Any big home improvement, such as renovating or improving your kitchen, bathroom, or adding a home office, will cost a significant amount of money.

Before we get to how you can get that money, we need to talk about 5 essential tips on home improvement techniques. Let’s start!

Bring in Natural Light

Set aside money during home renovations to make your house brighter and let more light in. New lighting, like new paint, may make a subtle improvement in the look of a room. 

If you want to install new windows for more light, then always consider energy-efficient ones. Purchasing Energy Star-certified windows is vital if you want to reduce your heating and cooling expenditures. You can understand that your current windows aren’t energy-efficient if you get cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Instead of paying too much money, reduce your utility costs by installing energy-efficient windows that can also bring more light into your home. 

Fresh Coat of Paint

It doesn’t matter if you paint your walls when you move in, they are bound to fade or wear out even after a year and require repainting. Warm neutral hues, such as greys, whites, browns, tans, and beiges, are often preferred since, in the future, if you decide to sell your home, purchasers will be more inclined to buy a property with pleasing colors. However, it is determined by your personal preferences and the emotions you wish to communicate.

Consider cooler colors like blue, purple, and green if you’re looking for a peaceful and calming palette. Warm hues like orange, red, and yellow can convey a cheerful, and energetic mood. In general, colder tones are ideal for bedrooms and warmer ones for kitchens and living rooms. You can make your living room seem larger by painting it in lighter and pastel colors. The paint type and finish are equally important in determining the character of your room. So, research or consult with an expert when choosing a new paint. 

Include Flooring

It’s time to refinish your home’s hardwood floors if they’re in poor shape. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on eco-friendly flooring, try painting the existing ones or adding vinyl flooring for a quick fix. Because sanding and varnishing timber flooring is pricey, try sprucing up your floors with new paint. It’s a home renovation and décor project that can completely transform any room in a short amount of time. Hardwoods are the most prevalent form of flooring, and they can raise the value of your property.

Improve Kitchen and Bathroom

Two of the most important places in our homes are the bathroom and kitchen. The remodeling of these two is essential for the overall appeal of your home. Le’s dive into some helpful tips: 

Bathroom:

• Paint the walls and choose a paint that can resist mildew and mold. 
• Update bathtub.
• Replace the bathroom caulk.
• Replacing taps and repairing tiles.
• Update the finishes.

Kitchen:

• Repaint or replace cabinets and countertops.
• Install a backsplash.
• Create broad walkways.
• Plan landing space. 

Improve Exteriors

And most importantly, you need to renovate and improve the outside of your home to increase the curb appeal. Let’s see the most common steps: 

• Install new windows.
• Change the front door to fit the overall interior of your home.
• Renovate or replace the roof. 
• Then weed the garden. 

No matter why you want to improve your house, whether to sell it or build and buy another home, you will need a mortgage to do what you want. Now, we’ll talk about the three most common loans you can consider for renovating or building a home in Canada. 

Whenever you wonder which mortgage is right for your financial needs and preferences, what advantages they have over other loan offers, and how to choose the right one, you need to dig into each type of mortgage. We are going to talk about home equity loans, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages individually, so that you can fully grasp their differences and understand how one will be better for you, depending on your needs. They all assist homeowners in tapping into the equity in their homes, but in different ways. Let’s dive in!

Home Equity Loans

A home equity loan and a home equity line of credit, commonly known as a HELOC, are two traditional ways to finance home improvements. 

You offer your home as collateral for a home equity loan. It functions similarly to any other secured loan and is also known as a second mortgage. This is because it is ranked second after the mortgage you already have on your home. A home equity loan is a fixed-rate loan that lets you borrow against your house’s equity. You are given a lump sum of money, which you must repay over time. To take up a new, fixed-rate loan, you’ll almost always have to pay another round of closing charges.

With a first and second mortgage combined, you can borrow up to 80% of the appraised value of your house. However, mortgage lenders may offer you a lower amount based on your level of risk. To qualify for this loan, you must also have a family income.

