Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
Renovation tipsExterior renovationsHow to Clean Gutters
Your rain gutters (also known as eavestroughs) work with your home to keep it in good condition. Cleaning your gutters semi-regularly will help you to avoid considerable damage to your foundation, as a clogged gutter will send water streaming down the side of your house. To help prevent damage to your foundation, as well as landscaping, crawlspaces and other surfaces, gutters should be well looked after!
Please note that throughout the article, we will be referring to both gutters and eavestroughs, which are synonyms referring to the same thing.
Luckily, almost anyone can complete this job. Gutter cleaning should take place at least twice a year, and although it might seem like a pain to take on, this is a crucial job. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some gloves and follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning leaves, debris and the various things that have nestled into your gutters.
Rain gutters should be cleaned at least once a year, though we are recommending that this job be completed twice. Obviously, an excess of rainwater, as well as debris, will build following large storms so it is important to make sure your gutters are clean, as clogs can easily occur if not tended to.
First, it is important to be equipped with the correct attire and tools to tackle the job of cleaning out your gutter. Make sure to wear long sleeves, long pants as well as long rubber gloves that sit at least halfway up your arm. A mask is also recommended in the case of flying debris. Next, you’ll need a sturdy and trustworthy extendable ladder that is equipped with stabilizers, to keep the ladder itself from damaging the rain gutter. Further, you’ll require equipment to remove the debris itself.
A children’s shovel works wonders for removing gunk, but if you don’t happen to have one of those kicking around, get a small plastic scoop from your local hardware store. It is recommended that you lay a plastic tarp underneath the gutters to catch all the falling debris. Also, have a hose close by so once the dirt has been removed you can finish the job by hosing off the gutters.
Practicing ladder safety is one of the most important steps of cleaning your eavestroughs. Unfortunately, most home renovation accidents happen because homeowners do not know how to correctly use a ladder. Make sure if you are cleaning your eavestroughs that you alert a family member, friend or neighbour that you will be using a ladder.
Also, before climbing onto the ladder, the ground underneath should be checked for stability. The ladder you choose to work with should be able to hold a medium-sized bucket for your collection of debris and should be equipped with four legs. Do not choose a 3-legged ladder for this job, as it can become unstable easily.
Prior to beginning the job, check the ladder for any defects or loose parts and be certain that all screws and bolts are tightened. Once all of these steps have been followed, carefully climb up onto that ladder to remove debris and buildup from the eavestroughs.
Once firmly on the ladder, begin removing debris with the scooping tool, small shovel or your hand if all else fails. Be sure to wear gloves regardless of your method of choice. Once all debris has been carefully removed, flush the eavestrough out with water and check for proper flow as well as any leaks or holes that may exist.
Check the downspouts to see if any debris has lodged itself and is blocking the flow path. To do this, put your hose on full force and shoot it down the spout. If the water flowing down is less than what is being streamed, then there is a definite clog. If you have discovered a clog, remove the nozzle from your hose and work the hose up through the downspout to dislodge whatever has become stuck.
Also, identify whether gutters are securely attached to the side of the house. If you have found any gutter damage, read our “How to Repair a Broken Gutter” article for the step-by-step guide to deal with these issues.
1) Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year (more if you have a lot of trees around your house);
2) Come well prepared for this task! Clothes, mask, protection gloves, stable ladder, tools: be sure you are well equipped! ;
3) Once you are ready, start removing the dirt using your tools;
4) Next, run the water with your hose to remove all the remaining debris;
5) If you discover any blockages at this point (water stays blocked in some places), try to find the source of the problem and remove the dirt. You can also see whether the gutters are broken and need to be repaired.
RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your eavestrough cleaning project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.
