How to Soundproof Your Home Office

Are you thinking about turning part of your home into an office so you can work more peacefully? Lessen the noise and distractions by following these simple steps:

Install a carpet

Thick padding installed underneath dense carpeting can help reduce the noise in a large room. If you have wooden or tile floors, add a large area rug to muffle the sounds within your room. Situate a non-skid rug pad under your area rug to further reduce the noise level. Position an area rug on top of low-nap carpet to provide an additional layer of sound absorption. Carpets or rugs that are plusher and cushier absorb noise better than their thin counterparts. Source: HomeGuidesSFGate

Use heavy curtains

Good curtains work wonders against street noise coming through flimsy windows. Thicken the material between the room and the noise with lined curtains, window dressing made from bulky fabric like velvet, or specialty noise-absorbing drapes (which usually have a thick wool core stitched between the decoative fabric). Source: ApartmentTherapy

Replace your windows

Newer, better windows are nearly always better at slowing transmission of exterior sound. Many homeowners install triple-pane windows as much for their sound-deflecting qualities as for potential energy savings.

If you have older style aluminum-framed windows, you are better off with vinyl, fiberglass, or wood framed windows. These older windows do not have a thermal break between outside and inside, making the inside colder.

Storm windows add yet another layer of glass and can be self-installed, saving money. While their sound reduction qualities are only minimal, storm windows are easy to put on, easy to take off, very cheap, and not visible. Source: TheSpruce

If you want to have carpet installed in your new home office, contact us and we’ll even give you some advice on which type of fiber will suit your lifestyle best!

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3 Solutions for a Wet Basement

Did you notice your basement getting damp or having runoff water? If left unchecked, it can cause a huge blow to your bank account as repairs can get expensive. Get rid of this problem quickly by following these tips:

Clear the Gutters
Also, clean gutters so they won’t overflow. (If your home is not equipped with gutters, install them.) And make sure the soil around the foundation slopes away from the house 1 inch per foot for a distance of 4 feet. And add downspout extensions if needed so gutters drain 4 feet away from the house onto splash blocks.

Many homes have an existing underground drainage system. Unfortunately, the system often breaks apart or fills with silt after several decades. You can call in a drain-and-sewer-cleaning contractor who will use a long power snake to try to clear the lines. But often they just have to be capped off at the surface and abandoned. Source: ThisOldHouse

Fix Footing Drains
If water is leaking into your basement low on the walls or at the seams where walls meet the floor, your problem is hydrostatic pressure pushing water up from the ground.

First, check whether you have footing drains, underground pipes installed when the house was built to carry water away from the foundation. (Look for a manhole or drain in the basement floor or a cleanout pipe capped a few inches above the floor.)

If the drains are clogged, open the cleanout and flush the pipes with a garden hose. Source: HouseLogic

Use Waterproof Paint
Waterproofing materials that go on like paint fill the pores in the concrete or masonry walls and prevent water from leaking in. To be effective, these coatings must be applied to bare concrete or masonry walls. Start by removing loose material with a wire brush. Then clean off any white powdery “efflorescence” with masonry cleaner. Follow the safety and application instructions carefully. A common mistake when using masonry waterproofing products is to spread them too thin. The goal is to fill every pinhole to create a continuous waterproofing membrane. Brush the coating in all directions to completely fill every pinhole. Add a second coat after the first dries. Source: FamilyHandyman

If you have any drainage or roofing issues, don’t hesitate to call the pros.

 

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

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Here’s How You Can Say Goodbye to Carpet Beetles

Have you noticed the appearance of these pests on your carpeted floors? Today, we’ll teach you how to deal with this annoying problem.

What are carpet beetles?

The common variegated carpet beetle is recognisable by its oval-shaped, grey, brown and cream mottled body. Although it measures only 2-4mm in length, its larvae can cause considerable damage to wool carpets as well as feather-filled soft furnishings.

The adults are most active in late Spring and early Summer but the larvae won’t hatch until the Autumn, when you will start to see damage. Source: Good HouseKeeping

How to get rid of them?

Spray or dust your carpet and furniture with an insecticide. There are many different types of carpet treatment products that you can buy. Make sure that whatever spray or dust you’re applying is for killing carpet beetles specifically, and check the label of chemical insecticides to make sure that the product contains chlorpyrifos, bendiocarb, and allethrin in order to ensure eradication success. 

