Choose The Right Wine Fridge With Tasco Appliances

Fancy a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or delicate Chardonnay? Wines need to be stored at the perfect temperature to make sure that they age well and you get the most enjoyment out of every bottle. If they’re not stored properly in a refrigerator, temperature variation can alter the flavor and ruin your wine drinking experience. If you’re wondering why you can’t just store your wine in your regular refrigerators, it’s because the temperature that is required to keep your food fresh is different from the temperature needed to maintain the integrity and ensure proper aging of your wine.

There are so many options to choose from in terms of the style, size, features, etc. which can make the whole process quite difficult. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning to develop your palate, if you host a lot of parties, whether you have a big kitchen with room for a built-in wine fridge or an under-the-counter cooler, all these factors also need to be considered to determine the best option. Lucky for you, our experts at Tasco can help you make the right choice for you based on your needs, budget, and preferences.

Let’s discuss these factors in more detail.

Type

Depending on your needs and the size of your kitchen, you can either get a built-in or a free-standing wine refrigerator.
Built-in can be installed between your kitchen cabinetry or below the countertop. You can also choose an integrated panel for this to make it blend in with your cabinets.
Free standing is ideal if you don’t have room to install a built-in cooler or if you want to place it in a wine cellar or bar area of your home instead of the kitchen.

Size

Wine coolers come with different capacities to cater to different customer requirements. If you host a lot of parties, gatherings, or wine tasting evenings, you may want to invest in a wine fridge that can store a higher number of bottles.
Taste

Your taste preferences also play a role in choosing the right wine refrigerator. A single zone fridge is good to store one type of wine, either red or white, as it offers the same temperature for the whole capacity of the fridge. On the other hand, a dual zone fridge offers different temperature settings through a partition, allowing you to store both kinds separately.

Budget

Budget is always an important role in every purchase decision. There are so many extra features that you can get in a wine fridge, like LED lighting, digital display, wooden racks, safety sensors, locks, and more.

Come visit us at Tasco and learn all you need to know about wine refrigerators before you make a decision. Tasco carries a wide range of options in terms of brand, size, and functionality so you don’t have to settle for less.

Tasco Appliances
3041 Dufferin St. Toronto, ON M6B 3T8
(416) 781-9145
www.tascoappliance.ca

Reasons to Keep Your Eavestroughs Clean & Maintained Year-Round

Something as simple as keeping your eavestroughs clean never seems like a big deal – until you add it on top of the other million little tasks that go along with properly maintaining a home and piece of property. As a result, it can be tempting to simply let the task slide. Here are five reasons why it’s crucial to stay on top of this particular task for the longevity of your home.

Preventing water damage: It is crucial that both your eavestroughs and downspouts remain as debris-free as possible year-round, but this is especially true during seasons where it is likely to rain. Otherwise, rainwater may not drain properly, causing water in the eavestroughs to overflow or pool near the foundation of your home. This can cause both damage to both the interior and exterior of your home if not addressed quickly.

Reducing the odds of a cracked foundation: As mentioned above, failing to keep your eavestroughs clean can cause rainwater to pool at the foundation of your home. In colder weather, this water can freeze and expand, which can cause significant, and often expensive, damage to the foundation of your home.

Protecting your roof: A damaged roof is not only potentially dangerous to you and your family but can lead to incredibly costly repairs down the line when the damage gets to a place where it can’t be ignored. Keeping your eavestroughs clean and clear of debris so that rainwater can drain will go a long way towards preventing this issue from arising.

Keeping your home pest-free: A clogged eavestrough creates the perfect environment for rodents, insects, and birds. While this may not seem like such a big deal, these pests can create infestations in your home – so unless you’re looking for some new and uninvited roommates, it’s best to keep the eavestroughs clear of debris.

Cheaper than the alternative: Cleaning your downspouts and eavestroughs may be a nuisance in the moment but doing so is a cost-saving measure in the long run; you’ve heard the phrase “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Well your roof and foundation are key. Take the time to keep them clean now and as our seasons change; you will thank yourself later.

