What is Berber Carpet? Is It Worth Your Money?

Are you looking for the best type of carpet for your home? One of the top choices for most consumers is the berber carpet. Find out why below:

History

The history of berber carpet dates back several centuries. Originally handmade by artisans working in the berber region, the carpet featured bold colors and unique designs. Modern berber carpets now feature some of the same designs, but most shoppers prefer a neutral design in a color that matches the rest of their home. The carpet features a strong backing made from nylon or another material. Manufacturers wrap the carpeting material around the backing and pull it through the front, which results in large loops. Though traditional berber carpet used wool, modern manufacturers now use a combination of different materials. Source: Improvenet

Features

When choosing a modern Berber carpet, your options include:

• Loop style: The size of the loops can vary from low and tight to high and loose. The loops can be a uniform height or they can vary in height.
• Color: While traditional Berber carpets are bright, modern Berber carpets can be virtually any color, including a vast array of neutrals. A popular option is multicolored Berber carpet with flecks of color throughout.
• Carpet fiber: The highest-quality (and priciest) Berber carpets are made from wool and nylon. Berber carpets can also be made from less-expensive olefin (polypropylene), polyester or a mix of fiber blends. Source: FamilyHandyman

Pros

In addition to the relatively low cost, a big advantage of Berber carpet is that it is fairly easy to clean spills and stains. Because of the looped construction, spills tend to sit on the surface of the carpet, so if you can get to them early, you will likely be able to prevent them from sinking into the fiber.

Many Berbers are multi-colored or have the traditional color fleck, which makes them great for hiding soiling and any stains that do occur.

Cons

One disadvantage of Berber is the possibility of snagging and/or running. With a loop construction, things can get caught in the loop and pull it out. It does require a lot of force to snag a Berber. It could happen by dragging a piece of furniture across the carpet; it is not likely to happen by driving a toy car on the carpet. Source: TheSpruce

Are you interested in having berber carpet installed? Or perhaps you already have it at home but it’s starting to look outdated or worn out? We can help you. Call us!

The post What is Berber Carpet? Is It Worth Your Money? appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/2EJ1cFV

Get Your Home Ready for Fall with These Easy Tips

Autumn is almost here! Bring out the hot chocolate, fuzzy blankets, and scented candles as you prepare to stay warm and safe in the comfort of your home after following these tips:

Inspect the roof
You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.

Have the chimney cleaned
If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional. Source: Lifehack

Prepare the tools you need
Now is a great time to rummage through your garage or shed and get all your fall and winter tools in one, easy accessible location. Nothing is worse than trekking through the snow in search for a snow shovel.

For fall: leaf blower, broom, rake, gardening tools (bulb planting!)
For winter: ice scraper, ice salts, snow shovel, snow blower Source: HGTV

Transform your environment
Since we’re likely to spend more time indoors during autumn and winter it’s a good idea to give your rooms a fresh lick of paint (if you haven’t already done so during lockdown). Giving your walls a new lease of life, even with wallpaper, a wall mural or perhaps new artwork, will brighten the space and be more pleasing to the eye. Source: HouseBeautiful

Keep your home warm
Inspect your windows and doors. Check weatherstripping by opening a door, placing a piece of paper in the entryway and closing the door. The paper should not slide back and forth easily. If it does, the weatherstripping isn’t doing its job.

Also, now’s the time to re-caulk around windows and door casings, if needed. Source: Zillow

Need a pro to check if your roofing, chimney, and gutters are fall-ready? Call us today!

 

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

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

3 Best Flooring Options for Families with Toddlers

Safety is the number one priority when you have kids at home. One way to protect them from injuries is to choose flooring where they can play and run around without worrying about spills and slips. Here are the top choices to consider:

Carpet

Carpet is a great option if you’re looking for flooring that’s soft under the feet. Carpet is also a natural insulator, so it helps absorb sound, can prevent slips, and provides some extra cushioning for any accidental falls. These are all important considerations to keep in mind if you have kids running about.

Carpets come in a variety of styles and colors that can match any room. Dark carpets can make your room feel warmer, while lighter carpets can make your room feel more open. Just remember that lighter carpets also show stains and dirt more easily than darker carpets do. If orange juice stains or even crayon marks are a concern, consider a darker color. If you want to preserve your carpet, it’s best not to provide a large blank canvas for your child’s early attempts at painting. Source: BuildDirect

Cork

When installed, cork is naturally soft and yielding beneath your feet, and it can be made even softer by purchasing thicker tile materials. This is despite the fact that it looks quite a bit like more solid hardwood.

However unlike carpet, cork floors are anti-microbial, and the material will naturally repel the growth of mold and other microorganisms. It is also anti-static and will repel dirt and dust, making a room cleaner and healthier naturally. When installed and sealed properly it can be made nearly impervious to stains, and maintenance is usually just sweeping or vacuuming periodically.