Last modified 2023-05-09
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
SoumissionRenovation.ca • 13 Dec 2022
Did you know that some developed countries recycle up to 90% of their demolition materials? In Quebec, it amounts to 1.85 million tonnes of construction, renovation, and demolition debris, which is subsequently recycled every year. The main recycled materials found in the 50-odd sorting centres scattered about the province are wood, asphalt shingles, and gypsum. However, do these materials have equal or identical qualities as new materials? Are they cheaper? Where can they be purchased? Here’s all you need to know! Are Recycled Materials Quality Materials? Source: Canva Yes, but not always. Concrete is the perfect example congruent with this uncertainty since the quality of recycled materials depends on two factors: the original state of the material and its in-factory processing method. Together, these two factors make for resistant and durable materials. Those that correspond to the above-mentioned details can very well serve to build entire structures, as required by the city of Zürich, in Switzerland, when it comes to recycled concrete. Nevertheless, in Canada, just like in the United States, this material doesn’t have a favourable opinion. Companies would rather stick with pavement or granular fill. It's because recycled concrete replicates the weaknesses of the original material. Deteriorated concrete that’s subsequently recycled will give way to a structurally weak material that won’t respond well to seasonal temperature changes, freeze-thaw weathering, or rain and varying humidity levels. For such reasons, in Quebec, used and recycled construction materials issued from sorting centres are first and foremost wood, drywall, and asphalt shingles. What does that mean in terms of quality? Is Recycled Wood Quality Material? Yes, since its use depends solely on its condition. As such, wood planks that are already sized and perforated with nails, screws, or other metallic objects are used as fuel (firewood). Wood from flooring and framing trusses are processed in the same manner, with or without the metal connectors. Decorative wood can be used for resale, but only if it's clean and unpainted. As for painted wood, it'll be used as firewood, except in cases where lead-based paint was used. Consequently, reclaimed wood sold in stores is of utmost quality, otherwise, it would’ve ended up in your wood-burning stove. Are Recycled Asphalt Shingles Quality Material? Yes. They’re used for a wide range of settings. They're used as road pavement, asphalt roofing, temporary roadways, and fuel. Nevertheless, to ensure that recycled asphalt roofing retains its properties, the United States Department of Energy deemed that shingles shouldn't contain more than 20% recycled asphalt. Is Recycled Gypsum Quality Material? As a material, gypsum is often used as drywall. The latter can easily be recycled, so much so that manufacturing companies can reclaim the material to produce new partitions. Much like asphalt shingles, the amount of recycled gypsum found in drywall panels is roughly between 10-20%. Demolition Material Density Naturally, purchasing recycled materials can pique your interest, but resale post-building demolition might be worth considering as well. In either case, knowing the density of the demolition-issued material is super important. Here’s the density of the main materials: Material Density (Imperial Units) Density (International System of Units) Asphalt shingles 1 yd³ = 419 lb 1 sq. ft = 3 lb 1 m³ = 249 kg 1m² = 15 kg Bricks 1 cu. ft. = 112 - 125 lb 1 m³ = 1,794 - 2,002 kg Cinder blocks 1 cu. ft. = 90 - 110 lb 1 m³ = 1,442 - 1,762 kg Fibreglass insulation 1 yd³ = 17 lb 1m³ = 10 kg Solid gypsum 1 cu. ft. = 142 lb 1m³ = 2,275 kg Stone & gravel 1 cu. ft. = 95 - 100 lb 1 m³ = 1,522 kg - 1,602 kg Wood 1 yd³ = 375 lb 1 m³ = 222 kg Wood shingles 1 sq. ft. = 2 lb 1 yd³ = 435 lb 1 m² = 10 kg 1m³ = 258 kg Iron 1 cu. ft. = 450 lb 1m³ = 7,208 kg Half-inch thick plywood, (12.7mm) 1 sq. ft. = 2 lb 1m² = 10 kg Demolition-Issued Material Categories & Prices Source: Canva Wood A 1.25" X 28" X 49.63" (2.54 cm X 71.12 cm X 124.46) birch panel costs only $9. Should you prefer a 2" X 27" X 27" (2.08 cm X 68.58 cm X 68.58 cm) panel, it'll only cost you $5. Either way, they can be purchased in several stores across the province, including Mercier 40 in Champlain. And it doesn’t end here. For $0.75, you can buy a reclaimed ⅜ sheet of plywood. If you want to lay a wooden floor for a fraction of the cost, all you need is $75 to buy 17.5 sq. ft. (5.2 sq. m.) of brown barn planks, or $1.50 per linear foot if you’d rather 7-inch (5.1 cm) composite wood planks. Windows & Doors If you’re looking for doorframe stringers with stoppers, you can