• Chemical insecticides may be harmful to other animals, so if you have any pets make sure to secure them in a location away from where the insecticide is sprayed or dusted.
• Spread boric acid all over your carpet and upholstered furniture, and make sure to vacuum it up within two hours of laying it down. While it is lethal for beetles, boric acid isn’t powerful enough to harm humans. 
• Dehydrate carpet beetles with diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on pet beds and in the back of cabinets and closets. It’s safe for pets and humans, but you’ll need to wear a respirator or mask while applying to keep yourself from inhaling the particles. 
• Many common household pesticides that kill ants and roaches will also kill carpet beetles, or simply limit their food supply. Spray the product in corners of closets, on window ledges, and in any crevices that could potentially house carpet beetles. Source: WikiHow

Do a deep clean

To be on the safe side, it’s advisable to deep clean any upholstery around the carpet as some beetles may have strayed away and made their home in these fabrics. If this is the case, they will multiply and find their way back to your carpet. To deep clean your upholstery, vacuum the material thoroughly using an appropriate attachment. Don’t leave out any crevices or narrow spaces as bugs tend to hide in these areas. Next, make a solution of white vinegar and water (equal parts) and spritz it over the upholstery; leave it to air dry. Vinegar acts as a natural bug repellent that doesn’t stain or smell. Source: Build

Carpet beetles can cause damage to your carpet. But don’t worry! We can take care of that. Call us today to book an appointment.

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3 Reasons to Renovate Your Home

Are you planning on remodeling your home soon, but you’ve been thinking twice about the cost? Here are the top 3 reasons why you shouldn’t worry about it:

Comfort
One thing that you should never overlook is your own comfort and enjoyment. Ask yourself, ‘is this the way I would like my home to look for the next years to come?’. If you can’t answer with an immediate ‘yes’, then it’s time for some change.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t renovate solely to impact the future sale price of your property, as this will leave you living in a show house that doesn’t feel like a home. Renovating to satisfy your comfort and enjoyment is more important than trying to capitalise on the potential selling price. Source: Property24

Safety
You’re making the property safer. Whether you recently purchased your fixer-upper or you’ve lived there a couple decades, it may be time to overhaul some dated systems and ensure your home is keeping you safe and healthy. Consider having professionals check for old electrical wiring, dated heating systems and moist areas that may invite mold.

Before you spend money renovating for cosmetic reasons, “absolutely the No. 1 thing that people should be focused on is maintenance and repair,” says Kevin Busch, vice president of operations for Mr. Handyman, part of the Neighborly network of home service providers. Source: RealEstate.USNews

Timing
If you’ve been thinking about renovating your home for what feels like forever, then it’s time to stop wishing and to start doing. There’s never going to be a time where your schedule and your finances are “perfect” for a home renovation project. But the longer you put it off, the less time you get to enjoy in your beautiful new renovated home. Source: ArchitectureArttDesigns

If you have any home remodeling or repair project in mind, talk to us to get a free estimate of how much it would cause. You might be surprised with how much you will save in the long run once you let us do the job for you. Call us today!

 

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

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Best Flooring Options for Pets

Are you a fur parent looking for the perfect flooring that requires minimal upkeep? Here are some of the top picks for you:

Bamboo

Bamboo is an excellent flooring for pets for many different reasons. It’s harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. It won’t wear out, and it’s completely renewable. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to be green. Bamboo is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Bamboo’s hardness will help save money when compared flooring that will require repairs from scratches. For those who are trying to decide between using wood and vinyl flooring, choosing bamboo floors is a great compromise. Source: BuildDirect

High-performance carpet

Pets do love carpeting; there’s just something to be said about having carpeting in your home that a pet can run across and roll around upon without destroying the fibers. High-performance carpeting continues to improve in terms of spill, soil, and stain resistance, and manufacturers now produce a wide assortment of styles and textures, so homeowners are not as limited as they were 5-10 years ago. Bellera High-Performance Carpet from Shaw Industries is one of the newest on the market that comes not only with promises for durability, but warranties to suit. We know lots of people who have replaced carpeting in their homes and opted for a high-performance product that’s both as soft as any carpet you’d want, but also durable for pets (and the active kids who keep them on their toes). Source: HGTV

Stone, tile, and concrete

Hard flooring options such as stone, tile, and concrete are most likely to withstand the constant wear and tear of clawed feet. These hard surfaces are also the easiest to clean after a wet dog does its trademark shake, a long-haired cat sheds its fur, or an untrained pup leaves behind a messy surprise. As a downside, flooring made of stone, tile, or concrete can get chilly during cold weather, and dogs may be uncomfortable relaxing on the hard surfaces. Both issues, though, can be addressed easily by scattering thick rugs and pet beds throughout your home. As an alternative solution, some homeowners may choose to install heated floorboards. Source: BobVila

Play around freely with your pet knowing that we’re here to take care of any carpet troubles. Call us if your carpet needs some repair!

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Essential Home Maintenance Checklist for Summer

Make your home last longer and avoid emergency repairs by observing routine upkeep. Here are some tips to take note of:

Inspect leaks
Go around to all your faucets and toilets and check for any small leaks. If you have poor water pressure out of a faucet, the aerator is the likely culprit and it’s an extremely easy fix.

