Changing the colour of your kitchen (or bathroom) counter top
How to Stain or Paint a Fence
1. Mow, rake, weed or spray weed killer to get rid of any leaves, grass or weeds near the base of a fence. Lay a drop cloth below the fence.
2. Clean wood fence and remove any loose paint with either a power washer or a hose with a power nozzle, scrub brush and detergent/water solution. Using a paint scrapers remove any remaining loose paint. Feather any raised paint edges into the adjacent area with a power sander. To kill any mould or mildew on the fence, sponge on a 50/50 bleach-water solution on the areas.
3. Use a roller, pad or sprayer to paint/stain large flat wooden fences. Apply paint with either an airless model of paint sprayer or a high volume low-pressure sprayer. Catch drips or work paint into difficult areas with a brush.
4. After painting/staining the fencing, wash the roller frame and pan with either paint thinner or water. This depends on the type of paint applied. Follow the manufacturers directions to clean spray equipment.
What Paint or Stain to Use:
Painting new wood fence material: Apply alkyd exterior primer or oil based semi transparent stain.
Painting previously alkyd painted fencing: Apply acrylic latex exterior paint or acrylic solid color stain.
Painting: Not aware of what has previously been used on the fence. Follow the procedures as for new wood.
Tools:
Mower, rake, weeding tool or weed killer, drop cloth, power washer, and goggles, garden hose & nozzle, bucket & scrub brush, paint scrapers, metal file, electric finishing, or random orbit sander, wire brush, paint applicators.
“It’s Just That Easy”
ICF (insulated concrete forms) for foundation
Q: I am building a new home and the builder has suggested using insulated concrete forms for the foundation. What do you think of this?
A: I agree with your builder since I believe that one day all homes should be built with Insulated Concrete Forms. ICF foundation walls are built with a reinforced concrete core, between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation. This method is known to be more effective in reducing drafts and cold spots, especially in basements.
Typically, there is an R-Value of R-22, however, Insulated Concrete Forms can produce equivalent insulation values of up to R-50. Definitely an energy efficient way to go.
By using this foundation the concrete is protected, which keeps moisture out, as well as protects the foundation from cracking which can occur when concrete is exposed to cold temperatures. I have had several calls and also noticed that a lot of new homes are now using it.
Update a concrete patio with DIY railings and a concrete coating
Q. We are in the process of putting an aluminum roof above of our patio. We would like to install new railings around the patio with glass in between so we can have a view but shelter us from the wind. Can you tell us where we can purchase the materials for our railings.
The other question is, we want to paint the concrete slab before the new railings go up. It is a south facing patio that is concrete that has never been painted. A few cracks and not great looking but it doesn’t have to look perfect. What is the easiest and most effective way to paint this outdoor concrete/cement patio so that we don’t have to always repaint it in the future? Where should we buy the product?
Thank in advance for any feedback you can give me as it is very much appreciated.
A. It’s best not to paint concrete since it ends up not being too resilient and will require ongoing maintenance. One option would be to use a coloured concrete stain available through Ducan or Coverdale Paint. You will have to prepare the surface with a Muriatic Acid wash to etch the surface, which is also available through Cloverdale Paint. This is an acid so be sure to read the label carefully. Another option is a coating called DeckStone available through Consolidated Coatings. We also have a concrete restoration service on our HouseSmart Referral Network called “The Crackman,” that may service your area.
Do-it-yourself railing kits are available through local Building Centres or Hardware Stores called ProBuilt DIY Aluminum Railings, which also have the glass panel options available. Check out the attached links below for more information.
http://www.probuiltrailings.com/railing.aspx
http://www.crackman.ca/Default.aspx?PageID=1000
http://www.consolidatedcoatings.com/_flz/docs/DeckStone%20Web%20Brochure.pdf
Keep Birds Out of Dryer Vents
Q We have birds wanting to build a nest in our dryer vent. How can I prevent this from happening?
A Make sure any bird nest that may have been built is removed and that you have the vent completely cleaned out. Dryer vents should be cleaned every year to prevent lint building up.
