“We all need the living green or we’ll shrivel up inside. To make the modern city liveable is the task of our times.” This quote can easily help us in understanding the need of a beautiful landscape in today’s era. Landscaping can be compared to art as it also needs a vision by the creator so that a beautiful outcome can be achieved. And for art you need techniques which can help you in creating the most mesmerizing garden in your area. There are two ways of doing everything, one is haphazardly and the other is the smart way. One of the smart ways to enhance the beauty of your garden is to use professional landscaping in Toronto. Hence, some of these smart tips will be highly beneficial for you in minimizing your headaches and giving you a better landscaping experience.

• Know the Uniqueness of your Area

The most important factor for creating a beautiful and healthy landscape is to know your area. Like doctors know about their patients, a gardener must be aware about his land. He or she should know which flora will grow and flourish in their soil. A landscaper must also be sure of the microclimate of that region. The more you know about the personality of that place, better advantages can be taken from it then.

• Automatic Irrigation System

By installing automatic irrigation system one can save time, effort, and water. If you are living in an area where regular watering is necessary for plants then this could be highly beneficial for you. Irrigitation systems significantly reducie your efforts and hence helping you iutilizethat time efficiently for other things in your garden. In the long run, it could turn out to be cost effective too as we can save many plants from drying up and hence saving the replacement cost. Moreover, it saves water which is the need of the hour.

• Variety of Blooming Plants

A landscape with variety of symmetrically arranged plants is a feast for the eyes of the beholders. It is smart to choose plants which flower throughout the year and have high diversification in their colours. Plants which blossom in the winter season must be there in your garden to increase the aesthetics of the place. Adding one or two rare species of plants in your garden will add to the value of your landscape.

• Captivating Pathways

Garden pathways act as a backbone of the landscape design by giving it order and structure. A right sized pathway can make a garden look beautiful and spacious. A well-built path is inviting and adds to the value of a landscape. Modern as well as rustic ideas can be chosen to give your lane a unique look. Usage of lights at proper places in the garden and on the pathway gives a scenic beauty to your landscape. Adding curves to your garden is also a plus point.

• Emphasize on your House

Your house will benefit from little plantings which are synchronised with the design of your place. Keeping the walls and patterns of the house in your mind, you can set the tone of the landscape. But do keep in mind the entire house must not be hidden under the shrubbery of your garden.

• Keep the future in mind

A smart gardener will always think two steps ahead while planning his landscape. Having a vision in mind helps you plan the movements of plant for your garden thus kicking out the monotonousness from your garden. And will also help you in checking out if a tall tree will get enough space for its growth.

• Use recyclable things

You can always give a unique touch to your landscape by using recycled things like broken mugs, tubs, and bulbs for growing plants in them. This can save cost and also give your own touch to your garden.

Finally, keep in mind that you do not need a huge amount of money to make a beautiful garden for yourself. All you need are smarts ways to execute your work.

 

If you are looking for exceptional landscaping services in Toronto and Richmond Hill, Action Home Services is the name to vouch for. With a significant amount of experience under our belt, we are dedicated to providing impeccable landscaping services in Toronto and nearby areas. Contact us or call our experts at 647-937-1023 to get a free quote.

Home decks are the perfect place to sit and relax, and entertain guests. With time, decks age due to general wear and tear and external factors like weather damage. If left unattended, the structure of your deck will deteriorate. At least once a year, you should have deck builders in Toronto take a look at your deck to make sure it is safe to use, secure and strong. The following are major issues you need to look out for that will indicate that your deck is unsafe and that its time for repair.

Missing connections

A home deck is usually built using four major components: firm metal connectors, screws, nails and wood. These building materials provide vital reinforcement to a deck structure ensuring that it remains supported and secure while in use. If you are a new homeowner, you should inspect your deck to ensure that it has been built using these four components. If you find some components missing like metal connectors, that means that your deck is unsafe. Some deck builders use shortcuts resulting in improper building or designs.

Loose connections

It is normal for a deck to suffer wear and tear after years of use. Even if your deck has been properly built using all the major components, with time, connections loosen which compromises the sturdiness and strength of your deck. Major symptoms to look out for that may indicate loose connections include: loose ledgers and steps, wobbly rails and if your deck seems to be moving away from the house. These signs show that your deck is unsafe and that it is time for repair – fast.

Wood rot

During the hot weather, humid conditions create the perfect conditions for wood rot. This can compromise the integrity of your deck with time. Look along the structural elements and boards for any signs of rot like mildew, mold, discoloration and areas that are softer than others. Deteriorated wood beams and boards need to be replaced fast to prevent the rot from spreading.

Cracks in wood

As time goes by, it is natural for wood to develop cracks especially when exposed to weather elements. Cracked wood will weaken your deck’s structure with time and if not repaired soon enough, cracks can lead to your deck collapsing. The wear and tear can also cause wood to warp which can lead to painful splinters.

