Protecting Your Roof in Spring
Inspecting your roof
April showers bring May owers and possibly wet insulation, damaged drywall, rotten plywood and even mold. Spring is here, and it's time to prepare your roof for the upcoming weather changes. As a homeowner, your roof is one of the most crucial investments you make in your property. That's why regular inspection and repairs of your roof, if required, should be on top of your priority list.
Understanding Roof Protection in Spring
As the weather warms up, it's important to prioritize regular roof maintenance to protect your home. This is especially true in the spring, as it provides the perfect opportunity to assess and address any potential roof damage that may have occurred over the winter months. By taking proactive steps now, such as inspecting your roof and addressing any issues that arise, you can prevent costly repairs down the line. Professional roong contractors have the expertise and knowledge to provide you with peace of mind and ensure your roof is protected throughout the coming
months.
By taking necessary precautions, you can protect your roof from weather damage and ensure that it remains in good condition throughout the year. April is the perfect time to prioritize and to assess your roof for any signs of damage, such as loose or missing shingles, wood rot, or potential leaks. Give your home's roof the care it deserves. Don't forget to check your chimney and lookout for signs of rodent or pest damages. With a spring roof inspection, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your roof is in excellent shape.
Conclusion
Taking proactive steps to protect your roof throughout the year is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. By clearing debris, addressing any damage early, and pruning trees, you can minimize the impact of inclement weather on your roof and maintain its health. If you have any questions or would like to schedule repairs or your free estimate for a new roof, please contact us.
Family Owned and Operated since 1961
Seaway Water Supply is proud to offer bulk water delivery services for all commercial, industrial, residential and construction needs across Durham and the GTA. Our extensive experience and technical expertise enables us to accommodate a wide range of bulk water projects –from small hourly projects to large-scale contracts. We’ve also expanded our operations to include waste management and vac services.
As you can see from the array of services we provide, Seaway Water Supply strives to position itself as the GTA's premier onestop shop for all your water services and waste management needs. We believe that by providing safe, accessible and costefficient services, we can make a positive impact to the communities we serve.
Over 64 years of excellence in Durham and the GTA. Call us today!
Simple strategies to create more storage space in the kitchen
If home is where the heart is, then the kitchen is where that heart spends most of its time. Kitchens are where family and friends tend to congregate during holiday celebrations.
Adding more storage in the kitchen gives the room a more organized feel, which can make preparing meals more enjoyable and create space when hosting and guests inevitably congregate around an island. With those benets in mind, would-be organizers can consider these strategies to create more storage space in the kitchen.
Install roll-out shelving in the pantry Roll-out shelving puts the entire pantry to use. Without such shelving, items are destined to be relegated to that nether region known as the back of the pantry. Some items never emerge from this area, as cooks forget they're there and then purchase duplicates, which inevitably
contributes to storage issues. Roll-out shelving ensures all items in the pantry can be found and greatly reduces the likelihood that cooks will have lots of duplicate items taking up precious kitchen space.
Remove single-use gadgets from the kitchen. Much like spices and seasonings vital to the preparation of specialty meals have a tendency to be used just once, kitchen gadgets that lack versatility have a way of gathering dust and taking up storage space. Whether it's a popcorn maker, a seldom-used but space-needy wok or another gadget that's used infrequently, if at all, store single-use gadgets in the garage or another area of the house where they won't get in the way or contribute to a lessthan-organized look in the room.
A handful of simple strategies can help anyone create more storage space in the kitchen.
Five benets to Florida rooms
Snowbirds heading south to escape cold winters is a phenomenon which has been popular for decades. Places like Florida often beckon vacationers and retirees who are eager to enjoy the sun and surf.
Individuals who have travelled south are likely familiar with outdoors spaces known as "Florida rooms " While they are commonplace in Florida, these rooms are not exclusive to the Sunshine State. In fact, they can be benecial additions regardless of where one lives.
Florida rooms tend to be enclosed, screened-in spaces that expand a home's living space outward They may be outdoor patios, living rooms or even areas that surround covered swimming pools. Florida rooms can be tailored to homeowners' personal preferences and lifestyles.
