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Sometimes homes have hydronic heating systems to provide heat to the home. If you’ve wondered how it works or you are considering it for your home build or home renovation, it’s important to do some research first. Platinum Mechanical Systems in Vancouver shares helpful information about hydronic heating. 

What is hydronic heating?

Hydronic heating is when your home is heated by pipes in the floor that have hot liquids, usually water, running through them. The boiler in your home heats the water and sends it through the pipes. The hydronic heating system is controlled by your thermostat and is easy to regulate. Many people prefer hydronic heating because it provides more even heat throughout the home. 

The benefits of hydronic heating

A heating hydronic system comes with many benefits:

The first benefit is a nice warm floor. When it gets colder outside, heated floors are a great bonus. The heated floors also help with flooring in your home that’s prone to get cold, like tile in bathrooms, kitchens, or the basement. 

Hydronic systems are quieter than your typical HVAC system. This is because there aren’t metal components that expand and contract with changes in temperature. There is no noisy van or blowing noise, or the sound of a furnace turning on and off. 

They are more efficient than other heating systems. Since the system is sealed and uses water instead of air, you’re getting more heat efficiency. Air also escapes more easily from other HVAC systems, making the utilization of water a good choice. 

Hydronic systems are cleaner than other heating systems. As the system uses water instead of air, there’s no risk of dust collecting in the system. This is good for families prone to allergies. 

Above all, hydronic systems are safe. There’s no need for wiring necessary, keeping your system fireproof. 

It’s a cost-effective option. It costs less to use, since, as previously mentioned, there are not a lot of electrical components necessary for it to run. Depending on the application, hydronic heating can be cheaper to use than forced air through a furnace. 

How hydronic heating is installed

Installing hydronic heating is a relatively easy process. Contractors install the system into the subfloor, where it’s connected to your home’s plumbing system. Once that’s completed, your regular flooring patterns can be installed on top. Your thermostat can place it wherever is most convenient for you. When it comes to your boiler, it’s best to put it outside, or in an area that’s well-ventilated. 

Hydronic Heating in Vancouver

If you’re looking for help installing a hydronic heating system in your home, Platinum Mechanical Systems is there for you! They will be there to answer any of your questions and provide the information you need. If you like the sound of hydronic heating, give them a call!

For more information, contact Platinum Mechanical Systems today!

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

Choosing stucco for your home offers many great benefits and savings, which makes it a popular choice. It’s easy to maintain, looks great, lasts for many years, and is fire-resistant. Still, stucco can become damaged or worn from age and need to be repaired. Knowing what those signs are will save the damage from turning into a costly problem.

Dynamic Stucco Repair in Calgary is a professional stucco contractor company. They share some signs of stucco damage that needs their professionals for repairs:

There is discolouration

Discolouration on stucco is likely a sign that moisture has become trapped underneath and is causing damage. This type of problem should never be painted over and ignored, at least not until a professional does an inspection. Areas that are darker than usual are areas where moisture has gotten in. If the damage is black or even brown, it may be a more serious problem of mould. Either way, call a professional for help, and potential repairs before the problem develops. 

Large cracks or crumbling areas

Similar to drywall cracks, small hairline cracks on stucco aren’t always cause for worry. It may be a result of weather factors or minor impacts that cause the crack. Larger and more jagged cracks should be causes of concern as they could be a sign of numerous problems. Typically, moisture behind the stucco is the reason for cracks and crumbling stucco. Other times, it may be a foundation problem like a house settling or expanding. Before patch repairing the cracks, talk to a professional to find the underlying problem. Otherwise, the cracks will just keep appearing. 

Moss on stucco

Splashes of moisture on stucco or shaded areas with nearby vegetation can easily encourage moss growth. While that isn’t an immediate problem, aside from lowering curb appeal, it does risk future issues. Moss can cause mould or moisture to grow behind the stucco, so remove any signs of moss early on. Talking to a professional is still a great option as well to find out what is causing the moss to settle in. It may mean moving nearby vegetation or painting the stucco with a protective coating. 