Don’t let the insects ruin your summer
Summer is their playground. You probably won’t have to look too hard to notice any insect problems. Ants, spiders, moths, etc. are all common, and fairly easy to take care of. Keep cobwebs clear, have ant poison handy, make sure all doors are tightly closed, etc. Source: ArtOfManliness

Wash the driveway
Another great summer home maintenance tip is to thoroughly clean your walkways and driveway. The key to cleaning a patio, driveway and walkway is to use a pressure washer. Before you get out your pressure washer however, it is a good idea to check these areas for cracks and weeds. Once you have inspected everything, get out that pressure washer and wash away everything that has been sitting on there for the past year. Source: BudgetDumpster

Schedule your home renovation project
Whether you’re dreaming of a landscape makeover or need to replace a deck, don’t delay booking the right pro for the job. Their schedules tend to fill up quickly in the summer — plus, the sooner the work is done, the longer you will have to enjoy it. Source: Houzz

Clean the outdoor grill
Give your grill a deep cleaning with these simple steps:

– For gas grills, turn the heat up to high and let the grill cook with the lid closed for about half an hour. Allow the grill to cool and then brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Clean the grill’s drip pans.

– For charcoal grills, completely empty the grill and wipe out any ashy residue. Then clean it inside and out with hot water, a scrubby sponge and some liquid dishwashing soap. Let the grill dry completely before using it again. Source: TheNest

Summer is also the perfect time to take care of roofing and drainage damage. If you need any help, feel free to contact us.

 

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

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How to Patch Carpet

Is a damaged area on your carpet starting to irritate you? Say goodbye to this small annoyance by replacing that portion with some pieces that you might have left from the installation. Or, cut out some parts from hidden spots using the following tips: 

Mark the area

Use an awl or capped pen to establish a square around the damaged area. Press the instrument into the carpet between the tufts and drag it. This separates the tufts and minimizes the number of tufts that will get cut.

Cut the damaged part

Use your carpet or utility knife to cut the carpet along the lines of the square. Try your best to cut only the backing of the carpet, avoiding tufts. Carefully remove the section of carpeting. If any carpet fibers remain attached, cut them rather than pull them away. Source: TheSpruce

Prepare the carpet patch

Next, cut a replacement plug, using the cutout as a template. To start, make a first cut in the replacement material, using a straightedge to guide your carpet knife. Then set the cutout on the replacement material with one edge aligned along that first cut. When you lay the cutout on top of the replacement material, make sure their naps are running in the same direction. You can tell which direction the nap is running by rubbing your hand over the carpeting and watching which way the fibers fall or stand up. Once you have the cutout lined up correctly, part the fibers around the three uncut sides just as you did before.

Cut along the parts and test-fit the plug in the cutout hole, making sure the nap of the plug matches the nap of the surrounding carpet. If the plug is a little too big, trim off a single row of fibers with sharp scissors (old, dull scissors will tear the fibers). Source: FamilyHandyman

Put the patch in place

Groom away any loose carpet fibers from the edge of the hole. Check the fit before applying any glue. Then, put down a thin layer of carpet glue along the edges of the adhesive disk. Place the patch into the hole, taking care to make sure the fit is snug and even. Press lightly to allow the backing on the patch to come into contact with the underlying tape and adhere properly. 

• Align the patch so that the direction of the fibers in the patch match the direction of the fibers in the rest of the carpet.
• You have about 15 minutes to position and align the patch perfectly before the glue sets, permanently anchoring your patch in place. Work quickly. Source: WikiHow

Are you afraid to mess up this DIY job and end up causing more damage? Let a professional do it for you in just an instant. Call us today to set up an appointment!

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More Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

Now that you’ve been spending more time at home, you can’t simply ignore that much-needed remodel that you’ve been neglecting for years. Before you give your plans a go, make sure you check out the following tips:

Go local
Area contractors who have been in business for a long time are usually reliable and safe bets for projects. If they didn’t do good work in your community, they wouldn’t still be around. Source: PopularMechanics

Do a thorough check
Now that you’ve narrowed your list, put your research to use. Call up former clients to find how their project went and ask to see the finished product. But Tom says you shouldn’t rely on results alone. Even more important, visit a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works. Is the job site neat and safe? Are workers courteous and careful with the homeowner’s property? Source: ThisOldHouse

Create a contract
It is incredibly important that you leave no detail out when drawing up a contract with your contractor. If something goes wrong during the course of the project and you have to seek legal action, your contract will be key to proving your case. Here are the things your contract should lay out in detail:

– Contact information of your contractor such as name, physical address (you cannot serve a subpoena without a physical address), phone number, insurance company, and account and license numbers.

– The project’s start date and end date, or its start date and the length of time until completion.

– Your payment and financing plan.

– A detailed schedule of the stages of the project including any electrical, plumbing and carpentry components.

– A detailed list of all required materials, who will choose them, and how much will be budgeted for them if they are chosen at a later date.

– A guarantee that the contractor will file for all necessary permits.

– Potential time conflicts from other projects the contractor may be working on.

– Change order provisions. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances crop up such as dry rot and this may change the project schedule and cost. Change order provisions lay out what additional work may be done, what it will cost, and how it will affect the date of completion. Some people also choose to include in this section what will happen if they change their mind about a portion of the project.

– All the names of the workers that will be on site and the start and end time of their work day. Source: HomeAdvisor

If you’re looking for a reliable home contractor who can help you with roofing, drainage, and home repairs, we’re here for you. Call us to get a free estimate!

 

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

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