Month: May 2021

With a flat or low-sloped roof, you can expect to see more water than expected on a sloped roof. The materials used for flat roofs protect the building from standing water, but maintenance is still needed. Regular inspections to ensure that the roofing material hasn’t been compromised can save a big repair bill. Checking for water getting past the roof’s outer layer can avoid serious damage.

GPD Flat Roofing in Winnipeg is a trusted professional when it comes to repairing residential or commercial flat roofs. They share more about preventative roof maintenance and inspections:

Check roof penetrations

Avoiding a leak in your roof should be a top priority. Roof penetrations from things like chimneys, HVAC systems, and plumbing vents are all spots where water can get in. It’s not uncommon for the water to make its way between the seams of the roofing material, which leads to big issues. When inspecting your roof, make sure that you are checking the membrane around anything extending to make sure there’s no compromise.

Inspect for winter damage

With how severe winters can be in the Winnipeg area, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof each spring. Falling branches from the wind or blizzard damage can cause leaks to form, leading to costly repairs. Checking the roofing materials to make sure no lasting damage from a build-up of snow or ice will save you money in the long run. It’s better to inspect your roof for any damage before it turns into a problem.

Trust a professional

Regular roof inspections by a professional flat roofing contractor should be part of your preventative maintenance schedule, especially for large commercial buildings. GPD Flat Roofing’s quick and expert service can help your property avoid extensive damage caused by a leak or moisture issues. Regular inspections can help your roof last longer and keep your home or building protected. Their specialty in flat roofs means you can trust the experience and know your roof is receiving proper maintenance.

Flat Roofers in Winnipeg

GPD Flat Roofing’s installation and maintenance services can provide your home with a long-lasting, durable flat roof. Serving the Winnipeg area, they provide homes and commercial buildings with water-tight, professionally installed flat roofs that last.

Call GPD Flat Roofing for an inspection or quote on a new roof.

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

Landscaping your yard improves curb appeal, functionality, and resale value. While it might seem like a daunting task at first, it is well worth the effort. Garden Secrets in Vancouver shares some reasons to landscape your yard.

Improve curb appeal

There are many benefits that come with landscaping. For instance, landscaping contributes to a large part of your home’s curb appeal. Your landscaping could be something as simple as green grass and a flower bed to make your home’s curb appeal seem bright and healthy. It could also be something as large as installing a patio, giving you and guests a space to spend time together and make your home appear more welcoming. Improving your home’s curb appeal will also make your home more appealing to potential buyers in the future. Boosted curb appeal could mean a higher resale value. 

More family-time outdoors

Landscaping your yard will allow you to create more living spaces outside. With people spending more time at home these days, that extra outdoor space is essential.  This could mean installing a fire pit gives your family a place to spend time together. You could incorporate a stone path or patio to situate the fire pit on. Another idea is to build a deck space or paved patio, with furniture to accommodate everyone. Decks come in many forms, including materials and designs. There are many different ways to create a space your family will want to gather in.

Connect with nature

Planting flowers, trees, shrubs, and any other plant you want can make your yard feel like an oasis. If you want to create a more unique outdoor space to connect with nature, there are endless ways to do so. This could mean installing a water feature like a fountain or pond in your backyard. Running water adds a calming feeling to your outdoor space, and gives you a place to relax away right in the backyard. Another idea is to install something as simple as a bench outside, perhaps connected by a stone path, or a small seating area to take in the fresh air and greenery around you. 

Spending time in nature is known to improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost your immune system. Creating that functional living space with your landscaping has both mental and physical health benefits.

Landscapers in Vancouver

The landscapers at Garden Secrets are pros at what they do. They believe in connecting with the outdoors and transforming your outdoor space to truly be your own. Whether it be a small or large project, you can count on them to get the job done right. 

Contact Garden Secrets today!

