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This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Cedar shake roofs are well-known for their natural beauty and long lifespan, especially when well maintained. Unfortunately, age will eventually take its toll on a cedar roof. When this happens, your roof will have some tell-tale signs that it’s time for a replacement, either with cedar or with a new asphalt roof.

City Boss Residential Roofing in Calgary is a professional and high-quality roofing company. They share some tell-tale signs that your cedar roofing needs replacing:

Your roof is leaking

Leaks are a common culprit when roofs start to show their age. Eventual wear or loose shakes are likely causes of leaks, or the cause may be something more significant. Catching a leak before it causes damage, though, can be a problem. It may be a visible water stain on your ceiling, or it may be a subtle drip on the walls. If your roof is old or you suspect there is a leak, call in a professional. If the leak is isolated, it can be repaired by a professional. But, if leaks keep recurring or have multiple sources, it’s time to replace your roof.

Damaged or missing cedar shakes

Some warping is actually natural as cedar ages, but severe warping can damage the roof and cause leaks. If moisture can get underneath the shake, it risks damaging the roof’s structure. If the damage is limited to one or a few shakes, they can be removed and replaced instead. Another tendency of cedar shakes is they naturally split over time, though the speed can be affected by the weather. Hail or tree branches can also cause cracks, as well as walking on the shakes. If cracks are left alone, they can worsen and even loosen the shake. Preventative maintenance and repairs will help keep your cedar roof in good shape, but age will eventually need addressing. Talk to City Boss Roofing about a replacement if needed.

Can a repair fix the problem?

Sometimes the problem can easily be spot fixed instead of replacing the entire roof. If the problem is an isolated shake, it’s more cost-effective and practical to do a spot repair. Be aware, though, that these repairs will cause uneven colouring. As cedar shakes age, they change colour and turn a silvery gray shade. New replacement shakes won’t match this colour change, which will affect the colour blend of your roof. If this bothers you, you might want to consider a roof replacement with either wood or another asphalt product. Another consideration is the age of your cedar roof. If it’s reaching the end of its lifespan, it might be more cost-effective to do a replacement as well. If problems start arising, it will cost more in the long term to continually pay for repairs.

Reroof with cedar or choose new?

The benefits and beauty of cedar roofing are what make it such an undeniably popular choice of roof. When it comes time for a roof replacement, though, it’s worthwhile to consider all factors. While beautiful and long-lasting, cedar shakes are the more expensive options for roofs. Also, consider whether you plan to stay in your home for many more years and if you have the budget. If yes, then a cedar replacement is a worthwhile expense. Otherwise, a cost-effective alternative is an asphalt roof, which is just as popular among homeowners. It offers its own visual aesthetics for your home and is a very low-maintenance option, meaning if budget or maintenance care are factors or you just want a fresh look, consider asphalt shingles instead.

Roofers in Calgary

City Boss Residential Roofing prides themselves on providing high-quality and safe roofing services. Quality customer service and satisfaction are their top goals for every project and client. From start to finish, they’ll ensure that the roof is installed safely and properly and is guaranteed for years to come.

Call City Boss Residential Roofing now!

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

Do you find you never use the bathtub? If you usually take showers and rarely use the tub, you might want to consider a bath to shower conversion. With help from Craved Renovations in Winnipeg, you can turn your shower into a luxurious retreat! After kitchens, bathroom renovations have one of the highest return on investment and can help increase your resale value. Read on to learn more about this smart home renovation:

Reasons to Convert your Tub to a Shower:

In many cases, homeowners just prefer showers over baths. Bathrooms that have a shower over a bathtub are growing in popularity. According to this article in House Logic, a survey that found that more than 60% of homeowners preferred a stall shower without a tub. They still recommend that you keep at least one tub in your home. While tub-less bathrooms are trendy, people will still have a hard time purchasing a home that has no bathtub at all.