GJ MacRae Foundation Repair
470 Winston Churchill Blvd, Oakville, ON, L6J 7X2
905 824 2557
www.wetbasements.com

Escape to Your Backyard Oasis

Two years into the Coronavirus pandemic, amidst so much uncertainty in the world, people are embracing the few things that you can control, such as your own home environment, and in particular your personal outdoor space. Feeling confined by city life, many of those who lived in dense urban spaces have fled to the suburbs and rural properties for a greater connection to nature and the outdoors. And many of those who have remained in the city have transformed any outdoor space they have access to into an urban oasis.

In a time where access to travel and public spaces has been so limited, homeowners have been looking within for a source of warmth, comfort and relaxation. And with the dollars saved from the lack of entertainment and travel options, those funds have flowed straight to the backyard along with a new appreciation for home, the outdoors, and comforting spaces in which to spend quality time with friends and family. And as a bonus, the worldwide and life-changing event such we have all experienced will undoubtedly reside in our collective memories for a long time, so these improvements will be excellent for resale value in the years to come.

One popular option has been to add living square footage by building an insulated and heated multifunctional structure (adhering to municipal bylaws of course) that can be used as either an additional living space, an exercise space, an office space, or a creative/jam space. These structures that can be purchased as kits from a building supply store such as Home Hardware, or pre-built shipping container style units that can be easily dropped into place. These units can be purchased as basic units, or in varying states of completion up to fully insulated and pre-finished units, which can be purchased for $20,000 and up.

If a permanent structure is not possible, a low-maintenance composite deck with a gazebo or pergola is another way to extend your living space. Again these can be purchased at most home improvement retailers and offer a variety of sizes and finishes for a variety of budgets. Opt for one that will accommodate optional side panels and add a heating source to comfortably extend the season. Propane fire tables and patio heaters are not only functional but are becoming increasingly fashionable as well. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines.

Fill it with an outdoor living set, which are ever-improving in both comfort and style. Pair with an equally comfortable dining set and a quality barbecue, and accentuate the space with a selection of outdoor throw pillows and comfort items such as gazebo lighting and waterproof Bluetooth speakers, and you are guaranteed to spend many comfortable evening outdoors with your favourite people. Just be sure to spring for those optional mosquito panels, if you are located in a mosquito-prone area!

If you would like to take it a step further, you may want to consider a pool, swim spa or hot tub. Demand has been at an all time high since 2020 for backyard pools, considered to be the cherry on top of the backyard oasis. Pool installers are often booked solid throughout the season and into the next, and unfortunately supply chain delays have been common for important components such as liners, further exacerbating the delay. As a result, many people have opted for a hot tub, which is drastically cheaper and much easier and faster to obtain. Even better, a swim spa offers the best of both worlds, acting as both a hot tub and a year-round pool. The larger models even offer two different areas – a hot tub section that can be kept at a higher temperature, and a pool section that can be kept at a cooler temperature. Though they can be fairly costly if purchased brand-new given the high demand, if you are patient you can find great deals on showroom or home show demo swim spas, or on units that have been ordered by a consumer unable to take delivery, as they take up so much space in the dealer’s warehouse they are often eager to clear the space. Although there is not yet a large supply of swim spas in the secondhand market, it is possible to get amazing deals on used hot tubs, with prices ranging from free to a couple thousand dollars. If you can’t move it yourself, depending on the distance to be moved, hot tub movers can be hired for about $500-$1000.

Take advantage of these secondhand marketplaces to round out your oasis with playgrounds, forts, sandboxes and yard games for the little ones – many of these items can be found for great prices in fantastic condition as kids outgrow these items and their parents are frequently changing, updating and upgrading their outdoor spaces accordingly. Some items, especially those that are large or bulky, can even be found for free, as it is easier for the owner to give it away than to pay someone to move or dispose of it.

Top off a day of fun and games with some relaxation for the grownups – hammocks and porch swings are a great way to unwind, especially if surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Consider fish ponds, birdbaths, and bird feeders to fill the yard with life. Just make sure to research what is best to feed the animals you are welcoming in order to complement rather than disrupt the natural flow, and to encourage migration when fall rolls around.

In the meantime, fill your space with what makes you the happiest and enjoy your creation!