Impact damage

Damage caused by a stray ball, lawnmower, or even animals can all cause the stucco to become cracked or stained. Repairing any impact damage will protect the stucco from worsening and as well as protect your home’s curb appeal. Worn out or faded stucco takes away from the value and appeal of your home. If the problem worsens, it also leads to more costly repairs than before. 

Stucco in Calgary

Dynamic Stucco Repair can handle any repair, whether from poor installation, water damage, weather and more. With over 15 years of experience, their professionals know how to recognize different causes for damage and how to repair it skillfully. They are committed to repairing damage now to help ensure future savings and peace of mind.

Contact Dynamic Stucco Repair today!

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

Drywall is found in most homes. Most repairs are also easily handled, but sometimes repairs aren’t the best option. Knowing when to replace your drywall can mean more savings and better value compared to patching the damage.

Emerte Ltd.in Edmonton offers professional drywall and electrical services. They explain when you should repair your drywall and when it’s time to replace it:

Minor holes and cracks: repair

It’s not uncommon to find holes in your walls, especially from bumps by furniture, loose screws, or other impacts. If the hole is small, it can easily be patched up and painted over with little worry. Larger holes are best left to a professional to ensure the damage is completely covered, and the section is stable.

Cracks as well can be covered and are typically from any foundational setting. The exception is if the cracks are large and jagged, which is a major warning sign. These should be inspected by a professional to find out the underlying problem before any repairs are made. There could be a major issue with your home’s foundation or structural components. 

Water damage: repair or replace

Repairing or replacing drywall from water damage largely depends on the severity of the damage. Minor leaks are easy to repair as long as a professional completes the work. They will remove the damaged section, check for any mould or mildew growth and then repair the area.

If the leak was from a major flood like a burst pipe or an unseen leak that has developed for months, a replacement might be needed. Drywall can risk crumbling, collapsing, developing mould, and become an overall health and safety hazard. In those cases, it’s safer to replace the entire section of damaged drywall. 

Popped nails: repair

Sometimes nails and screws from the drywall can come loose and press out of the wall. Any minor damage caused by that can easily be repaired, as can lose nails. A professional can drive the nail back into the drywall and shave off any compound to prevent it from happening again. If the problem keeps recurring, it may be because of bad prior installation. In that case, a professional can still help, but the repairs may be more extensive. There won’t be a need to completely tear out and fully replace the drywall unless you’re tired of paying for repairs. 

Drywall upgrades: replace

Drywall comes in various colours and styles, including blue for water protection or green for protection against mould. There’s also drywall that can add more insulation and sound-proofing, which makes considering a drywall upgrade worthwhile. If you are doing renovations and general home improvements, upgrading the drywall at the same time is a cost-effective pairing. It will mean replacing the existing drywall with something that better suits our needs in the long run. 

Drywall Contractors in Edmonton

Emerte Ltd. is an expert in both commercial and residential services. They can help with everything from minor electrical work and installations to major drywalling services and repairs. Their professionals always provide flexible yet high-quality work that will always improve your home.

Contact Emerte Ltd. today!

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

Custom cabinets are a great and valuable addition to your home. With custom additions, there’s also a lot of room to personalize the look and design – especially compared to stock cabinetry. While great, it can also be daunting trying to settle on the right style with so many options.

Eurolux Kitchens Ltd. in Edmonton is a professional custom cabinet company. They share some tips when it comes to narrowing down the perfect look for your new cabinets and kitchen design.

Start with the doors

Start with what style of door you want. That will play a main role in the cabinets’ visual appeal and how well they fit into the room. There are a few different styles like arched, square, boarded, or even completely smooth. The internet is a great way to find inspiration and a door style you like.

A colourful kitchen with lots of existing patterns will look better with a simpler door frame. Plain kitchens or older themed ones will pair well with square framed cabinet doors. From there, look at what fixtures or handles you want to add. Cabinets with no handles offer a sleek, streamlined look that is great in a modern kitchen. Colourful handles, knobs, bars, or even glass ones can all add a touch of colour or extra style.

Wood or colour

The next decision is whether you plan to stain the natural wood or paint it with a new colour. That will play a lot more into the interior design and should definitely be paired with the overall style of the room.