For some people, it’s to increase safety and accessibility. Tubs are difficult for people with mobility issues to get in and out of. Falls are one of the top reasons for hospitalization for seniors and those living with mobility issues. Bathroom renovations that include a bath to shower conversion can create a safe environment and give you peace of mind.

Modern showers can be built with lots of easy-to-use features like seats and sturdy handles to help those with mobility issues. There are many luxury features you can add that everyone in the home will enjoy. Browse the huge selection of fixtures from a bathroom and plumbing supply store to find fixtures that match your design. Craved Renovations can recommend fixtures to improve your bathroom’s efficiency like water-saving showerheads.

What to expect when you renovate the bathroom:

When you contact Craved Renovations, they will come to your home to inspect the existing bathtub area. This is to make sure it’s actually compatible with a bath to shower conversion. Once you get your quote and decide to move forward with the project the work begins!

It starts with demolishing the old bathtub area and making any necessary repairs to ensure your new shower remodel will function perfectly. After the area is properly prepared they will begin to install the shower you have chosen as well as the fixtures. When the conversion is complete, the contractor will clean up the workspace and dispose of the old tub for you. Now you are ready to enjoy your brand new shower!

General Contractors in Winnipeg

Craved Renovations is a full-scale renovation company that serves Winnipeg and the surrounding areas. They specialize in bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, basement developments, deck additions, and more. If you’re looking for a home renovation, modernization, or remodel, connect with Craved Renovations.

Contact them today to get started!

Click to Find >>> General Contractors in Winnipeg

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

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Beyond just being a beautiful addition, the right tile design in a bathroom can transform the entire room. Tiles can either add that desired spa-like feel or give bathrooms a more modern, sleek appearance. Either way, with their flexible design, tiles provide a lot of creative freedom when it comes to using them.

Moar Tile Inc. in Edmonton is a professional tile company providing both installations and solutions to previous, improper tile installation. They share some creative ways to design with tile in your next bathroom reno:

Go patterned with your tile floor

It may not seem like a first choice to add a patterned floor, but it adds a lot of creative design elements. Combing patterns such as windmill or chevron with mixed colours will add a nice bold touch. Likewise, for something simpler, a custom inlay or mosaic will also do the trick. Just be sure that the rest of the bathroom sticks with a simple design, to avoid too many patterns. Whatever colour you choose, be sure to incorporate it throughout the room as well. That way, your floor has that “wow” feature, but one that still works in the room’s overall design.

Work with a dark grout

Grout plays a key role not only in the installation of tiles but also in their design aspects. As the finishing touch for a tile floor or wall, the wrong look can easily ruin the appearance of the tile. Typically, grout is white, but there are dyes that can change the colour. There is no one right colour combination in bathrooms, so it’s more of a personal choice. Still, combining white tiles with black grout is an attractive and popular look. The dark contrast adds a pop to the tiles while giving the room a sleek, modern design. In a simple bathroom, it can easily make your tiles the main feature focus. Likewise, a coloured tile with white grout will also give the same effect, but with a pop of colour. Check out these other beautiful coloured grout combinations for some more ideas!

Tiles on the floors and walls

If you can’t decide between tiles on your walls or floors, then don’t! Going for both gives double the design benefits and a completely new look for the bathroom. Unlike backsplash, you want large tiles for a wall. That way, the tiles are not only noticeable but also will make a statement. Either big square shapes or longer subway tiles are both popular choices in this case.

As for the floor, go for something different to help contrast the look. Faux wood tiles, for example, make for a perfect choice. With tile walls and floors, you don’t want to overwhelm the room with a dominating tile feel. Faux wood tiles, though, are a subtle and ideal addition to add balance. They are just as easy to maintain, very durable, and add that sleek look of hardwood. Any tile wall, whether coloured or white, will match perfectly with faux wood.

Bathroom Renovations in Edmonton

Moar Tile Inc. strives to ensure that each project is given the same quality and care as the next. They pride themselves on ensuring that every installation is done right the first time, without any mishaps. They offer everything from tile installation, heated flooring, custom inlays and more. Whatever your tile needs may be, Moar Tile Inc. is the company to call.