Once the vent is clear you can purchase a plastic vent cover at a hardware or building supply store that has a flap on it. The cover fits onto the end of the exterior dryer vent hose.
When the dryer is operating, it opens and closes when it’s not in use. This is simple and inexpensive to install yourself. For best results I recommend the trouble free hood called “The Ultimate Vent.”
Call 1-800-313-6223 for more information on this product.
If you require a pest- control or duct-cleaning company in your area to come out before you install the cover, contact The HouseSmart Referral office directly at 604-542-2236.
Fix Sidewalk Sinking Towards House
Q On the east side of our house the sidewalk is right up to basement wall and water runs to the house. On the inside it is coming through on a rusted tie. Is there a product that would seal from the inside?
A Before fixing the problem from the inside, you will have to correct the drainage problem caused by the sloped sidewalk to have the water run away from your house.
This can be repaired by having a concrete company complete a process called slab jacking. Over time, concrete will settle and may require lifting. Slab jacking involves pumping a dense combination of clay, sand, water and other materials through a hole drilled into the concrete.
The mixture is injected by hydraulics under the sunken. Concrete slab jacking often improves drainage problems but it will not completely solve water problems if other problems exist in your drain tile perimeter drains. Contact the HouseSmart office at 604-542-2236 to have a drainage professional come out and investigate.
Once the water drainage problems are resolved then you can proceed to stop the water at the form snap tie using a Hydraulic Cement Patch available at most Building Supply stores. Entire concrete walls and floors can be water sealed using Cloverdale Paint’s Aqua Seal.
Repair holes in vinyl siding
Q. Is it possible to repair holes in vinyl siding? I am not having any luck finding a replacement piece to match my existing siding that is about 25 years old and has faded over the years.
A. It can be a challenge or even next to impossible to find a match to replace older faded vinyl and especially aluminum siding. If replacing the entire piece is not an option, you can fill the hole with a color matched caulking. This would likely be available through siding suppliers. They carry caulks blended for different shades of siding so if you don’t have the siding name and color take in a sample piece or photo of the siding to have it matched as close as possible. This fix will keep the water out and make the hole appear less noticeable. To repair, clean the area with the Shell Busey Home Cleaning formula. Squirt the caulking into the hole to fill the area behind the hole. You may need a foam backing rod to act as a caulking stop when filling. The less caulking you get on the siding the less obvious the repair will be so be careful not to smear too much over the surrounding area. Let the caulking cure for at least a few days then trim the hardened caulk even with the siding using a straight edge of a razor blade. Note: Vinyl and aluminum siding can be painted using exterior acrylic latex paint such as Cloverdale Paint’s Ecologic.
It’s just that easy.
When its Time for a New Roof & Upcoming Roofing Seminars
When the time comes to time re-roof your home you should research your options carefully – this is a long-term investment that will affect the value of your home and your curb appeal. Most people think of a new roof as just banging up some shingles. But savvy homeowners know better! Today, effective roofing relies on advanced material technology and an integrated systems approach to protect your biggest asset, your home. There are some points to consider when making an informed decision.
We cannot stress the importance of hiring a qualified roofing contractor. Asking the right questions is the key to selecting the right installer.
- Are they certified installers and covered under the warranty plan of the roofing product?
- Are they fully licensed in your area to perform roofing work?
- Are they adequately insured for your protection?
- Do they have a proven reputation for providing quality roofing?
- Do they treat the roof as an integrated system?
Comparison-shop and consider the costs against features and benefits desired. While function is always important, the value of esthetics may vary. If your roof is very visible from the street, an architectural shingle will enhance your curb appeal.
Roofing materials vary from the traditional three tab or strip shingles that have been around for several years, to architectural shingles, cedar, slate or metal roofs. When deciding which product to use, try to consider the overall style and look of your house that will fit in with the neighborhood as well. Ask your installer for locations where you can see the material actually used on a house. When selecting asphalt shingles pay attention to the quality the weight and the composition of the shingle. Good, Better, Best — Heavier weight shingles and fiberglass re-enforced shingles will perform better.
Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continuous flow of outside air through the attic. Protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the living space. It consists of a balance between air intake (At your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge) Consider a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation for every 200 square feet of attic space. Proper ventilation in the attic will reduce heat build-up, moisture and condensation, weather infiltration and ice dam build-up. Poor Attic Ventilation Can Ruin Your Insulation, Destroy Your Shingles, And Raise Your Energy Bills!
When installing a new roof, it’s always best to remove the existing roofing materials. This reduces excess weight, giving you the opportunity to properly examine the roof deck for defects or damages. It also allows installation of waterproofing underlayment.
Waterproofing underlayments (Ice and Water Shield) should always be used in valleys, on ridges, at eves and around chimneys and skylights. On low pitch roofs, the entire roof should be covered with Ice and Water Shield prior to installation of shingles.
A Quality Leak Barrier Will Help: Create a watertight seal that keeps water out at the most vulnerable areas of your roof (at the eaves and rakes, in valleys, around chimneys, etc.) Protect Your Home From Wind-Driven Rain And Damaging Ice Dams With A Waterproof Leak Barrier.
Pay special attention to the manufacturers warranty. Warranties range from 20 to 40 years. There are two types of coverage that you should ask your contractor about: coverage against material defects and coverage against workmanship errors. Look for warranties that cover materials and labour.
Replacing a cedar shake roof, what are my options?
There are many choices today in roofing especially, when you consider the alternatives to shakes. Your choices for replacement are treated shakes, metal such as Decra Tile – simulated shake appearance or fibreglass laminated duroid shingles which would be the most common choice. A roofing company can show you all of these choices and explain the years of history behind them. Do not be impressed with some of the new products that claim to have extraordinary warranties but no history to back them up. Buyer Beware.
How do I determine if a roof should be replaced?
Sooner or later, every roof needs to be replaced, usually due to the long-term effects of weathering. If a residential roof is more than 20 years old, it is a prime candidate for re-roofing. To determine if you need a new roof:
· Inspect your roof for cracked, curled or missing shingles, as well as any excessive loss of the protective mineral granules. DO NOT CLIMB ON THE ROOF; walking on the roof is dangerous and can damage your roof.
· In your attic, take a flashlight and look at the underside of the roof deck and rafters for any stains or wet spots indicating water leaks.
Signs to watch for:
Leakage in attic after wind-driven rain
Possible cause: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing.
Blistering and/or peeling of interior and/or exterior paint
Possible cause: Excessive temperature or high humidity due to poor attic ventilation.
Stains on interior ceilings and walls or and mildew growth
Possible cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage or inadequate ventilation.
Decay of roof shingles, sheathing, and/or siding
Possible cause: Poor attic ventilation.
Missing, cracked or curled shingles
Possible cause: Shingles have reached the end of their useful life.
Dark, “dirty-looking” areas on your roof
Possible cause: Environmental pollutants; vegetation, fungus or algae; loss of granules due to age of shingles.
Excessive energy costs
Possible cause: Insufficient attic ventilation causes heating/cooling system to run excessively.
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Roofing Seminars
If you are in the Greater Vancouver area and are in the market for a new roof then you will want to attend our Spring series of free exterior renovation seminars packed full of information geared to educate homeowners. Industry specialists will be on to hand to answer all of your questions.
Upcoming Seminar Dates:
Wednesday July 8th @ 7-9PMFULL
Covering Roofing Options that include: Flat, Metal, Fiberglass Laminate Shingles.
Presenters – 21st Century Roofing, Tristar, Mac Residential Roofing
To book your spot call 604-542-2236 or e-mail monica@thehousesmart.com. Check our website frequently and tune into Shell’s weekly Home Discovery radio program for details on upcoming events in your area.
What to Consider When Planning to Build or Remodel
Whether you’re a relatively new homeowner, or have lived in the same home for decades, it’s always an exciting thought to remodel, or renovate your home and give it a truly refreshed look. What is most important in a remodel or renovation of your home is to stay within budget and ensure that the outcome reflects your personality and style.