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

Discover the Benefits of an Outdoor Living Space and Creating an Indoor Outdoor Lounge Space

Take advantage of the benefits of your home by creating a relaxing indoor outdoor space. An outdoor living space can connect the benefits of the outdoors and indoors with your comfort and peace of the natural surroundings. Here are our favorite tips on how to create such a space.

Functionality

Your outdoor living space benefits from being an extension of an existing room in your home. For example, your kitchen, living space, or entertainment rooms all have a specific purpose. Connecting to one of these will give the room a meaning and use. Create free-flowing movement from one room to the next.

Transition

Sliding or folding doors or glass walls are a great way to create this opening to combine inside and out into one area of the home. Create an opening via a bar for a kitchen extension with folding windows or stackable doors too. Have consistent flooring between the rooms to give it one look. Keeping the design the same as well from inside to outside will tie the room together.

Weather

Create an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed no matter the weather. Depending on where you need, you might need to consider rain, shade, or snow. Use durable fabrics for furniture and try to use lots of wood, plastic, or metal furniture to be non-permeable. Umbrellas, shades, and awnings can create a relaxing place out of the sun, and there are motorized shades that can be open and closed as needed. As the seasons change, additions such as a fireplace or fire pit, gas patio heaters, and more allow the space to be used into the colder months.

Create an outdoor living area that can be used all year and with great comfort. Extend your kitchen or living area into outside and open up the possibilities for enjoyment in your home. Start planning your upgrades today and see how your home can improve.

Contact Handyman Connection

Our craftspeople are here to help you create your home’s new outdoor living space. Contact us at Handyman Connection to see how our craftsmen can make your project a reality today. Call to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.

The post Creating an Indoor Outdoor Lounge Space appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Blog written by Quality Red Tag Floors in Edmonton

Free estimates

We offer free onsite estimates to help you understand the full cost of the job. We will come out and measure your project and give suggestions and ideas to make your flooring dreams come true!

Our estimates are broken down line by line so there are NO HIDDEN COSTS! When we quote, we like to provide a detailed quote to help you make an informed decision and more easily compare quotes.

We encourage shoppers to get out and get a few quotes. Dig in the product specs, services offered, and potential additional labour costs. If you don’t know the specs of a product then it is hard to know if you are getting a fair price or not. If a quote is given as a lump sum rather than broken it is difficult to understand how to compare quotes from other companies.

Quality and Durability Of Product

Durability is usually one of the main selling features when a customer is looking for flooring. There are many different ways to determine the quality and durability of the product. We aim to educate our customers and help them feel that they understand the product they are purchasing.

Comparing Laminate

The main things to look for when shopping for laminate is thickness, density, AC rating, and water resistance.

Often many stores don’t recommend laminate as a good option for many areas in the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and basement. The reality is not all laminate is created equal. There are some products made with lower density and higher density. The density affects how well the product holds together (denser core = stronger joints) and how soundproof it is. No one likes a hollow sounding floor. Higher density laminate also is more Some products have a wax infusion into the locking system and others don’t (a huge factor in water resistance) AC rating is the criteria by which laminate is rated for scratch resistance.

Comparing Vinyl

Vinyl has many different categories, with different install methods, thicknesses, and wear layers. It is important to really dig into the different products available and to understand what the advantages of each are. But for the purposes of this blog the key points would be:

Wear layer (measurement is in mils) How thick the wear layer is (the thin layer that protects the print) determines the longevity and wearability. Some wear layers can be as thin as 6mil, others 20+mil. When shopping it is important to know when comparing products what the wear layer is

Thickness (measurement is is mm) We recommend nothing thinner than 4mm thick for a click product, but Ideally 6.5mm thick provides more stability in the locking system and floating floor install. Thickness is definitely a good thing to keep an eye on when comparing the thickness

Locking system (should be a form of drop lock 2g or 5g for best ease of install)

Core material: perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle is core material. One should know what the core material is made of. This will help in comparing products and the overall durability of a product.

