Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting Discuss Concrete Foundation Cracks

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, discuss concrete foundation cracks, and what they mean.


Concreate Foundation Cracks, What Do They Mean?

When you see a crack in your concrete slab or wall, generally your first assumption is something has been done wrong–but that’s not always the case. Concrete cracks are very common, some are even inevitable, but let’s review them:


BASEMENT FLOOR CRACKS

Floor cracks in concrete slabs are relatively common and usually not worrisome on a structural level. They should be repaired to prevent common issues like moisture, insects, and damage from seeping through. When floor cracks leak, it is usually caused by hydrostatic pressure or a high water table. Therefore, sealing the crack will redirect those issues elsewhere.

VERTICAL AND DIAGONAL FOUNDATION CRACKS

Usually, a diagonal or vertical crack in the foundation wall is the result of settling in the concrete foundation and is quite common in new construction, especially if your home is built on a hill or your home has rapidly deteriorating soil conditions because of drought or heavy rainfalls. They usually run vertically or diagonally, are often located in the middle section of walls and are less than 1/8 in wide.

Frequently you will find vertical cracks in block foundations. If the crack is located closer to a corner and is wider than 1/8 in, it is probably not due to shrinkage but indicates a more serious foundation issue. It is recommended you call K & S Contracting to get it inspected as it may be a cause for concern.

HORIZONTAL FOUNDATION CRACKS

Horizontal cracks that run across your foundation and/or walls are some of the most serious types your home can suffer. They indicate a severe issue with your foundation’s integrity that must be looked into.

Most horizontal cracks are caused by excessive water pressure from outside. In addition to other sources of pressure such as soil movement, it has the potential to impact your foundation’s integrity. They tend to expand and ruin the slab itself, possibly even causing it to collapse.

STAIR STEP CRACKS

Stair step cracks are among the most common foundation cracks. These cracks are a clear sign of a problematic foundation. Typically, stair step cracks in a block foundation are a result of bowing walls. These cracks will be found toward the corners of the foundation, and are often found with a horizontal crack. In a block foundation, stair step cracks may also be found on the outside of the home. Stair step cracks always require further investigation in order to keep your home safe and supported.

Curious about the myths and facts of foundation repairs, check out the following post from Steve. 

Questions or concerns, about your concrete foundation cracks, and what they mean, please contact K & S Contracting. 

Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning From Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners at Bridge City Duct Cleaning

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners Bridge City Duct Cleaning provides both residential duct cleaning and commercial duct cleaning and furnace maintenance services. Their team is professionally trained, qualified, bonded, and factory furnace and duct cleaning technicians. In their latest article, they discuss the signs your air ducts need cleaning. 

5 SIGNS YOUR AIR DUCTS NEED CLEANING

It is normal for the return registers to get dusty as dust-laden air is pulled through the grate. This does not indicate that your air ducts are contaminated with heavy deposits of dust or debris; the registers can be easily vacuumed or removed and cleaned; however, there are signs your air ducts need cleaning:

Dust and Debris Are Blown During Start-Up

One of the best ways to tell if your ducts need cleaning is to check how much dust and debris are blown out when starting your heating unit. In normal situations, air ducts do not release visible dust or debris when the heating and cooling system is switched on, and the air starts flowing through the ducts. Sometimes an accumulation of dust will make it seem like your ducts need to be cleaned, so be sure to perform this check only after a fresh filter has been installed. It’s important that your ducts be free of these substances as they can cause issues with energy efficiency and air quality throughout your home.

Mould Growth

The appearance of mould is never a good sign. It could mean a number of issues with your ducts (including a moisture problem). It’s important to check for mould for a variety of reasons, most prominently, to protect your health. Mould can cause breathing and other health-related problems. If you notice any mould in your ducts, call our duct cleaning service in Saskatoon immediately.


You Notice Rodents or Insects

Wildlife in your ducts is a big problem. If you notice any signs that there might be an infestation in your ducts, it’s definitely time to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional. Look out for small scratches, insect husks and shells along with rodent droppings. All could be signs that you have a couple of unwanted house guests living in your vents.

