Developing Your Basement With Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting - Part 1 of 2

26. Oct 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 what you should consider when developing your basement. This will be a 2 part article.

DEVELOPING YOUR BASEMENT - PART 1

Many basements are little more than a place to collect cobwebs and store stuff. However, fixing a full-height basement can increase the usable living space in your home at a lower cost than adding on. Basements can be turned into any one of several living areas: bedrooms, rec room, or office space.

Changing a concrete dungeon into an inviting living area can be a challenge, and not every basement is great for finishing. Some of the things you need to think about are building codes, moisture, low-hanging drain lines, ductwork and wiring, and your walls and floors. Although you can do some of the work yourself, it will save you time, money and headaches, if you contact K & S Contracting to help you with the project.

MEETING BUILDING CODES

Building codes vary, but generally, a basement must be 7 feet tall. Codes can permit lower obstructions if you have structural beams that can’t be moved. Connect with a local home inspector while you are in the planning stages and they can help you determine what you need to be within the National Building Codes. Once you determined what your basement will be used for, you must make sure it includes doors and windows for emergency escape.

MOISTURE

If your home has a history of flooding, you need to fix that problem before developing the basement. 2 inches of rain falling on a 2,000 sq ft home produces approximately 2,600 gallons of water. Repairing cracks in the foundation, making sure that gutters are clear of clogs and sloping the ground away from the house can solve some of these flooding problems.

LOW-HANGING UTILITY LINES

When you are building a new home, the basement ceiling height and utilities can be planned accordingly. However, when renovating an older area, water lines, air ducts, bathroom and kitchen drains etc are generally smack in the middle of where the renovations are happening. There are a few choices. Move them, box them in or leave them as is. If you decide to tuck water and drain lines out of sight, don’t block access to water shutoffs and drain clean-outs.

FINISHED WALLS AND FLOORS

Hiding concrete or block behind new walls is the easy part. Building walls that won’t encourage mold and mildew, or be damaged by condensation, is a lot harder. Because concrete in contact with the ground is always cool, it can become a condensing surface for water vapour in the warm air escaping from a finished basement. The result? Damp building materials, mildew and, eventually, rot. Air will be musty, finished surfaces ruined.

When it comes to flooring, just about any material will work — tile, carpet, vinyl or laminate. Few contractors recommend traditional hardwood flooring because the moisture in the concrete can cause the wood to swell and buckle.

When trying to make the decision to develop your basement, we recommend you call Steve and ask him to provide you with your options and costs. Check out Developing Your Basement – Part 2 in next month’s blog and Steve will talk about lighting, windows and ventilation.

K & S Contracting is a Trusted Saskatoon General Contractor and foundation specialists.

Their services include:

For more information about K&S Contracting, view their listing in the Contractors section on Trusted Saskatoon.

Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub experts at Backyard Living Center Answer FAQs! Part 3

6. Sep 2022 Admin Saskatoon Hot Tubs, Trusted Tips

Backyard Living Center is a locally owned and operated Saskatoon hot tub store. They offer an exclusive line of high-quality Canadian-built hot tubs that are perfectly suited to the Saskatchewan climate. With a variety of design choices, they have a spa that will suit every lifestyle! Service means everything to owners Sheryl and Matthew! Whether it's finding the perfect spa, hot tub servicing or repair, water testing, or helping find or deliver parts for your hot tub, they're here to help. In this Saskatoon hot tub tip, we continue the series of experts answering all your FAQs about hot tubs.

Backyard Living Center Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub Store!

FAQs About Hot Tubs Answered By Backyard Living Center - Part 3

How is the hot tub insulated?

Several spa manufacturers have always insisted that the only way to insulate a spa is with “full urethane foam”. In this method, all the glued plumbing within the spa is covered using a sprayed-on foam. This method was fine twenty years ago but like many materials, safer, better alternatives have been developed. Certainly, urethane foam is acceptable as an insulator but more often than not it is primarily used as a structural backup. Where there is limited structural integrity, urethane foam is used as a substitution because it “holds together all the components of the spa” and compensates for a limited engineered structure. Alternates to full foam spas have been developed to address the issue of gaining access to the plumbing within the spa. H2O spas have developed their own unique Multi-Layer Insulation System.

