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Monday, July 31, 2017
Borrowers who obsess about interest rates are getting it wrong
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2nd + Main by Create Properties in Mount Pleasant
On the corner of 2nd and Main Street is the new 226 residence building composed of 23 studios, 145 1-bedrooms, and 58 2-bedrooms. Vancouver based, Create Properties brings a unique vibe to their properties where you can live, work and play. This development will feature: a green roof for residents with garden plots and storage for gardening supplies, electric vehicle charging stations, four artist studios, bicycle stalls, 13000 square feet of retail space, and culture space.
This fabulous development is situated within walking distance to the Olympic Village, close to breweries and dining spots.
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Sunday, July 30, 2017
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Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Understanding compression
Is the insulation strong enough? Will it take the weight of my furniture, or even my car? What about my balcony, will I be able to walk on it?
If you’ve asked yourself any or all of these questions, today’s blog is here to explain how we go about identifying the maximum loads our insulation can withstand and simplify what is regarded as a technically challenging topic.
Before we get started, we thought it might be helpful to define a few key words that you’re likely to hear along the way:
- Relative deformation – a material’s reduction in thickness from its original state
- Strain – a force that creates relative change in a material’s shape
- Yield – the point in which a material fails / gives way
- Compressive strength – the point at which the load causes the insulation to yield, before it reaches 10% relative deformation
- Compressive stress – when the compressive strength is not reached, the point at which the load stress causes a 10% relative deformation of the insulation
When identifying the compressive capabilities of an insulation material, it undergoes two tests:
- Short term testing (Compressive Behaviour BS EN 826:2013), and;
- Long term testing (Compressive Creep BS EN 1606:2013)
Test 1 – the compressive behaviour test
The compressive behaviour test, also known as the ‘short term’ test, involves increasing a load at a constant rate of compression until the material’s compressive strength, or compressive stress at 10% relative deformation, is determined.
You might be wondering why some materials yield before 10% strain and others don’t. Well, different materials have a different levels of elasticity, meaning they can withstand different loads before they yield, hence the test would be continued until 10% strain is achieved if the material has not yielded before this.
The compressive strength or compressive stress figure identified through carrying out this test determines the maximum load that should never be exceeded during the product’s life.
Test 2 – the compressive creep test
Once you’ve identified the compressive stress / compressive strength of the material, you can then carry out the compressive creep test, also known as the ‘long test’, to determine the acceptable load that can be continuously applied to the material over its lifespan. This involves imposing a constant load on a material under specified conditions of temperature and humidity over a specific period of time, repeatedly measuring the material’s deformation.
Generally each test involves applying three differing loads onto three separate samples (unless you are looking to determine the long term effect of applying a specific load, in which case you would apply that load to all three samples). Each load would be a percentage of the figure identified in the compressive behaviour test; 15%, 20% and 25% for example. The three test samples are measured over a specific time period with the continuous deformation measured, these results are then used to estimate the product’s deformation over a 10, 25 or 50 year period. Typically, you would be looking for the material’s deformation to not significantly exceed 2% over the 20 – 50 year period.
Once the data has been collected, a qualified specialist such as a structural engineer can identify if the product is fit for purpose in its intended application, and if continuous loading of the material is within acceptable tolerances over the lifetime of the building.
So, there you have it: the basics of compression.
If you’d like to know more about the products we offer, take a look at the product pages on our website. These provide information on their suggested loading capabilities.
Alternatively, get in touch with a member of our technical department on 01544 387 382. They can further advise you regarding our insulation, as well as provide you with the relevant compressive data to assist your project.
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Tuesday, July 25, 2017
5 Decorating Tips for an Attic Bedroom Sanctuary
Attics are places that seem to be frozen in time, collecting dust and hiding forgotten family heirlooms. However, with some effort, it is possible to transform the underused space into a stylish, tranquil haven.
Image Source: Flickr
Below are 5 decorating tips for an attic bedroom sanctuary:
Using Sloped Ceilings Properly
Use sloped ceilings wisely. “Dormers are great for window seats, desks or reading nooks,” says Heron. “These types of activities don’t require ceiling height, so where things are constricted, they provide extra function to that space.”