There are also a few drawbacks. Cork is very soft, which means that it can be damaged relatively easily. If you have pets, especially large dogs, their untrimmed nails can scratch and destroy the surface of a cork floor. The pointed edge of hard plastic children’s toys can also cause rips, tears, and gouges in the material. This can be offset to some extent by using cork tiles, which can be spot replaced as needed. Source: TheSpruce

Rug

Haven’t got the time or budget to re-do the floors? Here’s the cheat’s option – just pop down a rug! Seriously. A bright, colourful rug doesn’t just lift the room and add a pop of colour. It also protects your floors from spills and marks, and keeps the kids safe from slips. Place it down in a high foot traffic area – such as a long piece down the hallway. Then just move it around whenever and whenever you fancy. Source: KidSpot

We can help you pick the perfect carpet that won’t only keep your kids safe from harm but will also fit your style. Call us today!

The post 3 Best Flooring Options for Families with Toddlers appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/329qDc3

Basic Things You Need to Know about Gutters

Mostly overlooked, gutters are actually very important to prevent flooding and damage to your home. Here are some things you should know about them:

Are Gutters Necessary?
First, figure out if your house really needs rain gutters. Most do, but there are exceptions, so consider the following:
– If your roof has no overhang or only has a few inches of overhang, it’s likely that water will accumulate against the foundation, damage flowerbeds near the foundation, and/or pour down on people as they enter or exit your home. In this scenario, gutters are a must.
– If your home has a sharply peaked roof with an overhang of 12 inches or more, rainwater will naturally tend to cascade out and away from the house, rather than dripping straight down to the ground to puddle against the foundation. In this case, gutters may not be necessary.
– If your house is higher than the surrounding landscaping, water is unlikely to pool around the foundation, making gutters optional. But if the house is slightly lower than the surrounding ground, gutters are required to channel runoff a sufficient distance from the foundation. Source: BobVila

Materials to Choose from
– Aluminum gutters: Most common of all types of gutters, these are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to install. They’re weather-resistant and available in many colors.
– Vinyl gutters: Vinyl gutters are simple to install and rust-resistant. Like aluminum, they come in a wide variety of colors. However, they’re not as strong as other types and tend to become brittle in cold weather — which can lead to cracking.
– Galvanized steel gutters: The most economical gutter, they are very strong and durable. However, they must be treated to prevent rust.
– Stainless steel gutters: These are popular because they are very strong, maintain their sheen and will not rust. They are costly, though. Source: Networx

Sectional vs. Seamless
The final thing to consider is whether you want sectional versus seamless gutters. Most materials are only available in sections that are joined and fastened together as they are installed. Aluminum gutters, however, are now available in seamless varieties, custom made to fit your home out of single, long sheets of metal. The advantages here are obvious. The most common place a gutter fails after years of wear is at the joints and seams. A seamless gutter will never have this problem, making it a popular choice for those who can afford the extra cost. Source: HomeAdvisor

Do you have any gutter-related needs? We’ll be more than happy to take care of them for you. Contact us for a free estimate!

 

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

from Kerrisdale RD https://ift.tt/34cQOkI

3 Things You Can Do To Stop Carpet from Fraying

Did you know that dragging your furniture or keeping the carpet dirty can make it more prone to fraying? When you start to notice the carpet edges turning into a messy tangle of fibers, stop it from getting worse by following these easy tips:

Inspect what causes the fraying 

Do not trim the frayed carpet with scissors if the carpet is still under warranty. Fraying in other areas of the room may indicate a problem with the carpet. Review the warranty and contact the dealer or manufacturer to discuss a solution. Check the furniture for exposed wood or metal that might be fraying the carpet. Look at the legs and feet and turn the furniture over to view the bottom of the feet. Exposed nails and missing hardware can snag and fray carpet. Repair the furniture and the fraying will end. Source: eHow

Use a seam sealer

Seam sealer is designed to keep seams together for the long term. They do a good of keeping it together. Apply the sealer to the gap and allow it to dry. Be sure to apply gentle and constant pressure so that the seam is sealed properly. Source: DoItYourself

Glue the sides

With a hot glue gun, you can work on the frayed edges and seal them. You will save time as well as the cost of repairing. The glue is specifically targeted to the backing of the carpet, hence very effective in solving the fraying problem. With adequate practice, you can seal the frays in a short while and continue with other chores at home. Source: RealtyTimes

Carpet damage can be tricky to repair. You need the right tools to make the job easier for you. And more often than not, hiring a professional to do the carpet repair is a no-brainer compared to the cost of renting the equipment plus the effort it will require for you to finish the job. So if you need help on any carpet-related problems, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

The post 3 Things You Can Do To Stop Carpet from Fraying appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/3kEDco9

Types of Dormer Roof

Dormer windows are placed on sloping roofs to let natural light in. If you love lots of sunlight in your attic or room, consider adding a dormer on your home by choosing from its many variations. Here are some:

Flat
An extension of the shed roof dormer is the flat roof dormer. In this modern building in Germany, you can see that dormers are hardly an old-fashioned idea. Postmodern architects often take traditional architectural details and turn them on their heads.

