As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that come with snow. Not only is it heavy and can cause damage to your home, but it can also be dangerous to remove from your roof.
Did you know that the incidence of injuries linked with roof snow removal is on the rise? This common winter activity now puts people at risk of pain, hypothermia, or frostbite, as well as falling, becoming trapped beneath the snow, or even getting electrified.
Here are a few tips to help you with your residential snow removal Vancouver task without damaging your home or putting yourself in danger.
Do Not Allow Snow to Accumulate on the Roof
As the snow falls and accumulates on your roof, it may seem like a beautiful winter wonderland. But the reality is, that snow can cause some serious problems if it’s not removed on time.
The weight of the snow can cause your roof to collapse, and the melting snow can lead to leaks and water damage. In addition, snow and ice can block your gutters, resulting in even more water damage.
So, when it comes to snow removal, it’s best to be proactive and remove the snow from your roof as soon as possible. This will help to avoid any serious problems down the road.
Choose the Right Time to Shovel Snow on the Roof
One of the most important aspects of snow removal is timing. If you wait too long, the snow will become packed down and more difficult to remove. However, if you try to remove snow when it first falls, you run the risk of damaging your roof.
The key is to wait until the snow has stopped falling and begun to compact before beginning the snow removal process. This will ensure that the snow is easier to remove and that your roof is protected from any potential damage.
Don’t Shovel Snow Alone
With snowfall comes the inevitable snow shoveling. And while it may seem like a solo activity, snow shoveling is actually best done with two people. Not only will having a partner help you to get the job done more quickly, but it will also help to prevent injuries.
Snow shoveling is a strenuous activity that can lead to back strains and other injuries if you’re not careful. Having someone to help you with your coffee break, stretch, or just take a load off can make all the difference.
In addition, two people can cover more ground than one person working alone, making snow removal more efficient. So next time the snow forecast calls for snowfall, be sure to team up with a friend or neighbor before heading out to tackle the job.
Use the Right Tools
Don’t underestimate the impact that the right tool can have! Metal scrapers and shovels should be avoided since they might harm your roof covering as well as cause significant injury. Instead, use attachments like a snow rake, which are specifically built for clearing snow on rooftops. It’s both safer and more efficient!
Installing a new deck is a huge project to take on. However, it can provide a major return on investment if done properly.
One of the most important things to consider to ensure your deck is properly installed is the material. Selecting the right material is very important. However, it’s also one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make during the project. This is particularly true if you don’t know what your options are.
Usually, there are a couple of common materials for decks. A reliable deck builder can help you choose the right one for your needs.
How to Pick the Right Material
If you want to make huge updates to your outdoor area, you should consider treated lumber for your deck. Unfortunately, you should also remember that treated lumber requires more maintenance compared to composite decking.
Fortunately, a lot of manufacturers nowadays offer premium treated lumber that is durable, long-lasting and is resistant to decay and rot. You should ask your deck builder if they know where to find this material.
If you want affordable material for your deck installation project, your best bet is Wood-Plastic Composite. There are reliable manufacturers, such as Vista and Trailhead, that offer affordable and high-quality wood-plastic composite deck boards.
If your outdoor area regularly comes into contact with water, you should consider Mineral-Based Composite. Manufacturers, such as Frontier and Vault, offer a 50-year warranty for these types of materials.
Mineral-Based Composite
This is perhaps one of the most popular deck materials out there. MBC provides improved traction, unmatched strength, and has almost no thermal movement. It’s also rated for ground and water contact.
Usually, manufacturers selling MBCs offer a 25-year fade and stain warranty, 50-year removal and replacement, and 50-year structural warranty.
Wood-Plastic Composite
You can think about this material as a combination of composite decking and traditional lumber. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is made from a compressed wood-plastic core. This deck material provides a long-lasting style at an affordable price.
This type of material usually offers a high-density polyethylene cap. This makes every board resistant to scratches, fading, and stains. They’re also extremely durable.
Two of the most popular manufacturers of WPC are Trailhead and Vista. They’re ideal for a new deck build. They also provide a 25-year replacement and removal, 25-year stain and fade, and 25-year structural warranty.
Treated Lumber Decking
When it comes to decking, treated lumber is the economical and traditional choice. While there is a huge increase in the prices of lumber, it is still a popular option for homeowners looking to save money on their deck installation project.