They help to maintain a connection to nature The rooms may be on the side of a house or overlook a backyard, enabling
residents to enjoy the great outdoors without full exposure to the elements They make it possible to enjoy outdoors for most of the year: People who live in temperate climates can enjoy outdoor spaces all year long. Those who nd it is pleasant outside for most months of the year can retreat to Florida rooms when conditions are less inviting Heating and cooling capabilities can be added to the spaces to make them full four-season rooms.
The rooms add value: Adding a Florida room gives homeowners additional space to enjoy with friends and family. Also, it has the potential to increase a home's resale value without committing to an extensive renovation.
Florida rooms add comfort, space and value to homes, making them a worthy consideration for anyone looking to improve the creature comforts of their home
( N C ) Fo r t y y e a r s a g o , C a n a d a experienced 19 natural disasters per decade, on average. That number has now increased to 133. From extreme heat to wildres and ooding, incidences of extreme weather are on the rise. While we can’t change the weather, there are things that can be done to prepare for major events and lessen their impact on our homes.
“With more people impacted by extreme weather, preparation matters,” says Carla Smith, Chief Climate Ofcer at Intact. “Small measures taken today can save time, money, and stress down the road. There are simple maintenance steps you can take to reduce the risk of ooding and wildre to your home and they can typically be completed in less than a day.” Continued on page 10.
Preparing your home for extreme weather
Continued from page 8.
Wildres. If you live near forests and grasslands, keeping combustible ground cover such as mulch and plants at least 1.5 metres, about one and a half baseball bats, from the house perimeter is a must. Keep the lawn mowed to less than 10 centimetres, or about the height of a pop can, and plant low-growing, well-spaced shrubs and other re-resistant plants. Adding a non-combustible threemillimetre screen to all external vents, except for the dryer vent, along with fencing made of cement ber boards, metal, chain link or stone within 1 5 metres of the house can all help prevent wildres from spreading.
Reduce the risk of ooding. The simplest way to help reduce the risk of ooding is with regular maintenance of your home, both inside and outside, twice a year. This includes removing debris
from storm drains and cleaning out eavestroughs, checking for leaks in plumbing xtures and appliances, testing your sump pump and cleaning out the backwater valve. Be sure to also keep obstructions well away from oor drains.
Beat the heat. There are many simple and cost-effective home upgrades available to help moderate temperature. Consider planting shade trees, growing vines over your brick walls, deck or balcony, as well as using fans for air circulation and installing heat-resistant glazing on windows. During periods of extreme heat, these steps will help lower the temperature of your home without solely relying on an air conditioning unit.
The reality of climate change is that Canadians are experiencing more wildres, homes are being ooded from torrential rain events, and more people are being impacted by extreme heat.
Garden glow-up: Five tips to improve the look of your yard
(NC) Spring brings sunshine and warmth, motivating us to get outdoors, start new projects and improve our yards, which typically look less than stellar after the winter Give your garden the refresh it deserves with these simple steps. Tidy up the yard. The very rst step is to remove dead leaves, trim overgrown bushes and prune any plants that need a little extra care. Continued on page 14.
Garden glow-up:
Continued from page 12.
This simple clean-up will immediately make your garden look more inviting. If your gardening tools need an update, check your local retailer for a wide range of affordable, high-quality products.
Add owers. Consider adding seasonal owers such as dahlias, snapdragons and cosmos that bloom at different times throughout the season for continuous colour. For a lower-commitment gardening option, try adding potted plants and arrangements strategically around the yard to brighten up the space.
Mulch and edge garden beds. Edging creates a clean and visually appealing boundary between the lawn and garden. Adding mulch polishes off the look while also helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Add outdoor décor. Touches of décor
around the yard will elevate the overall look. From solar-powered lights to decorative planters, metal wall art, patio signs and furniture, small touches can make a big difference in the ambiance of your garden. If you’re looking to keep up with the latest trends in home and garden décor for a high end look at a fraction of the price, try searching online on marketplaces like Temu.