If you’re short on storage, built-in shelving is another wise use of the space where a sloped ceiling meets the floor. Source: Houzz
Avoiding Overcrowding & Using Furniture
Speaking of furniture, since attics tend to be more cramped than other rooms you’ll want to avoid overstuffing your attic with bulky furniture. The fewer items you have, the better the flow will be. Choose furniture with a low profile since ceiling height could impede movement. Keep beds away from the lowest parts of the room so that nobody bumps their heads when getting in and out. Another issue with a converted attic is that you often lose storage space. This is a problem since you also want to limit the amount of furniture in the attic. The answer is to incorporate storage into the furniture you have. Beds that have drawers beneath them, ottomans that have interior storage, and other multi-purpose pieces of furniture will help you achieve this goal without swamping the space. Source: Blog.ClubFurniture
Picking Colors
The room paint is quite a challenge for the attic room. The reason behind this is simple, these kind of rooms have less walls and wide ceiling. It is important to do the paint work carefully so that you can make the room attractive. The trick is to use two different colours on the wall and the ceiling. Select white or neutral colour for the walls to make it bright. Source: HomeDecorXP
Making Use of a Ceiling Skylight
The attic is the perfect location for a skylight. Although it doesn’t strictly fall under the category of decorations, it’s a very practical project that will add to the appeal of your home. It will allow you to enjoy the great-looking night sky and cloud-gazing during the day right from the comfort of your new room. This will also save on electricity during the day as light will stream into your room and you won’t have to light up the place. There are many innovative options out there you can make use of during your projects. Source: ImproveNet
Choosing Window Treatments
The attic was now ready for the gangly youth, but there was an important detail that needed to be incorporated with Window treatments ideas! Neighbors who’d had their home redone recently told us, the best option to find large varieties of the most effortless and effective window dressings is online shopping. This would also save us professional consultation and installation fees. Going through the online options had our eyes popping! The variety was amazing, but we soon educated ourselves enough to narrow the options down to two – Window Shutters or Cellular Shades. Though the cellular shades were cheaper and provided exemplary insulation, we decided to get the Woodlore Plus Norman Shutters as we felt it would be a more resilient option for clumsy teenage hands. Source: ZebraBlinds
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
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Monday, July 24, 2017
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Friday, July 21, 2017
Thursday, July 20, 2017
What is an EPD?
We are often asked what EPD Tier our insulation products fall under.
Firstly, let’s remind ourselves of what an EPD is. Simply put, an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is the tool used to communicate the outcome of a Life Cycle Analysis concerning the environmental impacts of a building material throughout a product’s life cycle. There are two tiers:
- EPD Tier 1 means a product is independently verified, cradle-to-grave.
- EPD Tier 2 means a product is independently verified, cradle-to-gate with options.
It is important to find out if products are backed by independent EPDs because they can be used to uplift credits in a BREEAM assessment.
Currently both our Kooltherm and Therma ranges are independently verified from cradle to grave, which classes them under EPD Tier 1. Products in EPD Tier 1 offer a maximum one point uplift to credits achieved from Green Guide Ratings. A BREEAM assessor will calculate an area-weighted combined score for all elements within a building based on Green Guide Summary Ratings and EPD Tiers, aided by the BREEAM calculator.
The below table shows how many credits and how much credit uplift can be achieved from products with a Green Guide Summary Rating of A+ or A (for example, those in our Kooltherm and Therma ranges) in EPD Tier 1.
| Elemental Green Guide Rating | Credits | EPD Tier 1 Maximum Credit Uplift |
| A+ | 3 | 1 |
| A | 2 | 1 |
For product specific Green Guide Ratings please refer to our technical bulletin.
For more information concerning BREEAM criteria, view our post on the subject or visit the BREEAM website.
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Wednesday, July 19, 2017
3 Common Problems with Shades and How to Fix Them
As with any other window treatment, shades are also vulnerable to wear and tear. Although issues may arise after some time, you can easily fix them by following these simple tips:
Image Source: Flickr
Adjusting Spring Tension
When shades roll up faster than normal, sometimes ending with a bang, or the opposite occurs and the shade rolls up too slowly, the tension of the spring in the roller may need adjusting. An over-tightened spring will cause the shade to roll too quickly. If the spring is too loose, the shade will roll slowly. To loosen the spring, roll the shade up and remove the roller from the brackets that hold it in place. Manually unroll the shade halfway and then place it back into the brackets. Check the tension and repeat the procedure if necessary until the shade is operating normally. To tighten the spring, pull the shade halfway down and then remove the roller from the brackets. Manually roll up the shade and replace it in the brackets. Repeat until the shade rolls and unrolls normally. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate
The Shade is Brittle and Cracked
If the tension roller is still working, it’s simply time to replace the shade fabric. Remove shade from window brackets. Unroll the shade until you can access the top of the fabric, as it is either adhered or stapled to the roller itself. Remove the old shade fabric by simply pulling it off and then discarding.