Punk Rock Realty
77 Carlton St Suite 302, Toronto, ON M5B 2J7
1 888-999-9731
www.punkrockrealty.ca

Choosing The Right Colours

On a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, my favorite winter getaway destination, the one thing that stood out to me was the incredible colour’s everywhere. Vibrant and saturated, they are unapologetic in their tones and are in everything from the clothes to décor and even the cocktails had the main ingredient of “colour”

They convey a sense of pure joy and fit in perfectly into the setting and judging from the happiness all around me, they made an obvious difference to the people’s mood as well. Yes, it was a vacation and for the most part, everyone was in a “vacation mode”. But it does beg the question “Why don’t we embrace more vibrant colour for our home décor in Canada?

As an interior designer, I often like to inject small amounts of colour into my spaces, but make no mistake, the foundation of my design and most Canadians is a neutral palate of creams, whites, blacks, greys, and taupe’s.

When travelling to other warmer destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico, I hesitate from buying home items there because although I will fall in love with the item, I will get it back to Canada and realize it has no place in my home – often resembles “travel trash” – even if it wasn’t purchased on the beach or at a stand somewhere and in fact was a quality item.

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions,” the artist Pablo Picasso once said. As a designer, I am often having a conversation with clients about colour and interestingly it is a very hot topic as one person can adore the red while it angers another. A blue room may appear calm and serene to one and yet stirs up depression in another.

I’ve come to the realization that as Canadians, we tend to want to make everyone comfortable be it in our homes, workplaces, restaurants etc. The reason we approach design with a neutral palate is to “make everyone happy” and not have a such a direct point of view and boldly or brazenly use an actual colour.

Here is the thing about that take on colour, in the effort to please the masses in your home, are you happy? If colour is something that you really love, be it boldly or subtly, add it to your home, wardrobe in just the right amount for you.

Consider how a couple of throw cushions in orange can affect your morning mood or a yellow shower curtain can assist in waking up in the am with a bit more joie de vivre. Could the colour red on your bed increase your sex life? Will a grass green powder room invigorate conversations at your dinner table?

The point here is, if a colour stirs up something wonderful in you, be it good memories or just pure joy, inject it into your home, because after all – your home is for you.

Interior design and brand professional Glenn Dixon has a design philosophy of “approachable luxury”, with a vision that incorporates timeless pieces with contemporary design, resulting in an inviting and aspirational environment all to enrich the human experience.

The Unscented Company’s sustainable home care product line

The Unscented Company offers consumers safe, unscented home products that keep your home clean and fresh sans chemically fabricated scents without compromising its effectiveness. Designed to help reduce the use of plastic and excess water in our daily lives, The Unscented Company is also made from plant and mineral-based ingredients.

With the increased of awareness on the use of chemicals in home care products and a growing demand for sustainability, shoppers are looking for alternatives that are ethically made and will respond to their needs. With innovation in mind, The Unscented Company created home cleaning solutions that are effective, safe and void of harsh scents.

The Unscented Company was founded in 2016 by Anie Rouleau, a native Montrealer with a vision to redefine the notion of clean by offering an innovative selection of products that are completely unscented and made from plant and mineral based ingredients – without compromising the effectiveness of the product. Designed to make conscious home care both smart and eco-friendly, The Unscented Company makes their products available in bulk and refillable options in addition to standard retail sizes.

FAST FACTS:
• The first true fragrance-free alternative
• 100% cleaning efficiency and safe
• Designed to reduce plastic and water usage
• Canadian made

Available online and in-store at major retailers, The Unscented Company continues to help consumers extend wellness beyond the traditional spectrum to home care as well.

Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year 2022

Benjamin Moore, North America’s favourite paint, colour and coatings brand, announced its Colour of the Year 2022 as October Mist 1495 – a gently shaded sage that quietly anchors while encouraging creative expression through colour. Much like the green stem of a flower, October Mist creates a canvas for the Colour Trends 2022 palette – and the imagination – to blossom.

From refreshed primary colours to luminous pales and botanical hues, the Color Trends 2022 palette invigorates the senses and gives root to personal style. The palette is harmonious yet diverse, reliable yet whimsical and meditative yet eclectic – illustrating the endless number of combinations that can be created with just 14 colours.

Drawing from everyday observations, hobbies, personal rituals and cultural influences, the Colour Trends 2022 palette features 14 Benjamin Moore colors that encourage experimentation and make room for any design style.

