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Current at: 28 May 2010
Federal Government – environmental incentives for housing
The Federal Government provides a small number of economical incentives to help home owners become more energy efficient. The schemes available cover systems such as solar hot water, solar photovoltaic, and water efficient installations e.g. rainwater and greywater systems
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Current at: 09 November 2009
Phase out of inefficient incandescent light globes (Nat)
The Australian Government has announced the phase-out or inefficient incandescent light bulbs over the next 3 years. The intention of the phase-out is to reduce energy consumption throughout the country as part of the Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 60 per cent by 2050.
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Current at: 26 August 2009
Sun Safety at Work
With summer now upon us, it is important to be aware of the dangers to health from various sun related illnesses and the long term risk of sun exposure.
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Current at: 26 August 2009
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
An MSDS is a document prepared by the manufacturer or importer for a particular chemical and it will state whether the chemical is classified as hazardous and/or dangerous.
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Current at: 13 July 2009
Ensure the energy rating on your windows is WERS to be confident of true performance (Nat)
WERS (window energy rating scheme) is designed to look specifically at window ratings to improve the comfort of homes. The main purpose of energy efficiency in a residential application is to reduce the amount of times the heating and cooling appliances are turned on and off. WERS rated residential windows have star ratings and percentage improvements to help give an easy comparison of windows. WERS is currently the only AFRC accredited system for rating windows in Australia required for compliance to the building code of Australia’s glazing provisions
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Current at: 24 June 2009
How to Market your HIA GreenSmart Status
HIA GreenSmart is continuing to grow and build brand awareness amongst consumers and the housing industry in general. Find out how you can maximise marketing opportunities for your company by using the HIA GreenSmart brand.
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Current at: 24 June 2009
Curling in concrete slabs (Nat)
The upward or downward movement of a concrete slab’s corners or edges due to moisture and/or temperature differentials within the concrete is known as ‘curling’ or ‘warping’.
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Current at: 24 June 2009
Choosing the right cement render for the job (Nat)
The selection of right render types, construction procedures and surface finishes using renders are all important to having the right render for the job.
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Current at: 24 June 2009
Working safely with dry concrete materials (Nat)
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials. Anyone who uses concrete or is responsible for managing or supervising its use should be aware that it may be a hazard.
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Current at: 24 June 2009
Excess water in concrete (Nat)
The uncontrolled addition of water on site effectively changes the concrete mix design and should not be permitted.
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Current at: 24 June 2009
Choosing the right mortar mix for masonry (Nat)
Mortar has three primary functions. The mortar must be durable, sufficiently resilient to accommodate minor movements and self-healing so small cracks do not become permanent leakage paths.
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Current at: 08 October 2008
Non-structural overlay Natural Timber Strip Flooring (Nat)
Natural timber floors, just like all quality products, must be handled, stored, installed and maintained with care to ensure excellent service. This leaflet answers many of the most asked questions about overlay natural timber floors and highlights important precautions and considerations which you should discuss with your flooring supplier, builder and/or installer before you proceed.
This information has been developed and supplied by Timber Development Association (NSW), www.timber.net.au and HIA makes no representation as to its accuracy, currency or completeness. The information is provided on the basis that you undertake your own assessment as to its suitability for your purposes.
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Current at: 08 October 2008
Timber floor finishes and maintenance (Nat)
Timber floor finishes can be grouped into three broad categories. These are oil-based finishes, solvent borne polyurethane finishes and water borne finishes. The various finishes and their properties are summarised in the accompanying table.
This information has been developed and supplied by Timber Development Association (NSW), www.timber.net.au and HIA makes no representation as to its accuracy, currency or completeness. The information is provided on the basis that you undertake your own assessment as to its suitability for your purposes.
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Current at: 12 September 2008
The BCA: A performance document
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is referred to as a ‘performance based’ document that provides flexibility when designing a building. But what does this degree of flexibility mean for those designing and constructing buildings and how can this be utilised in a practical sense?
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Current at: 11 September 2008
Tongue and groove timber flooring Part 1: Supply, storage & ventilation
There are a number of fundamental requirements and procedures that need to be followed to ensure long term performance of Tongue & Groove (T&G) flooring. The following requirements are applicable where a feature floor or covered floor are placed on the traditional timber bearer and joist systems.
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