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Home Equity Loan

Consult with a skilled and dedicated mortgage broker in Canada to choose the right loan for your needs. Now it’s time to understand what kinds of advantages and disadvantages home equity loans have so that you’ll understand whether they fit your needs. 

Pros

• You have flexibility since a home equity loan can be used for practically anything, from home renovations to paying for college, etc.
• Depending on how much equity you have in your house, you could be able to get a larger amount of money. 
• You have a fixed repayment plan, which can make it easier to budget for your payments and handle your debt load.

Cons

• You won’t be able to acquire a home equity loan if you have too much debt or bad credit.
• If you fail to pay your loan, your lender may be able to seize and sell your home as it’s used as collateral. 
• It can have higher interest rates compared to a HELOC.

When to choose: A home equity loan may be the best option if you know exactly how much you need to borrow and how you plan to spend the money upfront.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If your renovation is in progress or requires multiple payments over time, choose HELOC. 

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to borrow against the equity in your house at a lower interest rate than a standard credit line. You’ll have access to a pre-approved amount of cash if you get a mortgage with a HELOC option. You’ll have to pay interest on the money you borrow from a HELOC in addition to your regular mortgage payments if you use it. They typically feature a lower monthly payment based only on interest and allow you to borrow up to 65% of your home’s value. it’s also crucial to keep in mind that your mortgage loan balance plus your HELOC cannot exceed 80% of the value of your home.

Benefits and Drawbacks of HELOC

Now it’s time to understand what kind of advantages and disadvantages HELOC has so that you’ll understand whether it fits your needs. 

Pros 

• Closing costs are either minimal or non-existent. Some lenders may not require them at all, especially if you have good credit.
• A HELOC may provide you with lower interest rates. 
• A HELOC allows you to borrow when and how much you need. You’ll only have to pay interest on the money you’ve borrowed. As a result, they can be used to cover long-term expenses. 

Cons

• After a certain amount of time has passed, you won’t be able to withdraw any more money.
• You may be limited in how you use the funds.
• You run the danger of harming your credit if you don’t pay on time.
• HELOCs have the drawback of being more difficult to qualify for, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes.

When to choose: HELOC can be a smart choice if you’re unsure how much money you’ll need to borrow. This is because you will only be charged interest on the amount you have borrowed. 

Reverse Mortgage

If you are a senior, you can also choose a reverse mortgage whenever you want to make repairs to your home, whether for enjoyment or need.  

A reverse mortgage is a type of mortgage given to people at or over the age of 55. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to access their home equity by turning it into cash without making monthly mortgage payments. You can get a loan for up to 55% of your home’s current value. The maximum amount you can borrow depends on your age, your lender, and the market value of your home. You’ll keep your home and use the money to pay off any remaining debt on your current mortgage. The remaining cash can be put toward a variety of things, such as home upgrades, living expenses, a healthcare fund, etc.

If a homeowner chooses this sort of mortgage, they can convert a part of their home equity into cash without having to sell their home or pay extra monthly charges. However, a borrower repays the loan, whenever they move out, sell their home, or pass away. When you get a reverse mortgage, the bank gives you a lump sum that you must pay back with interest over time. Over time, the amount you owe will rise. If you’re 55 or up and need to replace your current mortgage with one that doesn’t demand monthly repayments, or if you need to assist a family member in purchasing their own house, a reverse mortgage may be an option for you. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Reverse Mortgage

Now it’s time to understand what kinds of advantages and disadvantages reverse mortgages have so that you’ll understand whether it fits your needs. 

Pros

• No monthly loan payments are necessary.
• You may be able to convert some of your home’s value into cash without having to sell it. 
• The proceeds you get from a reverse mortgage are not taxable. 
• You may have some flexibility in terms of when and how you get the money.