Add a fresh coat of paint. Don’t underestimate the power of paint. A fresh coat of paint on fences, garden furniture and planters can instantly rejuvenate your outdoor space. Choose colors that complement your garden and create a cohesive look.
With a little bit of effort and some smart shopping, you can give your yard a beautiful spring clean-up without spending a fortune.
Three tips to prepare and save for your rst home
(NC) Purchasing your rst home is an exciting time in your life, but preparing and saving for this milestone can be overwhelming. For less stress, consider the following:
Set a realistic timeline and savings goal. The time it takes to build that down payment is different for everyone, so it’s important to make plans and budgets which work for you and your lifestyle. When you ’ re ready to start putting money aside, it’s worth nding ways to maximize your savings. One way of doing this is by holding your deposits in a tax-free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Keep your savings safe.
While you ’ re on your journey to savings, you’ll want to ensure the down payment you worked so hard for is kept safe. If you do open an FHSA, look for an institution
which qualies for deposit insurance For reference, the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) insures eligible deposits in nine different categories for each of its member institution. Find more information about how they protect FHSAs and other accounts, at CDIC.ca. They also have a handy online calculator to help determine your coverage.
Know what you want and shop around.
When it comes time to start house hunting, take the time to think about what makes a house a home and what matters most to you. It never hurts to shop around and see all the market has to offer before making a purchase.
Finally, whether it’s reaching a savings goal or making that nal purchase, don’t forget to celebrate when you hit those milestones.
DIY deck resurfacing in eight easy steps
(NC) Did you know that for the same amount of time and energy required to strip, sand and stain a wooden deck, you can replace the boards with highp e r f o r m a n c e , l o w - m a i n t e n a n c e composite decking?
Resurfacing a deck is a doable DIY project can be completed in just a weekend or two Here are the main steps: Remove old deck boards Start by removing any railing and prying up the existing deck boards. L eave the substructure and framing in place.
Clean the frame. Ensure that all fasteners and hardware have been removed from the top of the deck frame. If nails can’t be removed, bend the tips over so they lie at on the wood for safety. Remove any debris from the bays between joists to allow air to ow beneath the frame.
Inspect the substructure. Check the beams and joists of the framing to ensure these foundational components are free of rot and decay. Use a athead screwdriver to probe for soft spots. Repair or replace any decayed or rotting framing before continuing.
Protect joists and beams. To extend the life of your deck, apply waterproof ashing tape, such as Trex Protect, to the joists and beams of the substructure. This self-adhesive tape helps to safeguard
wood and metal fasteners from moisture that can lead to rot, rust and decay
Install new deck boards. Lay out the new composite deck boards starting with the board farthest away from the home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spacing to ensure proper ventilation.
Shufe the deck. Composite decking is designed with random variation in hue from board to board. For a more natural look, shufe the order of the boards and do a visual preview before installing.
Frame and nish Once the deck boards are in place, use a circular saw to trim any overhang for clean edges. Then reattach railing components or add new railing, paying close attention to the manufacturer’s installation guide and local building codes.
Decorate and enjoy. Finish things off with furnishings and decorative elements. Then, step back and admire your work.
Fun and innovative modern kitchen features
Kitchens are the hub of many homes. Perhaps due to their popularity as gathering spaces, kitchens are popular rooms to renovate to ensure they remain functional and attractive through the years.
Online resources such as Houzz and Fixr indicate kitchens are consistently ranked among the most popular rooms to renovate. In 2022, 42 percent of homeowners were motivated to remodel their kitchens, according to data from Statista. Homeowners looking to enhance the functionality and look of their kitchens can consider these fun and innovative features as they plan their renovations.
Concealed countertop appliances
The latest small appliances and gadgets can make easy work of preparing food, but these devices can add to kitchen clutter. A roll-down door "appliance garage" will conceal appliances kept on counters.
Cleverly placed storage
Additional storage also can give kitchens a cleaner look. Narrow, pull-out drawers can be nestled in between cabinets or appliances to make the most of tight spaces. These spots are perfect for utensils or spice containers.
