.

It is easy to get lost on the open seas, especially when first sailing the ocean. Use the best navigation aids and tools available to avoid this.

Even better, why not invest in your boat’s GPS? Navigation tools can be cumbersome, but you won’t have to worry about getting lost at sea with the right GPS tracking software installed on your boat.

Safety gear should not be sacrificed.

Safety first is a common term in boating, sailing and other sea-related activities. Because the sea is unpredictable, it’s a good idea. You are at high risk, especially if you are out in the open. Nobody will be there to help as quickly as you need. It’s important to be prepared.

You must keep a boat parts & accessories list that includes boarding floaters, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and life vests. You will never know what is out there.

Quality windows are worth the investment.

Your windows should encourage people to do a double-turn and give the boat an air of exclusivity and privacy.

Your style and the best materials for your boat’s windows are important to the best boat window supplier. You will also need to know how to install windows on boats.

Tints and coatings should also be compatible with the style of your windows for privacy and ease.

The post Boat Parts And Accessories Every Boat Owner Should Have appeared first on Make Meaning.

To help you know more about plastering tapes and their importance, we have created this in-depth guide that you should go through in its entirety.

The Various Types Of Plastering Tapes

According to a professional service provider for plastering in Auckland, plastering tapes come in various types, allowing the same suitable for a wide range of surfaces/walls. The types are as follows:

1. Basic Drywall Tape

The basic drywall tape is made from paper, making it easy to tear, lightweight to apply and very flexible to use. 

2. Scrim Tape

Scrim tapes are very popular among beginners who are working with plasterboards. The good news about scrim tapes is that – you don’t have to utilise jointing compounds with it – unlike the basic drywall tape. Hence, this tape needs less work. 

Scrim tape is made from fibreglass and the overall construction is created like an interwoven mesh of threads. As a result, you can obtain greater strength & flexibility, and the tape won’t move around from its place or bubble up after application. 

3. Metal Angle Tape

The metal angle plastering tape is a very superior type of tape that’s reinforced with galvanised metal. Ultimately, when it comes to strength & durability, the metal angle tape is ranked at the top among other plastering tapes – making it ideal for finishing external & internal drywall corners. 

Moreover, the metal angle tape has a fold designed down its middle, allowing it to be installed easily & quickly so that every corner can be sharp & straight. 

How To Choose The Ideal Plastering Tape For Your DIY Plastering Job?

When you’ve chosen the ideal tape you require for your plastering task, ensure that you get the tape with the correct width. Usually, for smaller areas, one or two inches in width is fine. But, if you’re working across a larger area, then you have to get a tape that has a width of more than two inches. 

Secondly, make sure that the plastering tape you choose is from a reputed manufacturer and is of good quality. You’d not want your plastering job to be ruined by using a sub-par plastering tape. 

Lastly, if you’re unsure about whether you’ll be able to perform the DIY plastering task effectively, we suggest getting in touch with our experts and registering an appointment. It’s always better to hire experienced professionals than do the task yourself. 

For any further queries, don’t forget to contact us at any moment. We’d be happy to help you. 

The post All You Need To Know About Plastering Tapes appeared first on Make Meaning.

Grouting is also widely used for all types of construction works. It is effective on floor and wall tiles. In general, you find professional contractors using epoxy grouting in the bathroom and kitchen. As these areas are exposed to water and acids, so using quality epoxy grouting is the best solution.

Effects of using best quality epoxy grouting

There are two basic types of grouting works done on bricks and tiles. You can opt for cement or epoxy grouting. These two are the most common types. Epoxy looks like elegant grouting material. The best benefit of using epoxy material is that it may not need sanding.

Even without sanding, the epoxy material offers great effect. The material prevents stain formations as well. Epoxy is highly durable but may take time to dry completely. You can add star crystals to the grouting material as well.

Top benefits of using Epoxy grouting

• Durability

If you have tiles on the floor or the walls, you may not want them to keep falling very often. Cement grouting will not offer complete resistance against water and acid. It may get degraded with time and the tiles usually fall within one or two years.

But this is not the issue when using epoxy grouting. It is highly durable. Once the grouting is applied to the tiles or the bricks, it forms a very strong bond. This holds the tiles in their place for years.

• Water-resistant

Porcelain may not be water-resistant. Even if you mix water-resistant material with the cement, it offers protection for a few months or years. Epoxy is resin material. It will form a very strong bond with the surface on which it is applied.

This prevents the water from entering through the top layers. Epoxy does not have pores as well. So it will not accumulate water. It offers perfect resistance against water.

• Epoxy does not crack

Once the epoxy has been applied to the surface it gets dried in two or three days. The top layer of the grouting will form an even layer preventing pores. This prevents the material from developing cracks and scratches.

This means you will not have to consider replacing or repairing the grout for many years. If you take proper care, you may not need to replace it for years. Cement grouts may always need repairs after every few years.