Comparing Hardwood

Key comparisons:

The species: Species should be compared to only other of exact species as each wood has different costs and benefits/ looks ect

The thickness: hardwood should be ¾” thick

The finish (does it have an aluminum oxide protective UV cured finish?)

The width

The Grade: This is the biggest comparison factor/ What grade of wood is it? Does it have a wide variety of acceptable colors and planks? Knots etc.

Comparing Engineered Hardwood

Veneer thickness: The thickness must be compared as this is the only layer between the hardwood layer and plywood/other core material

Core composition: what is the veneer built onto? Is it plywood or MDF? Plywood is much better quality-wise and will last longer, as well as much more water-resistant.

Thickness overall: what is the thickness of the product

The thickness of plywood: What is the thickness of the plywood, how many layers does it have

Method of plywood manufacturing: is it a cold press or hot press plywood? Cold press is more stable but is more costly

Origin of product: Is your product made from north American species, is it a known wood that has issues with humidity and dryness?

Detailed Estimates

When comparing quotes from different companies it is important to understand that not all companies will quote you the same way. Unfortunately, some companies may quote you just base rates and not actually include what might be required for a successful install. An example of this is when a project needs floor leveling or preparation, it can run up the cost of an estimate and make you look more expensive than someone who quotes their first quote without including any floor prep.

If someone doesn’t carefully understand what services are included, they can be sometimes hit with unexpected add ons or expenses. It is the flooring estimator’s job to include all the costs that are necessary and some of the costs that are not. This allows the customer to make an informed decision on what services they would like to take advantage of.

Be sure to always get an itemized quote with a clear indication of what the service does and does not include. It goes without saying, that Is better to have the company automatically quote in such a way, than having to ask for more details. Honesty is the best policy and even if it makes our quote look more expensive at first we would rather be upfront with all our costs.

In Stock Accessories

Does the flooring store offer you a quote on the product carry matching accessories in stock? If you have to order them in, what is the lead time and cost?

Sometimes people find an “amazing deal” on flooring from a big box store. Only to find out that after they have purchased a discontinued product with no nosing available in stock. The special order for nosing and transition pieces sometimes can cost just as much as the flooring. Always be sure to check if the necessary nosing is available in stock, and if not what the cost and timeline for ordering in would be.

Professional Advice

Some companies are more focused on the sale than they are on the customer and their needs. We do our utmost to not only help our customers buy flooring but to educate them as well. With completely free professional advice, we are always open to answering questions to help you buy the right flooring for the job. We offer low-pressure sales advice and don’t want you to feel pushed to buy from us, just because we are answering your questions.

Contact Quality Red Tag Floors!

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

Refinishing a basement is a major source of value for your home and a worthwhile investment. While certainly true, there is more than just one way to finish a basement. Depending on your needs and budget, you have many options when it comes to basement development.

Ascend Builders in Edmonton is a professional home renovations company. They share more about what ways you can finish your basement and enjoy value from each:

Fully finished for your family to enjoy

Developing your unfinished basement will give your home nearly double the square footage of functional living space. Plus, a finished basement will add value back to your home. Finished basements can include everything from a second living room, entertainment centre, spare bedrooms, a home office, or even a home fitness area.

There are many ways to finish a basement, and it mostly comes down to your own goals and home needs. Depending on the state of the unfinished basement, everything from new flooring, drywall, paint, fixtures, and potential appliances will need to be added. With the right budget and professional help, it’s well worthwhile and offers great ROI. You’ll find it to be an investment in your lifestyle at home and can help attract potential buyers in the future.

Partially finished with plans for the future

Partial or half-finished basements are the perfect middle-ground for functional space and budget with future plans in mind. The great thing about this is that you can pick and choose what elements to add to the space. Things like leaving the ceiling exposed or drywalling only parts of the room can help cut costs and labour. Or, if it is an extra bedroom and bathroom you need, you can just do those and worry about the rest down the road.

