How Permanent Concrete Foundation Repairs Are From Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting

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 if concrete foundation repairs are permanent.

Are Concrete Foundation Repairs Permanent?

Remember that not every crack, chip, or spalling is the same, and there is never such a thing as a “permanent” solution to any foundation damage! Changing soil conditions, extreme weather conditions, and a new construction project near your home can result in future foundation damage. Adding to your home’s weight, such as an attached sunroom without underpinning or otherwise strengthening a foundation can also mean eventual damage.

However, some foundation repair methods are more durable than others and should last for several decades. To better understand your foundation repair choices and their overall longevity, review below:

CONCRETE PIERS

Concrete piers are often installed during the pre-construction phase of homebuilding, and these help support a foundation as it’s being poured and then setting and curing. These piers are also used for sinking foundations, lifting them up and providing added support. Concrete piers are durable and last for decades.

STEEL PIERS

Steel piers are similar to concrete piers but are easier to work with and can be installed more readily; concrete requires pouring while fresh, which can require disturbing far more landscaping and lawn than simple steel piers. Steel is also more impervious to moisture and added weight than concrete piers.

HELICAL PIERS

Helical piers look somewhat like giant screws and are screwed deeply into the earth, section by section if necessary. They are screwed into the ground until it’s proven that the area can properly hold the required bearing capacity of the structure. Helical piles are a relatively quick, economical foundational solution that provides stability and strength to foundations. They especially come in handy when there is structural damage to a foundation.

POLY LIFT

A poly lift is also a popular way of repairing a sinking foundation; this includes injecting special polyurethane foam into the ground, under the broken foundation section. As the foam dries and hardens, it lifts the foundation into place and restores it to a level and even position. This poly foam doesn’t deteriorate or weaken over time, so it’s typically considered a permanent foundation repair solution.

CONCRETE SEALANTS AND EPOXY

Foundation crack sealants and epoxies help fill in cracks and holes that may appear in the foundation of a home. These cracks can result from many factors, including shifting soil, settling foundations, or even water erosion. Foundation crack sealant lasts for approximately 5-7 years.

While Steve has discussed are concrete foundation repairs permanent, it really depends on what is going on around your home and its foundation. We recommend if you have any concerns, call Steve.

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 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.

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.

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!

Bridge City Duct Cleaning Services Include:

Bridge City Furnace and Duct Cleaning Is A Trusted Saskatoon Furnace and Duct Cleaning Company

Save Money On Your Utility Bills From Trusted Saskatoon Air Conditioning & Furnace Pros at Gibbon

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

Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Saskatoon and surrounding areas for over 40 Years. They are a "total service" company with trained technicians who are able to provide customers with solutions to all their plumbing, air conditioning, and heating (HVAC) related requirements. As an Independent Lennox Premier Dealer, the Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning team are proud to provide prompt, courteous, and professional service that is required by Lennox’s Quality standards. They are regularly evaluated through an independent customer satisfaction survey process. They are trained to design, install, service, and maintain home comfort and indoor air quality systems in Saskatoon. In their latest tip, they share tips on how to save money on your utility bills. Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning are TRUSTED SASKATOON Air Conditioning & Furnace Professionals.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Prices are on the rise - fuel, groceries and now your utility bills. Every Saskatoon and area homeowner is looking for ways to save money on their utility bills. The good thing is that there are dozens of cash saving techniques available to all, ranging from simple usage changes to the installation of new efficient appliances. The good thing to remember is that money-saving plumbing tactics all save dough.

Lower Water Temperature on Water Heater

There’s no doubt that a hot shower does wonder to soothe a person, especially after a long day of work or a night out in the cold. That being said, how much more relaxing is a 140-degree bath than a 120-degree one? By default, most hot water heaters come from the manufacturer with a temperature setting of 140 degrees. This is partly to astound the customer when they feel how instantly warm the water is and also to eliminate the slight risk of passing on legionella bacteria. By turning down the water heater to 120-degrees, a homeowner can expect to save up to 10 per cent on energy costs and reduce the risk of scalding.

Use Low-Flow Faucets

We’ve all been preached to 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 per cent 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

There are devices that sell for around $20 that can be hooked up to appliances such as a washing machine to detect leaks and overflow, and subsequently, shut off the device or shut down the water supply. These small units provide sound peace of mind when you start a load of wash and leave the house and could save thousands of dollars in damage if a washer were to overflow and drip down into the drywall of the room below.

Replace / Repair a Leaky Toilet

Another drain on your energy bills is a leaky toilet. A toilet that is constantly dripping or refills every 20 minutes can waste up to 7,000 gallons a month. It can take as little as $3 to fix a bad flapper and can save you up to $840 in a year. If you replace that toilet altogether with a low flow model the savings can be well over $1000 in a single year.

Get a Plumbing Inspection

Have Gibbon Heating and Air Condition examine the plumbing throughout your home so you can see if you’re losing water (thus money) through leaks, blockage, or other inhibitors. By finding and fixing leaks early, you not only save money but limit the chances of catastrophic damage down the line. They will also check to make sure shutoff valves and sump pumps work just in case of an emergency.

These are a few tips to save money on your utility bills.

Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Saskatoon and surrounding areas for over 40 Years, a “Total Service” company with trained technicians who are able to provide customers with solutions to all Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Heating/ Furnace (HVAC) related requirements. As an Independent Lennox dealer, Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning are proud to provide prompt, courteous, and professional service that is required by Lennox’s Quality standards!

See more of Gibbons Air Conditioning Articles and Tips here.

Gibbon's Services Include

"A History of Professionalism, A Foundation of Trust"

Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning are TRUSTED SASKATOON Air Conditioning & Furnace Professionals

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.