The Presence of Carbon Monoxide

This is only applicable if you use a gas stove, furnace or fireplace. Because your ducts are connected to each and every room in the house, it’s important to ensure that there’s no gas trapped inside them. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. For this reason, it’s recommended that you have your heating system inspected at the beginning of every season.

Unpleasant Odour from Ducts

Another telltale sign of the presence of debris in the system and that you should conduct serious ventilation system cleaning is odour. If you experience an unpleasant smell in your home and can’t find the source, it could be emanating from the air duct system. You should get up close to all the air registers for a good sniff to verify these suspicions. You can also have a technician inspect the air ducts for anything that could be emitting a bad smell.

Take a look at these 5 signs that your air ducts need cleaning, and if you find the signs, then let our professional team of experts at Bridge City Duct Cleaning take care of your dryer vent cleaning to prevent damage to your air and your home. 

Let the professional team of experts at Bridge City Duct Cleaning take care of your spring duct cleaning to help optimize the air quality in your home! 

 

Tips To save Money On Utilities From Trusted Saskatoon HVAC pros at JOB Heating & air Conditioning

JOB Heating and Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon Plumber renowned for their excellent reputation, JOB has been a leader in the Saskatoon HVAC industry since 1989. They provide air conditioning, furnace, and plumbing repair, sales, and service to residential and commercial clients in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. Their team prides itself on being experts in water heating system technology, specializing in new in-floor and boiler installations throughout Saskatchewan.They  also maintain and repair existing hot water heating systems.  Prices are on the rise—fuel, groceries, and now utility bills. Homeowners in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas are all searching for ways to reduce their utility costs, in their latest article they share some tips on how to save energy and money.


JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Money Saving Utility Tips 


The good news is that there are numerous money-saving techniques available, ranging from simple changes in usage to the installation of new, efficient appliances. It's important to remember that every plumbing tactic aimed at saving money can make a difference.


Lower Your Water Heaters Water Temperature


There’s no doubt that a hot shower works wonders to soothe a person, especially after a long day of work or a night out in the cold. However, is a 140-degree bath significantly more relaxing than a 120-degree one? Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees by the manufacturer. This temperature setting ensures the water feels instantly warm and helps eliminate the risk of legionella bacteria. Lowering the water heater to 120 degrees, though, can save a homeowner up to 10 percent on energy costs and reduce the risk of scalding.

 

Use Low-Flow Faucets


We’ve all been preached about how much money goes literally down the drain when the water is left running while brushing teeth in the morning. Most of us have curbed that bad habit but we can make the morning and evening routine even more energy-friendly with the use of low flow faucets. These devices can reduce water usage by 20-50 percent a year by either mixing air within the water or lowering the output from around 2.2 gallons per minute down to 1.5.

 

Use Flood Detectors


For around $20, you can buy devices that can be attached to appliances like washing machines to detect leaks and overflows. These units can automatically shut off the appliance or the water supply, offering peace of mind when you start a load of laundry and leave the house. They can potentially save you thousands of dollars in damage if your washer overflows and water seeps into the drywall of the room below.

Replace Or Repair a Leaky Toilet


Another drain on your energy bills is a leaky toilet. A toilet that constantly drips or refills every 20 minutes can waste up to 7,000 gallons a month. Fixing a faulty flapper can cost as little as $3 and save you up to $840 a year. Replacing your toilet with a low-flow model can boost those savings to over $1,000 annually. 

Get a Plumbing Inspection


Have JOB Heating & Air Conditioning examine the plumbing throughout your home to identify any water loss (and money) through leaks, blockages, or other issues. By detecting and repairing leaks early, you can save money and reduce the risk of severe damage in the future. They will also ensure that shutoff valves and sump pumps are functioning properly in case of an emergency.


JOB Heating & Air Conditioning offers 24/7 emergency service. Known for prompt and courteous service, they are ready to assist if your Saskatoon plumbing heating or cooling system needs repair or if you want to upgrade or update it. Their professional local team is happy to provide free estimates for any home comfort or plumbing improvements you have in mind.

JOB Heating and Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon Plumber 



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310 Wall St #209
Saskatoon, SK   S7K 1N7
Ph: 306.244.4150

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