purchase 4.63 in x 82 in (10.16 cm x 208.28 cm) ones for $15 apiece. In terms of windows-doors, a 3 in X 8 in (0.91 m X 2.43 m) wooden frame fitted with tempered glass will only cost you $150. If you plan on adding a door cylinder, expect to pay an additional $25. For windows only, you can choose between aluminum or hybrid casements, for prices starting at $105.50 up to $1,050. Steel Are you in need of a good amount of steel at a bargain? How about a 61-inch long (18.6 m), half-inch (1.27m) thick, and 12-inch (30.48 cm) wide H-Beam? For $0.80 apiece, you’ll snag one! Besides that, you'll have several great deals, such as a 42-inch (12.80 m) hoisting chain and a steel handle, as well as galvanized steel corner plates and elbow-shaped pipes. Insulation Materials Besides wood and steel, insulation materials are also worth considering. You can find walk-in freezer insulation boards for as little as $8 per square foot. If you're looking for 8’ X 50’ reflective double bubble foil insulation, you can find it for only $50. Building a home has never been easier or cheaper than when you can rely on demolition-issued materials! Examples of Used Materials & Their Prices Source: Canva Second-hand materials are often used when renovating and interior decorating. As such, you can get a bunch of baseboards, moulding, and various decoration pieces for only $3 apiece. If you don’t have the necessary painting materials on hand, you can find paintbrushes and other tools for only $1. A Door for Less Than $90? Absolutely! A 24- to 26-inch (61 cm to 91.4 cm) by 80-inch (203.2 cm) steel door is available starting at $70. Add a door handle with a cylinder and the total for your front door will still only be $82. Interior Decoration Revamp your home’s entire decorative features by investing in floating shelves, storage cubes, and other inexpensive decorative elements. All you need is $6.95 to start shopping. From the kitchen to the bathroom, you can spruce up your decoration without needing to break your piggy bank. Decorative elements for the bathroom: shelves, bath mats, or shower curtains are yours starting at $10.50. You can even drape all the windows in your house with opaque or sheer curtains for only $11 apiece! Moreso, you can choose between a wide variety of colours and patterns. For example, bicolour day/night shades are yours for $35 apiece. Let your imagination run wild on account of used materials at the best possible prices. Are you looking for experts for your demolition project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Why Are Few House Building Materials Recycled? Source: Canva Several issues surround the recycling of used building materials. It requires: Choosing used instead of new; Demolishing a building in a non-traditional manner; Materials must be free of any contaminants (asbestos, lead, etc.); Upcycling network; Linking supply and demand. The Government of Quebec is working on these aspects, intending to recycle more and more materials derived from construction, renovation, and demolition. However, companies must bridge the gap between supply and demand. To help you find the right companies, here's a list of Quebec-based companies that specialize in salvaging demolition materials and selling recycled construction materials. List of Companies in Quebec/Ottawa Where to Buy, Sell, or Donate Demolition-Issued Materials Company Donate Buy Sell Location Material ÉCO-RÉNO X X Montréal All AIM Recycling X X Charlemagne Steel Artisans recycleurs N/A N/A N/A Sainte-Lucie-des- Laurentians Carpentry Baldwin récupération X Bury Wood (Barns) BF Recycle X X St-Christophe d’Arthabaska All Bois d’Antan X X St-Casimir Carpentry Veser Antique Woods N/A X N/A St-Cyprien-de-Napierville Antique Wood La boutique rustique X X N/A Rigaud Accessories De tout pour tout X X X Terrebonne Metal, Everyday Objects ECOBOIS X X Ste-Marguerite-du-lac- Masson Wood Écocentres MRC de la Rivière-du-Nord X X Laurentians All Éco-Dépôt X X Montréal Furniture Madera éco-meuble N/A X N/A Montréal Furniture RGMRM X X Manicouagan All Material Library X X Îles-de-la-Madeleine Everyday Objects, Clothes Material Library X X St-Cyrille de Lessard Wood Matériaux et surplus Lefebvre X X St-François-du-Lac All Matériaux récupérés de Portneuf X X St-Casimir Wood Écochantier X X Saint-Pascal/Rivière-du-Loup All Les Magasin Habitat pour l’humanité (ReStore) X X Montréal All Habitat for Humanity (ReStore) X X Ottawa All Matériaux seconde vie X X L’Assomption Wood Furniture Matériaux usagés de l’Estrie X X X Sherbrooke All Démolition Panzini N/A N/A N/A Saint-Zotique Demolition On-Site Recycling Québec Aubaines Recycle X X X Québec All Recyclerie des Matériaux X X Ste-Agathe-des-Monts Everyday Objects Recyc-Antique X X Cowansville Barn Demolition Wood Réuse inc X X Sherbrooke Ktichen/Living Room Roger Bois de Grange X X Rigaud Barn Wood Vieux Bois X X Ste-Agathe-des-Monts Demolition Wood The Wood Source N/A N/A N/A Ottawa Wood
