Month: May 2021

Choosing a deck railing for your home

Deck railings have the ability to transform the look of a deck while also providing safety and security. Some of the railing options owners can choose include aluminum, glass, or metal. Each of these options has its positives, but it’s up to you to decide which works best.

Chephren Building Solutions in Calgary has twenty years of deck weather-proofing, vinyl decking and high-quality railing systems. With the various options they have, including custom railings, Alberta’s premier deck builder is sure to get you the best railing for your deck that you want. Here are some tips for choosing deck railings.

Aluminum railings

Going with an aluminum option for deck railings can be a cost-effective one. High-quality aluminum usually can withstand weather changes and last an extremely long time. Aluminum railings come in a range colours and styles. They are one of the more durable options to choose from while also requiring very little maintenance.

Glass panels

This could be the better option if there are children or pets in the home. Glass railing doesn’t have as many openings and space between posts compared to other railings. This makes them safer as children and pets can’t go through or get stuck in the railing gaps. Glass deck railings are a great option if your home has a nice view to enjoy. Your views will be nearly unobstructed by railings and banisters.

Metal railings

Choosing metal as a railing can help to add security around the deck area. It also gives a very striking look and can be a way of highlighting the features of your outdoor area. If your home is a more modern style with simple fixtures, a metal railing could be the most complimentary. Since they’re extremely durable and extremely low maintenance, they’re a great option for commercial properties as well.

Deck builders in Calgary

Chephren Building Solutions have extensive experience when it comes to constructing decks and railing systems. As professional deck builders and Duradek dealers, they offer high-quality waterproofing solutions for deck, balcony and flat roof applications. Whether you’re looking for a custom railing solution, or want to waterproof your deck, give them a call.

Contact Chephren Building Solutions for your deck and railing needs today.

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest-growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

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

Prepare your HVAC system and home for summer

Before long, you’ll be relying on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable through the summer months. Like anything mechanical, your HVAC system needs maintenance this time of year. Investing in HVAC service, including tune-up and cleaning, will ensure your AC runs smoothly and efficiently all season.

Avalanche Mechanical in Edmonton is a full-service HVAC company. They share a spring maintenance checklist for your HVAC system.

Give your air conditioner some attention

While we will still have a few cooler days that require the furnace, your air conditioner will be doing most of the work this summer. Before you turn it on, clear away any leaves and debris around the AC and from inside the grill. Make sure the unit has at least two feet of clearance around it.

Replace the air filter. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and cause strain on the system. If you run the air conditioner a lot, change the filter a few times over the warmer months. Read more about essential maintenance for your AC unit.

Set your thermostat to cooling, and run it for a few minutes. You want to make sure it’s working before it’s a scorching hot day.

Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance. An experienced technician from Avalanche Mechanical can come to your home and do a full inspection and tune-up of your air conditioning system. This preventative maintenance will ensure your AC is running efficiently. Annual service will catch any minor problems before they become significant issues.

Make sure your home is efficient

Running your air conditioner in the summer will use up energy. You want to make sure your home is efficient, too, to help reduce energy loss and your monthly bills. First, check your home for air leaks around windows and doors. They might need new caulking or weather-stripping. You might also want to upgrade your attic insulation if you find it’s letting in too much heat.

Replace the air conditioner if necessary

If your older air conditioner is in a constant state of repair, replace it. You’ll save more money in the long run on repairs and lower energy bills. Make sure you choose an energy-efficient model recommended for your HVAC system and the size of your home. Avalanche Mechanical can show you the best options for your home.

HVAC Companies in Edmonton

Avalanche Mechanical is a full-service HVAC company serving Edmonton and surrounding areas. They can assist you with air conditioning and furnace repairs and installation for residential and commercial applications.

Contact them today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest-growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

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

The Pros and Cons of Types of Patios and Decks

Dependable Advice: The Pros and Cons of Types of Patios and Decks for an Outdoor Patio

An outdoor patio or a deck is a great way to add value and enjoyment to your home. Considering building an outdoor space? Here are some pros and cons of patios and decks. 

What’s the Difference?

A deck is a porch or platform extending from the house, with no roof, and is an open area.  Patio is a paved area on the ground that can be placed anywhere outside the home.

Outdoor Patio VS Deck

There are many kinds to choose from but first, here are some differences and benefits of installing a patio or deck. Decks offer more resale value while being more expensive to install and maintain. It can be installed on any surface or terrain, might need a permit depending on where you live, is customizable to your needs. Patios have a longer lifespan, require less maintenance, but can be placed only on even terrain. Patios can crack or be slippery in colder regions, can stain, and need more intensive construction due to being installed in the ground.