Staining shows off the natural wood grains and patterns and lends a much more rustic and natural feel. It’s great for more traditional kitchens or ones that have more earthy colours like greens and reds. Painting offers a wider range of colourful or plain additions and can do a lot to add a sleek, modern feel. You get a full range of shades, whether neutral whites, light pastels, or bold colours for a trendy feature. Start with what colours and themes you have in the kitchen, and then match your cabinets to complement the room.

Think about storage

One of the biggest appeals of custom cabinets is designing them to fit any space or storage need. Corner storage, narrow slide-outs, deep drawers, and more are all possible designs. You can design a narrow spice drawer to keep your countertops clear or double-sized drawers to store your garbage and recycle bin. Take a walk through your kitchen to see what storage is missing or even what spaces are being left unused. Empty spaces are just as wasteful as cluttered and cramped cabinets.

Custom Cabinets in Edmonton

Eurolux Kitchens Ltd. brings 25 years of experience in construction and design when it comes to custom cabinets. They pride themselves on offering high-quality and luxury cabinets that are just as functional as they are attractive. Every cabinet is built to last for years, add better functionality, and more value.

Contact Eurolux Kitchens Ltd. today! 

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

Building a brand new, custom home in an old neighbourhood has many benefits. Infill homes, as they are known, let you choose an established lot in the right area to build your dream home. It also helps promote renewal in old communities, but there are some things to consider as with any custom home.

ICM in Edmonton is a professional and skilled new home builder and renovation company. They share more about the benefits of an infill home and what to consider before you build:

Pro: custom neighbourhood choice

Building a custom home in the perfect neighbourhood isn’t always an easy matter. Many developed lots that are ready for new home construction are far in the suburbs. Infill homes don’t have that problem because they are built on pre-existing lots in established neighbourhoods, closer to city centres. You can choose how big or small you want the space, or what features are important like nearby school or parks. Once you have your dream location picked out, building a new home is an easy matter. In some cases, homeowners might choose to demolish their current old home and replace it with an infill home.

Pro: Infills are encouraged and supported

Building new homes in mature communities helps keep those areas alive and thriving with new people and increased property values. It uses existing infrastructure and creates a diverse array of housing in older neighbourhoods. In Edmonton, choosing an Infill home is even encouraged with development incentives meant to help homeowners. Some even offer grants to help with the costs of a new custom infill. Given the cost of a custom home in general, extra help like that is welcome support.

Con: the house is new, not the land

There’s always a risk when buying older homes or, in this case, buying old land. Underground pipes connecting to your home and sewer may not be in top condition. That brings the risk of burst pipes and costly water damage unless a plumber does a thorough inspection. Damaged sidewalks or old overgrown trees can also take away from overall curb appeal. In addition to the cost of your new home, it’s important to factor in extra costs for any repairs or value-boosting changes. An experienced builder will help you investigate this issues. 

Con: It can take longer overall

Building a home from the ground up is a long process on its own, but an infill home can take even longer. Finding the right neighbourhood with open lots, getting the right permits, planning the design, and finally beginning construction all take time. If there is an old house on the lot, you’ll have to have it demolished and removed. If you want to move quickly, buying a ready-to-move-in home may be the better option. Otherwise, work with a trusted company that can help with the process and take away the stress. With the right planning and wait, infill homes are a great long-term investment. 

General Contractors in Edmonton

Integral Construction Management (ICM) starts all their work by building a relationship with their clients to ensure that trust is a foundation from day one. They then only hire skilled and experienced workers to ensure that your home gets the best possible quality. Their professionals can help with commercial or residential homes and offer renovations, new homes, or infill services. 

Contact ICM today!

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

Do you want your garden to look great all year round? The perfect patio can blur the boundaries between inside and out, transforming your garden into an elegant continuation of your interiors. Once installed, patios are long-lasting and require very little maintenance.

Shape and sizes

When searching for paving slabs for your patio, it’s easy to play it safe and fall into the trap of only considering identical, square or rectangular slabs. Although there’s nothing wrong with that particular style, it’s worth thinking outside the box and checking out the other options. Creating a sophisticated patio doesn’t have to be boring. Curved or diamond slabs can create a playful yet smart design while using several misshaped tiles can create a mosaic look.