Cynthia Laferrière • 01 May 2022
Are you asking yourself if and why you should install a condensing boiler in your home? Is investing in a new heating system really worth it? Condensing Boiler: Method of Operation First off, don't get me wrong : people have a tendency to confuse a boiler with a furnace. So, let’s clear it up: a boiler heats water or uses steam, while a furnace heats existing air and blows it out into air ducts. Condensing boilers' popularity is growing, especially given their high-energy efficiency and consistent heat distribution for maximum comfort. Their mechanism is not that different from that of conventional models. The fundamental principle of a boiler is to burn gas which, thanks to a heat exchanger and its reaction to air, produces carbon dioxide and water in the form of hot steam. As it cools down, this vapour is transformed into liquid water. The energy used in the process is converted to heat your home and generate hot water for use. The difference with a condensing system is that the steam does not escape through pipes or chimneys. The water generated by the cooling process is recovered and reheated, so the energy is recycled to power the heating system. Photo: Flickr Installing a boiler is a rather complex task and often requires the help of a professional. Expect to shell about $3,500 to $12,000 for installation. The price does vary according to the system that is taken out and the one that will be installed in its place. Are you looking for experts to tackle your air conditioning or heating system project? Fill out our form to receive quotes from certified contractors! Where to Install the Condensing Boiler? Boilers are usually located in low-use rooms or in secluded areas, such as a basement, attic, laundry room, or garage. Truth be told, you can install your boiler just about anywhere. However, there are a few standards that must be met. The room in question will have to reach a minimum height which varies depending on the boiler model. In addition, there are models which are wall-mounted and designed for small spaces, and which cannot be fixed on a thin partition. Photo: Flickr Also, make sure that the boiler isn't installed in the same room as an appliance that could alter the airflow, and that the area has adequate ventilation. Choose rooms of 8m³. Energy Savings A condensing boiler can save you up to 15 to 20% on your annual electricity bill, since it recycles about 11% of the energy normally wasted with a non-condensing model. So the investment is indeed worthwhile, provided that you choose a high-performance system, of course. To maximize your energy savings from your condensing boiler, it is imperative that it be installed on a heating system that allows the condensed water flowing back into the tank to remain at a temperature lower or equal to 55 degrees Celsius. We recommend a system that provides temperature control through access to an exterior sensor. Energy Saving Financial Aid Programs Government agencies as well as power companies have put in place assistance programs to encourage people to adopt energy-efficient or low greenhouse gas emission appliances. It is increasingly important to facilitate the transition to green energy and to lower energy consumption, to protect our planet. Among these types of incentive programs, Energir offers grants ranging from $900 to $25,000. Subject to certain terms and conditions, the amount awarded varies according to the energy capacity of the appliance you choose. For example, if you use natural gas instead of certain heating oils, you’ll have a smaller environmental footprint, since the smoke from burning natural gas isn't harmful. It's ideal for LEED projects! *The assistance awarded differs from one region to the next. Your power provider or heating expert will be able to better inform you on the subject matter. Condensing Boiler Maintenance Since the efficiency of the system depends largely on keeping it in good, working condition, you will need to have a professional come out to check up on your condensing boiler annually. They will verify its general condition before cleaning it and perform a more detailed inspection of all the components of your unit and your heating system. The technician will ensure that the settings of the combustion process are optimized to improve efficiency, reduce external losses and ensure your safety. If necessary, they will calculate the carbon monoxide level in the air. Maintaining your heating equipment, whatever it is, is important to avoid accidents, breakdowns, damages and heat loss. All of which are important, financially, as well as for your health.
