Landscaping Trends You Need To Try In 2020

Isn’t it exciting how spring is almost in sight? If you’re already done with the harsh winter cold, then look forward to the colourful blooms of the upcoming season by planning how you can level up your home’s curb appeal with the following trends:

Smart irrigation
Technology with a landscape application continues to be a strong feature of the lawn and landscape industry. In 2020, there will be a rising demand by homeowners for high-tech irrigation systems that deliver finely tuned amounts of water to a lawn or landscape, conserving water and saving money in the long run. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and smartphone apps enable today’s irrigation systems to be controlled from anywhere. Source: NewsOn6

Growing more edible plants
Blended gardens that incorporate edibles and ornamentals do double duty, giving gardeners a bountiful harvest of fruit, vegetables and herbs and an alternative to turfgrass. Edible gardens also create community as urban farmers share their bounty around the neighborhood. Source: HGTV

Designing using patterns
Professionals are noting an uptick in requests for intricate hardscaping patterns including waves, chevron, lattice and basket weave to sweep the country. From walkways and patios to retaining walls and fire features, homeowners are looking to integrate popular home décor patterns into their hardscape designs. Source: BuilderOnline

Functional minimalism
Minimalism has taken the world by storm, and outdoor spaces are adopting the trend, too. According to NALP’s report, people are looking for sleek, contemporary landscape designs that look good and have some useful function, preferably in multiple seasons: Think native plants, heat lamps, and protective structures that allow people to spend more time outdoors year-round. Source: RealSimple

It would be a shame if you have a perfect landscape, but some bad paving steals the attention of everyone. Good thing is that you can call us anytime to fix it!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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3 Reasons Why You Should Be Cautious When Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Drainage blocks can cause many annoying problems at home. And when it happens, one of the first solutions that come to mind is to grab a chemical cleaner at the grocery store nearby. However, did you know that such products may just cause you more problems later on? Read below to find out why:

It can cause damage to pipes and surrounding areas
Chemical drain cleaners react with the blockage material by creating heat that disintegrates it. Designed to be denser than water, they are more likely to splash and corrode surrounding surfaces. To reduce damage to surrounding areas like porcelain, stainless steel and aluminum faucets, pour the cleaner as close to the drain as possible and use only the minimum amount necessary. Most require that you either add water to the cleaner or add cleaner to the water. Do so carefully and slowly to reduce splashing. Avoid pouring the cleaner into a plastic or porcelain basin to reduce the chance of cracking it.

Be aware of what type of piping you have. Chemical drain cleaners can soften soft plastic pipes (PVC). They can also cause additional damage to already old and corroded pipes. You may have to use an enzymatic drain cleaner to prevent damage to your pipes. They tend to be less corrosive, but they’re also less effective at dissolving blockages. A manual drain cleaner like a drain snake is also an option. Source: DoItYourself

It is highly dangerous
They’re extremely toxic if swallowed, and they can burn eyes, skin and mucous membranes and eat through clothing. They can release noxious fumes, and if used improperly, they can cause explosions. These products can also harm septic systems by killing beneficial bacteria, and they can mar bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks

It may not even work
What is causing your drain to clog up? Drains sometimes back up because of trouble in the sewer line, or because of broken pipes. Dumping chemicals down a drain won’t fix these problems. Source: AngiesList

If you have drainage problems at home, the best solution is to call a professional who can solve it in just a snap. Call us right away!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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Should we paint? Asking and listening to owners

If you’re like most strata corporations, building maintenance is a divisive issue. And if you’re reading this, it’s because you care, perhaps more than most.

Proactive councils understand building life cycles and depreciation reports and are knowledgeable about various project costs.  In contrast, other groups seem to oppose any proposal to spend money except for regular operations. Or worse, they are indifferent (or oblivious) to the need to regularly maintain their strata property. Welcome to strata living.

But there is hope. Major painting projects are a valuable investment of time and money. Done well, they immediately improve property values, reduce future maintenance expenses, increase community pride of ownership and make people feel better about their homes.

So, walking into an AGM, owners will be thinking of all of these things as they decide whether to give approval. But they are also weighing these benefits against the joy of buying a new car, taking a vacation, building their savings, or just keeping up with their regular bill payments. Everyone’s situation is different.

Our advice? Here are four ways to build the momentum needed to get your painting project approved:

• Engage the owners early on, survey with options, gauge interest
• Hold an information meeting, invite input, summarize and distribute findings
• Form a non-council advisory group
• Invite a credible industry spokesperson to the AGM for questions

These are ideas for wider consultation and can allow the process to gain energy. They will also provide insight into what is most important to owners since its unlikely to be the same for everyone.