Need some help choosing or fitting your patio? The Handy Squad’s London handyman service can help you! Request a free quote today by filling out our online form or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

Textures

Paving slabs come in a wide range of textures, allowing you to perfectly match them to the aesthetic of your property. For a traditional, rustic garden, consider natural stone in dark neutral tones, and for a contemporary garden, try smooth, glossy porcelain slabs for a sleek look. Make use of free samples to help you experiment with different textures and discover which look best compliments your garden. Remember, if your garden space isn’t sheltered, opt for a non-slip finish, to minimise the chance of an accident.

Colours and patterns

Before choosing a colour, consider the theme of your house and whether you want it to continue to your garden. If your interior is modern and neat, white slabs would be perfect for continuing on the aesthetic. However, mud and dirt easily stand out on a white background, so your patio will need to be cleaned fairly often to maintain its opulence.

For a more exciting, child-friendly space, why not use colourful or patterned slabs? Painting old, plain patios is an easy way to brighten up your garden and give the slabs a new chance at life.

Don’t want to get your hands dirty? Why not call the Handy Squad? Our decorators in London will work with you to help you create your dream patio. Our team can also paint rooms, fix ceiling cracks and even help with wallpaper hanging. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

Pebbles, gravel and small stones

Filler stones can be great to decorate the gaps between individual pavers and lawns. They come in a variety of colours and sizes and can be used to solve drainage issues. They’re quick, easy and can be bought by the bag, making this a great DIY project.

It’s important to make sure that the stones are stable enough not to fly around every time someone steps on them – this can quickly make your patio look messy. To prevent this, add filler stone to the gaps in the pavers at a slightly lower height than the slabs, preventing them from overflowing. Smaller slabs should be bordered with smaller stones, like pea gravel or decomposed granite, whereas bigger slabs with bigger gaps should be filled with bigger stones, like Mexican beach pebbles.

Accessorise

Bring your patio to life by adding lights, plants and maybe a few chairs! Adding lights allows you to enjoy your beautiful patio at night. But don’t worry – you don’t need to run electricity out to your garden, try using solar-powered lights. As well as charging themselves, these lights will turn on automatically as it starts to get dark, meaning you don’t have to worry about manually turning on each one.

Adding plants can break up the monotony of any single-coloured patio and will add texture and delicacy, creating a cosier, homely space. Hostas are great for shady patios, and look beautiful in pots, containers or when planted directly into the ground. Other plants good for softening the edges of a patio include lavender, catmint and pulmonarias.

If you need help with any DIY projects, why not call The Handy Squad? Our team of experts can help with almost any task, such as replacing lights, repairing leaky toilets and hanging up doors. We can also help with bigger projects, like interior and exterior redecorating and kitchen installations. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

The post Outdoor paving ideas for an eye-catching patio appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

With spring around the corner, there are a few ways to prepare your commercial building’s plumbing for the warmer weather. From gutter cleaning to new fixtures, it’s never a bad idea to get started early. From Top Tier Mechanical in Langley, here are some tips to prepare your commercial plumbing for spring. 

Checking the pipes

It’s good to have your plumbing system inspected annually by a professional commercial plumbing company. Spring is a great time to book that service.  Check for leaks or clogs in the plumbing system that may have occurred during the winter. A plumber can also perform a drain cleaning service, to ensure your building is clog-free and ready to operate for another year. 

If you find leaky pipes, check the surrounding area for damage. Water damage can turn into mould, something dangerous for occupants of the building. Water damage will have to be repaired and mould remediated by a professional to ensure the building is safe. 

Checking the water tanks

Check the building’s hot water heaters. If not properly maintained, a damaged water tank can cause problems all around the building. It could mean a lack of hot water for occupants or even leaks in your utility room. Hot water heater and tank problems can also include poor water pressure, corrosion, and mould if there are leaks. A plumber can give your system a thorough inspection and provide maintenance and repairs as needed. 