SoumissionRenovation.ca • 26 Apr 2023
Is your heat pump’s air conditioning function not working? It might not be that difficult to fix. Whether it be a faulty fan or a leaky heat pump, we’re delving into all these malfunctions, and sharing some DIY fixes on the unit itself when possible. A Heat Pump’s Faulty Air Conditioning Function Source: Canva Rest assured, most often, heat pumps function very well, and their materials are long-lasting. However, at times, heat pumps can fail to operate as intended. Not unlike a sick patient, one has to consider all the symptoms to find the cause of the ailment. Here’s a list of issues that can occur with heat pumps that may cause the air conditioning feature to malfunction. My heat pump is noisy If you can hear whistling or a sort of bubbling sound coming from your unit, it means that the refrigerant level is low. The AC function isn’t blowing cold air Source: Canva Heat pumps require some general upkeep, especially when it comes to their filters. If you've been maintaining your unit by cleaning the filters every 2-3 months, then check the compressor. It may be that it isn’t working anymore and needs to be replaced. Another probable cause is a low level of Freon (refrigerant), which we’ll delve into below. My heat pump is tripping my breaker Here are the likeliest causes of this air conditioning problem: You may have plugged in too many appliances at once (drop in voltage); Your compressor short-circuited due to too-high humidity levels; The heat pump is poorly insulated; The motor is damaged (malfunctioning condenser); The fans are damaged due to a build-up of dust; The condensers aren’t functioning anymore. In any case, if you’re sure that it’s not due to a faulty fuse, you’ll need to hire a professional. They’re the only ones that’ll be able to determine the malfunction with certitude and repair it. The heat pump fan isn’t spinning Source: Canva The 7 possible reasons are: The fan is simply broken and needs to be replaced; The circuit breaker fuse blew; The thermostat no longer works; A too-high demand for electricity led to a drop in voltage; The wires aren’t connected properly; The blower motor is malfunctioning; The circuit board is defective. Are you looking for experts for your heating and air conditioning project? Fill in our form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Why is my heat pump leaking? If so, it’s most likely resulting from a clogged condensate drain. Not unlike a sink, a heat pump’s drain line can get clogged up. To unclog it yourself, you’ll need to open up your heat pump and use a product that contains sodium hydroxide to dissolve the blockage. However, a leaky heat pump can also be a result of the following: Faulty installation; The evaporator’s refrigerant; Malfunctioning condensate pump. In such instances, have an HVAC technician handle your heat pump repair. Heating or Cooling Issues Source: Canva Occasionally, heat pumps fail to heat or cool the air inside your home as intended. These HVAC problems often occur when heat pump filters are obstructed. If so, follow the steps detailed below: Cut the heat pump’s power supply via the circuit breaker; Open up the panel by lightly pulling on the sides; Remove both black filters in front of you; Clean them out to remove the dust. You should clean the filters every 2 to 3 months to prevent such reoccurring problems with your unit. Such issues with your unit can also be resulting from the heat pump’s settings. Therefore, make sure that it’s programmed according to your needs and that the batteries in the remote control are still functional. How can I tell if my heat pump is low on Freon? Source: Canva Issues related to low levels of Freon (refrigerant) in a heat pump solely have one cause: a leak. Such problems are very serious, as such, having your heat pump repaired by a professional is a must. Their role will be to find the leak, fix it, or replace the defective part. Here are 5 telltale signs that your Freon levels are low. 1- Cooling your home is especially drawn-out The less Freon contained in a heat pump, the less cold air it will generate. As a result, you’re going to have a harder time cooling your dwelling. 2- Your electricity bill is going up Have you noticed a spike in your electricity bill? If your consumption habits haven’t changed, this may be a sign that your unit isn’t in good working order. Heat pumps consume a lot more energy when refrigerant levels in your system are low. 3- Your heat pump is whistling or bubbling Whistling or bubbling heat pumps have low refrigerant levels. 4- There’s frost on the ductwork This can be a red flag leading to more serious problems, which may result in the need to replace the entire unit. A lack of refrigerant in heat pumps can ice up the ductwork around the exterior unit. 5- The air from vents is lukewarm This means that the refrigerant level is much too low. HVAC Technician Repair Services If your heat pump’s cooling function is defective, and this problem isn’t a direct result of your remote control or electric panel, contact a technician. We've scoured the Internet to find the best heat pump repair technicians available, based on Google reviews and user ratings, and some definitely outshine the rest.