  • October Mist 1495
  • Mysterious AF-565
  • Hint of Violet 2114-60
  • Morning Dew OC-140
  • High Park 467
  • Collector’s Item AF-45
  • Venetian Portico AF-185
  • Wild Flower 2090-40
  • Pale Moon OC-108
  • Steam AF-15
  • Fernwood Green 2145-40
  • Quiet Moments 1563
  • Natural Linen 966
  • Gloucester Sage HC-100

To learn more about the Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year and Colour Trends 2022 palette, order colour samples online, or to locate a Benjamin Moore retailer, visit benjaminmoore.com.

Containers in the Garden

Internationally acclaimed Danish garden designer Claus Dalby shares his signature Scandinavian-inspired techniques in the new book Containers in the Garden. Beauty, charm, and simplicity are the hallmarks of his style, creating a stunning visual display that’s a feast for the senses. Claus’s distinctive designs carry your garden through all four seasons by utilizing changing displays and seasonal plant choices. You’ll learn how to take Claus’s techniques and customize them to make a unique and stylish container garden all your own. You’ll meet dozens of captivating plants that perform beautifully in pots, and learn how to grow them from seed or transplant. Container garden care tips as well as ideas for reducing maintenance are found throughout.

Dalby has been called “the Scandinavian Martha Stewart.” He is a designer, florist, and Danish gardener who has amassed a huge fan base in Scandinavia, the US, and around the world, at both YouTube and Instagram. He is also a successful publisher, television personality, and designer of glass vases for Holmegaard. His signature style of container gardening uses densely packed plants and changing seasonal displays, often in monochromatic color palettes. Claus also runs an online garden club with monthly subscribers from around the world.

Device Privacy Support for Home Builders in Today’s Smart Home

Homeowners today outfit their homes with every smart device imaginable to create the ultimate connected home experience. However, many still worry about potential shortcomings with the devices when it comes to their privacy. Home builders and owners need better resources to help them protect their privacy. Here are some tips on best ways to get the right privacy support experience for any device in the connected home.

Privacy concerns with many smart home tech devices are on the rise as of recently, in which 60% of Americans say they consider themselves “very” or “extremely” concerned about the security of their smart-home tech.

From the most popular smart devices, including TVs, speakers, and lightbulbs, to even smart kitchen appliances, all smart home products can be left vulnerable to intrusion from others outside the home.

Some of the top smart-home security concerns include password exploitation (41%), identify theft (39%), and even having one’s location tracked (36%), which frames the question of how home builders can help their end-user customers better protect their devices and make sure they are connected properly to ensure these concerns are addressed.

The Right Privacy Support Experience Home Builders Can Provide

As each specifically branded smart device may have different capabilities and instructions in the initial set up than another, home builders should consider supplying privacy tech support to help secure the home’s Wi-Fi network connection.

As many, if not all, smart devices require a stable internet connection, home builders can provide the homeowner with the right support and protection for their privacy when using their smart device, including monitoring the Wi-Fi router. For example, protected tech support can help alert the customer of hackers potentially trying to access the home’s network and seeing the devices attached to it. This could ultimately prompt against further activity in trying to access connection to the devices and stealing personal information.

Another key to home builders offering support services in protecting a smart device is educating the consumer about enabling multi-factor authentication in the device’s settings. Multi-factor authentication, which most businesses now use to protect private information, is a method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to the specific device.

As individual consumers may not be fully aware of multi-factor authentication, tech support services can help electronic manufacturers show them how to set it up in the setting of the device, or even help guide them through it, whether it be another password, numbers, or a fingerprint to enter, only from the person trying to access the smart device.

Whether one buys the smart device directly from the manufacturer or through another distributor, protected tech support offerings can also help the retailer and the consumer understand what updates, if any, are needed on the device itself before use, which is also helpful in protecting the device’s privacy from other outside users. Often times in the device’s settings there can be software or firmware updates needed and these updates can include added protection to the data stored on the device.

Moreover, when performing device updates, the location settings of the device should also be kept in mind. Just as one allows certain apps to track where they are throughout the day, smart home devices also have these capabilities, which means they can see every movement throughout the home and store that data for future use. Protected smart home tech support can help decide when and where to disable location services on a specific device, while not impacting the device’s ability to work the way it is supposed to.