Materials

Both options have a wide range of materials depending on your budget and needs. Decks, in order of most to least expensive, can be made of natural wood which requires the most maintenance but gives a classic and durable feature, composite planks are made of wood, plastic, and glue and requires less maintenance, and with no maintenance to very little are plastic decks that can be damaged due to extreme temperatures or weather. Decks are very customizable with the different options of painting, sealing, and staining.

An outdoor patio is a more manageable option due to the low prices of cement. But, if you are looking for something different you can create cobblestone patios, tiled, and more with different stone or cement options.

Location

Patios have the freedom of being installable anywhere on your property. You can put one at the back of the house or create a whole new space in the yard for cookouts, relaxation, and get-togethers. Decks are extensions of your home so they can only be built generally on the home. These have a versatility from creating spaces just like the patio but can be built on all sorts of terrain, create a lounge by the pool, or a multi level deck provides different options too.

Patios and decks are both great additions to your home. Before you begin planning, see if permits are required before construction in your area. From different needs and materials, make your outdoor patio or deck real.

Contact Handyman Connection

Handyman Connection is here to make your dream patio a reality. Call us to plan your next home improvement project or repair. Contact our craftspeople and schedule an estimate to start planning today.

The post The Pros and Cons of Types of Patios and Decks appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Protecting your Renovation

Blog written by Telsco Security Systems in Edmonton

There are a lot of reasons to take on a renovation. It may be a necessity to repair damages, increase accessibility or expand your living space. Or it might just be time to change things up and improve your esthetic. Whatever the reason for your renovation, you will surely want to protect your investment when the work is done.

Smart Home Security in Edmonton provides several options that can help limit damages and safeguard your home from threats such as flood, freeze, and fire.

Flood & Leak Detection

It’s a great feeling walking through your front door at the end of a long day. Dropping your bags, kicking off your shoes and getting ready to settle in for a cozy, relaxing night. Nothing derails that perfect evening and creates panic quite like finding water in your home where it shouldn’t be. Whether the water is coming through a burst pipe, a backed-up sump, or a haywire appliance, it can lead to thousands of dollars in damage and even more frustration.

Flood sensors can be placed anywhere in your home where the risk of flooding can occur. Whether from a washing machine, toilet, burst pipe, or outside source, these sensors can prove incredibly valuable at detecting water where it should not be. Not only can flood sensors provide early warning and help limit damages, when they are paired with a Smart Water Valve. They can also stop water flow immediately to further reduce damages.

Smart Water Valve + Meter

If you are in the habit of turning off the water when you leave home for a few days, you have probably found yourself wondering more than once, if you remembered to do it before leaving that day. With the Smart Water Valve, you can turn the water on and off with the touch of a button using your TELSCO Connect App. You can also have the shut-off trigger automatically if a flood sensor is triggered by the presence of water.

With the Smart Water Meter, an additional layer of protection is offered. Visit the Blog to learn more.

Sump Sensor

Sump Sensors generate an alarm when the water level in your sump rises to a level that will trigger the float sensor. The alarm could indicate that our sump pump is not working at all. It can also mean it is unable to pump out water as quickly as it is coming in. The device is triggered before the water has left the sump. So, you have a head start to stop the flooding before it starts.

Low Temperature Sensor

If you have ever had your furnace stop working in the middle of an Alberta winter, you know it does not take long for things to get dangerously chilly. A low-temperature sensor provides an early warning of trouble and offers a chance to intervene before damage occurs. These sensors can be purchased with a fixed or customizable set point for the alarm trigger.

Monitored Smoke Detectors

It may seem redundant to add smoke detectors as part of your security solution. You likely already have smoke detectors in your home. Although your existing smoke detectors may provide an alarm warning if you are home, they are unable to prompt an emergency response when your home is empty. With smoke monitored detectors from TELSCO, an alarm signal is sent to our monitoring centre when smoke is detected. Operators will make a call to your home, and if there is no answer, the fire department will be dispatched. Whether you are at work, on vacation, or in the home but unable to call for help, help is on the way.

Learn more about Fire, Flood, and Freeze Solutions.

Learn more about TELSCO’s Edmonton Security Monitoring Centre and personal approach to keeping you protected and connected.

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

Choosing the Best Garage Door for your Home

Blog written by Overhead Door of Winnipeg


Choosing the right garage door is essential to the aesthetic of your home, as well as its security. Given the vast array of options to choose from, you should narrow down your decision based on factors such as color, functionality, architectural features, and landscaping.

