Month: December 2020

Kitchen islands have been very popular in kitchen renovations for several years. With an open concept design, an island creates a barrier between rooms. It provides workspace, storage, and great visual appeal. Different island designs and layouts can help maximize the overall space and function of the kitchen.

Electric Woods in Edmonton offers high-quality home renovations. They share some kitchen island design ideas for your next renovation:

The food prep station

Kitchen island designs often blend seating with spacious counters to prepare food. While this is a traditional design, it isn’t always a must. If you’re more of a home cook, then dedicate the island as a food prep station. Depending on your needs, it can be a big or small island or even be mobile with built-in wheels. Wood butcher’s block is a great countertop option that can stand up to any cutting, slicing, or other food preparation. Or, for added appearance and durability, granite is another popular choice.

Add more storage

If you have a large, central island, don’t just think of its surface as the only useable space. Installing drawers, cupboards, or end shelving to the base is a great way to add even more storage to your kitchen. Deep drawers can be used to store garbage bins or bulky trays and appliances. End shelving can be used for smaller baking appliances or to store nicer plates for special occasions. If you have kids, it’s a great space to store arts and crafts so they can stay busy and spend time together.

Double Island

If you have a large kitchen space, why settle for just one kitchen island when you could have two and get twice the benefits? If you enjoy both socializing and prepping food, dedicate each island for just that. Depending on your kitchen layout, have them either side-by-side or facing one another for a cozier design. Add comfy barstools around the seating island, then a deep sink to fill pots and a spacious countertop for the food prep island. This idea only works if you have space, otherwise, it can make your kitchen look and feel cramped.

The focal point in the room

If your kitchen layout is a one-wall design, use the island as the main focal attraction. A long, spacious island with a combination of seating, storage, and an eye-catching countertop will add major value. As a multifunctional design, it’ll also appeal to buyers should you ever sell in the future. The look and layout will complement the rest of your home, whether it’s an open layout or the kitchen is its own space. Another trick is to use different countertop materials and colours from the rest of the room. That way, the island is both designed for function and aesthetically pleasing as a focal point in the room.

Kitchen Renovations in Edmonton

Electric Woods prides itself on being a reliable, trustworthy company that helps turn dreams into renovation realities. Their professionals are dependable and experienced so that they can help with every step of the way. They have a service for anything from renovations, electrical work, carpentry, painting, and more.

Contact Electric Woods today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you need a new roof, there are many options to consider. JJ’s Roofing in Edmonton is a professional roofing company and can provide advice on a range of roofing products including asphalt, stone coated metal shingles, and cedar roofing. They can also assist with flat roofing systems, roof repairs, siding, soffits, and eavestroughs. Today, they’re going to talk about cedar roofing. If you have questions about the other roofing products and services they offer, please get in touch with them!

Cedar roofing: repair or replace?

Cedar shake roofs offer a beautiful and unique style that many homeowners love. While cedar does need more maintenance than other materials, it can also last upwards of 30 years. If it starts showing signs of wear and damage, don’t think a roof replacement is needed. Most of the time, the damage is easily repairable.

They share what types of cedar shake damage can be repaired by their professionals:

Weather wear

As with any roof, exposure to weather and harsh elements will eventually take its toll. Cedar shakes will show weather wear more readily, but only if the roof isn’t well maintained. Strong winds that shift the shakes can leave them loose and prone to moisture getting in. Exposure to the sun year-round can also lead to warped or cracked shingles. They can all be easily repaired by a professional, and this doesn’t call for a full replacement. As cedar roofs age, they also eventually turn to a silvery grey. That is still just as visually appealing to many homeowners, but it doesn’t mean a replacement is needed.

Cracks or splits

There are a few reasons cedar shakes can develop cracks or even split, and the type of risk also varies. Some cracks result from storms that have caused impact damage to the roof, like a loose tree branch. Severe hailstorms can also be a reason. The risk of a crack or split becomes serious when the damage extends the full length of the shake. If that happens, it risks loosening the shingle or exposing the underlayment beneath. Either risks further damage to the roof, sped up deterioration, or leaks. If the shakes have cracks, replace them right away to avoid a roof replacement or costly damage.

Moss growth

Cedar shake roofing can also suffer from unwanted moss growth on its surface. Areas that are humid and rainy are perfect conditions for moss to set in on a cedar roof. While it’s not too common in Edmonton’s climate, it can still happen. While it affects the visual aesthetics, it also does a lot of physical damage. As with any natural wood, the moisture from the moss will weaken the shakes. That affects their durability and eventually can shorten the roof’s overall lifespan. Excess moisture also risks seeping through the roof and leading to interior leaks and water damage. If you spot moss from a street-view inspection, don’t wait on the problem. Call a professional to clear the spots and handle any necessary repairs.