Specific Device Help for Home Builders

When looking at protecting homeowner privacy, one common device being referenced is the smart TV, in which TV manufacturers can actually monitor one’s viewing habits. Most smart TVs use ACR, or “Automatic Content Recognition,” which tends to scan the shows watched and share that data with third-party services ultimately to then advertise other shows to watch. However, protected home support can help the end-user disable ACR on their particular smart TV.

Another smart device many have privacy issues with are smart speakers, such as Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest. As smart speakers are able to record voice prompts, support offerings can also help review and delete these recordings in the device’s settings and be removed altogether by disabling the microphone when not in use.

Future of Smart Home Privacy

With more smart home devices hitting the market in 2022 and beyond, these tips in terms of connectivity, password protection, usage settings, and specific device applications, will definitely help home builders help their customers increase the privacy protection of the home’s smart devices and give a sense of clarity as these devices evolve.

Smart homeowners can now better understand the risks associated with these devices and be more prepared to combat them. Today’s smart home is also supposed to be a secure home and by implementing the right tech support provider, homeowners can feel comfortable using their smart devices without the fear of someone trying to hack them.

Scott McKinley is AVP, Premium Technical Support for Pocket Geek Home. For more information visit www.pocketgeekhome.com

The Nightmare Mouse That Overcame The Toxic Rat Bait Problem

No more toxic rat poison. A dead mouse that caused $6,000 worth of damage has led to the development of an organic non-poisonous no-kill rodent repellent.

Mice Away was born in Australia in the middle of a mouse plague. Its story begins with a family disaster. Creator, Sean Borg’s family disaster. Sean is an R&D specialist in the organic herbal foods, minerals and disinfectant field, but like most people he took the conventional approach when he was told that there had been rats reported on the properties in rural Queensland surrounding his. He soon developed a world first scientifically tested organic mice (rodent) repellent in a green box and called it Mice Away.

Mice Away is a non-poisonous no kill organic repellent. This means no nasty poisonous rodent luring bait attractants around your yard and home. No more dying and dead rodents to collect yuk from your neighbour’s or your property. No more secondary poisoning of pets, birds or other wildlife. No more needing to wear safety gloves to administer. No more danger to the environment. It works indoors and outdoors and is safe for kids, animals and pets.

BCRC Heating reveals 5 ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

Save money and save energy by following this simple advice.

  1. Invest In HVAC Services & Maintenance
    One of the most important things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient is to have your HVAC system checked on a regular basis by a professional HVAC service provider. This will ensure that your system is running efficiently and that there are no issues that could be causing it to use more energy than necessary. It’s also important to make sure your HVAC system is properly prepared for winter each year. A well-maintained HVAC system will help keep your home warm during the colder months of the year, and cool in the summer, which will save you money on energy costs. Failing to carry out small repairs on your heating and cooling system can cost you more in the long run, so it’s always best to repair now than replace later.
  2. For An Energy Efficient Home Insulation Is Key
    Installing energy-efficient products is a cost-effective and fairly easy way to instantly make your home more energy-efficient. There are many different types of energy-efficient products available on the market, from energy-saving LED bulbs to insulation film and vapour control membranes to prevent energy loss around windows and doors. With simple changes like this, Canadians saved $14.6 billion in energy costs in 2017. That’s around $84 per household per month in savings!
  3. Clean Filters & Ducts To Extend Lifespan
    One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is to make sure you keep the filters clean. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should, which can lead to increased energy use and higher energy bills. With more people than ever before working from home, keeping your property warm and comfortable to work in is important. In fact, according to recent data, around 5 million Canadian employees were working remotely in March 2021, which accounts for 20 per cent of Canadian professionals. With so many people working from home, you must consider how this will impact your energy bills. The longer you stay at home throughout the week, the more you will likely spend keeping it cozy or cool, depending on the time of year. So, it is in your best interest to focus your attention on the maintenance of HVAC systems or watch your energy bills quickly increase. Your home’s air ducts also play an important part in keeping your home energy-efficient. And so It’s vital to maintain your air ducts for keeping your system running efficiently and for your family’s overall health and wellbeing.
  4. Upgrade to Smart Home Automation
    Another way to turn your property into an energy-efficient home is to incorporate technology to control your heating and cooling system via a smartphone device. Smart home automation can help homeowners turn up or turn down the heating room by room, rather than setting one temperature for the entire home. By creating climate zones, smart home automation will help you save energy and money, especially if you spend most of your time on one level of the property or in one particular room, such as a home office or living room. This technology can also be applied to lights, enabling you to switch off lights in parts of the home that aren’t being used. Smart bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy and last around 25 times longer than regular light bulbs. This alone can save homeowners up to 40 percent on energy bills.
  5. Replace Old HVAC Equipment
    If your boiler is coming up to 15 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. New HVAC systems are designed and developed to be far more energy-efficient than older models, which means they use less energy and cost less to operate. In fact, newer HVAC systems can be up to 60 percent more efficient than older models, which is why replacing older units can really pay off. When replacing old heating and cooling systems, always look out for the Energy Star rating which means the system has a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher. While the initial cost for more efficient systems is typically higher, the operating costs are significantly lower for higher SEER units, effectively decreasing the total cost over the course of its life. Higher SEER-rated units are especially advantageous in warmer climate zones.