With a partially finished basement, it’s important to choose a specific purpose or use for the entire space. Even if you’re just doing a little at a time, you want the end result to all flow well. By sticking to an overall plan, you can fully finish in the future and still get use out of those partially renovated spaces in the meantime.

Converted to a secondary suite

If you don’t need the extra living space, consider building a legal secondary suite in your basement. Having a functional, attractive suite can help you bring in rental revenue each month. Use this extra income to pay your mortgage, living expenses, or to put back into the home with other improvements. Ascend Builders can give you advice when it comes to building a suite and will take care of obtaining the necessary permits for the job.

Basement Renovations in Edmonton

Ascend Builders have a 100% guaranteed track rate, ensuring that their customers absolutely love their homes. Every renovation or project is focused on satisfying your needs, wants, and home goals to fall in love with your space. Any help, tips, design suggestions or renovation work needed, their professionals are the ones to call.

Contact Ascend Builders today!

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

When deciding to complete a major home renovation project, the first step is knowing what the space will be used for and how you want it to function. There are plenty of options and decisions to make. Putting a piece of your personality into your renovated space can help you feel more comfortable in your home. When deciding to go through a renovation, choose professionals who will work with you throughout the process.

EcoRenew Contracting in Edmonton is a family-owned business that specializes in working collaboratively with clients, as they embark on the adventures of major home renovations. Their dedication to high-quality construction produces work that lasts, leading to long-term customer satisfaction. Operating under the mantra of consistent communication throughout the process, helps ensure a final product that clients can be proud of. Quality products and craftsmanship, partnered with client engagement, will lead to outstanding results.

Client-led renovations

You know your space better than anyone; how it is to be used, how you want it to feel, and how you want it to look. Working with EcoRenew in a collaborative way, means that you need to reach out and communicate your ideas and desires for your space. Sometimes, we cannot always get want we want, but with EcoRenew, we will always get what we need. What you bring to the table is the personal touch, what they bring to the table is a realistic approach to achieving your dream space. Taking an active role in the renovation means frequent end-of-day walk-throughs and staying in contact by email and text. Mutual respect and patience are fundamental attitudes for effective client and contractor communication.

If you are not sure what you want, they can point you in the direction of inspiration! As a professional renovation company, they can discuss the latest design trends in both esthetics and sustainable products, and approaches to the construction process. In today’s world, making old new again is not just great for the planet, but also can provide us with beauty in our spaces that we did not even know was there. So often, brainstorming as a team is exciting and rewarding.

Built to last

When going through a major renovation, the last thing you want is to worry about when it will need to be done again. Using high-quality products can help your space stand up to the test of time. There might be higher initial investment and the process may take a little longer, but those choices will add value and longevity to your home renovation. Having an experienced and knowledgeable renovation company doing the installations will ensure that it is done right and help prevent the need for premature repairs or replacements. Well-constructed spaces also have the added benefit of having a smaller ecological footprint over the long term. This is due to the length of time they last without needing upgrades or repairs.

Major Renovations in Edmonton

EcoRenew Contracting knows the value of quality work and expert workmanship. Their experience in producing high-end renovations results in their client’s approval and ongoing satisfaction. The dedication to client-led renovations results in clear communication throughout the process, helping customers feel secure in the progression of the renovation. From custom spaces to more traditional home renovations, the collaborative process results in a space enjoyed for years to come.

Contact EcoRenew Contracting today to begin your home renovation process.

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

Concrete flooring is a common flooring option for industrial and commercial buildings. It protects the floor from heavy traffic, heavy machinery, spills, and looks good too. Bow River Concrete is a concrete contractor in Calgary and they offer concrete floor coatings. Here are some advantages to this option for your commercial building:

Concrete coatings will protect the floor

Floors in commercial applications can see a lot of traffic. With other flooring options, you might start to see the wear where people or things are moving around more. With a concrete floor and concrete floor coatings in Calgary, you can protect the floor from this heavy traffic. Whether it’s caused by foot traffic, heavy machinery, or things being moved around, the floor coating is durable and long-lasting.