Cons

• The heirs will likely be unable to keep the home and/or will receive a smaller inheritance. 
• It has higher interest rates.
• As interest on your loan accumulates, the equity in your home may decrease.
• The cost of a reverse mortgage may be higher than that of conventional mortgages or other credit products. 
• Your estate may have less money to leave to your children or other heirs.

When to choose: A reverse mortgage may be considered by an elderly homeowner who has paid off their mortgage or has a significant amount of equity in their house. The benefit of a reverse mortgage is that it allows homeowners to access their home equity in a variety of ways, including regular monthly payments, lump sums, or a line of credit, all without having to make monthly payments.

These are some of the loan types to consider during home improvement and renovation projects. Check them once more before choosing the one that meets your needs. 

The post Home Equity Loan or HELOC vs. Reverse Mortgage: How to Choose it for buying or building your home appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Research shows six out of 10 households include a furry family member — and that was before animal ownership surged during the pandemic.

With animal companions becoming increasingly common, people are thinking about the needs of their pets as well as their own when assessing real estate options.

Thinking of moving to a new home? Don’t forget to pack your dog! Picture: Getty

If this sounds like you, you might want to look for these six things when on the hunt for a pet-friendly home.

1. Home size and type

Do you have a big dog that needs plenty of space to move? Or perhaps, you have a smaller breed or cat that’s relatively independent. The type of pet you own will dictate the kind of home you need.

Active, larger breeds such as German shepherds, golden retrievers, border collies, huskies or Staffordshire bull terriers are better suited to a larger home with a backyard, which can be catered for with a house and land package.

In comparison, cats and small dog breed like French bulldogs, cavaliers, shih tzu, bichon frise and whippets can be easily kept in an apartment.

It’s not just you that needs to be comfortable in your new home. Picture: Getty

2. Pet-friendly features

It’s essential to consider which elements will enhance pet ownership rather than hinder it, according to Anne Flaherty, economist at realestate.com.au.

“People that own pets, they need to think about what kind of a lifestyle they’re giving their pet and choose a property that matches these needs,” she says. “They also need to consider what kind of an impact they’re going to have on the neighbours around them.”

Features like wooden floors are easier to clean than carpet. Also, think about sound insulation, pet doors and whether the layout has an extra room or nook for your animal’s bed.

Luxury features like an outdoor shower can be beneficial too, making bath time more manageable. Additionally, orientation may be important if your animal likes to bask in the morning sun.

New tech at Midtown MacPark makes living with a pet even easier. Picture: Frasers Property Australia, artist impression

According to Cameron Jackson, development director at Frasers Property Australia, people in apartments should also keep an eye out for innovative additions in new developments.

He points to Midtown MacPark, a vibrant new urban neighbourhood in Sydney, which has smart home technology available to make life easier for residents with fur babies on board.

“Sometimes, you’ll not only have a dog and a leash to hold, you’ll have your phone, a coffee, or the daily essentials like bread and milk,” Jackson says. “This is where things like touchless lifts can make life a lot easier and safer.”

He adds that communal spaces nearby (to take pets for their daily break outdoors) will also appeal to pet owners on the hunt for a new home.

3. Outdoor space

“Think about whether there are a lot of dog-friendly green spaces around,” Flaherty says.

“A lot of parks have sections where dogs can run off the leash, but you need to be very mindful as not all parks have that ability.”

Jackson adds that somewhere with a mix of green areas is best.

“At Midtown, we have a really good connection to reserves and open spaces around the development,” Jackson explains.

“You can walk out of your apartment, through the neighbourhood and into a creek reserve. There’s dog exercise areas and trails. You don’t have to cross any major roads to access them.”

Dog parks are a great place to meet your neighbours. Picture: Frasers Property Australia, artist impression

Midtown MacPark is designed to be a walkable neighbourhood, with walking paths and cycling links all built into the design. 

These pathways connect the one-to-three bedroom homes to the proposed urban village that will be humming with cafes, shops, a proposed school and two childcare centres, plus a commercial 25-metre pool and gym.

