Get a roof rake to prevent an ice dam

Metrodome roof collapse due to snowfall

With 2 feet of snowfall occurring in the metro area of Minnesota you need to make sure you stay on top of the accumulation of snow on your roof. Take the collapsing of the Metrodome as a sign that snow accumulation on a roof is not a good thing. Snow accumulation on your roof isn’t going to collapse your roof but it can cause damage.

Ice dam

The biggest issue with snow accumulation on a roof is the forming of ice dams.
Ice dams occur when heat from your home melts the snow that is in direct contact with the roof surface. This melted snow then re-freezes and builds up an ice dam, normally at the gutter. As time goes by and water continues to feed the dam, the ice dam grows. If you have icicles forming, that is usually an indication that a dam may be forming.

Water bubble formed by a roof leak

The problem that arises due to ice dams is that the water that is backing up at the ice dam can find its way into your home. The water finds cracks and openings in the roof and makes its way into your attic space. From there it will make its way down walls or through ceilings. It can cause major water damage in your home.

Remove the first few feet of snow with a roof rake

To avoid having an ice form on your home use a roof rake to pull snow from the roof. A roof rake is essentially a really shovel that is turned on its side so that you can pull snow from the roof surface. When removing the snow you don’t need to worry about clearing the whole roof. All that you need to remove is 2-3 feet of snow from the roofs edge. The first couple feet of roof is where the dam forms and you need to keep this area free of snow to avoid having the water accumulate here.

Avalanche snow rake

The are a number of different roof rake options out there to purchase. The models that we carry are all around the same price (around $50-$55). A new unique version is the Avalanche snow rake. It slides under the snow allowing the snow to slide off the surface of the roof. There are also different length options so be sure to look at what length you need. If you have a really tall roof and need to extend your rake make sure you buy one that has that option. A five foot extension runs about $10.

“Roof Melt”

If you have an ice dam already formed do not attempt to chip or pull the ice up with your roof rake. They are meant to pull down snow only and they will break if you attempt to use them as an ice chipper. Remove the snow on top of the dam and as much as you can reach behind the already formed dam. As a last resort use a product such as Roof Melt ice dam remover. Roof Melt is a large pellet of ice melt. It is magnesium based so it doesn’t harm the surface as much as a sodium based product. I can’t say for sure that it doesn’t harm the shingles but I’d rather replace shingles then have to deal with gutting a room due to water damage.

If you have an issue with ice dams on your home you should strongly consider installing roof and gutter heat cables on your roof. Once installed, the heat cables can be plugged in anytime to melt an ice dam from your roof and/or gutters. They also can be placed on a thermostat that activates the cable at a certain temperature. It’s something that needs to be installed before there is snow and ice on the roof. We have dozens of customers (and this year hundreds of customers) that come in every year for ice dam issues. We always recommend the roof cables and hardly anyone remembers to come back and buy the cables in the summer or fall. I would recommend buying the cables now while it’s on your mind. If you have them on hand you’ll be much more likely to remember to install them in the warmer months. Cables can be purchased that are between 60′ and 120′.

Check out cable 12 for a story that they did on ice dams in the twin cities. They will be airing the story at 4:00 and 6:00 on Friday the 17th.

For more info on roof rakes and ice dams check out the blog “how to prevent and get rid of ice dams”

For more information call us at 763-553-1222

Stop in and see us at 12700 Bass Lake Rd Maple Grove, MN 55311

Or visit us on the web at levahnbros.com

Check us out on Facebook and “like” us

Related articles

• Top Ten Spots for Roof Leaks (homeownersinsurance.org)
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• Home inspections: Myths and facts (mnn.com)

Cedar Deck Care and Maintenance

A cedar deck can be a very beautiful addition to a house but it also can be an eyesore if left uncared for. Cedar wood is used for decking due to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. However it does need assistance in order to maintain its looks. The two most important things that need to be done to maintain your cedar deck are cleaning and staining. Even if your deck is brand new you need to put a sealer (stain) on it before it starts to weather.