BCRC Heating are industry experts when it comes to HVAC, we help businesses and homeowners in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada save both energy and money by carrying out HVAC repairs and regular maintenance. We also offer emergency call-outs for those in difficult situations where heating or air conditioning units have failed and individuals or families are left without heat, hot water, or air conditioning during the summer months.

Canadians’ emotional connection to their homes grew deeper over two years of pandemic lockdowns.

Despite soaring prices and limited supply, the drive to own residential property has intensified since 2020, along with an enhanced appreciation of the importance and emotional benefits of home. This includes younger Canadians learning more about the real estate market in terms of investment potential, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Peerage Realty Partners.

The national survey, conducted between March 1 and March 2 – coinciding with the anniversary of the initial March 2020 lockdowns – found that a clear majority (75%) of Canadians agree their home has become more important to them because of the COVID-19 pandemic and 65% stated they felt a stronger emotional connection to their home, cutting across lines of age and gender.

When it comes to deciding where to live, the costs of maintaining a home are eclipsed by such considerations as its comfort and a safe community. Among Canadians who have moved since March 2020, the most important factors when choosing a new home include having a new/fresh start in a new place (40%), having control over one’s home (39%), having outdoor or green space on their property (36%), and living in a neighbourhood that suits their lifestyle (34%).

That said, finding a home during the pandemic has not been without its challenges. Eight in ten (81%) respondents believe there is a severe housing shortage in Canada, a sentiment held most strongly among renters (87% vs. 77% of homeowners) and those in British Columbia (89%) and Quebec (88%).

Emotional connection and long-term investment intersect even more as Canadians adapt to the socio-economic shifts resulting from the pandemic. Just under half (48%) of Canadians agree that they have become more knowledgeable about the real estate market in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 41% say they are more likely to see purchasing a home as a capital investment because of the pandemic.

Notably, those ages 18-34 are significantly more likely than Canadians over 35 to agree that they have become more knowledgeable about the real estate market (59% vs. 48% 35-54 and 40% 55+). They are also now more likely to see investment opportunity in the real estate market (57% vs. 44% 35-54 and 27% 55+). This highlights the impact the pandemic has had in broadening younger generations’ understanding of the market and perceptions of investment opportunities in the lead up to their peak home-buying years.

Peerage Realty Partners is a leading residential real estate services firm, serving premium markets across North America.

RCC Waterproofing Repairs Your Leaky Basement

There are many ways that water can do damage to your home and often it’s a surprise to find your basement walls are damp and your finished floor is soaked with water. When you do get that shock, just know that there are different ways to fix your leaky basement and we at RCC waterproofing want to highlight the different types of waterproofing solutions and help you choose the right solution for your situation.

RCC has outlined four different types of basement foundation repair here in this article and what you need to know about them like when to use them, what waterproofing materials are used, their waterproofing costs, and other important pieces of information you need to know as a homeowner.

