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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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.

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It’s safe to say that this Saskatchewan summer took its toll on lawns in Regina. Drought-like conditions left many lawns yellow and cracked, despite our best efforts. With winter on its way, it’s time to set up our lawn for success next spring.

Here are a few things you can do to get your grass winter ready.

• Cut to the right height – leave your lawn a little higher for the winter to ensure longer, healthier roots. But be sure not to keep your grass too long before the snow falls – long grass can be a breeding ground for grass diseases and snow mold. A good rule of thumb is one setting higher on your mower.
• Aerate – while a lot of people aerate their lawns in the spring, it’s good to do it in the fall as well, especially if your lawn has been damaged over the summer. An aerated lawn creates more contact between soil and both fertilizer and grass seed.
• Fertilize – apply two rounds of fertilize – you’ll find autumn-specific fertilizer at the store. Pay special attention to damaged areas.
• Seed (and overseed) – seed damaged areas and water to ensure germination before snowfall. It’s getting late in the season, but we still have a few warm days. The window to seed is quickly closing, so take advantage of it while you can.
• Deal with weeds – the more weeds you can take care of now, the less you’ll have to deal with in the spring. Whether it’s using a herbicide or pulling as many as you can, you’ll be happy you did come April.
• Rake or mulch – it’s important to remove the leaves on your lawn so your grass can get the sunlight and air it needs. Another alternative is to use a mulching mower and mulch the leaves so they can further decompose and feed your lawn.

Fall may seem like the time when lawn care comes to an end, but as you can see, there are still a few “to-do’s” on the old chore list to keep your grass happy and healthy.

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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.

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Practice regular onceovers

Inspect your sprinkler system regularly, both when it’s running and not. When you first turn on your system, inspect each sprinkler head to ensure it’s operating properly and each head rises smoothly from the ground. Walk around your yard as the sprinklers run, checking that each is spraying water uniformly and in the intended direction. When you turn the system off, check the sprinklers again to ensure each is retracting fully and properly. Raised sprinkler heads aren’t only a sign of your system not operating properly, they are also a tripping hazard. If you notice any issues, give them the attention they need. It could be as simple as removing debris from the surrounding area or a larger repair, but keeping on top of things will ensure that the fixes are small and inexpensive. And you might want to think about wearing your trunks when you make your rounds, because you’re probably going to get wet.

Look and listen to your lawn

Your lawn will also give you clues if your sprinkler isn’t working at its peak. Check your lawn regularly for any dry or brown spots, or noticeable pooling of water after you water the lawn. Those are both telltale signs that your sprinkler system needs adjustment or repair.

Have you been thinking of installing a sprinkler system for your yard? Or does your current system need repair? Contact us and let us work with you to enjoy your very own waterworks!

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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.

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The most common culprit is water. It can accumulate in the soil around the foundation, which expands the soil and puts pressure on walls and foundation footings, causing cracks to appear.

While getting caught in the rain isn’t fun for anyone, if you don’t have a proper foundation it can be a disaster for your home. If even a little bit of water enters throughout a damaged or cracked foundation, it can start a chain of events that leads to flooding, and mold and moisture damage, all of which leads to costly repairs.

The next step is to call in the experts. At Textured Terrain, we specialize in Foundation Repairs, specifically:

• Damp proofing/waterproofing
• Wall straightening/bracing
• Cracked foundation repairs
• Underpinning
• Telepost adjustments
• Sump pits
• Knee walls/pony walls
• Grade beams
• Piles

At Textured Terrain, we can make sure that your home has a solid foundation and is waterproof. Call us today for a free estimate: at 306-533-8251. At Textured Terrain, we do concrete and we do it right! texturedterrain.dev

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But if you have foundation problems, that may mean expensive repairs.

Here are 4 warning signs to look for to keep small concerns from becoming big headaches.

The 4 Basic Indoor Warning Signs

All houses settle over time, and a little unevenness isn’t cause for panic. At the same time, you’ll want to be alert to these warning signs that more dramatic changes are taking place:

1. A door begins to jam or fails to latch.

2. Cracks appear in walls, especially over doorways, windows, or where walls meet ceilings.

3. Cracks open in vinyl or ceramic tile over a concrete floor.

4. Windows that used to open and close easily suddenly begin to stick or won’t close completely.

At Textured Terrain, we can make sure that your foundation is damp proof and waterproof, and identify potential problem spots before things get out of control. Keep the moisture outside and your home protected with our team of foundation specialists. Call us today for a free estimate: at 306-533-8251. At Textured Terrain, we do concrete and we do it right! texturedterrain.dev

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