Corrosion of fasteners and connectors

When wood and metal is exposed to Mother Nature, it is normal that they will react to the elements resulting in corrosion and rust. You should regularly check your fasteners and brackets for any signs of deterioration. If you see any areas of concern but not sure what they indicate, call in a professional deck builder to give you a second opinion.

Retrofitting or repairing an existing deck

Once you have established that your deck is unsafe, you now have a choice to either retrofit or repair it. In some cases, you may have to rebuild your entire deck altogether. If you are working on a shoestring budget and rebuilding your deck is not an option at the moment, there are improvements you can do to strengthen your deck. It is always best to use the services of a professional contractor or engineer to take care of any deck repair issues you have. These professionals have the experience and tools needed to set you on the right course to safety. Before embarking on any serious repair jobs, a contractor will first do a thorough inspection on your deck to determine all the weak points in order to determine their next course of action. After your home deck has been repaired, make sure that you have routine inspections of your deck to ensure it remains safe at all times.

Does your driveway have cracks and needs sealing? A cracked driveway is pretty much an eyesore and if not fixed immediately, the cracks become larger and are a hazard around the home. Resealing a cracked driveway is an easy project. However, to get it right you need to leave it to professionals to offer durable solutions. 

Professionals who specialize in driveway sealing and interlock sealing in Vaughan have the expertise and tools to ensure they offer durable solutions to driveway problems. Driveways, just like roads, need periodic sealing and prompt repair. The best time to undertake driveway maintenance is during the summer. This is because products used in sealing and repair work best when applied in high temperatures. Avoid driveway sealing during the rainy season. The following are steps taken when fixing cracks and sealing driveways.

Driveway cleaning

Before fixing cracks and sealing a driveway, the driveway has to be cleaned first. A broom or a blower is used to sweep dust, acorns and leaves from the surface of the driveway. If there are any oil stains on the driveway, a primer or degreaser is used to disguise and clean the stains prior to sealing. Check in between the cracks for any weeds and pluck them. Driveways that are under a shade are prone to moss growth and if that’s the case with your driveway, a pressure washer will be used to clean it. After a thorough cleaning of the driveway, it is left to dry completely before working on it.

Cracks and holes patching

Cracks in a driveway that are less than half an inch are filled using fluid filler. A professional ensures that they don’t apply too much filler since it will show beneath the finished sealed coat. In case of an overfill, a scraper is used to spread and level out the excess filler. After, the filler is left for 4-8 hours before sealing the top. Cracks and holes that are greater than half an inch and with a definitive boundary need specialized tools to fill. A tamper or a driveway patch is used to make repairs. When a driveway patch is used, the top is left to cure for 4-6 weeks before sealing.

Mixing the sealant

The sealant is mixed one bucket at a time and each is poured to a crack or hole by tipping the product upside down before the product is opened. Before the sealant can be applied, the driveway is cleaned again using a blower or a broom to get rid of any debris on the surface.

Edge sealing

The edges of a driveway are sealed using a brush. A brush is used because it is easy to cut in around the edges without leaving a mess. A squeegee is used to cover the main area of the driveway. A driveway is usually sealed from the top of the driveway towards the end to get the best results.

Poring the sealant

A line of sealant is poured along the width of a driveway. The squeegee is then held at a 45- degree angle and pulled over to compress the sealant into the surface of the driveway. Little pressure is applied when spreading the sealant since it has self-leveling qualities. The right amount of pressure is applied when spreading the sealant to ensure the right thickness of sealant is applied. After the sealant is applied across a width, the contractor pauses before they can pour the next width of sealant. Once the whole driveway is covered, it is left for 24 hours to cure.

Second coat application

A second coat of sealant is applied in order to cover areas that did not get a proper amount of sealant the first time around. The second layer creates a stronger seal to protect the driveway. The driveway has to be left to dry for 48 to 72 hours before driving on it.

Many homeowners back out from the thought of installing paver stone patio in their homes because it can be time consuming. The truth is despite the amount of time spent on this project, the results are very much fulfilling knowing that it is classy, easy to maintain and is sure to serve its purpose for a long time. Just by choosing top quality materials, you will be able to enjoy the advantages that a paver stone patio can bring. Wonder how you can maintain the natural beauty of this choice? Here are tips to help you with.

You must have extra pavers in stock

You can use these extra pavers to replace any chipped or cracked paver. Add to this, having a stock of pavers for replacement will mean you will be able to replace anything that needs replacement with one that looks like all the other pavers used over the surface.