Cynthia Laferrière • 13 Feb 2023
A pergola is a great alternative to a traditional patio umbrella. Not only does this sunshade provide a more aesthetic appeal compared to the latter, but it also offers a wide range of options in terms of materials and sizes. On top of that, it doubles as a permanent patio lounge area, while still shielding you from the elements. Despite being exposed to Canada's harsh East Coast climate and other elements, preserving its condition for many years to come requires meticulous care and maintenance. Pergola Care & Maintenance Tips Source: Canva It’s recommended to clean and inspect your pergola twice a year to assess its overall condition. First prior to using it, around mid-spring, and then a second time during fall, when it’s plagued by dead leaves and other debris. Naturally, in the event of damage or mishap, or if your yard is prone to grime, pollen, or efflorescence, rinse it with clean water from time to time to remove any residue. Routine maintenance and inspections will help materials last for many years to come, and allow you to carry out any necessary repairs before the problem worsens. Follow the guidelines set out below to adapt your maintenance methods according to the pergola's structural material. Avoid at all times: High-pressure washes; Thinners and solvents (acetone, bleach, etc.); Abrasive cleaners. Cleaning an Aluminum or PVC Pergola These two materials are pretty simple to maintain. Their sturdy structures were basically designed to withstand bad weather, sun exposure, frost, and snow build-up. Use soapy water to wipe the entire structure with a soft, non-abrasive sponge. Use dishwashing liquid or Marseille soap for a thorough cleaning. If stains linger, use white vinegar to scrub them off. Rinse with clean, lukewarm water at medium jet pressure, then dry immediately with a soft cloth, microfibre wipe, or clean rag. If you own a motorized louvered aluminum pergola, use the above-mentioned cleaning techniques. However, do bear in mind that the pergola’s other components—blinds, blades, and mechanisms—should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Caring for a wrought iron pergola Source: Canva When it comes to this type of pergola, the main concern is humidity. Therefore, to prevent rust from eating away at the metal, you need to apply an effective anti-corrosion agent. For proper maintenance, first, scrape off any traces of oxidation prior to applying the rust prevention product. Top it off with a varnish or paint specially formulated for outdoor wrought iron. Are you looking for experts for your pergola maintenance project? Fill in our form to be connected to top-rated contractors! Preserving a top-notch wooden pergola Wood is the most high-maintenance structural material. Albeit most lumber is already treated against pests, mould, and fungi, pergolas made with such material are vulnerable to wear, fade, and grooves. These are some of the most widely used and hard-wearing wood species: Bamboo Oak Cedar Treated pine Teak Step number 1 consists of inspecting your structure to spot any anomalies, imperfections, breaks, cracks, etc. To determine whether there's evidence of rot or not, push the tip of a small tool such as a screwdriver into the wood. If the latter is easily driven as if the wood was rendered soft, look no further. If this issue seems to be affecting a greater part of a board, consider replacing it altogether. Should luck be on your side and only a few minor areas are affected, these can be repaired with wood putty. Leave it overnight before sanding and continuing maintenance. Then, check the sturdiness of your pergola by gently shaking the structure. Tighten screws and fixings as you see fit. Now comes step 3, meaning the cleaning stage. Begin by removing all dust and residue by scrubbing it with a wire brush or floor scrubber. Peel off any pieces that appear to be breaking away from the boards and gently sand the surface. Then, clean it with black soap. Regular wood deck cleaners also do the trick. As above-mentioned, avoid high-pressure jets when rinsing off a wooden pergola. Allow it to fully dry prior to applying any of the following finishing products: Outdoor wood treatment to apply every 3 years: This product prevents fungi growth, and protects against moisture and harsh weather. Yearly insect-repellent treatment: Not mandatory, yet highly recommended for added protection, especially in rural areas. Waterproofing sealer when needed: It preserves the wood's natural colour or any heat-resistant wood paint and varnish that may have been applied. How to Maintain Pergola Accessories Source: Canva Motor Unplug it and store it somewhere away from the cold and humidity, together with the cables, batteries, and remote control. Screws Stainless steel hardware is rather low maintenance. However, if it’s metal-based, make sure that rust isn’t eating away at your screws, and apply a preventative product (e.g. Corrostop paint). Sliding glass panels and tracks Here, the same principle applies as with normal home window cleaning! However, you should do this from time to time, especially to prevent the tracks from jamming with gravel or anything else that could cause the mechanism to strain and wear. Gutters Remember to take a look at the gutters from time to time to ensure they're not clogged. If they appear clogged, clear and clean the rainwater drainage holes. Shade fabric If your pergola is fitted with a PVC or fabric shade, note that it’s pretty resilient, and thus can be cleaned just as you would the rest of the structure, meaning with water and soft soap. Use a sturdy ladder and a broom or a long-handled brush. Allow it to dry properly to prevent mould stains. Blades To clean the blades, flatten them out and use a pressure washer to remove dirt stains. You can also lubricate the joints to maintain their smooth motions all summer long. Last but not least, besides the odd spot checks for breaks, open the blades after every rainfall to avoid water build-up. Also, note that once you've used it for the last time, you should lock the blades in a vertical position to prevent snow from damaging them.
SoumissionRenovation.ca • 14 Dec 2022
Are you looking for an electric heating system, but aren't sure which brand to turn to? Well, look no further, Chromalox is the answer! With over 100 years of expertise, Chromalox is a full-service technology-based company that provides a complete line of electric heaters to customers worldwide. Read on to find out everything there's to know about its various heating systems, their prices, and features. About Chromalox Source: Wikimedia Chromalox is a technology-based company that specializes in the manufacturing of heating and electric monitoring systems. This internationally recognized company designs innovative thermal technologies for industrial heating, thus providing superior results to the great satisfaction of its many clients. Chromalox offers a wide range of heat-producing products. The company strives to find solutions tailored to all problems, even the most complex and challenging. Whether it's maintaining operational temperature, heating long pipes, heating foundations, melting snow/ice, or protecting pipes, valves and equipment from freezing, these units are designed to ensure precise temperature control. It offers quality and durable products. Chromalox Heating Systems Over the years, a range of Chromalox heating systems have been designed, all of which are equally effective: Thermal fluid and air heating systems, and a whole line of electric boilers; there are various products. The most common Chromalox units are oil and gas heating systems, petrochemical processes and industrial gas (oxygen and chlorine), but there are more. Pipe heaters: Chomalox has a wide range of cables, systems, and other products to monitor and gauge heating designed for industrial and commercial use. Here, products aren’t chosen at random: they depend on the desired use. Is it for a building? A concrete foundation? Snow or ice? Or to protect plumbing pipes? Heating equipment: Units can reach temperatures of up to 1095°C. The Inconel 600 plate works efficiently at very high temperatures. Chromalox has high-quality heating elements that can be adapted according to needs. Few Examples of Chromalox Heating Systems Source: Canva Chromalox hot water electric boilers and premounted steam boilers are excellent sources of heat. They produce high-pressure steam or hot water, both for space heating units and for industrial and commercial processes. These boilers are used wherever steam is needed and electricity is available. There's no issue here of burning fuel, as is customary. The output is produced by heat transfer at constant pressure. Heating system boilers are easy to install because they’re pre-engineered units operating at normal voltages. 