Once you have this information, you are in a better position to decide if there is enough support to move forward. If it’s close you may see opportunities to provide more information, answer concerns, or simply work to persuade the swing group.

For example, do they need to know that the resale value will increase? Are they more interested in improving community pride? Is there concern that if we don’t paint now, then it will cost us much more in the long run. Perhaps they need someone to share their enthusiasm about the project results or a past experience that proved worthwhile.

We’re quite certain; your best success will come from a mix of practical information and emotional convincing. And, if you are aware of what’s important to owners, then you’ll be better equipped to get your approval.

We hope this helps. If you’re in a situation like above and curious for more ideas, please call or email us to discuss.

The post Should we paint? Asking and listening to owners appeared first on Remdal.

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4 Romantic Decor Ideas for Your Home This Valentine’s Day

Only a few days left before Valentine’s. But, if you’re already living with the love of your life, you have a reason to celebrate it every day.  Make each moment more special by following these tips:

Choose the right window treatment
One should select such window curtains or dressings that are plush, alluring and dark so that it can curb lights from traffic or any sort of external noise from intervening in the romantic mood that is created. Source: Freshome

Glow with fairy lights
String lights aren’t only for the holidays. You wouldn’t want to wrap your bedroom in bright colors or blinking bulbs, but a single string of white lights is quite romantic. Wrap the lights around your footboard or headboard or weave them over the curtain rod, the doorframe, or even across the ceiling over your bed. You’ll get a soft glow similar to candlelight without the need to worry about flames or fumes. Very pretty. Source: TheSpruce

Create a hideout
Have a space in your home that you’re not really using? Clear out the junk and make it a place for your loved one to enjoy instead. Add furniture and touches that you know they’ll enjoy, such as wall paint in their favorite color, or the perfect storage solution for their favorite collection. Source: ChoiceHomeWarranty

Talk with a florist
That’s right—have a conversation with someone who lives and breathes gorgeous blooms. You know roses sell for top dollar this time of year, so to save some cash (and avoid being totally on the nose) steer clear of this obvious choice and pick something sentimental in an unexpected color.

Julie Coraccio, a professional organizer with Reawaken Your Brilliance, recommends fragrant lilies or wildflowers.

“Find something that looks like you picked it from your yard and has a carefree sense,” she says. Source: Realtor

Have bigger home improvements in mind? We’ll take care of them for you! Call us today!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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Tips You Need to Follow When Removing Roofing Shingles

Are you planning to DIY the removal of some damaged shingles on your roof? It’s a difficult task, but with caution, you can certainly pull it off. Take a look at the necessary steps you need to take to ensure a successful, risk-free project.

 

Wear safety equipment
Before you begin any work on your roof, you want to ensure your safety equipment is in good repair in order to get the job done. Safety equipment such as ladders, ropes and harnesses should be checked for any defects. Be sure to include safety goggles, gloves and sunscreen when you are considering doing work on your roof. Also, a straw hat is good for keeping the sun out of your eyes. Rubber soled shoes in good repair will ensure you keep your footing while on your roof. Source: DoItYourself

Begin at the top
Start at the peak of the roof. Use a garden fork to pry off the shingles from the ridge cap. Slide the tines of the fork underneath the shingles and felt paper. Lift the garden fork straight up to release the shingles from the roof.

Divide your work area
Continue working in 2-foot- to 3-foot-wide sections across the roof, working down as you walk across. Dispose of the shingles as you go. Work slowly and carefully around the flashing, chimney or skylights. Pull the loosened shingles off by hand around these areas. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Clean up
Once you have finished removing the old roofing and nails, sweep the roof to get rid of any debris before you begin laying your new moisture barrier. You’ll want a push broom to make this job go faster.

Though a regular brush can be used to get all the loose nails into one pile to scoop up, it’s more efficient to have a magnetic broom. These are magnets on wheels that you roll over the surface to collect any metal items left behind. They can be as simple as a magnet on wheels, or they can have a brush, magnet, and vacuum. They are handy on rooftops, but excellent to roll over the ground. They’ll pick up nails you may not be able to see that are down in your grass.

Once you have finished, find a dry place to store your extra shingles for later use. Make sure that they lay flat, so they don’t become misshapen. They won’t be any use to you in the future if they aren’t flat. Source: HealthyHandyman

Endangering yourself to save a few dollars isn’t worth it. If, in the tiniest bit, you’re not sure whether you can manage to do some roof work yourself, it would be best to leave the task to the pros. Call us today to get your free estimate!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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