The right garage door will enhance your home’s appearance and security, and must never be an afterthought. In this article, we break down five key aspects to think about when choosing a garage door for your home.

1 – Cost

How much are you willing to spend on your new garage door? Your budget is one of the more important starting points to factor in when shopping around. There are more luxurious high-end options available and solid budget options as well. It is important to aim for a style and material within your budget while also taking quality and durability into consideration. This means avoiding cheap doors that wear out quickly and need to be replaced or continually maintained.

A well-designed and durable door improves aesthetics, enhances security, and adds value to your home. This all-around improvement is a boost to your home’s resale value, meaning you’re able to get more money for it should you choose to sell it in the future.

2 – Security

A garage door is more than just protection for your car. It protects your family as well. Therefore, a vital step to consider is whether to get a garage door that connects to the alarm system in your home. When you do this, interference with the garage door will trigger the home alarm, which will help detect burglars and deter crime.

Security features for your garage can extend beyond your garage door, too. You can think about installing motion-detecting lights and cameras that show activity around and inside the garage. Another option is to get a smart garage door opener as it alerts you when the door is open, enabling you to lock it remotely or even check who opened it.

3 – Design

There are multiple types of garage doors to consider when shopping around. Traditional garage doors open outwards from a central split, while others slide to the right. One of the most popular options now is the overhead sectional door, due to its weather resistance and increased energy efficiency.

In addition to functional design, you also need to consider what your garage door looks like. There are several types of garage doors available that can meet your functional and design needs. From aluminum to traditional wood, a sleek design and high-quality material can add convenience and style to your home.

4 – Maintenance

While there are some higher quality options available, the hard truth is that no garage door lasts forever. All garage door materials require some degree of repairs and maintenance to retain their beauty and functionality, and some need more frequent and costly repairs than others. You should consider picking an insulated model made of durable, low-maintenance material like fiberglass or steel. This way, you enjoy the benefits of a new garage door without needing to worry about maintenance as much.

You may also want to consider replacing your garage door opener when choosing a new door. Your opener may fail, or maybe simply show signs of aging. Perhaps you just want a quieter model or one with more features. It’s easiest to replace both at the same time to ensure they’re compatible and will last for a while.

5 – Temperature and Climate

When choosing garage doors in Winnipeg, it’s vital to keep the weather of your area in mind. Certain materials behave differently in different weather conditions. This calls for caution, as failure to take this into account and choose a properly insulated garage door could have you incurring extra maintenance costs.

Hot and humid weather is best suited for fiberglass, as it keeps the inside cool while also providing adequate insulation. Another way to keep your interiors cool and well ventilated is by installing the right ventilation.

Climates with freezing temperatures, hail, and snow usually call for vinyl garage doors, since they have excellent insulation capabilities. In addition, vinyl is less susceptible to rain, salt, wind, and sand, which makes it all the more suitable.

Conclusion

In the past, homeowners focused more on functionality than form. However, with the vast array of options available today, you need to insist on advanced functionality and eye-catching designs. Be sure to pick a door that matches or complements the architectural style and color of your home.

Choosing the right garage door can increase energy efficiency, home security, and the overall look and appeal of your property. This helps boost your home’s resale value as well as your comfort and peace of mind. To help you make the most informed decision, contact your local Overhead Door™ Distributor to find the garage door that meets your needs.

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

Prepare your furnace for fall and winter

As the temperature drops, we rely heavily on our furnace to keep the home warm and comfortable. Preparing your furnace for winter will help prevent breakdowns, which is the last thing you want on a cold winter’s night.

Fagnan Furnace Service is a full-service HVAC company that offers service and furnace installation in Calgary. They share some tips for preparing your furnace for the cold season ahead:

Invest in preventative maintenance

Have your furnace inspected and serviced before every heating season. Regular furnace maintenance is essential for preventing costly repairs, replacements, ensuring safety and energy efficiency.

HVAC companies in Calgary will perform a full inspection of your furnace. They’ll look over the vital components of your furnace to ensure things are running correctly and safely. The HVAC technician might make recommendations for minor repairs and will tune the furnace for optimal performance.

Change the filter

Changing the furnace filter is a quick and simple DIY job. Fall is a great time to swap out the filter for a new one in preparation for the heating season. You should change your filter every three to six months, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you have pets, you might want to change them more often. A clogged filter will diminish both efficiency and air quality. Changing the filter is something Calgary HVAC companies will do when you schedule your annual furnace tune-up.