This kind of design helps creates more opportunities to take your pet with you when you head outside, says Jackson, regardless of whether it’s a stroll to the local cafe, the uni, or if you’re popping to the supermarket for some milk. 

4. Pet stores, vets and amenities

“If you do own a pet, it’s probably worth thinking about, how far away you are from the nearest pet shop or vet,” Flaherty explains.

Proximity to pet facilities and healthcare is not only convenient for food or supplies, but it may be crucial if your animal has a medical emergency or is getting a bit older.

A dog groomer, doggie day care and a dog walking service in the area will also be handy.

Having a pet store nearby makes a big difference. Picture: Getty

5. Council regulations

Every council has separate rules when it comes to pet ownership. Questions to ask when looking at a specific location is whether you need to register your pet with the local council or shire? Do they have particular rules like cat curfews?

Additionally, Jackson says to check the project you’re buying into is pet friendly.

“Make sure there is the legal capacity built into the development for animals,” he explains.

“Check it’s in the strata title that residents can have pets in the future, especially if it’s an apartment project.”

The post 5 steps to pick the perfect pet-friendly community appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Outdoor Living – Landscaping, Garden & Backyard Design IdeasLifestyle, Outdoor Living, Pets, buying, featured, Featured-New Homes

The post 5 steps to pick the perfect pet-friendly community appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Whether your house is large or tiny, there are several methods to maximize the space you have available to you. You may Create More Space In Your Home and brightness in your house by arranging furniture, lighting, and mirrors, among many other home furnishings and accessories.

When taking these actions to increase the volume of your house, you’ll be able to sense comfier & organized in your newly planned space, and you’ll be capable of feeling comfier and organized in your completely redesigned area.

When I work with clients as just a certified life coach, I urge them to make their living spaces more organized, personal, and roomy. The vast majority of my customers live in apartments, generally in urban settings, and there is often a significant difficulty with regard to size, layout, and the ability to ensure that all apparel, accessories, and shoes (don’t forget shoes!) fit properly in the space. We might suffer from feeling constricted, which can make us feel tiny and unloved, particularly when we are in the middle of a vast, busy metropolis. Homes may be costly, and so a bigger room is typically out of reach for many people. Even when you’re living in a tiny space, it’s crucial to utilize these simple and effective tactics to make each room seem more large and alive.

When compared to bigger houses, smaller homes may simply verify off the same items on your list of wants as a larger home. With a couple of these little home design ideas and organizing tactics. You’ll have the impression that you’re really enjoying the high life. When space is tight, it is critical to make the most of what you do have by getting the most of the available square footage and maximizing your efficiency. Make use of these ideas and tactics to organize, tidy. Open up your house so that you may live comfortably in a tiny area.

Making the Most of the Available Space inside the Living Room

1. Purchase furniture with exposed legs

Increase the visual space in your living room by outfitting it with items that have exposed legs. As well as chairs without arms, which will give the room a more open vibe.

2. Install Your Television to Create More Space In Your Home

An entertainment center in your family room may be a significant drain on available floor space. Mounting your television above your fireplace or on the wall can save you space while also giving your room a more contemporary, less crowded appearance.

3. Select the Appropriate Artwork

Choose a large-scale work of art to serve as the focal point of the room and to make the area look bigger than it really is. A basic rule of thumb would be that the frame must occupy at least two-thirds of the available wall space, if not more.

4. Maintain a neutral stance.

Keep the wall colors neutral, in light and pastel colors, to maximize the amount of light that enters your space. You may also brighten up a room by hanging mirrors that reflect the colors of the walls, which is particularly useful if the room lacks glass or natural light.

5. Construct a Strategic Storage Facility

Avoid using bulky storage components and instead, go for white shelves or built-in bookshelves. To provide you with more organizing alternatives without taking up valuable floor space. Multipurpose furniture items, such as a seat, trunk, or ottoman, that may be used as a seat or table. As well as a storage option are very useful in small spaces.