Hipped
The hipped roof dormer is slightly less popular than gable and shed dormers, but it’s more elegant. It often mimics the hipped roof of the house itself. A hipped roof has four sloping sides that come together in a peak, rather than a gable which has just two sloping sides. Source: TheSpruce

Bonnet
A bonnet dormer has a curved roof and vertical walls on either side of the window. It’s common to install arch-top windows in bonnet dormers so the top of the window matches the arch of the bonnet.

Wall
This type of dormer can feature any one of the above styles of roofs, but it’s defining feature is that the front of the dormer is an extension of the exterior wall below. Instead of setting back in the middle of the roof, the siding on the main part of the house continues right up into the dormer, making the front of the dormer flush with the front of the house. Source: BobVila

Pyramidal
When a hipped dormer projects from a roof at a 45-degree angle, it takes on a pyramidal shape. This design is unusual but creates an opportunity for a nearly wrap-around view because there are spaces for windows that look out in two directions.

Recessed
Recessed dormers, also known as inset dormers, have one or more walls that are set into the roof, rather than placed on it. This style of dormer allows the windows to be deeper than they might otherwise be. Source: ThisOldHouse

Roof-related projects can be costly, but they’re worth the investment because if done right, they can last a lifetime. Leave it to us!

 

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

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

Watch Out for These Signs of Carpet Mold

Molds are health hazards that can easily spread if left unchecked. Keep your eyes open for the following clues to catch them early on.

Worsening allergies

Carpet mold can cause several health problems such as allergies, breathing troubles, asthma, and bronchitis. If you notice a higher incidence of such conditions in the members of your household, you must consider the possibility of carpet mold in your home. If the walls and floors in your home and basement look clean, be prepared for a thorough inspection of the carpet. 

Musty odor

Smell the carpet for pungent musty or sour odors. Don’t place your nose closer than 2 inches from the carpet, do not inhale deeply or smell at one area for more than a moment or so. Mold and mildew stains are composed of spores which cause health issues when too much are inhaled. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Discoloration

In most cases, when the mold growth reaches an advanced stage, you can see discolored patches on your carpet. Most of the time, these patches are white, black, or various shades of green. The color is caused by the mold colony multiplying on your carpet. Source: DoItYourself

Look underneath

Sometimes mold grows underneath a carpet before it starts growing on the top. If you’re inspecting an area rug, turn it over and check the bottom for mold. If you suspect there’s mold growing in your wall-to-wall carpeting, you may need to hire a professional to lift up the carpet and inspect it for you. Source: WikiHow

Water Damage

If padding beneath the carpet has become wet for any reason, or has become moist from condensation, the padding as well as the carpet on top are at risk for mold growth. The padding may need to be replaced, as will the carpet, in some cases. Source: NACHI

The post Watch Out for These Signs of Carpet Mold appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.

from Curlys Carpet Repair https://ift.tt/3kC7He8

Types of Flat Roof

One of the best roofing options for contemporary homes due to their modern, sleek design is a flat roof. But did you know that there are actually several types of flat roofing that you can choose from? Take a look below to see which one you think would be best for your home.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)
The traditional hot-tar-and-gravel roof is built from three or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and ballasted by a layer of smooth river stone. Once made of tar paper, these types of roofs gradually are using more-advanced materials such as fiberglass membranes.

Pros
– Gravel is an excellent fire retardant.
– Attractive for windows and decks that overlook the roof.
– It’s the cheapest of the four roof varieties.

Cons
– Very heavy.
– Joists sometimes have to be strengthened.
– Smelly and messy to install.
– Installation’s not recommended for occupied homes.
– It’s not a DIY installation job, and it is hard to find the source of leaks.
– Gravel can clog gutters and scuppers. Source: ThisOldHouse

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM roofs are made of rubber. The material used is very durable and looks a lot like the material used in inner tubes. There are 3 different ways to install EPDM or rubber membrane roofing. It can be anchored using fasteners, ballasted or glued down.

This material is one of the easiest of the different types of flat roofing. Leaks in this type of roofing are fairly easy to patch and the material is light weight, but very durable. However, this material is slightly more prone to puncture than other types. The black version of this form of roofing soaks up a great deal of sun and is not generally recommended for extremely hot climates. There is a lighter version for hot climates, but it is much more expensive. Source: DoItYourself

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
Sprayed polyurethane foam is a relatively new product that is sprayed onto the roof as a liquid in order to form a single, continuous, seamless structure. Because foam is flexible and lightweight, it’s perfect for irregularly shaped roofs and protrusions. For re-roofing, SPF also eliminates the need to remove the previous roof, since it can be applied directly over existing roof installations, including asphalt shingles, built-up roofs, clay tile, concrete, metal, and wood. Foam roofing systems are easy to maintain, and with a high insulation value, they can combat some of the heat issues common with flat roofing. The only downside is SPF’s track record. It just doesn’t have much of one yet, so you’re taking a little bit of a risk by going with this product. Source: HomeAdvisor

We can help you choose the type of roofing design and materials that will fit your location, style, and budget. Call us for a free estimate!

 

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

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