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Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting Discuss Concrete Foundation Cracks

14. Jun 2022 Admin Saskatoon Contractors, Trusted Tips

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

9. Jun 2022 Admin Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaning, Trusted Tips

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

9. Jun 2022 Admin Saskatoon Air Conditioning & Furnace, Saskatoon Plumbing, Trusted Tips

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 



Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Experts at Preferred Collision Explain How to Avoid Collisions

31. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Auto Body, Trusted Tips

What can you expect when you deal with the professionals at Preferred Collision and Glass Saskatoon? You can also expect seamless quality repairs! A faster turnaround for your vehicle (on average 25% faster!!) and assistance dealing with insurance! You'll find quality at every price point - from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more. Preferred Collision and Glass is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Expert.



5 COMMON CAUSES OF AUTO COLLISIONS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Auto Collisions are quite often referred to as accidents. However, the reality is that auto collisions happen for a reason and can usually be avoided. Here are 5 common causes of auto collisions and how to avoid them.

1. DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving is the leading cause of auto collisions. Driving is an important task, and it is imperative that the driver is fully aware of all surroundings and remains alert at all times. With the number of distractions for drivers such as texting, checking themselves out in the mirror, eating, changing the music, or even talking on the phone, it is no wonder distracted driving is the most common cause of collisions.

To reduce the chance of a collision, distracted driving should be avoided. Distracted driving can be avoided by only using your cellphone in emergency situations using the Bluetooth feature, and not eating, texting, or attempting to multitask when you are behind the wheel. The driver must prioritize driving free from distractions to avoid collisions. 


2. EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT

Speed limits exist and are enforced for a reason. When the speed limit is exceeded, the driver has less time to react to potential hazards. Even if you are running late, slow down. Speeding is not worth the risk to yourself, passengers, and other drivers. Following the posted speed limit will help to avoid collisions by giving the driver time to react to unforeseen circumstances.

3. IMPAIRED DRIVING

Impaired driving is an inexcusable behaviour that causes auto collisions and destroys lives. It is every driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are fit to operate a motor vehicle before getting behind the wheel. To avoid a collision, do not get behind the wheel if you are impaired, and always plan a safe ride home. With ride-sharing apps such as Uber, a safe ride home is more accessible than ever. There is no excuse for driving impaired, and we must ensure the safety of our community.

4. INCLEMENT WEATHER

Though inclement weather is a cause of auto collisions that is out of the driver’s control, it is important to exercise caution when driving conditions are unfavourable. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and fog are just some of the inclement weather conditions that are not ideal for driving. 

If you do find yourself caught driving in a storm, avoid a collision by slowing down and staying focused on the road. When driving in a storm ensure your windshield is kept clear to optimize visibility, and always pay closer attention to the road than usual.

5. TAILGATING

Following too close behind the vehicle in front of you is known as tailgating, and this driving behaviour can easily cause an auto collision. To avoid a rear-end collision with the vehicle in front of you, always maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds.

When you’re driving, you should focus only on the road that is in front of you and if you get in any collision or accident, contact Preferred Collision for all your vehicle repair needs.

If you are in a collision, Preferred Collision and Glass will look after all your and your car’s needs, during and after, with our Customer For Life program.


Preferred Collision and Glass is a Trusted Saskatoon Auto Body Expert. 


Made In the Shade Trusted Saskatoon Window & Blind Pro Compares Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds

27. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Window Coverings, Trusted Tips

Made in The Shade Saskatoon offer their clients an amazing selection at an outstanding value... it is no wonder they have such happy clients. Let them help you with all of your Saskatoon Window Covering needs!

Made In the Shade are your TRUSTED SASKATOON WINDOW COVERINGS EXPERTS.

Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds

One of the most commonly asked questions in our industry is: What is the difference between faux wood vs real wood blinds?  The best answer we can offer involves educating our clients on the features and benefits of both selections.

Our horizontal faux wood blind collections give you the best of both worlds! They have the look of luxurious real wood blinds at a price of about 15 to 25% less. Because faux wood blinds are made from a synthetic material (usually PVC or a polymer), they also offer easy maintenance and care.

You won’t have to worry about warping, cracking, or splitting in environments of high moisture or high humidity, making this an ideal product for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, kid’s play areas, etc. Available in solid vinyl, or in a composition of vinyl and wood for added strength, faux wood blinds provide superior insulation.

Wood blinds, on the other hand, offer a warm and inviting look to any decor. Wood has long been associated with strength and aesthetic beauty.

Both faux wood and real wood blinds come with a decorative valance at the top as a standard feature. Both are aesthetically pleasing choices to dress up your windows! It really comes down to personal preference and/or budget. With either selection, you can’t go wrong. After all, 2″ horizontal blinds continue to be the #1 choice in window coverings across North America for more than a decade.

Richly stained or painted wood blinds offer a wider selection of colours than faux wood, as well as other upgraded options and features. We often recommend real wood blinds when our clients need to match a particular wood stain or a custom paint trim colour. Keep in mind that there is no comparison between faux stains and the rich beauty of a true wood stain, but we do carry wood grain-like options in our faux collections as well.

Wood blinds are also an ideal choice for wider windows. Because of the lighter weight of real wood blinds, we can generally accommodate a wider window opening with a single-blind. This is always a preferred choice over two blinds in one window opening!

You can order your wood blinds with the popular no-holes option to stop light from leaking into your rooms or opt for decorative fabric tapes. Some of their wood blind collections are available with a motorized or cordless option, for ease of operation and child safety. 

Check out their listing here in Saskatoon Window Coverings to read what their happy clients had to say... Made In the Shade are your Trusted Saskatoon Window coverings experts.


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