6. Make a Statement with Your Rug

Choosing a huge area rug is an excellent technique to make a small space seem larger. One that is placed under the sofa, coffee table, and other pieces of furniture will pull the viewer’s attention farther away.

Increasing the amount of space available in the kitchen

7. Hang Magnetic Strips

Utilize a magnetic strip installed below your top cabinets to hang your knives. Other stainless steel utensils, therefore saving counter space. These may also be used to hang the most often used spice jars.

8. Make Use of Unused Wall Space

Floating shelves are ideal for storing pots, pans, and other small appliances in the kitchen. Coffee cups and silverware may be hung on pegboards or shelves with hooks. A bigger cup can be used to carry utensils and other things.

9. Clear the Countertops of Clutter to Create More Space In Your Home

Keep your counters & other kitchen surfaces free of clutter. Which you can use them only as the workplace while you’re baking or cooking. Follow these suggestions for decluttering kitchen countertops to make the most of available space.

10. Select the Appropriate Color Scheme to Create More Space In Your Home

Use lighter, brighter colors in your kitchen, similar to how you would in your living room. Which may assist reflect light, making your kitchen seem immediately bigger. Keep the color of your walls modest, and utilize your countertops to bring a splash of color to your room.

Making the Most of Available Space in the Toilet

11. Make Use of the Over-the-Toilet Storage Space

Purchase a storage unit that will fit above your toilet, or install some floating shelves that can assist you in making the most of your limited bathroom space.

12. Make Use of Available Floor Space

Make use of a washstand or a floating vanity to create more floor space & make your bathroom seem larger. Extra towels & washcloths may be stored in baskets placed beneath your white floating shelves or beside your pedestal for easy accessibility.

13. Include a Mirror in your design to Create More Space In Your Home

Light refracts off of mirrors, making a space seem bigger and more welcome. Whether you choose to install a mirror or a cupboard with a mirrored top, this addition will liven up your area significantly.

14. Install a Doorway Leading as the last step.

A pocket door, as opposed to a standard door that swings into the bathroom & takes up valuable space, may help you conserve space. Here are some other space-saving suggestions for tiny bathrooms to consider as well.

Making the Most of the Available Space in the Bedrooms

15. Furniture that serves several purposes should be purchased

Consider purchasing a headboard featuring built-in bookcases or a bunk bed with drawers to complement your bedroom decor. This is a fantastic method to increase the amount of storage space in your bedroom without sacrificing aesthetics.

16. Install a Mini-Shelf on the wall to Create More Space In Your Home

Add a floating bookshelf to a wall on either edge of the bed instead of clunky nightstands to make the room seem larger. It’s also possible to utilize an old crate that has been flipped on its back, with the top serving as a nightstand as well as the interior serving as storage.

17. Make It More Vibrant To Create More Space In Your Home

The placement of wall sconces on each side of the bed is yet another tiny space living trick. This provides effective illumination without taking up valuable floor or nightstand space, as would be required by typical lamps.

18. Select Window Treatments that are Light in Color to Create More Space In Your Home

Natural light should be embraced to open up the space, and sheer white or light-colored drapes should be used to enhance your windows. For sleeping, place blackout shades behind your drapes, and leave them up when you’re awake if you like.

19. Make a thorough cleaning of your closet

Because smaller rooms often have smaller closets, it is important to evaluate your clothing every season & rotate your things in order to keep organized. More information on how to declutter a bedroom in 5 stages may be found here.

Using Dual-Purpose Rooms to Create More Space In Your Home

When trying to produce more space in a tiny home, one easy plan is to make the spaces versatile, as opposed to single-purpose. If you’re like most people, you may be doing it without even recognizing it. A little organizing will allow you to simply add extra usable space to your house without spending a fortune.

Laundry and mudroom facilities

Combining your laundry & mudroom might provide you with the best of all worlds in one convenient location. Make sure your shoes, jackets, and outdoor accouterments are all in one place, and that you have access to washing in case of a muddy situation.