What are the pros and cons of a urethane foam-filled spa?

The Pros of using urethane foam:

It is used primarily to insulate the hot tub against the environment, therefore, reducing operating costs.
Secondly, it can be used as a substitute for structural support where there is little or no frame structure. Imagine a large block of foam with everything trapped inside.

The Cons of using urethane foam:

Urethane spray foam used for insulating hot tubs is a two-part chemical product that when mixed, results in an expanding foam component. It is used under strict safety codes because of the unhealthy ‘off gassing’ fumes.
The resulting foam expands into the cavities of the hot tub solidifying as it cures sealing all ventilating apertures. We all have to breathe, and so does your hot tub. Preventing air circulation inside the cavity of the hot tub creates the perfect condition for possible future mold growth.
Once the hot tub has been foam-filled it is extremely difficult to service the tub particularly if you experience a water leak in the complex plumbing underneath the tub. A simple plumbing defect can take hours to trace and repair. Tracing the leak becomes more difficult than the actual repair.
The biggest problem occurs after the repair has been completed and you have taken out the wet foam to reach the leak area. What do you use to replace the insulation you have removed? Usually, this is done with an expensive canned substitute of the foam which inevitably does not have the same insulation properties of the originally installed foam – in other words, it is being replaced with a substitute that may possibly affect the insulation qualities of the hot tub. There is also the problem of discarding the saturated foam which must be packed separately and isolated from normal garbage.
Any water contamination from the internal plumbing deteriorates the foam creating a sludge that is prone to mold growth and if the foam has been used as a structural substitute, this can possibly weaken the spa.

Is it detrimental to the efficiency of the hot tub if all four sides of the spa are not foam-filled?

Our tests show that the insulation benefits of partially removing some insulation from one side of the hot tub are outweighed by replacing the insulation with electronic equipment and two electric motors, each one generating surplus heat. In fact the two motors generate so much heat that we evacuate the surplus heat and pipe it to the air intakes of the spa jets, thus supplying warm air automatically when the jet pumps are engaged.

What are the benefits of using Roxul insulation?

Practical to use; anyone can handle it safely. Sold in most hardware stores this amazing material is readily available.
Can be removed and replaced without instruction, just use a common sense approach when handling this material.
Roxul is fire retardant. Even when held to a naked flame it will not ignite.
Environmentally prudent; disposal, if required, can be the same as with any household garbage.
Water repellent. If a leak occurs in the tub it cannot damage the Roxul. Being water repellent, moisture will pass right through the Roxul leaving it completely dry.
Deters rodents because it is an inert material made from lava rock that cannot be eaten or affected by animals.
Recyclable; there is no need to throw it away. Just store it in a dry environment for future use.
Roxul has an R-Value equal to or better than traditional insulation materials including low-density open cell urethane foam.
Roxul is used in many commercial and residential buildings costing millions of dollars. Does it make sense to use such an amazing material in a product costing much less? Of course, it does, that is why we led the way by using Roxul as an insulating system in all H2O Spas.
How much is your house worth? Hundreds of thousands of dollars? Most houses are now built using Roxul Insulation, it makes sense to use it as an insulator in your hot tub.
Helps reduce equipment noise. Roxul is renowned for its ability to capture noise and is used extensively as a noise barrier.

See their selection of in-stock H2O Canadian-made premium spas at their showroom on Brodsky Avenue, or visit their website for more choices and information on hot tub supplies, hot tub care, and maintenance and service. Take it from us… you will not be disappointed!!!

Backyard Living Center is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub and Outdoor Furniture Store!