While wood needs more maintenance, it provides a couple of excellent advantages. This includes:
The look of a traditional wood deck will not go out of style.
There is no risk of the material being discontinued if you want to replace the board.
You can stain the wood to change its color.
Unlike composite decking, you’ll have to conduct routine maintenance to keep your decking in excellent condition. However, it is perhaps the most affordable option out there.
A deck provides an excellent way to enjoy your outdoor area. Unfortunately, they fall victim to the outdoor elements since they’re located outside your house. This is particularly true if your deck is made of wood material rather than composite.
To give your deck a new life, you will have to refinish it. Doing so will improve the resale value of your home and make your deck more attractive.
You can always hire a professional deck builder to stain your deck. However, if you want to do it yourself, here are some steps to follow:
Examine the Deck
First of all, you need to conduct a thorough examination of your deck to figure out its condition. You need to search for indications of rot. You’ll probably find rot hidden in areas where wood and concrete meet. You should also search under the deck to see if there’s rotting in the substructure or if the posts are cracked.
Fix and Clean the Deck
Before starting the refinishing project, make the required repairs if you do have to replace a rotten or damaged deck board. Replace any damaged or rotten deck parts and make any required repairs.
Once you’re done fixing the deck, the next thing you’ll need to do is to clean it. The method you will use will greatly vary on the current finish of the deck.
If you have painted or varnished wood, you need to get rid of the paint or varnish first using a paint stripper.
Make sure you sweep the deck to get rid of any dust before you proceed with the next step.
Deep Clean the Deck
You should consider using a pressure washer if you need to deep clean your deck. Pressure washing is an excellent method to deep clean your deck, especially if it is made of wood.
However, you need to do it properly to avoid damages. You might etch the wood if you do it wrong.
When deep cleaning your deck, you should start in a corner and walk your way across the deck. You can always hire a professional cleaner if you aren’t confident using a pressure washer.
Sand the Deck
If your deck’s surface is still in excellent condition, you might want to skip this step and continue to sand the handrails. However, if the boards are damaged by the sun, you should consider sanding the deck before you stain it.
Make sure you use the right sandpaper grit. Professionals typically recommend sanding the deck with 60-80 grit sandpaper.
Stain the Deck
When choosing the stain for your deck, keep in mind that the finish you pick might be a bit different from what you see in the photos. Because of this, it’s a wise move to purchase a small sample and test it on the deck before you commit to the entire surface.
The ideal method of staining the deck is to apply the stain using a brush. A brush will help guarantee you apply the stain uniformly. This will also ensure the results will look great.
If you are thinking of adding some value and nice decorations to your property, you can use your internet to search for something really helpful. Of course, the ideas will be over the net, and all you need to do is be patient enough to analyze those things. It will give a great idea when it comes to what you need to prioritize first. There are some that they are going to copy the structure so that it would look similar. Others would change the style or the material here to be more affordable and unique to the eyes.
If you were fascinated by those DIY fences, then you have to think twice now whether you would like to try it or not. There are some advantages that you would be feeling great here. You need to consider some points in advance so that you can feel even better after taking those risks. It is not going to be easy when you think about this one. You have the tools and machines prepared in advance. This will keep you feeling better when it comes to making options and decisions about your home.
If things don’t work well, then you need to contact the fence contractor sooner. When things don’t happen according to your plans, you should immediately think of what you can do to save them. It may be very hard to accept that you are experiencing this one, but it will give you more confidence in the future. We can discuss here some factors and the fences that will surely fit your home. This can avoid some troubles that you would expect to see around there.
Think about the purpose and the needs of the fence for your properties. We can always think of the advantages, but it doesn’t mean that those things can be applied to your situations. There are cases as well that would sound great, but you don’t need them. For this one, you have to consider whether you need some privacy or not. Another purpose of the fence is for additional security. Most house owners live in a secured place like a subdivision, then really don’t install fences. They believe that those guards could help them in ensuring the safety of the place.
The appearance will depend on the materials and the colors that you would choose and like to pick this time. Make sure that the materials can sustain the different weathers in your place. You don’t want this one to be a display there, and it doesn’t serve the fence’s purpose. When it comes to the materials you are going to use, pick the one that will get along with the seasons. Choose the one that is very easy to maintain, especially when you can’t afford to hire someone to do the maintenance.
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