Experts always recommend using epoxy grouts on the walls and floors. This can be your best investment for years. Epoxy does not need much maintenance as well. It is also more cost-effective as it requires no maintenance.

The post Impressive Facts About Epoxy Grouting That Home Owners Should Know appeared first on Make Meaning.

Therefore, to help you know more about the different types of house paints so that you can make seamless selections for exterior painting in Auckland later on, we have created this guide that you should go through in its entirety.

All You Need To Know About Different Types Of House Paints

Just like any other home repair materials, paints also come in a different array of options. This is because different painting projects will require different paint types. So, it’s crucial to understand which type of paint you need to choose for a specific project. 

1. Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are mainly broken into three primary parts, namely:

• Binder
• Pigment
• Solvent

In simple terms, the pigment is the color, the binder is the chemical that maintains the color once it dries up and the solvent is the solution through which the binder & pigment is applied on the painting surface. 

The solvent that’s used in acrylic paints is water, which will help the pigment as well as the binder to apply ideally onto the surface. Once applied, the water will evaporate and only the paint will be left behind. Acrylic paints can work on most types of surfaces, but proper primer should be applied before the paint application. 

2. Enamel Paints

It should be known that enamel paints are mainly solvent-based paints, where the solvent will be either water or oil. When enamel paints proceed to dry up, almost a shell-like coating is obtained, as opposed to the flexible coating obtained from acrylic paints. Enamel paints are more popular to be used as exterior house paints. 

The drying time for enamel paints can be high as oil-based enamel paints can sometimes take multiple days to dry. Furthermore, enamel paints tend to have a very strong odour for many days after application.

3. Latex Paints

Despite its name, latex paints don’t contain any latex. It should be learned that like acrylic paints, latex paints are water-based. But, latex paints tend to dry faster and will cost less than acrylic ones. 

Since latex paints tend to be more affordable, it’s one of the most popular paint types for interior house painting. However, latex paints don’t do too well on rough surfaces like concrete. 

In case you want to know more about house paints, don’t forget to let us know. 

The post Knowing The Different Types Of House Paints appeared first on Make Meaning.

Hence, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll be talking in-depth about the reasons why most homeowners are shifting towards the use of gypsum rather than any other material for plastering needs. 

What Do You Mean By Gypsum Plaster?

According to a professional service provider for GIB fixing in Auckland, you have to add finishing to a wall before you can start painting it so that you can smoothen out the surface. Without a smooth surface, the paint will not stick very well. That’s why gypsum plasters are used to create a smooth surface for your walls so that the paint coat can stick gracefully.

The best feature of gypsum plaster is that – it comes in the form of powder and will only need water for mixing. Gypsum plaster is white and it will require at least eight millimeters of thickness for creating an ideal protective coating. 

What Are The Various Advantages Of Gypsum?

You must remember that every type of construction material has its role to play. Bricks & cement create the foundation while the coatings make it easy for the paint to stick. Cement layers and coatings have been popular back in the day, but nowadays homeowners are switching to gypsum. The primary reasons why gypsum is becoming more popular are:

• There’s no fear of shrinkage or cracks because when gypsum is mixed with water, heat energy isn’t yielded much, compared to cement.
• Once gypsum plaster dries up, amazing results are obtained. Ultimately, you can enjoy high durability & a smoother finish with the help of a gypsum plaster finish. 
• You will be able to enjoy better acoustics with gypsum plaster because it can absorb more sound compared to cement plaster and thus it’s a great way to block out any outside noise. 
• Gypsum plaster can resist fire better than cement plaster. 
• Lastly, you’ll only need three days to create a layer of gypsum plaster compared to twenty-one days for cement plaster. Thus, the curation time is lesser in the case of gypsum plaster.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the heyday, gypsum plaster is the better choice when it comes to plastering (indoors) in the 21st century. It has that modern touch that you can continue to enjoy for future years to come. 

The post Why Homeowners Are Opting For Gypsum Over Any Other Plastering Material appeared first on Make Meaning.

To make your painting metal project a success, we have formulated a comprehensive guide containing all the relevant steps. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump onto the guide right away.

Procedures To Follow Before Painting Metal

1. Prep The Metal Surface That You’ll Be Painting

According to reliable painters in Auckland, you need to first prepare the metal surface before trying to paint the same. Make sure that you scrape off any surface rust from the metal so that a smooth surface can be obtained for your painting needs.

Once you’ve eliminated the surface rust, it’s time to clean the metal surface. Your metal surface can not only be affected by rust but also dust, dirt, grime, and other types of pollutants. Such pollutants can make the paint coat dry unevenly, form blisters/bubbles, or start flaking. If you want the best possible results, then you have to clean the metal surface thoroughly with the help of a soft, damp cloth or brush.

Pro Tip: In case you’re dealing with a galvanized metal, then you must know that galvanized metal doesn’t rust while making it difficult for paint to stick on it. Thus, you have to clean galvanized metal surfaces with a warm, soapy solution before you apply any primer/paint. 

