Here at Textured Terrain Ltd, we have zero problems when it comes to communication and honesty.   If you are ever unsure on which contractor to choose, check their track record.   Ask for references.   When it comes to references, you can ask for past projects, testimonials, and even something as simple as a business license and liability insurance.   No matter how experienced you are accidents happen, and it is good to know that everyone is protected if such were to happen.   With all of the social media and internet platforms, it is fairly simple to do some research on your possible contractor.

When planning your project regardless of the type, trust your senses and do some research.   If you are looking for a trusting Concrete or Landscaping Contractor in the Regina area, then please contact us.   We have several years of experience, with many happy customers that will give a referral all day long.   We take pride in what we do.  We are up front, and an honest company built on reputation.  

The post How do I know which Contractor to choose….? appeared first on Textured Terrain.

So What Is Flex MSE?

Flex MSE is a Cost Effective, Sustainable and Permanent –  Engineered Solution.

The Flex MSE  Vegetated Wall System uses the same globally accepted principles of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) that builders rely on for making massive  retaining walls.

Geobag walls have been built as high as 75ft, with great success. Our Second Generation interlocking Plate is a 100% recycled, recyclable component which adds increased geogrid compatibility and friction strength over its precursors.

Flex MSE is a unique soft building material that exhibits hard material qualities.  It weathers events that would ruin other systems, and only gets stronger and greener as time goes on.

Cost Effective:

• Flex MSE is 60% of concrete’s cost installed.
• Flex MSE is a simple two component system that often installs in half the time of concrete block walls.
• No specialized equipment, labour, cranes, forms, footings, or rebar.

Sustainable:

• Flex MSE walls require minimal initial leveling or subgrade embedment.
• The flexible, easily adjusted units conform perfectly to trees and unexpected bedrock
• Flex MSE is a recycled, non-toxic product that conforms to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) qualifications.
• Flex MSE vegetated walls are graffiti proof.
• Flex MSE installations use 97%  less Green House Gases (GHGs) over comparably sized concrete blocks.

Permanent:

• Flex MSE lasts almost twice as long as concrete (120 year ASTM System Life rating).
• A light weight soft armour product that integrates easily with other proprietary systems and has  great performance in limited access, tough or unstable terrain.
• Settlement and water ruin concrete walls.  Flex MSE has a very high settlement tolerance and excess water drains through the system.  The drainage aspect eliminates the need for chimney drains and pipe behind the wall, while feeding the vegetation.

Bottom line? Flex MSE  is a Green solution that installs faster, lasts longer, looks completely natural, and costs less. For a truly Green solution without the Green ‘premium’, choose Flex MSE  for retaining walls, slope stabilization, erosion control, site reclamation, and ‘Anywhere Land Meets Water.’

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The life expectancy of concrete is many many years if maintained properly.   But when it does eventually deteriorate, and you decide its time to do something about it.  Think wisely about getting the cover up type fix.  Many homeowners are lured into these other materials that will cover ugly concrete, and as a bonus are quite cheaper.  Don’t be fooled, it will cost you more in the future.  Now you’re in a situation that your having to remove the cover up material as well as the concrete underneath, in turn costing a lot more.  

Many times, concrete needs to be replaced due to cracking.  In most cases, the cracking is due to the earth/ground shifting under it.  This is due to low or high moisture levels, unexpected heavy traffic etc.   While it sounds great covering those cracks or ugly concrete with a much more cost effective product like asphalt or rubber paving etc, remember that the underlying problem is still there.

Remember, your finished product is only as good as the preparation underneath it!   There is a reason why Concrete are 99% of residential driveways in Canada.  It is Tried, Tested, and True.    #yqr #reginaconcretecontractor

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Cracks and Regina basements go together like peanut butter and jelly – you rarely see one without the other. Cracks are never a good sign, but they are pretty common and, depending on the type and severity of crack, can be nothing to worry about or a huge problem. Let’s look at a few different types of foundation cracks and what they can mean:

VERTICAL CRACKS

These are usually the least worrisome of cracks and quite common in basements, especially in Regina. They often happen within a few years after construction as the concrete foundation settles. The most common risk associated with vertical cracks is water seeping in during particularly periods of particularly heavy participation. These cracks can usually be fixed easily and permanently by injecting a flexible sealing material into the crack. Ensuring that rainfall is diverted from around your house will also prevent water from saturating the ground around your foundation and seeping through cracks.

HORIZONTAL CRACKS

Horizontal cracks are much more serious than the others because they usually mean your foundation is bowing, which can actually result in the collapse of your house! This can be caused by several factors including improper drainage and overly compressed backfill around your foundation. There are several solutions to remedy this, depending on the cause, but these cracks should be assessed by an experienced, licensed engineer and repaired by professionals.