To maintain a deck you need to follow a few steps and use the right product. For starters if at all possible do NOT use a pressure washer on a cedar deck surface. This is not recommended because using a pressure washer pushes water into the surface of the wood which may cause major issues down the road. If you refuse to put in the extra labor of using a scrub brush and still want to pressure wash, make sure to allow a week of dry weather before applying a new stain. Or, you can use Cabots “SPF” line of deck stain products. This stain allows you to stain while the surface is still wet. If you do not allow the moisture to escape, your stain may crack and peel. Click on this link for more info on deck peeling.

Here are some common problems seen on deck surfaces and how to repair them without using a damaging pressure washer:

– Mold, Mildew and or Algae on the surface.

Mold, Mildew, and Algae

Use a scrub brush and apply a deck surface cleaner like a Cabots “Problem Solver” (There are other brands that will also work I just like Cabots products). Apply it to the surface and keep it wet for 15 minutes. Use a garden hose to wash away after 15 minutes. On tough stains scrubbing may be required.

-Extractive Bleeding (cedar bleeding, tannin bleeding).

Tannin bleeding on a redwood planter

Tannin bleeding shows up as dark areas on the wood surface. They are caused by water-soluble resins are drawn out of the wood by the sun. It occurs most often in cedar, redwood and fir. To fix this problem apply a wood brightener  with a pump sprayer or brush. Keep the surface wet for 15 minutes and then rinse with a garden hose. Stubborn areas may require scrubbing or additional applications.

-Nail or Screw head Rusting and Staining.

Nail/Screw head Rusting and Staining

When this problem is found on a vertical surface it is accompanied with a dark line bleeding down from the nail or screw. It’s caused by a fastener rusting over time and bleeding the rust into the wood. It can be cured by again using a scrub brush and a wood brightener. This may help but removing the stain from the wood surface may prove difficult. If you really want results you may have to sand the area down. After getting rid of the stain you probably will want to prime the heads of the fastener to prevent further damage.

-Silver/Grey Weathered Wood.

Weathered Cedar Decking

Sometimes it has just been a long time since you’ve done anything to the deck and the surface greys and becomes weathered looking. This will also occur fairly quickly on cedar that has not been treated with anything. To solve this problem use a deck cleaner with a scrub brush. Apply the product with the brush and keep it wet for 15 minutes. Rinse off with a hose and repeat if necessary.

For all of these issue make sure that when you are done the surface is then resealed with a good quality deck stain to prevent these issues from returning. We at LeVahn Brothers Hardware recommend using Cabot brand prep and stain products.

For more info call us at 763-553-1222

Come see us at 12700 Bass Lake Road Maple Grove , Mn 55369

Visit us on the web at levahnbros.com

Check us out on Facebook and “like” us

Common causes for deck peeling

Peeling Deck

Deck staining and finishing can really add beauty and warmth to your backyard environment. However, if your stain is peeling or bubbling it can make it look run down and distressed.

There are a number of reasons why a deck finish will peel or bubble. The most common cause for a finish to peel is due to moisture that is present in the wood. When you initially purchase wood from a store it contains some moisture in it. Usually wood is kiln dried to remove moisture however most woods (including cedar) have some sort of moisture still present when you purchase it. For that reason you should wait 2-3  weeks after installation to apply a stain to the wood. You also need to make sure that you don’t wait too long to apply a sealer to the wood. Do not wait more than 3 months to apply a sealer to the surface. After 3 months damage will start to occur to the wood surface.

Moisture can also be present because of rain, cleaning with a garden hose, or power washing. You should allow a few days of warm dry weather after a rainfall or hose rinsing before applying a finish. Be aware that when you pressure wash a deck it forces water deep into the wood so it needs longer for the wood to dry out. Usually between 3-5 days of warm dry weather should be adequate.

Moisture can also be present and cause peeling and bubbling because of moisture that can be drawn up through the wood. Most people when sealing a deck apply the sealer to the surface but neglect to apply anything to the bottom side of the deck boards. If the underside of deck board is unprotected it will soak up water. When the sun comes back out it will draw the moisture to the surface of the board. The water will have no place to go due to the fact that you sealed the surface so well. It will then cause bubbling in the surface as it is drawn out of the wood. This occurs most often in decks that are close to the surface of the ground. Often times plastic (which traps the water) is laid down under this style of deck to prevent weeds and other vegetation from growing. If a very damp environment is present on the unprotected underside of a deck it could mean trouble for the finish and for the deck itself. Make sure that you have good water drainage if you have a deck that is built close to the ground (like the picture above). You should also stain the boards tops and bottoms if at all possible.