Both the kitchen and the dining room

Hosts will appreciate how convenient it is to have your dining table right next to your kitchen area. Consider acquiring a kitchen with such a leaf – a panel that allows you to change the size of the table – so that you can accommodate more guests when you have them while saving room when you don’t.

Office space as well as a guest bedroom

Depending on how often the room you have had in this bedroom, one may choose to place a daybed or couch bed against one wall as well as a desk against the other wall. Don’t allow your guest bedroom to become a dust collector when you’re expecting an overnight visitor. Instead, make use of it on a daily basis by converting it into an office or a playroom for the children.

By clearing away the clutter, to Create More Space In Your Home

Another easy technique to increase the amount of space available in your house is to eliminate clutter. Choosing where to begin might be difficult, so use our extremely extensive decluttering guide to assist you through the process room by room.

The post Create More Space In Your Home With These Tips appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

After a quick change, equipped with a sufficiently thick layer of warm protection against the cold, you can enjoy your walk in the snow comfortably shielded.

While having a house made of candy might be fun in the short term, it will quickly prove to be a concept best applied to various gingerbread house projects around Christmas time. The exterior of a gingerbread house only has to be solid enough to withstand hungry looks and Christmas shenanigans. The exterior of a real house, on the other hand, has to do a little more.

As your base of operation and relaxation, your house needs to be a sturdy fortress that can withstand both wind and weather, while you rest comfortably inside. Freezing winter cold and scorching summer heat might change what we wear when we go out, but with an exterior well suited for protection and reliability all worries can be left behind when returning home. 

What are some of the characteristics of a solid exterior house?

• Strength – The outside of your house should be strong and sturdy. As the saying goes: the best offense is a good defense. You don’t want to have to worry about the basics.
• Little Timmy might spend countless determined hours throwing a ball against the wall, but it will never make as much as a dent.   
• Reliability – Nothing is worse than constantly worrying and being uncertain of whether everything still works. The product’s quality has to reflect the level of trust you put in it. Consistency is key for long term results and reliability.  
• Endurance – Life is the unrelenting long-term journey, that our existence is built around. Therefore, the house that becomes our home base for a part of this journey must share the same commitment to long term dependability. While short term strength can be impressive, real value can be found in that which can endure the test of time.  
• Isolation ­ – An exterior can protect the interior in other ways than being strong. Effective exterior isolation is of great benefit to the inside and acts as an additional isolating and protective exterior layer. The fact is that It allows you to cozy up nice and warm, without worrying about heat being wasted and running up your bills. Moreover, A solid exterior makes sure, that no excessive amounts of energy are being wasted.
• Finnish – Let’s be honest, if your exterior already checks all the other boxes on the list, why shouldn’t it be able to look good while doing it? A clean and crisp outside is a treat to look at, and even the exterior of your house carries itself better when it knows it looks good.

Is your exterior up to par?

When you walk out your door and look the exterior of your house right in its nonexistent eyes, what do you see?. Does it exude the characteristics of a strong interior, or does it, upon inspection, seem like it needs an upgrade?. Even the exterior of your house might need a confidence boost now and again. Maybe it doesn’t look good enough, or maybe the Stucco is in need of repairs.  Additionally, Sky Stucco Systems also uses a type of Styrofoam known as EPS, which has many benefits.

Generally speaking, It is known for its long-term thermal resistance and will also resist mold and fungi while being resistant to moisture as well. At the same time, it has a low environmental impact and leaves you with a clean conscience as well as a well-protected home. Having a solid and efficient exterior will give you one less worry, and at the same time, it has lots of benefits. Let the exterior of your house be the best that it can be.

Moreover, if there is something like this you like to consider but you still have some questions, please give us a call or drop us a line, Sky Stucco Systems.

The post So, What Are The Benefits of a Solid Exterior Home? appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

The Exterior Insulated Finish System is a non-load bearing exterior wall cladding system that’s used on both commercial and residential buildings. It gives exterior walls all the components you will need for your building project.