It is spill and stain resistant

If you spill something on a porous concrete floor, it can absorb the spill and cause staining. Concrete floor coating will make the flooring more spill and stain-resistant. Oil, chemicals, or other less toxic spills can be cleaned up easily with cleaner and water. This will protect the floor from stains.

Concrete floor coatings are attractive

If you want to improve aesthetics in your commercial or industrial space, Calgary concrete contractors can help. Concrete floor coatings will make a floor glossy and bright. Not only does it help reflect light, saving energy required to light the space, you can also customize the floor for your business. For example, some companies might choose to have their logo embossed on the floor. You can choose from a range of designs and finishes, and make your new floor truly unique. Check out these floor coating ideas.

It can make a workspace safer

Floor coatings can improve slip resistance on the floor. Slipping and falling can cause personal injuries, which is something you want to prevent. You can also change the style of the floor to designate certain work areas. For example, the area where machinery is operated can have a clear border around it or a different colour than the rest of the floor. This lets staff know where they should be and what areas they need to be cautious in.

If you want more information about concrete floor coatings, contact Bow River Concrete.

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

Professional Tips and Your Guide to an Outdoor Kitchen Home Improvement

Unlock new possibilities in your backyard and outdoor entertainment area with an outdoor kitchen. Level-up your barbecues and make more of your space with these effective home improvement ideas.

An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to any deck or patio. If you are installing a brand new deck or patio, it’s important to plan your outdoor kitchen before the building begins to plan out the plumbing, gas, or electricity needed.  Outdoor kitchens can include all the amenities of your indoor kitchen and can get creative with seating from counters, tables, bars, and more. You can have an oven, grill, fireplace, or all the above depending on what vision you wish to create.

Location

Would you like your outdoor kitchen to be away from the home as a separate entertaining area and unique environment? Or would you like it close to the home in case you need anything inside quickly, or to save on installations by connecting to existing appliances on the exterior walls?

Budget

Outdoor kitchens can be as needed or extravagant depending on your goals. You can install counters, a sink to go with a stove. Or, you can install dishwashers, refrigerators, lighting, and much more to really make the place. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and budget.

Outdoor Kitchen Amenities

·         Sinks

·         Grills

·         Side-burners

·         Smoker

·         Outdoor Oven

·         Wood-burning Pizza Oven

·         Bars

·         Tables

·         Countertops

·         Kitchen Islands

Materials

Being outdoors, you will need materials that are more water resistant, depending on your set up. Natural materials like stone pavers or cobblestone create an antique look. Wood, vinyl, or composite deck and plank materials, or tile are other viable options. Counters can be made with dependable granite with preference to lighter colors to keep them cool in the sunlight. Stainless steel for your appliances is water resistant, durable, and easy to clean.

With these beginning tips, you will be ready to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen. Customize with your needs, materials, furniture, décor, and more to make it perfect. If you need help, your local craftsmen can lend a hand if you need help planning and completing your project.

Contact Handyman Connection

Handyman Connection is here to make your outdoor kitchen 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 Your Guide to Building an Outdoor Kitchen appeared first on Handyman Connection.

There are several benefits to choosing natural gas appliances, such as cheaper to run and better heat distribution. With gas fireplaces, there is even the ambiance of having a real flame instead of heated coils you get with an electric fireplace. Installing a gas line on your deck or patio is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to propane barbeques.

You might think that gas appliances are more expensive, but over time the savings to your utility bill makes them a worthwhile investment.

Badger Mechanical Works in Calgary is available for your home’s natural gas needs. Whether converting electric appliances to gas ones or installing new lines for an upgraded outdoor area, they’re a safe pick. Their extensive plumbing and gasfitting knowledge can help you get the kitchen, living room, and outdoor area of your dreams. If you have been looking for a sign to make the conversion to natural gas from electric, consider this it.