Renovations are at times overwhelming, and these feelings are most often due to poor planning and organization. Shell Busey, has some great advice on where to get started, when building a new home or a major renovation. The following are some tips on how to get going in the right direction:
1. Sit down with all concerned and produce a budget. Calculate a minimum and a maximum amount to be spent on the project.
2. Create a wish list for all the concerned parties. This defines a list of which items are necessary, and and which are additional or luxury items that can either remain or be eliminated easily from the planned budget.
3. Sketch drawings of your ideas, collect photos from magazines and books for examples of what you would like your new home or renovation to look like.
4. Hire an architect/designer once you have a general idea of what you want. Interview two or three potential candidates for the job through a referral network in your area such as Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Home Services or your local chapter of the Canadian Home Builders Association. Note: review and contact all available testimonials or references.
5. Hire a contractor, builder or remodeler. There is a difference! Some builders will remodel, when the new construction is slow (not my first recommendation.) Please follow hiring and testimonial details in #4.
6. Get your contract in writing. Ask for details from your local Canadian Homebuilders Association. They will make the guidelines available to you and we have included the link below.
7. All contracts including money disbursements must be signed by all parties and detail specifics such as:
- Agreed upon quote
- Deposits
- Disbursement of funds
- Changes to contract notices etc. (These are required for all changes from the original contract.)
8. NEVER HIRE CONTRACTORS ON A CASH ONLY BASIS
9. For new or remodeling projects homeowners may require accommodations i.e.; a major renovation may require homeowner to temporarily move out during the renovation. Also consider moving furniture and other personal items to a temporary storage facility as this will give the contractors more room, and allow you pice of mind.
10. Permits/Variances must be in order. Determine who is going to follow through with the process.
11. Advise neighbors on all four sides of your home, including down your street and behind your property that may be affected by noise and parking issues. Distribute a card outlining and apologizing for any inconveniences. Include a time frame when work will begin, daytime hours of work and scheduled date of completion.
12. If you live in a strata or condominium, contact your strata council to check if you require permission for your renovation project.
13. Completion date should relate to original contract unless changed which should be included in a notice of change, within the contract.
14. When to get started? Proceed when everything is finalized.
- ETS (Estimated time to start)
- ETF (Estimated time to finish)
15. When looking to hire a contractor or designer, be sure to do your homework: check company references, visit previous work sites if possible.
Some links below that serve as great resources for those renovating for the first time, or building from the ground up:
Get it in Writing: www.hiringacontractor.com
Canadian Home Builders’ Association: www.chba.com
Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Referral Network: www.thehousesmart.com
Victoria Home Builders Association
Saskatoon and Region Home Builders Association
If you have any questions, please call Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Home Services Referral Network at 604 542 2236 in the Lower Mainland, or toll free across Western Canada 1 888 266 8806 and remember…
It’s Just That Easy!TM
Get Rid of Weeds with this Homemade Vinegar Solution
We receive a lot of requests for a homemade weed killing mixture that really works to get rid of weeds without using chemicals. However, it is only recommended for driveways, sidewalks and patios. If you spray it on weeds in your lawn, you’re going to kill the grass as well and create a big ugly brown spot.
Mix the following ingredients together:
- 4 cups (1 Litre) of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup (50 ml) of table salt
- 2 tsp (10 ml) of your favorite liquid dish soap
- Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle
- Spray it on your weeds in the direct sun on a bright sunny day
Depending on how wide the cracks are you may want to consider filling in the gaps using a Foam Backer Rods available in different diameters. First clean out the crack and wash with Shell Busey Home Cleaning Formula. Place the backing rod down into crack 1/8″ from the surface. Apply Weldbond or concrete adhesive over the foam backing rod. Allow to cure for 1-2 hours. Then apply Polyurethane caulking (gray or concrete color) into crack crevice so it sticks to both sides of the crack to prevent weeds.
Sprinkle dry sand over caulking and brush excess off using a paint brush. Allow to cure for 12 hours before using area. The end result will look like a real mortar grout joint.
It’s Just That Easy.
Shell Busey