The multiple benefits of the EIFS have made it grow exponentially for the past two decades with architects, builders, and homeowners. Many people tag the “EIFS” as a “Synthetic Stucco” which is having no significant difference from the traditional stucco than you could think of. Building your own house in Canada is a great feeling but finding the perfect materials comes with many considerations. To alleviate some of the stress we have compiled a list of the most important factors to consider when choosing synthetic stucco.

       I.            Easy and low maintenance cost.

You can hack significant time and cost for maintenance when you build your house with the right materials. There is a low level of spending to maintain synthetic stucco after installing it because of its hardness to be dirty, mold, or mildew. Also, EIFS resist fading, chalking, and yellowing due to its 100% acrylic binder. EIFS is highly lasting making it hard for stucco, brick, and concrete exteriors to stay in the competition. It has crack friction due to its flexible design, enabling them to withstand expansion and contraction rightful to temperature change.

Periodical cleaning will always help you maintain the original appearance unlike other types of construction. Don’t forget to contact a professional for all your maintenance. Your building will look new and vibrant with years to come when these things are done right. Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s better and easier to stop a problem from occurring than to stop or correct it after it has begun.

Picture taken by Micheile Henderson

Exterior insulated finish systems have different design options.

There is an adage that says “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” The exterior of your building is the first thing everyone looks up to that’s why it is very necessary to use the right materials. EIFS offers unlimited creativity. It goes beyond the traditional stucco and bricks. The system comes in a full range of colors, textures, and effects. Rightful to the flexibility of the material, it can be put together to look like stone or traditional stucco. The best part of the synthetic stucco is that you can be cost-efficient by creating it to suit other forms of construction that would have been expensive. The answer here is to work with a good applicator who can do exactly what you are looking for.

There are so many buildings in Canada around the cities of Ontario (Mississauga, Milton, Markham, Ottawa, Kingston, Oakville, Brampton, and Toronto GTA with similar designs but your applicator should be able to accomplish what you requested and bring your vision to life. How well do you want it to suit your specification? You can contact us for your free quote based on your specification.

EIFS done by Sky Stucco Systems

III.            Water resistant

Water deterioration is a frustrating issue invading the owners of buildings. Whether the system of your house has deteriorated over the years or design damage detects an opening for water, the resulting damages can be expensive that’s why you need to make sure your EIFS include factors like drainage broad systems, window frame membranes, air barriers, and water barrier application. EIFS are part of the most water-resistant exteriors you can put on a building. But as with all claddings, EIFS must be correctly installed and properly interpreted if they are to perform properly. Otherwise, water can get behind the systems and cause damage, just as it can with wood siding, brick, or any other exterior.

The best way is to stay maintained from water which will save you more time and money.

 IV.            Fire resistant

The exterior insulated finish system is not only water-resistant but also fire-resistant. EIFS alone does not have a fire rating. Testing was performed to confirm that the fire resistance of an already rated wall assembly is maintained and is not reduced by the addition of EIFS. The exterior insulated finish system has passed the major fire resistance tests that are required by the building codes. They have passed the fire resistance, ignitability, intermediate multi-story(NFPA-285), and full-scale multi-story corner tests; meeting the standards set forth with each test.

Also, EIFS passed Fire Resistance (ASTM E 119) and showed no negative effect on the fire resistance of a rated wall assembly. They also passed Ignitability (NFPA 268)with no ignition at 20 minutes of radiant heat exposure and Full-Scale Multi-Story, corner test (ANSI FM 4880) with NO height restrictions. Criteria included resisting the spread of a flame within the combustible core/component of panels from one story to the next. Also, resisting lateral spreading of flames from the origin of the compartment fire to adjacent spaces.