Trusted Saskatoon Funeral Home Share Information on Funeral Etiquette

29. Aug 2022 Admin Saskatoon Funeral, Trusted Tips

Since 1910, Saskatoon Funeral Home has responded to the needs of Saskatoon & area citizens of every faith and every walk of life. They have a proud history as Saskatoon's longest-serving, local, family-owned and operated, full-service funeral and cremation provider to trace its roots to the beginning days of our city. Saskatoon Funeral Home are a Trusted Saskatoon funeral home.

Funeral Etiquette

Like everything in society, funeral etiquette and what is expected of you have evolved over time. As always common sense and good discretion are the best guides to proper funeral etiquette. Here are a few do’s and don'ts of funeral etiquette.

DO:

Express your condolences – It’s not easy to come up with words to offer sympathy to someone who has just lost a loved one. You don’t need to be a poet, simply saying something like “I am sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family” is enough. If you can’t be at a funeral service in person, sending a card or leaving a message on a memorial website is a perfect way to express your sympathy.
Dress appropriately – Gone are the days of dressing up in all black for a funeral, but jeans and a t-shirt aren’t exactly acceptable either. You should still dress to impress and avoid any bright or flashy colours. Wearing what you would wear for a wedding or a job interview would be the most appropriate.
Sign the register book – The family will keep the register book as a memento for years. Be sure to include your full name and relationship to the deceased.
Give a gift – You don’t need to go overboard with your gift, after all, it is the thought that counts. Suitable gifts include: flowers, a donation to the charity of the family’s choice, or you can make a commitment of service to the family at a later date. A commitment of service can be something as simple as cooking them dinner or offering to clean up their house, any of the “little” things that may be neglected while a family deals with death. Make sure you provide a signed card so the family knows who gave the gift.
Keep in Touch – You may feel that the family needs their space and time to grieve, but a simple phone call or note after the funeral lets the family know you care. With social networking leaving a quick note is as simple as a click of a mouse. The months following a death are when grieving friends and family need the most support.

DON'T:

Bring your cell phone – Your phone ringing will be highly inappropriate and will cause a disturbance, so turn any ringers or notifications off. Even better, leave your phone at home or in your car, a funeral is not the time to be texting or checking your messages.
Allow your children to be a distraction – From a very young age children are aware of death, and if the funeral is for someone that was close to them (grandparent, aunt, uncle) they should be given the option to attend. However if it is not appropriate for your child to be there, and if you feel they will cause a commotion, leave them with a babysitter.
Be afraid to remember the good times – Funerals are obviously a time of grieving and mourning, but remembering the good times helps with the healing process. Sharing a funny and appropriate story is acceptable, and in some cases exactly what the deceased would have wanted.
Overindulge - If food or drink is served, do not overdo it. Have a bite to eat before you go to the service, you do not want to be that guy parked at the snack table. If alcohol is served, limit yourself to one or two, do not become inebriated and risk doing something inappropriate.

Visit their website to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that they have to offer. They are always there to help. Check out their listing on Trusted Saskatoon to read more reviews and to see all the services they offer.

Saskatoon Funeral Home is your Trusted Saskatoon funeral home.

Trusted Saskatoon IT Pro's at Burnt Orange Discuss the Purpose of a Cybersecurity Audit

21. Jul 2022 Admin Saskatoon Computers & Web design, Trusted Tips

Gareth McKee and his Trusted Saskatoon IT team at Burnt Orange Solutions promise to have a one-hour response time for all your IT support needs. Honesty and respect are important to them. They pride themselves on ensuring their clients understand IT concerns by providing a straightforward and reliable solution with exceptional service. Burnt Orange Solutions are your Trusted Saskatoon IT Experts. In their latest Saskatoon IT expert tip, Gareth shares the purpose of a cybersecurity audit.

WHAT IS A CYBERSECURITY AUDIT?

If you were hit by a cyber attack tomorrow, is your business ready? Ensuring the appropriate cybersecurity measures are in place is vital in protecting your business. A cybersecurity audit is a helpful tool in assessing the cyber security strength of your business and ensuring important information remains secure.

What Is A Cybersecurity Audit?