RCC Waterproofing has been in business since 1920 and has done these four different types of waterproofing solutions many times for homeowners all over southern Ontario, waterproofing Toronto, Hamilton, London, and more. As experts in the field, we feel it’s important to share this information with as many homeowners as possible especially if you are in need of this waterproofing information. Here are four types of waterproofing services you need to know about.

Exterior Waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing is the most requested foundation repair for basements and requires waterproofing contractors to dig up the foundation and get to the source of the water leak. Exterior waterproofing (sometimes known as external waterproofing) repairs leaky basement walls by exposing them, installing a waterproofing system that will seal the cracks causing the leaks, redirect the water away from your home’s exterior, and making sure it disperses into dirt outside. This method of basement leak repair is one of the best solutions for fixing water leaks in foundations whether they be concrete, cinder block, cobblestone, or any other foundation type.

This waterproofing system utilizes hydraulic cement to repair foundation cracks, two layers of rubberized Hydro Guard membrane applied along the foundation walls, a reinforcement mesh between the membrane layers for strength, an air-gap drainage membrane that feeds water down to the weeping tile system, and finally gravel bedding for drainage. All of these pivotal components of the waterproofing system are installed before backfilling the soil that was dug up. When this system is applied correctly your foundation will be fully protected against wet basements or any other types of basement leaks. It is often the most expensive basement leak repair type but it is also the most effective waterproofing service for getting rid of leaky basements.

Interior Waterproofing

Do your walls feel wet or damp, when you walk down the stairs? Perhaps you notice a certain smell coming from your basement? If this is happening in your home, it’s possible that there’s a serious moisture problem. Interior waterproofing (also known as internal waterproofing) can be used for situations like this scenario where water isn’t being dispersed properly. This is one of the best waterproofing solutions for damp and wet basements as well as situations where hydrostatic pressure exists causing your house to always be moist.

In certain situations, interior waterproofing can be used to stop basement leaks although the success rate is lower than repairs from outside your basement. It can be used when access to the outside of your house is limited because of finished patios, when decks are installed or other similar situations. Interior waterproofing is mainly a drainage control system and it collects water rather than stopping the flow of water.

When your basement is damp and moist, it is not a great place to be in. If you don’t take care of it, your health is at risk. The best way to avoid mold and mildew from growing as well as the creation of unhealthy smells, bacteria, etc is by having an interior waterproofing job done.

Foundation Cracks Repair

Cracks in your foundation will eventually lead to a water leak in the basement. It is best to take care of them before this happens. One type of waterproofing option that is available for certain types of cracks is the process of epoxy crack injections (or known as structural crack repair). This type of solution works by filling up concrete cracks with a two-part resin mixture that will work to bond wall cracks back together again. In order to repair foundation cracks in this manner, specialized plastic ports are installed into the crack on the concrete wall to inject epoxy into the crack and bond it back together.

It’s a cheaper solution than exterior waterproofing but can only be used in select situations. The success rate of these structural crack repairs are only about 70% and if possible crack repairs should be done through the process of exterior waterproofing.

Not every crack can be repaired this way so it’s important to consult a waterproofing contractor like RCC Waterproofing for an inspection before deciding that this is the best option for sealing up your leaky basement. When applicable, concrete crack injections can be a great inexpensive way to fix foundation cracks and make sure you do not experience a basement leak that will result in a wet basement.

Underpinning

When you need to expand your living space, underpinning is the best way to do it. This waterproofing service will give you more height in your basement and sometimes more square footage of living space. This is done by waterproofing companies exposing the foundation footings under your basement floor and making that the new floor level in your basement. The waterproofing team has to dig down to the foundation footings and work around your basement walls to gain the maximum amount of space. Benching is also done during this process which strengthens the walls further reducing any chance for leaks or cracks in basement construction due to its stability within itself.

Underpinning (also known as Basement Lowering) is one of the waterproofing services that’s becoming popular in Toronto and many other cities with older homes, where the basement may have been never used for living space due to its low ceiling height and exposed ductwork restricting headroom. Having underpinning done in your home will dramatically increase the value of your property! The process is definitely pretty costly, time-consuming, labour intensive, and requires the right permits and paperwork, but the positives of having underpinning done on your home are immensely worth it. You will have more living space to enjoy with your family.