Changing the fixtures

If you have fixtures that are old and dated, it may be time for an upgrade. Not only will it take care of any previous problems the fixtures may have allowed but will freshen up the look of the building. You can also switch over to low-flow fixtures and reduce water consumption in your building. This will bring down your monthly utility bill. 

Cleaning out the gutters

Similar to homes, it’s important to keep your building’s gutters clean. Build-up can occur during the winter season, filling gutters with leaves, dirt, and any other debris. It’s a good first step for maintaining your building’s plumbing system, depending on the type of building. If your building has an eavestrough drainage system, unclogged gutters will ensure water from heavy spring rains is drained away from the building properly. 

Consulting with a plumber

It easy to ignore a mechanical system in your building if it isn’t causing any problems. Preventative maintenance can save you money and headache, so it’s worth having your plumbing system inspected. A plumber can walk through your building and check the system to make sure everything is running smoothly. They’ll also be able to give you a quote for any repairs that may be necessary or give you maintenance tips for the upkeep of your building’s plumbing system. Read more about Top Tier Mechanical’s plumbing check-up service. 

Commercial Renovations in Langley

Top Tier Mechanical, located in Langley BC, services the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, including Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. They are always ready to offer plumbing solutions that suit your needs. They offer a wide range of plumbing services for industrial and commercial clients.

Contact Top Tier Mechanical today!

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

Exterior paint jobs by Perry Wellington Professional Painters

If your home’s exterior looks a little shabby or worn, an exterior paint job might be the solution. With freshly coated siding and trim, your home can look new again in no time.

Perry Wellington Professional Painters in Winnipeg offer interior and exterior painting services. They share some good reasons to paint your home’s exterior this year:

Enhanced Curb Appeal

Perhaps the most significant benefit to an exterior paint job is a renewed curb appeal. Painting your home’s exterior is more cost-effective than other exterior renovations, and it takes far less time. Whether you’re choosing to repaint it the same colour, or going for an all-new look, you’ll love your rejuvenated curb appeal.

Perry Wellington Professional Painters can help you choose a colour scheme that will suit your home and taste. If you’re having trouble deciding, their consultation will give you some ideas and show you some samples. Your home is going to look great with its newly painted exterior walls and trim. Check out these exterior colour schemes for ideas.

Better Protection

Your home’s exterior works hard to protect your home from the elements, especially during a Winnipeg winter! Paint that is bubbling, flaking, and coming away from the wall is no longer providing the best protection from your home. A fresh coat of paint will act as an extra barrier against the weather and prevent moisture and water from penetrating the siding. Keeping your home’s exterior well maintained can extend the life of your siding, trim, and other exterior components.

Boosted Resale Value

With improved curb appeal comes increased resale value. Curb appeal plays a significant role in how your home performs on the real estate market. A house with a worn-out exterior might deter buyers before they even look at the interior photos. A fresh coat of paint will give the home a facelift. It shows buyers that maintenance is important to the current owner, which is an attractive selling point.

Exterior Cleaning and Touch-Ups

When Perry Wellington Professional Painters prepares your home to paint, they’ll go the extra mile making sure it’s in good condition. That means pressure washing the home’s exterior. While they’re at it, they can do the driveway, fence, deck, and garage door! That fresh clean will brighten up your exterior.

Then they’ll take care of carpentry touch-ups. Preparing the surface is essential for the new paint to adhere to the surface and for flawless results. That might mean replacing rotten or worn wood with new lumber. They’ll remove old hooks, nails and fill in any gaps and cracks. If the repair work is outside of their scope, they have a professional carpenter on retainer. This professional will make sure your home is in tip-top shape and ready to be painted.

Painters in Winnipeg

Perry Wellington Painting and Decorating has been offering quality painting services since 2009. They offer interior and exterior services to both the residential and commercial sectors. Exterior Elastomeric Stucco Coatings is a specialty of theirs, as well as interior drywall and plaster repair.

Ready to paint? Contact them today for a complimentary assessment!

Stucco paint job by Perry Wellington Professional Painters

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

Repairing and paying for a flooded basement just as spring comes around is the last thing on most homeowners’ lists. While basements are at a higher risk of flooding, this can be avoided with the right equipment and care. Problems arise when that equipment isn’t properly maintained and the result could be a costly nightmare.