Proactive maintenance

The best way to protect your cedar shake roof is through proactive maintenance and care. Visual DIY inspections will catch problems that have developed, but also get professional help. Annual roof inspections and cleaning by a professional will ensure minor issues are caught and repaired right away. Keeping the roof clean will also prevent moss growth or other unwanted visual and physical issues.

Roofers in Edmonton

JJ’s Roofing is committed to every part of their work, from roofing services to absolute customer satisfaction. They ensure all their work is done with quality and made to last, including their five-year guarantee. Their professionals can help with roof repairs, installations, re-roofing, and more.

Contact JJ’s Roofing today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

When it comes to roofing materials, many homeowners choose asphalt shingles. As a long-lasting and cost-effective material, it’s a great choice. With asphalt, there is also the option to choose fibreglass asphalt. Compared to traditional asphalt, this offers its own benefits and reasons to choose it.

Samra Bros Roofing Ltd. in Vancouver is a professional roofing company. They share more about fibreglass roofing and why it’s a great choice for your roof:

Organic vs inorganic 

The main difference between asphalt and fibreglass shingles is the materials they are made from. Organic shingles, or asphalt shingles, are made of things like wood or cardboard with a paper base that is then covered with asphalt. Inorganic shingles, or fibreglass shingles, have a fibreglass base and use metal or plastic as their materials. As a result, the shingles can be more durable, resilient, and long-lasting. As an inorganic material, it also makes it much more fire-resistant.

Longer lifespan and cost-effective

Fibreglass shingles can last upwards of 25 to 50 years. Given the right care and maintenance, the durability of fibreglass will ensure only minimal repairs are ever needed. It is also the more cost-effect option, both with initial expenses and long-term value. With less asphalt, fibreglass is much lighter and easier to transport and install. You save more from the start, but it still adds great value to your home over the years. The material itself is much more environmentally-friendly, so there is even less of an environmental impact.

Energy-efficient

A key feature on any roof is one that is efficient and helps lower those monthly heating and cooling bills. Installing attic ventilation and insulation can help, but an efficient roof is still a big part. Fibreglass shingles have moved towards energy-saving technology with cool-roof features. That means less heat is absorbed and transferred through the roof into your home. This extends the lifespan of the roof and keeps your home’s temperatures stable and comfortable year-round. For even better ratings, just look for ENERGY STAR certified shingles.

Appearance benefit

Fibreglass shingles also come in the same popular designs as asphalt, with either 3-tab or architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are the more affordable option and a popular style. The look is uniform and flat but is still highly durable and weather-resilient. Architectural shingles offer more design depth with alternating patterns and a raised look. It is the more expensive option but can also mimic wood shake roofing. If you plan to stay in your home for many years and have the budget, architectural shingles are a great option. Otherwise, for a value boost or if you are selling soon, 3-tab shingles are just as great an investment.

Roofers in Vancouver

As a family-owned business with over 45 years of roofing experience, you can rely on Samra Bros Roofing. They proudly provide premium roofing materials, quality installation, and attentive customer care. Their professionals don’t just install quality roofing; they ensure your roof will last for years. They offer cedar, fibreglass, and torch-on roofing services.

Contact Samra Bros Roofing Ltd. today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Unless the issue has spread to your home’s interior, it can be hard to know when roof repairs are emergencies. The risk of that is when the problem worsens and becomes a much more major and costly repair. Professionals can handle roofing repairs, but it’s important to know when they need to be done right away.

Roof-Ex in Edmonton is a professional roofing and roof repairs company. They share what types of repair need their professionals called in right away:

Loose granules in the gutters

New roofs losing a few granules is nothing to be alarmed about, but with older roofs, this should not be ignored. As shingles age and after years of exposure to various weather, they start to wear down and lose their granules. When that happens, the risk of leaks, roof damage, and other problems quickly goes up. Start by getting your roof inspected and see how bad the wear is and whether it needs immediate repairs. A roof replacement may be in order. Keep in mind that a new roof will last for decades, making it a worthwhile investment.

Damaged flashing

Flashing is a thin metal material installed around the chimney, skylights, or vents that helps redirect water. Like the roof, exposure to harsh weather and elements can cause damage to the flashing. If that happens, water will start to get inside the openings and risk leading to interior leaks. Even a small leak can quickly worsen or, if it goes unnoticed, can result in costly water damage. Annual roof inspections will catch flashing damage before it worsens, but also do a visual inspection. If you notice signs of damage or exposed sections, call a professional to help.