Picture by Esri

    V.            Energy consumption

This is the most cost-effective of the many factors we are looking up to, the thermal efficiency. The exterior insulated finish systems have strong properties that work by covering and sealing the exterior of the building. As a result of this, the movement of air from the outside decreases by 55% when compared to other types of construction which help us save energy. EIFS can also increase the “R-value” of your building. The “R-value” is the way the resistance to heat flow is measured. The higher the “R-Value” the better. EIFS typically use insulation boards rated R-4 or R-5.6.

In order to keep cash on your monthly utility bill and keep your family warm, thermal efficiency should play an important factor when selecting an EIFS for your building. With new construction, the thermal efficiency may help you to install a lower capacity HVAC system without sacrificing the interior comfort of your home. HVAC systems are not anything strange. It’s all about the milestones of building mechanical systems that furnish thermal comfort for occupants accompanied by indoor air quality.

I know you might probably be asking yourself by this time if there are no drawbacks to it. There are always two sides to every story.

What could possibly prevent people from using this Exterior insulated finish system that can be applied in so many different ways?

It’s common for exterior walls to have moisture within them, and most are designed to let water escape or dry. However, once water gets behind the EIFS, it has a difficult moment coming out. If EIFS fails its waterproof claim and leaks, it can be extremely difficult to identify who is responsible since some people contribute to the integrity of the system: homeowner, manufacturer, supplier, builder, designer, installer, electrician, roofer.

Several systems require several installation techniques. EIFS is either built-in panels in a warehouse and shipped to the construction site or assembled and installed in the field. Contractors do the installation, so the builder is responsible for finding someone skilled at installation, which can be difficult. Inexperienced workers plus fast-tracked construction can equal compromised EIFS products that leak, one of the many things that can go wrong during installation. But all these are talking about individuals within the cycle which can be rectified when the right things are out in place.

Still curious about these factors? Sky Stucco Systems is a reliable installer of EIFS exterior stucco, architectural moldings, foundation parging, and repair in Toronto, GTA, and all over Ontario. You can learn more about EIFS and how they work here, or you can contact us for a free consultation.

The post 5 Factors you should consider before Installing an exterior insulated finish system EIFS appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Classifications

Exterior stucco can be classified into two types, hard coat stucco and exterior insulation & finish system. Hard coat stucco is commonly used for homes. It is generally cheap, thus gaining popularity for commercial projects. It is a little expensive comparatively and is mostly used in commercial constructions.

Hard coat stucco is generally applied in one coat, two coats and three coats together with a cement base. Three coat system provides 2 rough coats with cement and one finish coat while the one coat process provides the facility of one rough coat and one finish coat. One coat process is much simpler, cheaper and time saving, hence gaining popularity these days. One coat system provides almost the same benefits of three coat system. However, three coat process is much tougher than the other and can withstand cracks in most critical weather conditions.

Typical Benefits

1. Attractive Look

 Stucco can increase the looks of a house. Therefore, it is preferred to use in the interiors of the home. The different design and stonework can add tremendous beauty to your home. Its use is equally appreciated for exterior parts of your house. Various pigments are available to enhance its beauty further.

2. Reduced Cost and Maintenance

 It is generally cheaper than other available building materials. It is also maintenance free in comparison to other construction materials and far better than paint. For painted surfaces, you consistently need maintenance which makes it more costly. Stucco applied surfaces don’t need any fixes or maintenance for many years. Pigments can be used after it has completely dried.

3. Highly Durable

No building material can beat the durability of the stucco. If applied correctly, it can stand for many years without any maintenance. Seeking professional assistance for such project is a good choice.

4. Architectural styles

Stucco can be used in different architectural styles, especially Spanish. However, an expert artisan can produce great design work using stucco.

5. Good Weather Repellent

Stucco is best for extreme weather conditions and is extremely helpful in blocking rain water. This is fire proof and thus your home can withstand against heat damages.

It is mandatory to use stucco siding correctly in order to utilize its full benefits. You can consult professional services to help you out in this regard.

The post 5 Interesting Facts About Stucco Nobody Has Ever Told You Ontario 2020 appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.