Use bumpers

Your paver stone patio installation must come with bumpers. Bumpers can make the surface look clean at all times. It can also give you an easier time using a weed trimmer over the patio anytime you want to trim grass or when you want to prevent grass encroachment. Add to this, when your paver stone patio comes with bumpers, it will be easier preventing cracks and shifts over the surface. You can benefit from bumpers by sealing grouts properly. This will keep the surface from discolouration and deterioration.

Apply polymeric sand on the surface

It is also important to apply polymeric sand, a combination of sand and concrete with polymer materials in it, over the entire patio paver installation. This can be sprayed with water using a hose-end sprayer. Wetting will not just harden the material but will also prevent weeds from growing over the patio.

Clean the tiles every now and then

Acid washing is required in the removal of grout film over the surface tiles. This will help remove any discolouration that results from moisture hitting the stone surface. Fill-in any cracks during the process and make sure you use a grout sealer after washing. This will prevent mould and mildew from getting into the grout whilst also keeping it from crumbling.

It will also be good to sweep off dirt, yard waste, and leaves off your paver stone patio. Apart from keeping the surface clean at all times, sweeping can help prevent grass weeds from growing to any direction. Since grass will not get an opening for root expansion because of this, the cement will be intact and free from cracks.

You can also use a hose-end sprayer once weekly to clean your stone paver patio. You can scrub the stone by putting dishwashing detergent in a pail of hot water. You can also use an outdoor push broom when scrubbing off dirt over the stone patio. For stains, you can use soft wire brush to prevent scouring over the surface.

Tips when pressure washing

Pressure-washing can be used over a stone patio but you have to make sure that you are not spraying over the grout. Focus on spraying the stone surface instead. You will need to experiment regarding the amount of force you must use to clean the surface.

Reapply stone patio sealant

You need to do this at least once every three years. Remember you used polymeric sand over the surface. You must seal the surface to prevent polymeric sand from degrading the surface and to make sure that the grout will look great all the time.

Remember that maintenance for a paver stone patio will be a whole lot easier if you allow experts to install them. Hire an interlocking contractor in Toronto and you can be sure that the project will be done in good time!

A composite material, asphalt is commonly used to surface not just roads but airports, and parking lots as well. It is also used as the core for embankment dams. Asphalt looks very polished after laying them over a surface but through years of use, the pavement surface can actually look dreadful. The good news is it can be restored to make them look like new. Here is where the magic of sealcoating enters the scenario.

Sealcoating is comprised of a thin liquid layer which can be added on several types of paved surfaces, including asphalt pavements. It is done in order to protect the surface from the UV rays of the sun which can damage the pavement. It is also a perfect partner for damage protection against snow and rain as well as those fluids leaking from vehicles that pass by. Sealcoating may not be capable of reverting existing issues like cracks but it has the capability to prevent these damages from affecting the pavement. Learn more about how sealcoating benefits an asphalt pavement.

It extends the lifespan of the asphalt pavement

Have you noticed that asphalt paving is done every now and then? This is because of the damages that exposure to dangerous elements can bring. If the asphalt pavement has undergone sealcoating, however, the need to add layers of asphalt to a pavement will no longer be as often as we see it happening. This can definitely lessen your expenses while helping the surface serve its purpose for a longer time than usual. Aside from being a protective layer to the asphalt pavement, sealcoating can help fill surface damage.

It can save you money

As mentioned, sealcoating has the ability to reduce the need to add layers of asphalt over a pavement. This translates to cost savings. Come to think of it, when an asphalt pavement is properly maintained and is sealed, it can definitely reduce long-term costs associated with the need to repair the pavement.

It enhances the appearance of asphalt

Imagine your skin being exposed to harmful elements. It can look dry and will age earlier than usual. This occurrence speeds up if you do not add any layer of protection to your skin. The same is true with an asphalt pavement. Once exposed to the elements, the appearance will fade over time. If sealcoat is used over it, on the other hand, the asphalt pavement will look like it is new.

It speeds up the melting process of ice and snow

This is especially true over pavement surfaces like those with asphalt on them. Alongside this, sealcoating is capable of protecting the surface against water penetration as well as frost, snow, and rain damage.

How to maximise the benefits of sealcoating over asphalt pavements

There is indeed a list of benefits of sealcoating over asphalt pavements like the ones mentioned above. In order to maximise results, however, it is important to bring a few tips to mind.

• The sealcoating process must be properly completed by making sure that the pavement as well as the air temperature is no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the entire duration of the application until eight hours after application is finished.
• It is also important to clear the asphalt surface from dirt and debris. Potholes, cracks and all other minor repairs must be repaired by filling them. Vehicle fluids must also be removed from the surface.
• Choose the appropriate sealcoating application method for you. Your choice includes using a spray or a squeegee.

Keep your asphalt pavement smooth, attractive, functional, and long-lasting by considering sealcoating. We offer driveway sealing in Vaughan for better-looking and durable paved driveways.