Ready to transform your bathroom with tiles? Then contact Moar Tile Inc. today!

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

When your business saves energy, it will also save money and that’s better for your bottom line. Though replacing some of your electrical systems and appliances require an initial investment, they will save you money in the long run. Whether you want to save money at the office or another type of commercial space, an electrician can help with smart upgrades.

TDR Electric in Vancouver is a professional electrical company that offers services to residential and commercial clients. They share how an electrician can save your business energy:

Invest in smart and eco-friendly lighting. 

Have you thought about switching your business over to LED lighting? It is probably the easiest thing you can do to save energy and money as a business or homeowner.

Making the swap will greatly reduce the amount of electricity you use day to day, reducing your business expenses. LED lights will use far less energy to produce light compared to incandescent bulbs and they last up to 10 times longer too. You’ll save money on energy costs; your lighting will require less maintenance over the lifespan of the fixtures and your company will quickly experience a return on the investment.

Plus, LED bulbs do not contain mercury. That means they’re less harmful to the environment. TDR Electric can help you recycle your old fixtures and bulbs. Just ask for more information.

LED lighting can also provide a range of types of lighting. You might need general-purpose ambient lighting in the office, but task lighting or a more specific colour or effect in another area of your business. A good electrician will work with you to create a lighting design plan that best meets your needs.

Use automation to help save energy.

New technology allows us to introduce automation. You can create a lighting solution specific to your requirements while caring for the planet. Program your lighting automation to turn lights on and off at a certain time. You can also install energy-efficient interior and exterior daylight controls. Other equipment, like computers, printers, copiers, and phones can be integrated with an efficient automation system.

More electricity savings tips for your organization:

– Swap out your incandescent bulbs with a more efficient bulb like compact fluorescent bulbs or better yet, LED lights, as mentioned.

– Invest in LED signage for your exterior sign or exit signs.

– Install dimmer switches to allow you to adjust the light intensity in the room.

– Install motion detectors in areas like the washroom, copy rooms, and other frequently unoccupied rooms.

– Have an electrician rewire your bathroom fans so they come on and off automatically with the lights.

– Consider installing a control lighting system that can be programmed to adjust the light automatically as needed.

Electricians in Vancouver

TDR Electric provides residential electrician services for remodeling/renovations, light fixture installations, appliance connections, rewiring, electrical panel upgrades and everything in between in North Vancouver. For commercial and industrial clientele, they provide electrical panel upgrades, energy savings and audits, generator installation and maintenance, lighting upgrades and more.

Contact TDR Electric today!

 

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

If you need a new roof, it’s not something you can put off. Your roof is responsible for protecting your home from the weather. If it’s not doing its job, your home could be susceptible to expensive water damage. Prevent that by replacing your old, worn or damaged roof as soon as possible.

Signs you need a roof replacement

If you suspect you might need a roof replacement, do not wait too long! The longer you wait, the worse the damage will be and the more expensive the repairs. Here are some tell-tale signs you need a new roof:

You’ve noticed a leak.

If you’ve noticed water stains on your ceiling or walls, it could mean your roof is leaking. It could also mean you have leaking plumbing, but first let’s check on the roof. Climb up into the attic with a flashlight. If you see stains or streaks on the roof board, trusses or moldy insulation, it means your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired or replaced.

The shingles are peeling, curling or missing. 

Your asphalt shingles should be laying flat along the surface of your roof. Over time, sun and weather exposure will cause your shingles to curl and peel. They will become brittle and can break and blow away in the wind. If your shingles are cracked, coming apart or curling, it’s likely at the end of its life. Have your roof replaced now before you spring a leak.

The flashing is damaged.

You should have metal flashing around your vents, chimney and sometimes, in the valleys of your roofing system. If your flashing is coming apart, cracked or damaged, it means it’s no longer protecting those critical areas of the roof. Upgrade the flashing, pay for repairs or consider a full roof replacement.