Mould or algae growth

Aside from being unsightly and affecting curb appeal, mould or algae on the roof is a big warning sign. Trapped debris like leaves can cause water to become trapped and lead to mould growth. That can then create dark marks on the surface, cause shingle deterioration, and costly repairs to replace the damaged areas. Preventing this is a matter of keeping the roof clean with professional cleaning. Never attempt to DIY power wash your roof as it can lead to other problems. If you notice signs of growth or have a dirty roof, call in a professional right away.

Roofers in Edmonton

As a family-owned and operated business, Roof-Ex understands the importance of keeping your home safe. They also know that starts with having a quality roof, which their professionals can provide. With over 25 years of experience, you are guaranteed high-quality materials, services, and long-lasting results.

Don’t wait for help; contact Roof-Ex today!

Click to Find >>> Roofers in Edmonton.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Our Top 10 Home Projects to Work on Over a Holiday Weekend

Wintertime often brings weekends stuck inside, a handful of breaks, and time spent with the family. During your next snowed in weekend, or just your weekend spent at home, our craftsmen put their heads together and thought of 10 winter home projects you can complete over a holiday weekend.

1.   Lights: It’s time to hang all those indoor and outdoor lights. 

2.   Decorations: Deck the halls from candles to wreaths and all in between.

3.   Drafts: Stop drafty doors with the purchase of a weatherstrip to keep warm air in and cold air out.

4.   Insulate Water Pipes: If you have any outdoor plumbing, or pipes that are close to the outer walls of your home, some insulation will help keep them from freezing up.

5.   Regrout: Take a weekend or just a day to regrout your bathroom tile or

6.   Caulk: Redo the caulk on your bathtub, shower, by the sink, and more if needed to avoid leaks or water damage.

7.   Install Flooring: You can get a lot done in one weekend! Replace the slippery tile in your front foyer with something more durable and waterproof.

8.   Paint: While you spend more time inside, it’s nice to give your rooms a fresh new look.

9.   Kitchen Backsplash: In the kitchen, bathroom, and more rooms, there are many little details that can be updated to give your room a new look to show off just in time for the holidays.

10.   Furnace: Before you turn on the furnace, make sure all vents are vacuumed and the furnace is checked.

All of these projects may be completed by you, or if you are short on time or are not sure where to begin, look into your local handyman companies to see if you can hire a professional to take of these winter home projects for you. By the time the holidays roll around, it will feel refreshing when these 10 winter home projects are complete.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our professional craftsmen at Handyman Connection today to schedule your next estimate—just in time for the holidays! Our professional handymen are here to help. 

The post 10 Home Projects to Work on Over a Holiday Weekend appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Furnace tune-ups, or preventative maintenance service appointments, are an essential part of owning a home. DIY checks and maintenance like replacing the furnace filter is important, but don’t skip out on a professional tune-up as well. Not only can it catch problems before they worsen, or before you’re left without a working furnace during the coldest days of the year, but you’ll also save more money in the long run.

With a company like Acclaimed! Heating, Cooling & Furnace Cleaning, your furnace Edmonton tune-up will be in good hands. They share the benefits of annual furnace tune-ups:

Protects your home and family

Part of a professional checkup means they’ll inspect each part of the furnace and heating system. Because most furnaces burn fuel to produce heat, a leak or crack invites severe safety risks. Escaped carbon monoxide is both odourless and colourless, but extremely dangerous. Having a professional Edmonton furnace company inspect your furnace ensures the safety of your home and peace of mind.

Saves money and bills

Reactive maintenance and repairs can cost almost double in repairs compared to preventative maintenance. The same goes for a furnace that breaks down and needs to be completely replaced as a result. Tune-ups and cleaning cost a fraction of the price compared to a new furnace replacement. Skipping out on tune-ups also risks negating any warranties that must be upheld by doing regular furnace maintenance.

Regular tune-ups will also ensure your furnace is running at peak performance. When your furnace is in top condition and clean, it can run smoothly and without strain. That helps cut the amount of energy it uses to heat your home, so your bills stay down.

Keeps your home air clean

Dirty air filters or dirty air ducts means that instead of warm, clean air, it could be blowing dirty air throughout your home. Anyone who struggles with allergies or asthma will be affected even more by the poor air quality. Long-term, indoor air pollution can have negative effects even on healthy people. In severe cases, it can cause eye and skin irritation, coughing, fatigue, and more. Furnace Edmonton filters must be regularly cleaned and replaced to keep your air quality clean.

You should also have your ducts cleaned every two to three years, to ensure the HVAC system is clean and circulating clean air into your home.