DIAGONAL CRACKS

Diagonal cracks are usually caused by a change in the ground around your foundation, resulting in a corner of the house settling lower than the others. The repair usually calls for an injectable, flexible sealant, like with vertical cracks, but usually requires more. Discovering the cause of the crack will also help determine the best way to repair it. These cracks often appear quite wide on one end, and more narrow on the other.

STEP OR STAIRWAY CRACKS

You often will see this kind of ascending crack on the exterior of concrete block foundations. The cause is often the same as diagonal cracks and are treated in a similar fashion.

Our team can assess the cracks in your basement and determine the best way to repair them. Contact us for an assessment today.

The post Foundation Cracks 101 appeared first on Textured Terrain.

This past summer in Saskatchewan was tough on foundations. The dry, drought-like conditions caused the soil to contract and crack. As the winter weather comes the soil expands as it freezes, pushing against your foundation. This can cause your foundation to heave and crack. This year’s mild weather is especially troubling – the constant freezing and refreezing has the soil constantly expanding and contracting, which can cause further stress beyond your average winter. Thawed moisture can also seep into these cracks and when it refreezes it expands, turning small hairline cracks into big ones.

To combat this, it’s important to reduce the amount of moisture around your foundation. Ensure your eaves troughs are clean and that your downspouts are extended to move any rain away from your house (yes, we’re still getting rain so far this winter). Shovel snow away from your house on all sides, not just where you walk. Inspect your foundation inside and outside and repair any hairline cracks that moisture can get in to.

If the weather patterns of the last few years tell us anything, it’s that we may experience freeze/thaw cycles during a Saskatchewan winter. It’s important to keep your foundation in good condition to deal with the constant contraction and expansion. Our team can help keep your foundation in tip top shape – contact us today for foundation inspection and repair services.

The post Winter Foundation Care appeared first on Textured Terrain.

Anyone growing up in Regina has seen firsthand how structures and foundations can shift and sink in our soil. This can leave concrete basement floors broken and cracked, which can affect plumbing, flooring and more. The dry summer of 2017 certainly hasn’t helped matters, resulting in many basement floors throughout the city in need of repair or replacement. Here are a few things to consider when looking to repair or replace your basement floor.

Leave it to the experts

It may be tempting to tackle at least the concrete removal of your floor/concrete slab to offset the cost of the project, but this could end up costing you more in the long run. Improper floor removal can lead to serious foundation damage. Careful consideration needs to be made for underground pipes and radon removal systems, and things like water heaters need to be properly disconnected. Bring us in early to assess your floor and determine next steps, which can be removal and repouring, but can also be less costly patches or repairs. Removing and replacing a concrete slab is also something that should be done in a timely fashion. A concrete slab floor supports the overall foundation of your house and once a concrete floor is removed or compromised it can cause the bottom of your foundation walls to move inward, which will get worse over time. If you’re looking to remove and replace your floor on a D.I.Y., weekend-here, weekend-there schedule, you could cause a lot of damage to your foundation. Best to let the experts do the job properly and quickly.

Time for a change

Removing and repouring your basement floor is also a great time to reconsider the layout of your basement. If you’re thinking about moving the bathroom or updating your radon removal system, think about it now. It’s also a great time to update your sump pit/pump system and any older drains beneath the slab.

Storage solutions

Keep in mind, you’re removing the basement floor, which also means removing anything on the basement floor. Construction projects of this nature can be stressful enough without the addition of a sea of clutter to wade through. Renting a portable storage container for the duration of the project will help cull the clutter and keep your sanity intact.

The Textured Terrain team has years of experience tackling and taming Regina basements. Give us a call today to assess your basement floor.

The post Starting On The Ground Floor With Basement Repair appeared first on Textured Terrain.

When it comes to selecting a surface for your driveway, you may be torn between concrete and asphalt – the two most popular driveway options. But nothing beats the look, feel, value and durability of concrete. Here a few reasons you should choose concrete for your driveway.

Curb appeal, right to the curb

A concrete driveway makes the right first impression. It’s literally the first thing guests walk or drive up when they come to your house. Concrete’s clean look is always attractive. Concrete will also bounce any available light when it’s dark out, making it more visible at night, especially when compared to asphalt. Prospective homebuyers will always pick concrete over asphalt too, making your house more attractive if you ever choose to sell.

Clean and comfortable

If you’ve ever walked barefoot on asphalt on an August afternoon in Saskatchewan, you already know how scorching hot it can get. It can also get tacky in high heat and you risk tracking oily asphalt sealer into your house and other parts of your yard. Concrete keeps you and your feet cool, clean and comfortable in any weather. It doesn’t trap heat like asphalt and is easy to sweep. Concrete’s non-skid surface also makes it safer to walk and drive on, especially in wet or winter weather.