Those were our four most common waterproofing services: exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, structural crack repair and underpinning. When it comes to basement foundation repair, each of these waterproofing services has its pros and cons. It is important to consult a waterproofing expert if you have any questions, especially if you are currently experiencing water issues. With RCC waterproofing, finding this information is always free as our sales representatives stationed in your area are always happy to assist you with your basement leak situation.

RCC Waterproofing is a family-owned and operated waterproofing company that has been around since 1920. We provide waterproofing services like the ones above all over Ontario in Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Oshawa, and all their surrounding areas. All of our waterproofing jobs are backed by a lifetime warranty guarantee and our experienced teams will waterproof your basement while making sure your property is clean and tidy.

Safety Guide to Help Prevent Home Fires

In less than 5 minutes, a small flame can turn into a life-threatening situation at home. In fact, about 80% of deaths from fire occur in the home. Homeowners may not be able to prevent every single opportunity that presents a fire hazard but there are measures you can take to minimize these risks.

SafeHome.org has developed a residential fire and safety guide to ensure fire safety at home. The following includes tips from firefighters, the Red Cross and a fire and life safety specialist:

Install smoke detectors throughout the home
Having a working smoke alarm provides you with a 50% better chance of surviving a fire. Aim for installing one on every floor of your home, in each sleeping area, and outside of each sleeping area. Make sure to test detectors once every month to ensure they work and that the batteries are still good.

Install fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers come in handy when you are faced with a small fire and may prevent you and your family from having to battle a bigger fire. Keep them in the kitchen, garage and any workshop areas of your home – and make sure to check them regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Teach kids about the dangers of fire
Kids love exploring, but their curious nature may lead to dangers at home. In fact, about 300 people per year are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire. This is why it’s essential to educate children on the dangers of fire, keep matches and lighters away from them, and teach them to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch on fire.

Create an escape plan
When a fire occurs at home, the goal is to be out of the house in 3 minutes or less. Make sure you and your family are aligned on an escape plan which includes:

  • Checking doors for heat before opening them
  • Staying low on the ground to avoid smoke
  • Knowing the closest way out

Daich Coatings provides the look of granite at a lower cost

The recent introduction by Daich Coatings of LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Countertop Kits has left some people asking what’s the difference in this DIY kit and the company’s original SpreadStone Countertop Kit. While the kits share some of the same advantages, the final resulting appearances are very different.

Smooth Vs. Textured Appearance
LuxROCK provides an elegant, smooth polished finished. An authentic granite appearance is highlighted by attractive sparkling mineral accents. The semi-gloss shine of the finish can be achieved in six steps, and the product is intended only for interior use.

SpreadStone offers a speckled stone appearance, with the final finish that can be smooth or textured, based on the desire of the person applying the product. The result is a lower sheen, natural stone slab look that can be used in both interior and exterior locations. SpreadStone finishes can be achieved in a four-step application process.

“Best of the Best” Benefits
An abundance of similarities exist for both DIY kits from Daich Coatings. Surfaces created with LuxROCK and SpreadStone offer excellent resistance to stains, hot pans, and demanding daily use. This can include impact, abrasion and household cleaners. In addition, the coatings are mainly water-based, with low VOC formulations, emitting low odors during application.

A SpreadStone project is very easily applied by roller and can be finished in two days. The LuxROCK application is done by both brush and roller, and takes three days to complete. In both cases, when following instructions, no significant technical or artistic skills are needed to achieve excellent results.

What Sets the Kits Apart
While similar, there are distinct differences between the two Daich Coatings kits. LuxROCK incorporates a unique marble-stone blend. The SpreadStone kit features a blend of rock and key mineral accents that harden together into a tough decorative stone matrix.

SpreadStone kits come in 11 popular colors: Bright White, Canyon Gold, Ironstone, Lodestone, Mantle Stone, Natural White, Onyx Fog, Oyster, Sundance, Volcanic Black and Yosemite. Named and modeled after real granite countertop favorites, the colors available in the LuxROCK kits include Galaxy Black, Platinum White, Basalt Mist (a dark gray), Crystal Quartz (a light gray) and Carrara (a creamy beige).

SpreadStone and LuxROCK kits, along with other Daich Coatings primers and decorative concrete products, are available online at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and the website.

About the Author