Extend your furnace’s lifespan

If your furnace is working harder than necessary because it is dirty or hasn’t been serviced, it could burn itself out sooner. On average, a furnace should have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Without maintenance, however, that time can easily be cut in half or more.

Costly repairs that continuously happen can also build up in expenses over the years. Instead of saving more with an efficient furnace, you end up spending more over it’s lifecycle. Plus, the cost of an unplanned replacement can be a major expense, not to mention a headache. Extend the life of your furnace by having it regularly serviced and cleaned with a trusted company.

Is it time for a furnace tune-up? Contact Acclaimed! Heating, Cooling & Furnace Cleaning!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Having a Smart Home and Updating Your Home with Technology

In this hi-tech world, many items such as our cars and phones are not the only hi-tech item around us. A smart home is a house with features such as controllable smart lights, smart blinds, and more. These new technologies are a great holiday gift, or if you want to install smart home technologies before the holidays arrive, now is the time to do it.

Smart home technologies are here to connect your home in a more controlled and connected environment. There are a multitude of smart home electronics from lights, blinds, TVs, washing machines, fridges, home entertainment systems, garage door openers, and more. Smart home technology is a technology that communicates and works to run your home more smoothly.

 If you would like to purchase one of these items but might not be sure how to install them, it would be a good idea to ask a professional handyman to take a look at installing the item to avoid the risk of breaking or damaging the item or parts of your home in the process, which incurs more expenses. A handyman will also be able to show you how the item best works in your home and will make sure it is installed correctly.

When you are ready to begin searching for or enjoying the next piece of smart technology in your home, know that your project can be completed with the streamlined help of a local handyman, or with your own know-how. In the end, updating your home with this technology will make your home a more productive and interactive place.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our professional handymen at Handyman Connection today to schedule an obligation-free estimate for your next project. Let our handymen know what they can do for you! 

The post Updating Your Home with Technology to a Smart Home appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Aluminum wiring was widely used in houses built in the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. The aluminum wire itself is safe and reliable when used in the right applications, but it has issues in the connections. These issues can cause overheating and could be a fire hazard in your home.

Westland Electrical in Calgary shares more:

Why is aluminum wire unsafe?                                                           

Aluminum expands at a higher rate than copper. It can also oxidize when exposed to air, and this causes overheating. Oxidization and expansion can cause connections to become loose, overheat, or both. When that happens, so can arcing, melting, and even electrical fires. Because of aluminum wiring’s fragility at connections, small errors during installation, like over-tightening splices or not stripping the wires correctly, can cause serious hazards.

As a result of these issues, aluminum wire is no longer used for residential wiring. If your home has aluminum wiring, you need to get it inspected by electricians in Calgary. They can make recommendations to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and to current code.

How can I tell if I have aluminum wiring?

Most of the time, the wiring will have a label on it indicating if it’s aluminum. Head down to your basement or crawl space, or check out your electrical panel, for any visible wiring. Without removing the panel cover, see if the wires are marked with abbreviations like ALUM, AL, AL AMC, or ALUM ACM. It might even have the word ALUMINUM right on it. If you can’t find any words or markings on your wiring, contact Calgary electricians for an electrical safety inspection.

What do I do if I have aluminum wiring?

If you’ve determined you have aluminum wiring, you have a couple of options.

Rewiring the home with copper wiring: You might decide to have the home completely rewired with copper wiring. While this is the safest solution, with the most long-term results, it is also the most expensive option. It is extremely labour intensive and disruptive to your home since your wiring is behind the walls. If you are doing a significant renovation and your walls and ceilings are open, a rewiring job will be more convenient and cost-effective. Otherwise, it might not be a practical solution for some.

Pigtailing with copper wiring: More commonly, homeowners choose to ‘pigtail’ the aluminum wiring at every connection. Pigtailing is when electricians in Calgary install copper pigtail wires, using a special connector, between every outlet, switch, and connection and the original aluminum wiring. This copper wire will provide a safer wiring option at the connection points, which is where most hazardous issues occur with aluminum wiring.

Any electrical work, including installations and retrofits, should always be done by a professional electrical contractor in Calgary. Hiring a professional will ensure your electrical work to code, that it is safe and compliant with home insurance policies.

If you suspect you might have aluminum wiring or are purchasing a home with aluminum wiring, contact Westland Electric.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Keeping a business or commercial building safe means taking the right steps during construction. Fire is a danger, which is why proper fireproofing can’t be skipped. With cementitious fireproofing insulation, it guarantees your building will be fire safe. It can help slow major fires or prevent electrical circuits from sparking even a minor fire.