Another common reason for a deck surface to peel is that it has too much sealer on it. Deck stains penetrate into the wood surface. The wood can only soak up so much stain. Once it has stopped soaking into the surface anything applied thereafter will remain on the surface. If it can’t soak in it won’t adhere properly and will start off as a tacky mess before eventually drying out. After it dries it will peel, crack, bubble and essentially look like a total mess. Make sure to follow the instructions on the can of sealer that you are using. Do not apply too many coats of stain (usually one coat is enough).

Water Test

If you are applying a finish over the top of a previous finish you should first do a water test. A water test involves sprinkling water on the deck surface to see if it soaks it up. If the water beads on the wood surface, your deck will not take a stain. You may have to live with the deck looking the way it does for another season. If you simply can’t wait and need to do something  you can use a deck and finish remover such as Cabots Problem Solver deck finish remover.

Cabot Problem Solver

Another common cause of a finish peeling is improper preparation and application. First you need to make sure the surface of the deck is structurally sound. In other words is it rotten in areas. If you have areas that are rotten you will need to repair or replace them. There is only so much a sealer can do. It won’t hold together a deck that is falling apart. After you inspected and corrected any issues you need to make sure the deck surface is clean. Remember that any mold, dirt, rust, tannin bleeding or other imperfection will show up and potentially compromise your finish. You can’t simply “cover up” these problems, they need to be addressed properly. Use a deck cleaner such as Cabots deck problem solver cleaner and brightener to clean the surface before application.

Make sure you are using the proper stain or sealer for the job. Know what type of effect that you want the sealer to give. If you prefer a solid color or if you are trying to hide what was previously on the deck you may want to go with a solid stain. If you want the beauty of the wood to show you should maybe go with a more transparent stain that allows the grain and natural look of the wood show through. There is more to staining a deck than buying any old stain and slopping it on the surface. Make sure you talk to someone you trust that is going to give the right product for the job and for your budget.

For more info check out this blog on deck maintenance

Check out LeVahn Brothers Hardware and Plumbing for Cabot’s complete line of deck stains as well as deck cleaners and stain removers.

Stop in and see us at 12700 Bass Lake Road in Maple Grove, Mn

we are located in the Bass Lake Shopping Center

Call us at 763-553-1222

Visit us on the web at LeVahnBrothers.com

Check us out on Facebook and “like” us

Related articles

• Summer Homeowner Tip #9 (askartbuilderblog.wordpress.com)

Basement Flooding and Sump Pumps

Basement Flooding

When March arrives in Minnesota we all hold our breath and wait for the start of spring. After months of enduring bitter cold and snow things finally start to warm up. Rain showers wash away the filth that had been covered by layers of ice and snow. However, with that rain comes a new set of problems. Flooding basements. A flooded basement is a major problem and can be a very costly one too. Here are the issues and some ways to solve them. Specifically I’d like to focus on sump pumps and their importance.

Here are the major issues involved in a basement flooding:

• Carpeting: Once a carpet is soaked with water there’s not much of chance in saving it. The carpet pad that is under the carpet itself acts as a giant sponge retaining all the water that it comes in contact with. Getting that water out is next to impossible but can sometimes be done. Time is of the essence with a flooded basement. Use a carpet cleaning machine (Rug Doctor carpet cleaners available for rent at our store check them out at http://www.levahnbros.com/rental.html) to extract as much water as possible. Use fans or even better an air movers (also available for rent) for floors to get them as dry as possible as quickly as possible. You also would want to have dehumidifiers running to get the water out of the air. Vacuum the area with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter on it. These filters will trap the mold particles and not allow them to be expelled into the air causing respiratory issues.
• Mold: If left wet mold will form fairly quickly in your carpeting, walls, insulation and just about any other surface. If mold has already formed you have two options. The first option is remove the material that has the mold on it and dispose of it. The second option is cleaning it with bleach or TSP. Why are molds a concern? Damage to materials is one concern. Materials get stained or discoloured, and over time they are ruined. Moldy paper and cardboard disintegrate over time. Fabrics are damaged. Continued mold growth can be indicative of moisture conditions favourable for growth of fungi that cause wood rot and structural damage. When molds are growing inside the home, there may be health concerns. Molds release chemicals and spores. Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mold present in a home, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition of the occupant, the health effects of mold can range from being insignificant to causing allergic reactions and illness. Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with health problems, such as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at risk when exposed to mold. Consult your family physician if you believe there is someone who may be at risk.
• Drywall: If mold has formed on your drywall you need to know whether it’s simply on the surface of the paint or if the drywall itself is moldy. If it’s on the surface use a TSP (tri-sodium-phosphate) cleaner to remove the mold from the surface. Be careful not to get the surface too wet or you will just add to the problem. If the drywall itself is embedded with mold the only option is removal. Make sure that if there is insulation behind the drywall that it is also removed.
• Appliances: Make sure first of all that power is shut to an affected appliance so as to not kill yourself unnecessarily. If an appliance gets wet unplug it and let it completely dry out. An appliance that has gotten wet may be saved (probably with a shortened life) but extreme caution must be taken. Most electronic appliances such as T.V.’s, stereos, microwaves, etc are probably a lost cause and aren’t worth the risk of electrocution. Major appliances such as furnaces, washers and dryers should be checked out by a professional.

So what can be done to prevent this from happening:

As with most things preventative measures are the best way to solve a problem. Here are some measures that can be taken to prevent a flooded basement.

• Down Spouts: A simple and inexpensive step is to make sure that your gutter downspouts are carrying the water from your roof far enough away from your house. Extend spouts that are too short and make sure the water doesn’t have an opportunity to run back toward the house.
• Excavation: Make sure that your landscaping and excavation around your house slopes away from your foundation. Back fill with dirt and cover with a landscape rock or mulch.
• Repair and patch all cracks and chips in the foundation with a hydraulic cement. Make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly and are not leaking.

• Sump Pumps: All the methods above should help to prevent the water from entering the basement but in some cases this just can’t be avoided. A sump pump gives you peace of mind that if by chance water does manage to make it into the basement there is something there to bail you out.

Sump Pumps

When it comes to sump pumps there are a few things that you need to consider.

1) How far and how high does the water need to be pumped? Knowing this will tell you what horse power sump pump you will need to buy. Yes it does matter.

2) How many gallons per hour does the unit need to move. In other words how bad and how often does your basement flood?

3)Do you already have a sump pump basket and drain tile?

4)Do you need a battery back up sump pump (a secondary pump that will activate if the first one dies)? In other words if the power fails during a heavy storm will it be you with a bucket emptying your basement? Note: Battery back up units need to be tested to make sure that the batteries are not dead. Also battery units will only last about 7 hours (constantly running) when fully charged. Another option would be to install a Liberty Sump Jet water powered back-up pump. This unit works on your city water supply and takes no electricity to run. It is a very safe back up unit that will not die half way through a storm.

http://www.libertypumps.com/

5) Once you have determined what sump or pumps that you need you need to make sure that it is pipes properly away from the house. In other words, are you going to see the same water back in your basement? It should NOT be emptied into a floor drain or laundry tub. It should piped outside of the house with PVC piping and then away from the house with either PVC, ABS, or flexible sump pump hosing.

6) The last thing you need to make sure that you have is a sump pump check valve on your sump pump line. This will prevent water that the sump pump is expelling from draining back down the vertical line and back into your sump basket. If you find that your sump pump is running constantly without much rain the check valve is the issue. Either you don’t have one or it has failed for some reason.

You may also want to check out this blog on sump pumps

To have a licensed professional plumber install your sump pump contact us at 763-553-1222

You can also visit our web site at http://www.levahnbros.com/plumbing.html

Or stop in our store located at 12700 Bass Lake Road Maple Grove MN

Check us out on Facebook and “like” us