Built to last

Concrete is one of the most durable driveway materials out there. While it may cost a bit more than materials like asphalt, you will save money in the long term. Concrete usually lasts close to three times as long as asphalt, which equals less repair and replacement costs. It also takes less maintenance than asphalt, which requires reapplication of oily, smelly and messy asphalt coating every few years.

A concrete driveway is an investment in long-term beauty for your house that’s easy to care for. Contact our team today to discuss the perfect driveway option for your home.

The post Concrete Reasons For the Best Driveway Possible appeared first on Textured Terrain.

Water, water, water (and water again)

Keeping your new lawn well-watered is imperative in the first month so the sod takes root and flourishes. Water it immediately after installation to the point of being spongy and then regularly in the following weeks. The amount of times you should water your new sod is up for debate and will depend on factors like temperature, weather and amount of sun your grass gets. It’s a good rule of thumb to water it twice a day for week one, once a day for week two, every other day for weeks three and four, then resume a regular watering schedule. Watering a little less every week will help your sod develop deep, healthy roots. Just be sure not to overwater as it can result in shallow roots or stop air from reaching the roots.

Please stay off the grass

Try to keep your family and pets off the new sod for at least two weeks after installation and only go on it to do the care and maintenance needed. Give your new sod a chance to get used to its new home and develop a strong root bed without any interruptions.

Mow mowing, mow problems

Don’t over mow your new lawn. Wait at least a week after your sod has been laid before mowing for the first time and don’t cut your grass shorter than 3 inches. Keeping your grass a little longer gives your lawn a lush look, helps retain water and helps your grass choke out invasive weeds like dandelions, clover and crabgrass. Be sure to watch your mower wheels the first time you cut to make sure they don’t get caught in the seams between sod panels.

When to fertilize

You shouldn’t fertilize your new lawn for at least six weeks after installation. Wait until week six or seven to spread fertilizer, if needed. Then resume a regular lawn fertilizer schedule. You shouldn’t need to fertilize your lawn until fall, when you would usually fertilize.

The team at Textured Terrain can help you make the most of your yard. Contact us today.

The post Keep Your New Grass Green appeared first on Textured Terrain.

First, walk the perimeter of your house – look for any cracks or damage in the cement of your above-ground foundation that wasn’t there before. Clear away any leaves or debris that may have accumulated over the winter so you can get a clear view. If you have window wells, make sure they are clean and in good shape. Take a good look at the grading of the land around your foundation as well. Has it fallen away? Is there any standing water settling against your house? Is the land sloping towards your home instead of away from it? These are signs that you may need to contact us and/or a landscaping contractor to fix the problem.

Once you’ve checked the foundation, have a look at the rest of your house’s exterior. Take a look at door frames and windows to make sure things haven’t shifted and there any spaces in the caulking. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good repair and your roof is free from any obvious damage.

Now that you’ve given the outside perimeter the once over, it’s time to move indoors. If you have an unfinished basement it’s obviously much easier to see if something is amiss, as any cracks, leaks or foundation damage will be in plain sight. If your basement is finished, look for any signs of moisture on the walls and floor. This can include physical wetness, bubbling or peeling paint, or any warped door frames or flooring, which are all signs of a possible foundation crack or leak.

If anything looks out wrong with your house, inside or out, give us a call. Our team at textured terrains will make sure that any April showers stay on your gardens and out of your house.

The post Your Spring Foundation Checklist appeared first on Textured Terrain.

Put on the pressure

One of the easiest ways to clean your concrete is with a pressure washer. Before you start, be sure to clear your driveway of any loose debris that could go flying when sprayed, potentially hurting people or damaging your car or your house. It’s best to spray with the slope of your driveway so the water runs away from your house and, if you can, runs to your grass and lawn, and not storm drains.

Soak it up

The majority of stains on a driveway are usually car-related – oil, gas and antifreeze are the usual culprits. There are chemicals and commercial cleaners you can purchase but before you do there are actually possible solutions right in your house. Baking soda, cat litter and corn starch all have absorbent properties that can soak up the stains on your driveway. If the stain is fresh and still wet simply apply the powder and let in sit for an hour of two and sweep up. If the stain is dry you can scrub with water and baking soda and then add more baking soda and let sit. You may need to repeat the process several times. It’s also important to do this on a clear day with no wind so your application doesn’t get washed or blown away.

Another popular way to remove stains is to use powdered dish detergent or baking soda and boiling water. Wet the stained area slightly and apply a liberal amount of detergent or baking soda, then pour a pot of boiling water on the stain and scrub vigorously with a stiff-wired brush and rinse off. Again, you may have to repeat this several times to get desired results.

Your driveway is literally one of the first impressions people have of your home, so it’s important to do everything you can to keep it looking its best. If you have any questions about driveway maintenance please contact us and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your question!

The post Keeping Your Driveway Clean appeared first on Textured Terrain.