Atlas Sprayfoam Systems Ltd. in Winnipeg is professional insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing spray foam company. They share the benefits of using their Monokote cementitious fireproofing to protect your commercial building:

What is cementitious fireproofing?

Like spray foam, cementitious fireproofing is applied as a spray directly to surfaces like steel beams, columns, concrete, and joists. It is highly fire-resistant, and so it is commonly used in commercial buildings. The cementitious spray is a mill-mixed plaster that just needs water added to form the spray. Once mixed, it is fast and easy to install. Combining this with other fireproofing measures, like smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, can help slow the spread of any fires. It also ensures enough time for safe evacuations in case of an emergency.

How and where it works

Through thermal insulation, cementitious fireproofing helps prevent surfaces from melting or breaking down when exposed to fire. It can be applied to either exposed surfaces or concealed ones. The insulation itself offers passive fireproofing, meaning it slows the fire’s spread but doesn’t stop it like a sprinkler system.

Three levels of density are used depending on the building’s needs and where the insulation is applied. Standard-density is used in areas that won’t see physical contact or be impacted and damaged. Medium-density covers exposed materials, like stairwell columns or mechanical room columns. High-density is the third level and is for exterior surfaces where weather exposure is a factor, like parking garages.

The benefits and considerations

One of the main benefits of this insulation is the low cost and speedy installation time. Once applied, it requires little if any maintenance. It also pairs well with closed cell spray foam insulation for added energy savings, soundproofing, and overall safety. Cementitious fireproofing resists mould, insects and doesn’t release toxic fumes when exposed to fire. Unlike spray foam, it doesn’t expand once applied, so even residential homes with pre-existing sheathing can still benefit from the insulation.

There are some considerations to keep in mind, such as the visual effect of the insulation. Since it does not leave a smooth, paintable surface, it is less suited to areas where visual appeal is important. Areas, where moisture or water could get in, should also be avoided. If water gets between the coating and the surface, it can lead to corrosion and risk integrity and safety.

Insulation Contractors in Winnipeg

Atlas Sprayfoam Systems proudly provides superior and high-quality insulation solutions for residential and commercial needs. With over 50 years of experience, they guarantee top-quality results, materials, and services. Whether insulating a residential home, a commercial building, or providing fireproofing solutions, their professionals can help.

Contact Atlas Sprayfoam Systems Ltd. today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Knowing when to repaint or touch up your interior isn’t always a clear choice. Should you repaint every few years to keep the look fresh? Or do you wait until it’s time to move to do it? Recognizing when to update will save your interior ever going out of style or prevent spending money when it’s not needed.

Hi-Tech Painting Ltd. in Edmonton is a high-quality painting company. They share some tell-tale signs that your interior needs a painting upgrade:

The colours are outdated

Even paint colours can go out of style, and when they do, it quickly ages a room. Paint trends tend to change year by year, but a few timeless classics will never become dated. Neutral shades like taupe, grey, or white are timeless and can match any home design. If you want, choose bold colours like navy blue or red for a feature wall, subtle accents, or to add a splash of colour. Neutral colours are always the best choice if you plan on selling, but if not, update your out-of-date wall colours with something that suits your personal taste.

Scuffs and fading

Most scuffs caused by furniture or a stray shoe can easily be cleaned off the walls. Deeper scruffs that have damaged the wall itself can’t be so easily removed. While clever furniture placement can cover them up, they’ll need to be repainted. Either match the old look or use the opportunity to update the space. A few new colours and accents can have the same effect as a full renovation. Repairing minor damage is also an easy way to maintain and boost your home’s value, so it’s always in top condition.

Fading is another sign of age, especially in rooms that get full sunlight for hours. Over the years, the paint colour will fade or dull and lose that bright appeal. You might take a picture off the wall and notice that the wall colour has faded all around it! Hire a professional painter to discuss both new colours as well as brands or paint finishes. That way, the new paint job will last for years and without the risk of fading.

You’re planning to sell

If you know you want to sell soon, now is a great time to update your paint. A fresh look is just as important on the inside as it is on the exterior. While curb appeal can help draw in buyers, the interior can help seal the deal. By starting early, you can talk with a professional to see what paint colours appeal to buyers. Even a neutral pallet can help sell a buyer, as it lets them imagine themselves in the space. Too many personal colours and touches make the house feel owned, instead of a potential new home for the buyer. In essence, you want to choose colours that appeal to the masses.

Painters in Edmonton

High-Tech Painting provides quality in every part of their services and help. That includes everything from high-quality materials, equipment, and quality professionals. Whether you need painting help for interior, exterior, and residential, or commercial, they can help with guaranteed results.

Contact High-Tech Painting today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com