Planning on Re-roofing?

Some roofing contractors and roofing manufactures suggest that new roofing membrane can be installed over the old. This is a “No No!” In my opinion it must all come off including the flashing around chimneys, vent flashings as well as replacing all roof vents.

This will enable the applicator to inspect the substrate i.e. Roof sheathing, Eave Flashings, Chimney Counter Flashings and Roof Venting.

Roof venting is very important. For every 300 feet of attic (roof cavity) you must have 1 square foot of venting (144 square inches). After calculating the required square inches of venting 50% (half) should go into the roof or ridge the other 50% (half) into the soffit.

Good, Better, Best: consider at least a 30-year membrane applied over #15 asphalt paper (over entire roof) with a 90lb roof starter strip. In cold climates consider ice shield as a starter strip.

Finishing Procedure For New Wood Decks

This procedure applies to all wood decks built at least one foot or more above grade level and is appropriate for the following wood species:

Treated Lumber
Western Red Cedar
Spruce
Pine
Hemlock

Note: If you build your deck at grade level or less than one foot off the ground, all joists must be made of pressure treated lumber. You’ll get a longer lasting deck and peace of mind if you use pressure treated lumber for all decks built at grade level or within one foot of grade level.

Finishing Procedure:

1. Resist the urge to complete the building of your deck before treating the wood.

2. Lay out all deck boards on top of the joist system with the side that you select for the top surface facing down.

3. Use a felt tipped marker, mark the bottom side of each piece of wood so that you will know which side is up when you’re finished.

4. Use a deck wash or stain prep (mill glaze remover). Wash and rinse all six sides of each board and when finished, return them to “bottom side up”. Allow them to dry.

5. Whether you like a natural wood finish, stain or paint finish The Flood Product line has a number of options available to you. Spray or brush on a the finish of your choice. When you’re finished, place the deck boards right side up.

6. Now you’re ready to fasten the deck boards into place with galvanized nails.

7. Complete the finishing procedure by applying one or more additional coats to the finished top side.

Additional Comments:

Treated Lumber – There’s no need to let treated lumber sit without finishing for any length of time. Some people are of the opinion that you have to let treated lumber “cure” or “season” prior to finishing. This isn’t the case.

Always use an oil based finish for the first application of a finish on all species of wood.
Never apply a wood finish in the bright, hot sunlight.
Always read information on container before starting project and it should be 50 degrees or warmer.
For more information on the Flood Product Line go to your nearest Cloverdale Paint or Windsor Plywood Stores.

It’s just that easy!

We Need Your Input!

If you were listening to the HouseSmart or Home Discovery Radio Progams this weekend, you may have heard Shell ask for your feedback in regards to a few items that we may turn into a reality.

We need your input on two ideas.

We are trying to gauge a level of interest for a possible Home & Garden Radio station which could cover various topics related to your home and home improvement.

The other is a possible online or television video project that will deal with Kids in the workshop – teaching children the basics such as how to use a tool, safety tips amongst other topics related to youngsters.

Please email us your thoughts, it can be as simple as a yes or no – if you would be interested in listening or watching, or if you would not be, or any comments you may have.

Please email your comments to: info@askshell.com

Call Before You Dig

Are you putting in fenceposts, planting a tree, excavating for a deck or a new addition? Regardless of your landscaping project, always identify utility lines. To have your utilities marked, call your local utility company at least a week in advance. There could be gas pipelines, electrical services, telephone and cable TV as well as water and sewer connections so be safe.

Saskatchewan: SaskEnergy – Sask 1st Call
Call: 1-866-828-4888

Alberta: ATCO Energy Sense – Alberta 1-Call
Call: 1-800-242-3447

British Columbia - BC One Call
Call: 1-800-474-6886

Manitoba – Manitoba Call Before You Dig
Call 480-1212

Ontario – Ontario One Call
Call: 1-800-400-2255

Quebec – Info-Excavation
Call: 1-800-663-9228

Its Just That Easy Streaming Video

Be sure to check back regularily to view the latest in a series of online streaming video segments that we’ve been working on at HouseSmart. The “It’s Just That Easy” website segments will be produced in partnership with Oh Boy Productions to provide a valuable resource for today’s savvy homeowners. We are still in the process of getting all of the information on the site, however, due to the demand, we are opening the site a little early. Feel free to take a look.

Featured Videos:

Video: Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF):
Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) technology has several advantages over conventional wood frame construction. In this segement Shell will walk you through a building project that is using Arxx Insulated Concrete Forms.

Video: Window Installation Done Right:
This video will show you all you need to know about the Best Window and Best Window Installation, done the HouseSmart way. There are four individual videos to view – an introduction, about the windows, a tour of the manufacturing plant, and the installation.

Enjoy!