Your wood roofing is rotting.

In the case of wood shakes or shingles, check for signs of rotting. You’ll notice these areas if they are a different colour, have missing shingles/shakes in places or are growing an intense amount of moss or algae. Get up on the roof and push a screwdriver into the wood. If it’s soft, it might need to be replaced.

You’ve never replaced the roof.

If you’ve owned your home for decades and have never replaced the roof, it might be time. A good roof can last 20 to 25 years, if it was installed properly. If it’s been longer than that and your roof is showing obvious signs of damage, it’s time to have it replaced.

Read more signs you need a new roof.

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Roofing Options: Pros, Cons and Costs

There are many different types of roofing materials on the market. In this roofing material comparison, we will look at the most common roofing materials: asphalt, metal, wood, tile and rubber roofing. When evaluating each roofing material, we’ll look over the good, the bad and the cost of each type.

Asphalt Roofing

The Good

Asphalt roofing is the most popular and the most affordable roofing option. Asphalt shingles of the past did not stand up well, but new technology and manufacturing processes have made modern asphalt shingles durable and long-lasting.

With proper installation, high quality asphalt shingle can last 15 to 25 years before needing to be replaced. Most roofing companies will offer a warranty on the asphalt shingles and sometimes the warranty is transferable from home owner to home owner.

Asphalt also comes in a range of colours, tones and shingle styles. Choosing different shingle styles will have an affect on how the roof looks. The three main styles of asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles and luxury shingles, the go up in price in that order. Learn how to select the right type of asphalt shingles. 

The Bad

Asphalt shingles absorb the sun’s heat. This can make your attic very hot, so they’re not the best option for optimal energy efficiency. Sun exposure can also cause the shingles to curl, peel and detach from the roof. You’ll see this on the south facing parts of the roof sooner, because they are more exposed to the sun. If you’ve noticed your asphalt roof curling or deteriorating, it’s time for a roof replacement.

The Cost

Depending on the quality and type of asphalt shingles you choose, expect to pay between $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot, including installation.

Metal Roofing

The Good

Metal roofing has become increasingly popular over recent years. This durable roofing option has the longest lifespan compared to other roofing materials. In most cases, it can be the last roof a homeowner will ever have to buy, with a lifespan of 50 years or more. They are resistant to all weather, the sun’s UV, pests and rot.

Metal roofs are also maintenance free and completely resistant to moisture. Instead of absorbing the sun like other roofing types, they reflect it. This makes them one of the most energy efficient roofing materials, especially in the summer when you’re trying to keep the house cool. For more information, read these metal roofing FAQs.

The Bad

The downside of metal roofing? It is expensive. Depending on the roofing products you choose, you can spend up to triple the price compared to asphalt roofing. You won’t have to worry about roof repair or replacement costs, possibly in your lifetime, so it is worth the cost for some homeowners. If you can afford it, this care-free, maintenance-free roofing option is one of the best choices.

The Cost

Depending on the brand and type of metal roofing you choose; it can cost between $5.00 and $13.00 per square foot including installation.

Wood Roofing

The Good

Wood roofing is generally made from cedar. This is because cedar is naturally resistant to insects and rot compared to other wood species. Wood roofing is available in two different styles: shakes and shingles. Shingles are machine-cut and give your roof a more uniform, smooth look. Wood shakes are hand-cut, so they have a more natural and rustic appearance.

Roofing materials made of wood are the most environmentally friendly roofing option. Wood is a renewable resource and they are also recyclable. Wood is also a natural insulator, which makes wood roofing a good choice if you’re interested in improving energy efficiency. They can also last up to 5 to 10 years longer than asphalt shingles.

The Bad

Wood roofing is expensive, with wood shakes being more expensive than wood shingles. They also require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking good. While they perform okay in dry climates, they can be susceptible to moss and algae growth in humid, rainy climates. You’ll have to clean your roof regularly to keep growth from happening and to allow the shingles to breath. You can opt for special wood treated shakes and shingles, so ask your roofing contractor what your options are.