A cybersecurity audit is a comprehensive review of your business’s IT infrastructure. Cybersecurity audits are helpful as they detect vulnerabilities, recognize threats, and reveal high-risk practices in relation to IT security. Cybersecurity audits are all about data security and protecting information to ensure cybercriminals are unsuccessful in their hacking attempts.

What Does It Cover?

A cybersecurity audit involves a full audit of your business’s cybersecurity measures in order to assess risk, detect vulnerabilities, and recognize threats across all areas. These areas include but are not limited to:

Data Security – Involves a review of network access control, encryption use, data security at rest, and transmissions.
Network Security – Involves a review of network and security controls, antivirus, and security monitoring capabilities.
System Security – Involves a review of hardening processes, patching processes, privileged account management, and role-based access.

Physical Security – Involves a review of disk encryption, role-based access controls, biometric data, and multifactor authentication.

If it has been a while since you revisited your business’s cybersecurity measures, they are likely out of date and may no longer be effective. A cybersecurity audit will help ensure your business is prepared in the event of a cyber attack.

If you have any questions regarding cyber security and how we can help secure your data, contact the IT experts at Burnt Orange IT Solutions. We can help your business mitigate risk, and be prepared for any IT-related emergency.

Burnt Orange IT Solutions Products & Services:

"IT Support You Can Trust and Understand"
Burnt Orange Solutions are your Trusted Saskatoon IT Experts

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners at Bridge City Explain Air Duct Cleaning

20. 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 how air duct cleaning is done.

HOW AIR DUCT CLEANING IS DONE

You’ve seen the signs that your Air Ducts need cleaning, but now are you wondering how air duct cleaning is done? What do you need to be prepared for?

The Steps To How Air Duct Cleaning is Done

Step 1: Inspect The Air Ducts

A simple, visual inspection of the ducts leading to the return and supply registers is important for two reasons. First, it’s a step that you can take yourself to assess the level of buildup in the ducts beforehand and confirm the difference after they’ve been cleaned.

Second, a professional duct cleaning is an opportunity for Bridge City Duct Cleaning to check the ductwork for leaks or, in the case of flexible ducts, kinks. It is also a good time to repair and replace damaged ductwork.

Step 2: Create Negative Pressure

Bridge City Duct Cleaning uses large, portable or truck-mounted vacuum collection devices to suck dust and debris out of your ductwork. However, before turning on the suction and scrubbing the ducts, the technicians must perform preliminary steps.

First, they hook the vacuum collection device’s large hose to a duct close to the air handler—the heart of your HVAC system. The technician cuts an access hole in the duct, inserts the vacuum hose, and seals where they join as tightly as possible.

(Note that your HVAC system has a supply and a return side—ducts that send treated air into the rooms of the house, and ducts that return air to the air handler. The supply and return sides are separate, and the duct cleaning process is performed on each.)

Next, the technician will seal each register with an adhesive cover. This is an important step because even an extremely powerful vacuum collection device will not work if the registers in each room of the house are uncovered.
Once the technician finishes these steps, they turn on the vacuum unit. This step creates negative pressure, and particles inside the ductwork will be sucked into the collection device as they are brushed or blown loose.

Step 3: Agitate The Dust

Once the system is under negative pressure, the technician uncovers each register and cleans each duct. Technicians use rotating brushes, compressed air tools, and simple vacuum cleaners to ensure dust is dislodged and sucked into the vacuum collection device.

Step 4: Clean The Rest Of The System

It is recommended to clean the other components of the HVAC system as well, including the air handler’s blower motor, evaporator coil, and drain pan.

Cleaning these components, along with cleaning or changing the filter, will improve the air quality in your home as well as extend the life and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.

A Bridge City Duct Cleaning technician will perform the job thoroughly and carefully, ensuring that your ductwork winds up clean and undamaged. A thorough cleaning should take three to five hours and this is how your air ducts are cleaned.

Call today to book your appointment with Bridge City Duct Cleaning.

Bridge City Duct Cleaning Services Include: