Places You Forget to Vacuum

Your home is your fortress. Protect your family from any threat or hazard caused by germs or viruses by making sure that every inch of your home is safe. Remember to cover the following areas on your next cleaning schedule: 

Carpeted stairs

Dirt also has a tendency to accumulate on carpeted stairs, where the step meets the next step. “The edges and the crevices get extremely dark from dust,” Sardone says. “It’s because the usual hand vac doesn’t get deep into the crevices and the edges where it collects.” But targeting the area can really help. Source: MSN

Blinds

Wooden and metal blinds can both become dirt magnets if you’re not cleaning them regularly. “If you dust them every week with a flexible duster, then they stay clean, but most people don’t.” She recommends using your attachment to vacuum the blinds at least a couple of times per year to remove heavy dust. Source: RD

Mattresses

Vacuuming your mattress will reduce the risk of dust mites (or bed bugs!) moving in. If you have one, use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to make the task easier.

Make sure to focus on all the nooks and crannies, and don’t forget to turn your mattress every few months. The GHI recommends flipping them over every six months to ensure even wear and maintain the shape of the mattress. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for best practice.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions first, because not all mattresses should be vacuumed. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Need help deep cleaning the carpet in your home? We’ve got you! Contact us today!

The post Places You Forget to Vacuum appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/2zHgEjR

3 Tips to Cut Roofing Costs

Are you planning on having your roof replaced or repaired anytime soon? Check out these useful tips that could help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars:

Schedule your project during the off-season
Roofing contractors are in great demand at certain times of the year, typically in the autumn after fall and in the summer. If you live in a climate where you can schedule the repairs in the off-season, you can set yourself up for really handsome discounts over the busy-season rates. However, make sure that the experts will be available since many of the contract labor in this industry move away during the lean season. Source: ArchitectureIdeas

Know the scope of work needed
Understand the size and complexity of your roof and know the exact materials you want to have installed before talking to contractors. These details help keep estimates consistent and encourage competitive pricing, Bulifant says.

If you encounter the term “roofing square” while researching materials or getting estimates, know that one “square” equals 100 square feet of roofing material. And if you’re talking with a roofing contractor, installation and disposal fees probably are included in the estimate. Source: NerdWallet

Research before accepting an offer
You should always obtain several quotes on any home improvement project to find the best price; however, the lowest quote is not always the best. By choosing a subpar roofer or company, you’re putting yourself at risk of delayed completion times and shoddy work. Before accepting the lowest quote, always research the company and workers, checking for any complaints, and ensuring that they’re fully licensed in your state. Although a better contractor may cost more upfront, it will likely save you money in the end. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

We can help turn your dream roofing project into a reality! We’ve been doing this for several households in Vancouver for over 54 years. Call us today if you want to get a free estimate.

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

from Kerrisdale RD https://ift.tt/3euLiLV

How to Disinfect Your Carpet Without a Steam Cleaner

If you’re stuck at home right now with no tools to deep clean your carpet, then this article is for you. Keep any virus from putting you and your family in danger by taking note of the following tips:

Follow these simple steps

Cleaners needed: Baking soda or dish soap (alternatively, you can use the same product used in steam cleaners)

Tools needed: Old toothbrush, brush, clean rag or towel, and bucket

Here are the steps for how to clean your carpet without a steam cleaner:

1. Get a bucket of warm water and your preferred cleaning tool ready.
2. Vacuum the entire area you wish to clean to get rid of dirt and dust.
3. If using baking soda, sprinkle the stain until completely covered. If using dish soap, measure the stain’s size, and use 1 tablespoon per 6 to 8 inches of stain.
4. Swoosh it around until you see bubbles.
5. Using an old brush, toothbrush, rag, or towel, gently scrub the stain with warm water.
6. Do not completely soak the floor, just make it wet enough to scrub away the dirt/stain.
7. Turn on any fans, or open nearby windows to allow carpet to air dry.
8. Once dry, vacuum again. Source: FirstForWomen

Be cautious when using natural products

Many sites recommend sanitizing carpet by spraying it with distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is not an EPA-recommended disinfectant. The acetic acid in vinegar does break apart soil and has some disinfectant qualities by changing the structure of germ cells. However, it is much more effective on hard nonporous surfaces than carpet fibers.

While it will help reduce the number of bacteria on the carpet if used along with the high heat of a steam cleaner, it will not leave your carpet sanitized or disinfected.

If you choose to use vinegar, select Cleaning Strength White Distilled Vinegar that contains six percent acetic acid rather than another lower acid vinegar.

