Assured Home Services Inc.
Installed prefab knockdown shelving/storage system, with space for drill press. Added custom built maple work surface, with solid maple edges, and custom made, recessed, mitre saw support so that the table of the mitre saw is flush with the work surface, to aid in the ease of cutting longer stock.
Ice damming is a big problem this winter due to the large amounts of snow combined with warm and cold temperatures.
Homeowners concerned about ice damming, should avoid hiring people/firms who use shovels (especially with metal edges), and hatchets to remove the ice dam (as seen in this video). These tools, and these people, can actually shorten the life expectancy of the roofing materials by chipping and loosening shingles, and by scraping off the granular material on the shingles. Damage can also be done to roofing materials and eavethroughs by repeated and misplaced blows from hatchets. Most homeowners will not know that their roofing materials have been damaged after hiring these types of people/firms.
So what should people do if ice damming is a concern? Simply get a “snow rake” and gently remove the snow which is insulating/covering the ice, and let the sun melt away the ice naturally. This also eliminates the dangers of mounting a steep, slippery roof. See the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHykvbsKB5Y&sns=em
Always follow the manufacturers assembly, operation, and safety instructions. Or, only hire people/firms that use techniques such as this to remove the snow from the eaves/edges of your roof; not damage your roof.
09/27/2017
Framing, sheathing and siding materials should never be installed in contact with grade. Section 9.27.2.4 of the Alberta Building Code states that: A clearance of not less than 200mm shall be provided between finished ground and cladding...
So in this photo example, the stucco, tar paper, and framing/sheathing are installed at grade. You can see that after several years of exposure to the elements, and chronic wicking of moisture, the stucco shows signs of staining and deterioration. Upon removal of the deteriorated stucco, it is obvious that the tar paper, wire mesh has also deteriorated, and moisture is starting to affect the wood framing/sheathing behind it. Most garages are built as "slab on grade" and suffer this condition. Many houses are improperly landscaped or have walkways/patios pour over top of siding materials which also creates this condition. This is yet another reason to call for civic/municipal exterior inspections for new construction and renovations, as builders and siding contractors don't care, as they know they will never have their work "inspected" for compliance, or care if the the work they did performs properly. Many just want to cash their cheques.
09/22/2017
Well summer is over :(
Time to turn on the in-floor heating... Ahhh that's better!
Electric in-floor heating kits are an easy, inexpensive, yet fabulous way to add comfort and value to your living spaces. So if you are planning a kitchen, bathroom, or basement renovation consider this upgrade. Don't let contractors or builders fool you about pricing... even the big box stores carry these kits. Check them out and you will see just how inexpensive they are.
09/21/2017
I know that I am the only Inspector up on a wet, slippery roof today. Good thing to, as this is the only way to find the missing shingles up on this roof; other Inspection Firms Do Not get on roofs.
Thorough Inspections = Happy Clients
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