Mixer lift
Baking enthusiasts will cheer if they don't
have to lift a heavy stand mixer when preparing foods A mixer lift is an innovative feature that enables homeowners to raise and lower the mixer from a dedicated cabinet any time it's needed.
Microwave drawer
A microwave drawer maximizes space and boasts a sleek design. Instead of installing a microwave above a stove, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful range hood.
Wine refrigerator
Available in a variety of sizes, wine refrigerators offer stylish storage for any wine lover's collection. A refrigerator can be installed into an island or lower cabinet and integrated into the rest of the kitchen.
Double ovens
Double ovens are built directly into cabinetry and offer convenience and a sleek, modern look. Two ovens can make entertaining crowds easier, and separating the ovens from the burners lets homeowners install a cooktop elsewhere in the kitchen, which can expand oorplan options.
Outtting a modern kitchen during a renovation can involve some innovative features to enhance the space.
Did you know?
Homeowners with an eye on home improvement projects should know that kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the most costly rooms to renovate. An afliate of the National Kitchen and Bath Association told Architectural Digest in 2023 kitchens and bathrooms require the most labour-intensive renovations, which contributes signicantly to the high costs of such projects Labour is indeed a signicant cost when renovating a home, as the Construction Labour Market Analyzer indicates labour cost percentages in construction are between 20 and 40 percent of the total budget of a given project The nal cost of any renovation project will depend on a host of variables unique to each home, including the square footage of the room being remodelled and the materials homeowners choose. However, homeowners looking for less costly renovations may want to consider revamping their dining rooms and closets, each of which are projects that can make a difference and tend to require a less signicant nancial commitment than projects like kitchen and bath remodels.
Well-Designed Recycled Asphalt Driveways, Excavating & Grading
Ÿ Remove all vegetation
Step 2: Basework
Ÿ Cut and remove all potholes (Fix not lled).
Recycled asphalt driveways have become extremely popular in recent years and for good reason. Companies like Gravel Driveway Services that offer the best recycled asphalt and gravel driveway repair and installation solutions can attest to the fact that recycled asphalt is not only a more sustainable and overall helpful choice, but also one that features many hidden benets:
• Recycled asphalt is cheaper than many other materials that are used for building driveways If you ’ re on a budget, Gravel Driveway Services can help you out with some of the best low cost solutions for recycled asphalt.
• Recycled asphalt and gravel driveways are both considered to be highly popular choices due to their practicality and aesthetic appeal. However, with recycled asphalt you will also be saving the environment while giving your property’s exterior an appealing makeover.
Gravel Driveway Services has designed and proven a unique 6 step process to ensure that a consistent surface, drainage and results are guaranteed each and every time. Although the process can vary slightly based on terrain and grading requirements – as well as a variety of aggregates – our process will get your driveway job done right and on time.
Step 1: Layout
Ÿ Clear all debris from roadways
Ÿ Cut & Dene driveway and parking edges
Ÿ Re-grade driveway base eliminating all high/low and soft/hard areas (All rolls eliminated)
Ÿ Compact driveway base with vibratory roller/vibratory plate compactor.
Step 3: New Product
Ÿ Supply and install all aggregates to desired thickness in preparation for nal grading.
Step 4: Final Grading
Ÿ Slope and crown driveway according to surrounding grades.
Ÿ Finish rake complete surface.
Step 5: Compact Driveway
Ÿ Compact driveway with vibratory roller/vibratory plate compactor.
Step 6: Emulsion Sealer Application
Ÿ It will speed up the binding process and create resilience of the recycled asphalt product.
Additional Excavation and Repair
Services Offered: Culvert installation and repair, Ditch digging, grading and repairs, Steep pitch driveways and grading, Catch basin installations and repairs, Trenching, Paddock and farm work, Commercial properties, laneways and parking lots.
Gravel Driveway Services will provide you with some of the most impressive, high class construction and repair services related to recycled asphalt. Whether you want to build new recycled asphalt driveways, or repair your old ones, Gravel Driveway Services is the most resourceful service for the job. Call Gravel Driveway Services today for more information at 1-855-853-4611 or v i s i t t h e i r w e b s i t e a t graveldrivewayservices.ca.