Source: TheSpruce

Don’t forget to use disinfectant spray

For areas like your couch and carpet that can’t be wiped down, you can use a disinfectant spray, like Lysol, to go after unseen germs. I suggest spraying in a sweeping motion to cover the entire surface, then let it completely dry before sitting down or walking on the surface.

You can also spray down countertops, mattresses and tables. If you’re out of wipes, you can also aim your disinfecting spray into a paper towel to wipe down sink handles and other smaller surfaces.

Products like 409 cleaner are not on the EPA’s approved list of products, so we suggest using products that come from the list, like Lysol spray, Clorox spray and Sani-Prime spray. Source: CNet

As you can see, making your home safe is possible even without tools. But it takes so much time and effort to do all this on a regular basis. So if you’re looking to free up your schedule so you can work from home or do more relaxing activities, contact us and we’ll take care of the carpet cleaning task for you! 

The post How to Disinfect Your Carpet Without a Steam Cleaner appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/3bOuyO8

What is a Green Roof and Why You Should Try It

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly roofing option, you might want to consider installing a living roof for your home. Discover more about it below:

Intensive and extensive green roof
There are three main types of green roofing, determined by the depth of the planting and the level of maintenance they require: intensive, semi-intensive and extensive. While extensive roofs can handle 10 to 25 pounds of vegetation per square foot, intensive roofs aim for 80 to 150 pounds, and semi-intensive fall between those two ranges.

An intensive green roof is more like a rooftop garden, with a great deal of labor, irrigation and feeding required to maintain plants with roots that grow deep into 7 to 24 inches of soil. Some even include water features, such as small ponds. Extensive roofs, in contrast, are meant to be self-sustaining with 1.6 to 5 inches of soil and the need for only once-yearly weeding. If the roof is not easily accessible, an extensive roof is likely the best bet. Source: Engineering

Semi-intensive (or hybrid) green roof
With this treatment, choices in vegetation are much broader than with an extensive green roof. Plus, not much maintenance is required. This green roof can be described as a combination of an extensive and intensive roof, and therefore is also called a hybrid roof. A variety of plants that grow well in a soil depth of five to seven inches are good to use, including certain perennials, ornamental grasses, herbs, shrubs, and sedums. Because irrigation is only needed from time to time and it requires a medium amount of maintenance, most rooftops can benefit from a semi-intensive green roof. Source: Dwell

Why go green?
A landscaped or grass roof has many advantages, if you plan it correctly. Depending on where you live and the water needs of your area, you can choose plants that handle lots of rain or ones that tolerate drought. The key to selection is to find plants that don’t have aggressive roots that can damage your rooftop (like bamboo).

A green rooftop absorbs heavy rainfall and reduces flooding. It also extends the life of a roof by protecting it from the elements. Most importantly, green roof designs insulate a home or building, reducing the temperature inside. Major cities can benefit from living roofs to combat the heat they create, called heat islands.

According to the EPA, city buildings are made of concrete and cement that trap the day’s heat. This heat can raise the temperature of a city “as high as 22 degrees more” than a nearby rural area. This increases the need for air conditioning and electricity, contributing more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Source: Freshome

Still can’t decide which type of roofing will go best for your dream home? We’ve got you covered! Call us today so we can help you pick one that will suit your budget and needs.

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

from Kerrisdale RD https://ift.tt/3cUriSM

Design Tips for Your Home Office

Is your company enforcing a work-from-home policy due to the pandemic? Creating a separate space for your work area is a must so you don’t get burned out from your new setup. Here are some tips to help you out:

Choose the right carpet

A carpet with a low profile is ideal for office environments. A short pile provides easier movement for an office chair on wheels and better accommodation for heavy office furniture and equipment.

Looped berber styles can be ideal for home offices, as they are generally lower profile than residential cut-pile carpets. If you are considering a berber, I would consider a level loop (where all the loops are the same size) as opposed to a style with varying loop heights, which can increase the potential for snagging.

If you prefer something with a more cozy, residential look, you may want to consider a cut and loop. Most cut and loop styles feature short cut fibers paired with small, tight loops. Often, the placement of the loops forms a pattern in the carpet. Source: TheSpruce

Go green

Studies suggest that we can make our workspaces happier and healthier through the power of nature. Viewing countryside scenes such as trees or water can reduce stress, anger and exhaustion while increasing levels of happiness, energy and cognitive function. Try popping an indoor herb garden or bonsai tree on your desk. Alternatively you could select a piece of wall art which depicts the natural environment. Source: CountryLiving

Stay organized

It’s no secret. Home offices can get messy – fast. To keep the piles at bay, it’s tempting to stock up on organizational bins, drawers, etc. There are about a million great options on the market to help you keep your home office in top shape. The only problem is that it’s all too easy to bring a bunch of them home without actually implementing them.

Before you start stocking up on drawer organizers and filing cabinets, put some thought into how you actually organize. What works well for you in the rest of your house? If you’re already in the habit of scanning your receipts and keeping things digitally, why buy a filing cabinet for your home office? If you have a single favorite pen you always use, why buy a pen cup? Don’t get sucked into the office organization hype. You have the flexibility of creating your own workspace. Do it in a way that will work for you long term. Remember, decorating a home office in a way that doesn’t feel too sterile is much easier when you’ve avoided accumulating piles of bins, folders and organizers. Source: Freshome

Your home office will be more comfortable if you have carpeting beneath your feet. Don’t forget to contact us if you have any carpet needs!

The post Design Tips for Your Home Office appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/3fT1hFa

How to Remove Moss From Your Roofing

We’ve previously discussed how moss can be harmful for your roof, and why you must have it removed right away. Today, we will talk about the steps you need to take to keep it from causing damage.

Clear away the moss
Carefully place a ladder near the area of moss growth, and don slip-resistant shoes, old clothes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. (You may also want to secure yourself with a safety rope.) Hose off the area with plain water, spraying at a downward angle. Then, use a long-handled soft-bristle scrub brush to remove the moss from the roof, scrubbing from the top down to avoid lifting shingles. As you continue, rub gently—don’t scrape, scour, or pound on the roof—and work in one small section at a time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles.

Note: Don’t use a pressure washer on the roof. The high-powered water jets can damage shingles and remove the shingle granules that protect the roof. Source: BobVila

Kill off the remaining moss
Moss may be hardy, but not hardy enough to stand up to bleach, vinegar or even dish soap. You can combine any of these common household supplies with water to make a spray that will prove lethal to roof moss. Start with 2 gallons of water and add any of the following ingredients:

– 8 ounces dish soap
– 1 pound oxygenated bleach
– 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups of liquid chlorine bleach or white vinegar.
– Let the solution remain on the moss for 20 to 45 minutes, which should be long enough for the moss to die.

If you prefer to use a store-bought moss killer, you have your choice of several products, including Wet & Forget, Moss B Ware or Bayer 2-in-1 Moss and Algae Killer. Follow the directions on the container for the best use of any of these products. Some are designed to be rinsed off, while others must remain on the moss for an extended period to do their job. Source: Hunker

Use copper flashing for prevention
Copper flashing around skylights and chimneys isn’t typically affected by moss growth, because as water runs off of the flashing, it carries traces of copper sulfate, which is a natural herbicide that prevents moss growth. Typically it’s best to place copper strips as high up on the roof as possible so that when water runs down your roof, the traces of copper sulfate cover as much of the roof surface as possible. If you have a long roof, you may need to install a strip of copper halfway up the roof, as well. According to Ask the Builder, one strip of copper protects 14 to 18 feet of roof below it. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Getting rid of moss can be a dangerous job if you don’t have the right tools. Let us help you out. Call us!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

from Kerrisdale RD https://ift.tt/2AsF3JX

How to Get Rid of Wet Carpet Smell

Did your carpet recently got soaked? Whether it’s caused by water damage or spillage, you have to take care of it immediately to eliminate the foul odor and avoid further problems. Here are the steps you need to take:

Remove excess water and dry the carpet

If you are unable to remove the carpet from the floor you will need to rent or buy a commercial size wet dry shop vac. This will allow you to suck up most of the water out of the carpet. It’s a slow process but quite an effective process.

Remember that your carpet most likely has underlay and this is one of the biggest problems for odor. It’s also the cheapest piece to replace so if at all possible remove the old underlay and replace with new pad. If you aren’t able to remove it then use your shop vac to pull out all the water and moisture.

Once you’ve removed all the water from the carpet you’ll need to clean the carpet. You can do this yourself or you can have a professional cleaner do it. You will want to use a good quality cleaning detergent as well as a sanitizer. An industrial strength product is preferred to ensure all mold, mildew, and bacteria is killed. Ammonia works well and is very cheap to buy. Source: SelfGrowth

Use baking soda to neutralize odor

Sprinkle baking soda on dried carpeting. Use a broom to work the baking soda into the carpet. Allow the baking soda to sit on the carpet overnight. Baking soda is an all-natural deodorizer that will remove carpet odors and is safe to use around children and pets. Remove the baking soda by vacuuming it up. Source: Hunker

You can also add vinegar to kill molds

Plain white vinegar is extremely acidic, which gives it antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Not only can it kill mold and mildew, it can also help loosen and lift other debris from your carpet. To make a cleaning solution, mix 2 cups (0.47 L) of warm water with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of baking soda in a spray bottle. 