Wood shakes and shingles are also more hazardous if you live in a wildfire zone, as they don’t have fire resistance. They are durable, but repairs are expensive if they’re required.

The Cost

Depending on whether you’ve chosen wood shakes or wood shingles, a cedar roof can cost you between $5.50 to $9.00 including installation.

Tile Roofing

The Good

Tile has been used as a roofing material since the ancient times. A tile roof will give a home a look of sophistication, elegance and class. There are four main types of tile roofing used on residential homes: traditional clay tiles, slate tiles, concrete tiles and fiber cement tiles. All types are typically glazed or finished with a waterproof coating.

Tile roofing will give you home an upscale look. They come in a range of colours, textures and styles, giving you more options to choose from to class up your curb appeal. If you’re trying to achieve a Mediterranean or European look for you home, tile roofing is a great choice.

All four main types of tile roofing offer strength, durability and longevity. When properly installed, your tile roof can last 50 years or more. It is resistant to rot, insects and fire. If you choose a light-coloured tile, it will help reflect the sun off your room and increase energy efficiency. Tiles are also recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice.

The Bad

Tile roofing is the most expensive roofing material option, priced higher than asphalt, metal and wood roofing. It also requires specific skills to install, and installation is more time consuming, which drives up the price of installation. Because tile is so heavy, your roof might need extra framing support. If this is the case, you’ll have to factor in the labour cost for that job too.

Tile can also break when it is walked on. This means you or any contractor working on your roof to do repairs to the tiles, vents or chimney, must be extra careful. Broken tiles are heavy and if they go unnoticed, they can damage your gutter system. Read more about choosing tile roofing for your home.

The Cost

The cost of tile roofing depends on the type of tile you choose. Slate tiles can range between $9.00 to $22.00 per square foot installed. For clay or concrete tiles, the cost estimate is $11.00 to $22.00 per square foot including installation. Fiber cement roof tiles cost around $10.00 per square foot.

Rubber Roofing

The Good

Rubber roofing in shingle-form is relatively new to the market, but a new and innovative choice for residential roofing materials. Sheet rubber roofing has been great option for flat or low-sloped roofs. Rubber shingles is a more attractive option for peaked roofs.

This roofing material is waterproof, so it will do a good job or protecting your home from rain and snow. It is also resistant to insect, rot and some are fire retardant. Typically, a rubber roof can last 30 years or more before needing to be replaced or repaired.

Rubber roofing can be made of 100% recycled materials and can be recycled again afterwards. Rubber reflects heat, which will make your home cooler in the summer. It also acts as a good insulator, which will help you keep that heat in during the winter. All-in-all, rubber roofing is an environmentally-friendly roofing option.

Rubber roofing is available in a range of colours and styles. You can have it mimic the look of a traditional shingled roof or install rubber roofing in sheets. The rubber sheets are typically used for flat or low-sloping roofs, since the sheets can cover a large area and do not need gravity to work like pitched roofing systems. Rubber weighs less than wood or tile roofing, making labour and installation costs less.

The Bad

Rubber roofing needs to be installed by an experienced, skilled roofing contractor that specializes in this type of roofing material. Because it is a niche market, fewer roofing companies offer this roofing choice. You might have to find a company that specializes in low-pitched or flat roofs, and because it is a specialized material, it might cost more to install than traditional roofing materials.

If not installed and sealed properly, rubber roofing can leak around chimneys and vents on the roof. They might require resealing from time to time. Rubber roofing can also be damaged by falling debris and foot traffic, but repairs are easy and affordable. Make sure the roofers you hire have experience installing this type of roofing. Proper installation is key to preventing leaks and issues down the road.

The Cost

The cost of your rubber roofing will depend on the size of your roof and the type of rubber roofing you choose. Expect to pay between $4.00 to $5.50 per square foot including installation.

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What about roof repair?