If you have a high-efficiency furnace, check the air intake

If you have a newer high-efficiency furnace, make sure the air intake and exhaust are clear. These are the white and black pipes sticking out the side of your house near the utility room. If the intake pipe is blocked, it can seriously impact your heating system’s energy efficiency. If either of these pipes is blocked, it can cause carbon monoxide to build up. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous and can be fatal, so always make sure those vents are clear.

Program your thermostat

Take advantage of your programmable thermostat and enhance both home comfort and energy efficiency. Or, take it to the next level and investing in a smart thermostat for your home.  You can set the thermostat to a cooler temperature when you’re away during the day or at night when everyone is sleeping. Then when you wake up or come home from work or school, the home will be the perfect temperature without wasting energy when you didn’t need it. If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, consider having one installed this fall.

Schedule your furnace maintenance today! Contact Fagnan’s Furnace Service.

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

How ventilation impacts your home comfort

Ventilation is an essential part of your heating and cooling system. It has one of the most important jobs: circulating air. Without it, stale and stagnant air gets trapped in your home. Since we keep our windows closed for months at a time in the winter, proper ventilation at home is vital.

Fagnan Furnace Services offers air conditioner and furnace replacement and installation in Calgary. They share more about the importance of ventilation:

Ventilation helps your HVAC system do its job

When air is unable to circulate in and out of the home, your furnace and air conditioner might struggle to keep the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat. Venting out the stale air and allowing fresh air to come in can help with temperature regulation. It makes it easier for the HVAC units to work, thus improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary wear and tear on the system. Fagnan Furnace Service offers ventilation services in Calgary.

Ventilation creates healthier air

Ventilation is required to maintain good air quality. Without it, the air would become stale and uncomfortable to breathe. Without fresh air ventilating through your home, allergens and contaminants would become trapped. The house would feel uncomfortably stuffy. For those with asthma or allergies, they might suffer increased symptoms without proper ventilation.

Circulating fresh air into your home will also help prevent things like mould or mildew build-up. Mould can be a health hazard and requires expensive remediation.

Ventilation allows for humidity control

Venting will also help move extra moisture out of the home. In the summer, things like cooking, showering, or laundry can add humidity to your indoor air, making it feel uncomfortable. Proper ventilation will help move that out in the cooling season. It will also help your home retain humidity in the winter when your furnace is running and drying out the indoor air.

How do I know my home has an adequate venting system?

HVAC companies in Calgary like Fagnan Furnace Service can provide an inspection of your system. They can make recommendations to improve the ventilation in your home. This might include installing a mechanical ventilation system for the entire house. Other options are improving spot ventilation, like installing exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and attic. Read more about how to get the ventilation you need in your house.

You can also allow natural air exchange to occur by simply opening up your windows. You don’t want to do this at the peak of a heating or cooling system, as your furnace and AC will run non-stop. But, in the spring and fall, or on summer evenings, cracking open the windows will allow fresh air to circulate through the home.

Contact Fagnan’s Furnace Service for more information!

 

 

 

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

Why is duct cleaning important?

The air inside your home contains tiny particles you can’t see. Dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens are constantly floating around. When the HVAC system kicks on, it pulls that air into the system and brings the particles through the ducts. They build up over time, and then duct cleaning is required.

To clean the ducts, a high-powered vacuum and compression system is used. The vacuum, mounted on a truck, will force all the dust and debris through the ducts and into the vacuum truck. It is the only method that cleans ducts effectively.

Fagnan Furnace Services is a full-service Calgary HVAC company. They share more about why this HVAC maintenance task is so important:

Reduces strain on your HVAC system

When the ducts have significant build-up, it can restrict airflow throughout the HVAC system. Moving air through the debris or any clogs will put additional strain on the furnace or air conditioner.  The harder your HVAC system must work, the faster it wears out. Dusty or clogged blower wheels or AC coils can result in costly repairs.

Keeping the furnace, air conditioner, and ducts clean will prevent repairs and extend the system’s lifespan. Part of that maintenance is replacing the filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Learn how to change a furnace filter.

Improves indoor air quality

The air that passes through those dirty ducts is the same air you’re breathing. Without duct cleaning, allergens like dust and dander can circulate through your home. For people who have allergies or asthma, or other respiratory illnesses, this can become an issue. Improve the air quality in your home by investing in Calgary duct cleaning every two to three years.

It saves energy and money

Duct cleaning is an investment with a good return. If dust and debris are restricting airflow, it means your HVAC system is working harder to move the air. The harder it works, the more energy it consumes trying to maintain your home’s temperature. Duct cleaning is one of the ways you can improve energy efficiency in your HVAC system. Combined with regular maintenance, duct cleaning in Calgary will help your furnace and air conditioner operate at peak efficiency.