2500 W Eclipse Chromalox convector: This electric baseboard heater is capable of heating up to 40% faster than a conventional baseboard heater. It's designed to increase comfort by allowing air to flow as quickly and as far as possible into the room. It has built-in overheat protection and is made of 20 gauge steel before being coated with scratch-resistant polyester epoxy. It runs about $104.99. Usually, you’ll need 10 watts per square foot when using electric heat, but this rule can vary depending on many factors, such as the number of windows and their sizes, the quality of the insulation, etc. Industrial heat trace cables or “thermwire”: These cables are designed to help prevent significant damage to gutters, cables, roofs, and downspouts, as well as HVAC compressors. HVAC pipes or compressors may be exposed to very low (near freezing) temperatures or melting snow, which can seep under the roof and freeze again, thus causing gutters and downspouts to lift, shift, or break. "Thermwire" trace cables prevent this inconvenience from happening. Electric radiant heater: Used for many purposes (paper and cardboard, textiles and fabrics, or non-woven metals). Operates at higher temperatures than metal plate units to help increase the processing speed of certain systems. Processed radiant heaters are ideal for situations requiring immediate operating temperature and/or reduced heat during non-working hours. The electric radiant heater has a minimum output of 350W and a maximum output of 36,000W. Industrial convectors: These are versatile electric heating systems that use natural convection forces for heat transfer. Industrial convectors don't require a fan or motor and are almost noiseless while in operation. Furthermore, they don't need much maintenance. This type of heating system is generally used in small spaces but can also heat larger spaces if combined with other heating systems. Industrial trace connection kits: These consist of all the necessary components to connect to supply T-splices or strand splices, to seal the ends and ensure water resistance. These kits protect pipes and tanks from freezing, support roof and gutter de-icing, protect fire sprinkler pipes from freezing, accelerate the melting of buried snow, prevent frost heave, and maintain the temperature of hot water and floor heating systems. The connection kits and accesses are suitable for both ordinary and hazardous areas. Also, they're straightforward and easy to install, and they operate reliably and safely. Heat trace controls: These are used in both regular and hazardous areas. Chromalox control and distribution systems provide temperature control, monitoring, and energy management. The powerful IntelliTRACE and weatherTRACE control software can be easily installed on a desktop computer and address your every heat tracing need. Hot oil and process liquid vaporizers: These are built to transfer thermal energy at fast speeds. They're used in all industries that require high operating temperatures and low operating pressures as part of the manufacturing process. The system units vary from 15 kW to 300 kW and can be ASME (American) or PED (Europe) pressure certified. Tube bundle and instrument enclosures: These are typically used to protect viscous materials from freezing, and to avoid gas condensation. They maintain temperatures and protect instrument samplings as well as impulse lines. These tube bundles provide safe and reliable heat trace systems to ensure the absence of ice buildup in the drain lines. They're manufactured with quality, durable materials that meet industry standards; stainless steel, copper, high alloy steel, and fluoropolymer tubing are available. Are you looking for experts for your heating project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Advantages of Chromalox Heating Units Chromalox heaters are the result of years of innovation and development. Electric heaters are an ideal solution to control overheating, as their power is immediately available and can be thoroughly controlled to meet real-time needs. The use of such heating units emits nothing environmentally toxic. And, as a bonus, Chromalox heating systems feature a variety of undeniable assets: In-house manufacturing of parts ensures a more efficient and much less cumbersome design. Welding, pressure testing, and certification are performed according to ASME standards. Chromalox power supply control can be fitted to the control skids together with the heater. This results in a complete set. Engineering tools include AutoCad 3D, SOLIDWORKS, and PV Elite.