• Shake the mixture thoroughly and apply liberally to your carpet. Make more as needed.
• Note that the room will smell strongly of vinegar until the mixture dries.
• Once the mixture has dried, vacuum the room completely. Source: WikiHow

Removing the carpet and padding, then reinstalling it takes so much work. If you don’t do it right, you might even end up having more problems than when you started. Let us help you avoid this daunting task. Call us for an appointment!

The post How to Get Rid of Wet Carpet Smell appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/2YJcYbt

Can Moss Cause Damage to My Roof?

Have you inspected your roofing lately? When you start to notice fuzzy moss growing on the surface, you have to remove it right away. Or else you might get a headache because of the following problems:

Deterioration
As moss thickens, it works its way under the shingles and raises them up. If the shingles are wood, this process can happen at an alarming rate. Wood’s porous surface is prime real estate for moss growth. Once moss has adhered to wood shingles, the moss can be tougher to remove than from the relatively smoother planes of composite or asphalt shingles.

Once the moss is a thick mat, it becomes a sponge that soaks up and retains all moisture. This stored water works its way under and between shingles and then onto the lower levels of roofing felt and the structural elements of the roof. This eventually leads to rot, and rot leads to further decay of roofing materials. Source: TheSpruce

Vulnerability to elements
As stated above, moss can gradually dislodge shingles. As a result, your house more susceptible to damage by strong winds and severe storms.

Decreased home value
A strong and secure roof adds value to any home. It is one of the strongest selling points of a house. Unchecked growth of moss will negatively affect the value of your home. Source: DoItYourself

Shorter life span
Rainwater leaking through the roof from moss can also result in serious, unhealthy mold growth on interior room surfaces as well as wall component decay that is extremely expensive to repair.

Moss can shorten the life span of a shingled roof and result in costly repairs — both structural and cosmetic — that would not be necessary if the roof were maintained properly and kept clear of moss. Source: OregonLive

Make your roofing last longer by letting us take care of it. We’ll give you a free estimate when you call us today!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

from Kerrisdale RD https://ift.tt/35KZ3D9

Top Eco-Friendly Flooring Options to Choose from

One factor most people consider when deciding which type of flooring to install is the environmental impact of their choice. Fortunately, there are now several green options available in the market. Here are some of the best:

Linoleum Flooring

Average price: $2 – $5 per sq foot. Linoleum is made from oxidized linseed oil which is produced naturally from flax plants. This material is widely available and highly renewable. Production does not have a significantly negative effect on the environment and Linoleum floors can last for 25-40 years. When the material is no longer used it can be burned as fuel. The energy produced by burning one square foot of linoleum is roughly equivalent to the energy required to make the same amount of the material, making its life cycle a closed loop system. Source: TheSpruce

Natural Fiber Carpet

There are a wide range of sustainable carpets and rugs sold at competitive prices across the nation. Look for carpets made from natural fibers with little or no chemical treatment. Also, purchase carpets with natural-fiber backing attached with less-toxic adhesives.

Many carpets and carpet paddings contain plastics made from petroleum, an unrenewable and energy consumptive resource. Choose a carpet with lightweight backing that requires no additional padding, or use padding made from recycled materials. Look for 100 percent recycled cotton padding or recycled “rag pads.” Source: GreenAmerica

Glass Tiles 

Ever wonder what happens to the wine bottles and beer bottles that are shipped to the recycler?  They are converted into beautiful glass tiles. This renewable source is fast becoming a wonderful option for floors as well as bathroom and kitchen walls.  Glass has similar benefits of other eco-friendly materials. It is non-absorptive and won’t mildew or mold in damp environments.   It is easy to maintain and won’t stain.  Glass comes in a limitless array of colors, patterns and finishes suitable for most design schemes.   Unlike ceramic tiles, glass will reflect light rather than absorb it, adding that additional layer of light some rooms need. Source: Freshome

Carpet will still be the most comfortable material out there. With tons of variations that can suit your lifestyle and budget, you’ll surely find a design that will last a long time. We can even help install it for you. Call us!

 

The post Top Eco-Friendly Flooring Options to Choose from appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/3aZfa18