2. Proceed To Use Primer

Before you can apply your paint coating, you have to apply the primer. The primer allows the paint to stick better and thereby obtain a better finishing which will last for a long time. After application, allow the primer to dry. 

3. Utilize Metal Paint

It should be known that for painting metal, the paint that you use with your wooden surfaces will not work. Since a metal surface is much different from wood, you have to use a type of paint that’s specifically designed to be used upon metal. Such a practice will help you save time, money, and effort in the long run while also obtaining the best results. 

You can either use traditional metal paint cans that you have to apply using a brush or use spray paint cans. If you properly know the way to use spray cans, then you can obtain your desired results within a short period. 

Wrapping Up

Patience is the key to success and the same can be demonstrated in this project. Make sure that you perform your task slowly & steadily so that you don’t encounter any mistakes and the painting process can be completed seamlessly. 

The post DIY 101: Tips & Tricks Before Painting Metal appeared first on Make Meaning.

The following set of DIY plastering tips will assist you in speeding up the plastering process and becoming more confident in the work that you’ll be doing. 

Beginner Tips For Plastering

1. Prepare The Area

According to a reliable service provider for plastering in Auckland, your first task at hand should be to prep the affected area, so that you can avoid any unevenness in the results. Preparation is key because, without proper preparation, you cannot apply the plaster correctly. 

By using a hard bristled brush, you’ll need to gently eliminate any loose areas of the old plaster, so that the area can be smooth & nice. Once done, you can move on to the next step. 

2. Get Your Plastering Mix Correct

Perfecting the plastering mix isn’t rocket science – you only have to use the required materials in the specified ratio. Not getting the mix correct can derail your plastering process. 

One of the primary mistakes that most people tend to make is that – they add more water to the plastering mix – which creates a poor plastering solution. Water should be added with the plaster in a 1:1 ratio. Moreover, water should go into the bucket first and then the plaster.

Your plastering mix should have a uniform consistency, so that you can apply the same using a trowel, without falling or sliding off. If you can manage to make your plastering mix in such a manner, then you’ll be ready to go. 

One of the other mistakes that you should avoid making is that – the plaster shouldn’t be too thick – because it can make the application process difficult. 

3. Use A Primer

The application of a primer will help the plastering mix stick better onto the affected area. If you don’t use a primer or fail to apply the primer properly, then the wall will draw out all the available moisture from the plastering mix and thereby the plaster will crumble & fall off. 

You can find various types of primers available from multiple hardware stores which will perform the task perfectly. The primer that you’ll be using should be of good quality so that you don’t have to worry about longevity. 

And with that last suggestion, it’s time to finally conclude our extensive guide. We hope you enjoyed our recommendations and for any more tips, contact our plastering specialists. 

The post DIY 101: Brilliant Plastering Tips For Beginners appeared first on Make Meaning.

Apart from providing an impeccable cleaning service, the industry for end of tenancy cleaning in Auckland is now emphasizing more on sanitizing & disinfecting the property, especially the most frequently utilized areas. Hence, we’ll be discussing the major trends that have popped up among end-of-lease cleaning companies, so that you can have a better idea regarding the same.

The Various Trends That Have Emerged In The End Of Lease Cleaning Industry For Better Cleaning Procedures

1. Following A Meticulous Process Of Disinfection & Sanitisation

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most significant steps that end-of-lease cleaning companies have to undertake is disinfection & sanitization. The entire property must be sanitized & disinfected and not just the rented area. 

Nowadays, top-notch quality disinfectants & sanitizers are utilized in the cleaning process, so that the spread of the virus could be limited. 

2. Cleaning The Garage & Other Entry Points

The entry points & garage of a property are the primary areas where outsiders will come in contact before entering the property. Thus, it’s crucial to sanitize the entry points & garage. Even the property landlord will be apprehensive about the sanitizing process due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

3. Personnel Working For End Of Lease Cleaning Companies Should Be Masked

Nowadays, almost all reputable end of lease cleaning companies follow proper safety guidelines outlined by the medical healthcare teams & government authorities, so that a safe experience can be obtained. Every person who will be working at the property for the cleaning process will be wearing a mask. Moreover, the body temperature will also be checked for each person to ensure that they’re feeling healthy. 

4. Innovative & Modern Ways Of Cleaning

Since the end-of-lease cleaning plays a major part in getting your bond money back, you have to impress your landlord with the cleaning process and thereby want to convey that you kept the property with ideal care. Keeping the same in perspective, most modern end of lease cleaning companies use innovative cleaning techniques to give you the best results.

But, that’s not all though because cleaning companies also understand the importance of environmental sustainability, which is why they utilize eco-friendly cleaning products to keep the surroundings safe. 

Thus, if you’re in the market looking for the perfect end-of-lease cleaning company, don’t forget to call us and let us know. 

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