Stove

Choosing between gas and electric appliances is a tough one, but there are many benefits to choosing gas. Typically, gas stoves have a longer life since they have fewer parts than electric ones. They also are known to heat more rapidly, and the heat distribution is considered better than electric. If you’re a person who spends a lot of time cooking for your family or as a hobby, a gas range might be the better pick for you.

Fireplace

There’s nothing like a chilly evening curled up at home with a glowing fire! Even though we’re heading into warmer months, we all know Canadian weather likes to throw curveballs. Natural gas fireplaces use a real flame to create a warm and cozy spot to curl up in. Plus, you don’t have to worry about purchasing wood or cleaning up after it either. Find the ambiance you’re looking for on those cooler nights with a natural gas fireplace.

Barbeque

A natural gas line has many benefits for gas barbeques. You never have to worry about your propane tank running out halfway through grilling dinner since you are on your own supply. It’s convenient and cost-effective. Plus, gas barbeques are also known for giving food a more traditional grilled flavour, exactly what you want when you’re barbecuing!

Fire Pit

One of the biggest benefits of running a natural gas line for a backyard fire pit is that you are able to control the strength of the flame. Having a smaller or a bigger fire can be done with a twist of a knob to allow more gas. You also don’t have to worry about making sure that the fire is completely out at the end of the night. You can just turn off the gas and head to bed. Having a gasline installed outdoors can also be used for outdoor patio heating and smaller fire tables.

Plumbers in Calgary

Badger Mechanical Works is a full service plumbing, heating, and gasfitting company in Calgary. They are an easy choice for your home’s natural gas needs. Whether you’re looking for installation, testing, repairing, or relocating existing natural gas lines, they are the right pick to call. Their extensive experience with residential interior and exterior gas lines means that you can feel safe when choosing their expertise.

Find out more today with Badger Mechanical Works.

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

Metal roofs are strong, durable, long-lasting, and valuable. There are misconceptions about metal roofs that might have you wondering if it is the right choice for your home. People think things like metal roofs attract lightning, allow more noise in, and are too expensive. In reality, metal roofs are a great choice for most homes and have several benefits that you can’t get with traditional asphalt shingle roofs.

Interlock Industries Calgary is one of North American’s largest metal roof manufacturers with more than thirty years of experience. Their knowledge about metal roofs and the benefits that come with them means you’ll be confident that you are making the right choice to protect your home.

Lightning will strike it

One of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofs is that they will attract lightning because metal conducts electricity. That is a myth! A roof made of metal doesn’t increase the chance of a lightning strike even though metal is a good conductor of energy. Taller objects with direct paths to the ground would have a higher chance of being struck. A metal roof is not grounded. That means there is a very unlikely chance it will ever be struck by lightning.

They are too loud

While you might be more likely to hear hail or hard raindrops hitting a metal roof, there are ways of stopping this. Proper insulation and modern installation practices can help cut down on the acoustics of a metal roof. A modern metal roof is not the same as the old tin roof on your garden shed. Most owners don’t even notice any issue with noise after living with a metal roof. Read how the advantages of metal roofs outweigh any drawbacks.

Metal roofing is too expensive

The initial cost of a metal roof can be more expensive than other roofing materials, but the lifetime costs are cheaper. First of all, metal roofs will last 50 years or more. It’s very likely that you will not have to pay for another roof in the time you own your home. Secondly, they are extremely low maintenance. Having a metal roof will cut down on regular repair costs or the need to pay for a roof replacement. They are incredibly strong, durable, and provide good protection for your home. A new roof will also boost curb appeal and resale value. The initial investment will show good returns over time.

Metal Roofing in Calgary

Interlock Industries provides its customers with the highest quality and service levels when it comes to metal roofing needs. Their lifetime warranty means that you will be happy for years to come, no matter which type of style you choose. Don’t fall for the popular misconceptions about metal roofs, and your home’s safety and security will thank you for it.

Find out more about metal roofing from Interlock Industries.

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