Trust Fagnan’s Furnace Service

Fagnan’s Furnace Service has decades of experience servicing and installing HVAC equipment. They offer a range of services, including furnace installation and repair, air conditioner installation and repair, and duct cleaning. If you need repairs, unit replacement, or duct cleaning, contact Fagnan’s Furnace Services.

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

Tips for buying a new air conditioner

If you’ve decided to purchase an air conditioner there are many things to consider. A new air conditioner is a significant investment. You want to make sure you’re getting a suitable unit for your home and needs.

Fagnan Furnace Services offers the repairs and installation of air conditioners in Calgary. They share some helpful tips for buying a new AC.

Find an HVAC company you can trust

The first step in any home improvement is finding a skilled and reputable contractor you can trust. You want to make sure they have experience in the industry, licensing and insurance, WCB coverage, and good customer references. You also want to check the products they offer and details on any manufacturer or labour warranties.

Recognition or certification from a third-party organization, like RenovationFind, is important too. It will also ensure they’ve met and kept up to a high level of standards. You’ll find all of this with Fagnan Furnace Services.

Choose the right AC size

Calgary air conditioners come in a range of sizes. If your air conditioner is the wrong size for the square footage of your home, you might have some issues down the road. A unit too small won’t properly cool the house and will be straining to operate. The extra strain could cause premature breakdowns. If the AC unit is too large for the home, it will continuously switch on and off. Coming on and off more than necessary wastes energy and could increase your power bill.

Measuring your home and retrofitting your new air conditioner to your current HVAC system is something Fagnan Furnace Service will take care of for you. They’ll perform a load calculation. The calculation will determine the size of AC your home will need to stay comfortable and run efficiently. They might also recommend upgrades to other aspects of your home to help keep that cool air in and the heat out!

Consider the SEER rating

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It helps measure an AC unit’s efficiency. You’ll want a unit with a SEER rating between 14 and 22 – the higher, the better. It would be best if you also looked for the ENERGY STAR label. This certification sets apart the most efficient units on the market. Investing in a high-efficiency AC will cost more upfront, but you’ll see energy and money savings in the future.

Budget for annual maintenance

Like anything mechanical, your air conditioner will require annual maintenance to maintain efficiency and performance. Having HVAC companies in Calgary inspect the unit and give it a cleaning and tune-up each spring is essential. It will prevent breakdowns and ensure energy efficiency.

Ready to purchase your air conditioner? Contact Fagnan Furnace Service to get started.

 

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

Why design-build is so beneficial in a new home addition

Renovations or home additions are both great ways to add value, appeal, and space to your home. Home additions especially have many steps and costs involved and a lot of important planning. That’s where finding a company that can help with both designing and building that new addition will make the process run smoothly.

Peak Improvements in Edmonton is a professional renovation and home improvement company. They share more about design-build and what makes it so beneficial:

What is design-build? 

Most home projects are broken down by the type of people you need to help complete the work. That typically starts with the homeowners and a designer working together, then a general contractor helping with budgets and the actual work. In design-build, that separation is removed as everyone works together. The contractor acts as a single point of contact between the homeowner and designer to collaborate as a team. Peak Improvements works this way by handling both the design aspect and then implementing that idea.

Save time and stress 

Home additions can be stressful as all the planning, costs, and construction are involved. With a design-build team, that stress can be reduced. You have one point of contact that will act as a project manager from the start and help plan, coordinate, and implement your dream addition. They’ll handle all communication and all aspects of design and construction including permits. It also helps save time by streamlining the process by working under a single timeline.

Ensure the right design flow 

There’s always the risk of communication error when working between a designer and a contractor. With a home addition, that design aspect is a key element of a beautiful and value-boosting project. Your home addition should feel like a seamless structure from the outside and have that same flow inside. With a design-build team, all teams and communications are under one manager, so designs, ideas, and goals are all clear from the start.

Quality upgrade

With one contractor and one team, quality insurance is at the forefront of the project. Everything from design, materials, workmanship, and managing trades are all handled with quality and skill. Homeowners don’t have to hire a variety of different trade workers and having to screen each one for their skills or work experience. Companies like Peak Improvements have years of experience and contacts to guarantee they work with the best of the best. Think of the quality you get from a general contractor, then apply that to a design-build company as an upgraded version.

Major Renovations & Home Additions in Edmonton 

Peak Improvements prides itself on offering services for any home improvement needs or goals. If you want to expand your home for the future, update the kitchen, or just create a dream home, they can help. With years of experience and a skilled team, you can place your home and trust in their hands.

Contact Peak Improvements today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.

More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest-growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

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

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