In some cases, you can get away with having the roof repaired instead of paying for a full replacement. If you’ve noticed that you just have a damaged spot, but the rest of the roof is in good shape, it could be a candidate for repair. Here are things to consider when determining if you need roof repair or replacement:

– the amount of damage
– if there is a leak
– the age of your roof
– if you want to sell or stay in the home
– whether you can install roofing over the existing roofing
– if there is other damage to the roofing system including the gutters, soffit and fascia

Roof repairs are less expensive than a roof replacement, obviously, but they might just be a short-term solution. A new roof is a big expense, but it’s a good investment as it will protect your home and last for decades. If you’re not sure how extensive your roof damage is, contact a roofing contractor in your city to inspect your roof and make a suggestion.

Find a RenovationFind Certified roofing contractor in your city!

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

It’s probably the number one question that potential clients ask us. But the real question should be what can’t a handyman do?

The simplest way to put it is that we do all the smaller projects and repairs that the big trades (contractors, plumbers, electricians, flooring companies) don’t have time to do. If you have a list of things that need to be done or repaired and you ask yourself, who can I get to take care of all of these things at once? Chances are the answer is us. One call to take all your stress away. It really is just that simple.

What is the 604Handyman difference?

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We are one of a few fully branded handyman companies. You know that someone is from our team because they show up in a branded vehicle you can spot from down the street. They will always be wearing branded clothing and they are ready to get to work. We understand that it can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking to open your home up to a stranger, so we make sure that everyone who is hired is fully vetted. You know, someone we would invite into our own home as well.

Across all our franchises we make sure that communication between the front-line team and the operations team is smooth and the clients are always in the loop. Someone is going to be a few minutes late because they are stuck in traffic, we will be sure to let you know. We need to move to plan b to finish a project, the client is in the decision-making process.

We may run a bigger operation, but we don’t lose our small business feel. Supporting the communities that we live and work in is important to us, and the biggest reason why everyone on the 604Handyman team came onboard. We understand that it is a small business that keeps the communities together, helps to sponsor events for the kids and for the less fortunate.

Sometimes during the busy season, companies can be booked out weeks in advance. It can be frustrating if you really had your heart set on getting a smaller project done quickly. We have larger teams and we strive to get everyone booked in within 1-2 business days depending on the size of the job. That’s our business model, we don’t like waiting, so neither should you.

What do we specialize in?

We specialize in smaller projects for residential, commercial and strata clients. Smaller can mean many different things to different people. To make it a little bit clearer, think of a small job being anything that takes about 1-4 hours. Maybe you have a few small jobs or a long list of small jobs. That’s okay too! You can pile all the small jobs you want on us.

Some of our most requested items are below, although it can change throughout the seasons.

Everything above by itself is a small job unless you want to hang 40 pictures that’s a different story. But if you have to add it all together, we don’t consider it a big job, it’s still something that is within our scope. Wondering what else we can do, there is a whole lot more. We often get some out of the box projects that we love to take on. Does anyone need a catio? Don’t worry we got you covered!

I have a project in mind, do I need a contractor or a handyman?

It’s an important question based on what it is you need to get done. If you are planning a full kitchen renovation, an addition to your house or want to swap out a bathtub for a shower, chances are you need a contractor.

Some handyman companies do take on larger projects, but generally, if you need to get multiple trades involved; plumbers, electricians, carpenters, drywallers, roofers and others to all work on the same large project you need a contractor.

If you need a drywall repair, some baseboards installed, a few walls painted and a new door installed, then a handyman is a good fit for you.

What if I need more than 1 handyman?

If you are on a tight timeline and only have 1 day available to get your list done, or your project needs 2 people to complete. It’s no problem, we can help you out. Our teams are made up of multiple handymen so if you need 2, or 3, and maybe even 4 we can make it happen. A lot of our commercial clients take advantage of this as they are normally on a tight timeline due to business hours.

Regardless of what you need done, or where you need it done our goal is making your life easier. Give us a call, you will be happy you did!

Contact 604Handyman today for guaranteed quality work!

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