Richfield Plumbing & Heating in Edmonton is one of the best  Edmonton plumbers to call for help with the prevention of basement flooding. With their upcoming 42nd anniversary on April 1^st – they have been around for years supporting homeowners and helping them to save costs – and that’s no April Fool’s joke!

Hose bibs

Don’t think that just because hose bibs are located outside of your home, they can’t cause interior trouble. Hose bibs are a significant culprit when you find a leak in the basement. While the design is meant to let water drain out, sometimes a little bit can become trapped. If that happens, the water inside the pipes will freeze in the winter and expand. In severe cases, the pipe will crack, and any water that goes into the pipes will then leak into the house.

Getting the pipe repaired is the first step, followed by regularly winterizing it. Remove any hoses, let the remaining water drain out, then insulate it for the winter. Make sure the water supply is shut off to that hose bib for the winter. Professional plumbers in Edmonton like Richfield Plumbing and Heating can help.

Sump pumps

A basement’s first means of protection against flooding are sump pumps, which are installed beneath the basement. The pumps work by redirecting water away from the basement, which keeps your home safe and dry. It’s also a great way to control humidity levels, which can lead to mould and mildew growth. When a sump pump fails, it’s likely from a lack of maintenance. As a collection of mechanical parts, it needs regular cleaning and inspection. If not, it risks becoming another source of a leak in the basement.

DIY care should include visually inspecting the pump for any signs of corrosion or rust. If there is any debris in the basin, it should be removed to prevent clogging the pump. Check outside as well to make sure the discharge pipe is clear and drains completely to avoid freezing in the winter. Then, call in a professional for annual inspections and minor repairs as needed.

Water heaters

Water heaters are another type of equipment that is often found in the basement. After a long winter with higher hot water demands, any water heater will need maintenance or at least an inspection. If it needs repairs, call a professional right away. If the problem is serious, the heater can burst and result in complete basement flooding with hundreds, or potentially thousands of dollars in water damage repair costs.

While heater maintenance can be DIYed, it’s always worthwhile calling in a professional. Richfield Plumbing and Heating offers water heater maintenance for any model. They can do repairs, replacements, or even upgrades if your old heater is costing more money than it’s worth. With their lengthy experience among water heater companies, they will be able to do a thorough inspection and catch any minor problems before they worsen. It will also help extend the lifespan of your heater to ensure it lasts for years and not a few months.

Ready for spring maintenance and repair help? Contact Richfield Plumbing and Heating today!

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

Bathroom Repair: Discover Why It’s Important to Update Your Bathroom

It’s important to keep your bathroom in your home updated and to complete bathroom repairs whenever they are needed. Whether you want a new look, need a bathroom repair, or are planning on selling your home, here are some reasons why it is important to update your bathroom.

Value of the Home

It’s no secret that a clean and updated bathroom adds value to your home. A bathroom in a home gets a lot of use so if it is left unmaintained or falls into disrepair, it will impede on your personal comfort and will hurt the value of your home if it does not look attractive to a buyer.

Water Damage

From the shower, toilet, sinks, and bathtub, your bathroom is a risk for water damage in your home if these appliances and spaces are not kept up to date. For example, an outdated tub or a tub with caulking in dire need of being redone can cause moisture buildup around the tub and in the floors or walls. This can lead to mold and water damage. A new fixture, tub, or caulking can all help to improve this situation.

Energy Efficient

If your bathroom is outdated and your water bill is high, a bathroom repair or update to water efficient toilets, sinks, and showers will help improve your bathroom and save on your water use. Overall, this will save you expenses in the future and will give you a nice new bathroom.

With these three tips about bathroom repair and updates, you can update your bathroom in no time. Increase the comfort and image of your home with an update and complete your project with the help of a professional handyman too so it is a hassle-free experience.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a no-obligation estimate or to inquire about our home renovation services today. If you are looking for a bathroom update or repair, our professional craftspeople have the services you need.

The post Why It’s Important to Update Your Bathroom with Bathroom Repair Services appeared first on Handyman Connection.