Replace with new shade of any firm fabric that is of equal width and length. Upholstery glue will work, but you will need to ensure the fabric is securely attached and the glue is dry before returning to the window. Stapling is also an effective way of replacing the shade, but be certain your staples are flush with the roller. Strong tape is another method. Source: DoItYourself
When the Shade Won’t go Up or Down Properly
The roller mechanism is probably at fault. Shades are operated by a strong coil spring inside one end of the roller. The pin that holds the shade up at this end of the roller is flat; this flat pin tightens or loosens the spring when you roll the shade up or down. At the flat-pin end of the roller, the spring is controlled by a pawl and ratchet that stop the movement of the spring when the shade is released. If the shade is too tight or too loose, or if it doesn’t stay in place when you release it, there is usually a problem with the spring or with the pawl-and-ratchet mechanism. Unless the spring is broken, this is easy to fix. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks
Purchase a roller shade from us and you won’t have to worry about these things anymore. Our limited lifetime warranty protection ensures that you get to enjoy your window treatment for years to come. Contact us today!
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 3 Common Problems with Shades and How to Fix Them appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
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Tuesday, July 18, 2017
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Thursday, July 13, 2017
Flat roof constructions
When building a flat roof, it is vital that a degree of falls is built into the construction to ensure rainwater run-off.
The definition of a flat roof, according to BS 6229, is “having a pitch less than 10o to the horizontal.” However, some in the industry would consider up to 15o as their definition of a flat roof. Others would treat even steeper pitches as flat roofs. For example, if a green roof was to be installed on a pitch steeper than 15o it would likely be a flat roofing contractor who would undertake the work, therefore it could be classified as a flat roof.
A correctly built flat roof will drain rainwater quickly and effectively into gutters without allowing water to pond – a small amount of ponding is still possible but this very much depends on the level of drainage. Inadequate drainage can result in the following.
- Silt deposits and freezing;
- Slip hazards caused by algae, mould growth and ice;
- Progressive deflection;
- Increased water ingress following mechanical damage;
- Poor aesthetic appearance;
- Increase maintenance costs; and,
- Odour / hygiene issues.
There are several different ways of creating a flat roof and each has its own pros and cons. There are also a variety of types of insulation available for flat roofs including PIR, tapered insulation, vacuum insulated panels and XPS insulation. The below diagrams show different flat roof build-ups.
Warm roof (built-up roof)
A warm flat roof or a built-up roof (BUR) is one where all the insulation is above the joists/deck, making them part of the warm fabric of the building. The insulation is immediately below the waterproofing layer. The vapour control layer is above the decking but below the insulation. The insulation can be adhered, mechanically fixed or loose laid.
Cold roof
Warm green roof
Warm inverted roof
The most common deck types used in flat roof constructions are concrete, timber and metal. Each has both time and cost advantages and disadvantages. Each deck type is commonly associated with a different method of creating a fall – concrete often uses screed, timber often uses firrings and metal often uses a tilt. All of these roof types are compatible with tapered insulation.
A common design problem
In a warm roof, condensation is prevented by keeping the deck at a warm temperature, therefore there is no cold surface for the condensation to form on. In a cold roof, condensation is prevented as the ventilation taking away the moisture vapour before it can form as condensation.
In this type of roof, you remove both of these levels of protection – thinner insulation means the deck isn’t kept warm, and no ventilation space means the moisture is not removed before it forms as condensation.
If this practice is going to be attempted, a full condensation risk analysis must be conducted before the design is finalised. Even then, it is not advised to use this method as the workmanship standard will be assumed to be almost perfect – and if this is not the case, the condensation risk is greatly increased.
Tapered insulation as a flat roof solution
Tapered insulation is a great flat roof solution which allows falls to be created with specially shaped insulation, rather than requiring screed or timber firrings. Tapered insulation is compatible with many different roof types and in both new build and refurbishments. It is a flexible solution which allows for waste to be minimised through predesigned and factory-made processes. There are several advantages of using tapered insulation over alternative solution. It is up to 1.5% of the weight of screed, reducing the stress on the rest of the structure. It also eliminates the need for drying time which saves money by speeding up the overall construction time.
For more information, you can view our range of tapered insulation products or contact our Tapered Roofing Department at tapered@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or on 01544 387 383.
Conclusion
There are lots of important factors to consider when installing a flat roof. Whether it’s a new build or refurbishment, what waterproofing system you will use, what your budget is and much more. Whichever build up you choose, it’s vital to ensure that you adhere to building regulations and that the fall in your flat roof provides efficient drainage.
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Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Special Update – OSFI considering conventional mortgage rule changes
The post Special Update – OSFI considering conventional mortgage rule changes appeared first on Invis Team RRP.
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Tuesday, July 11, 2017
4 Tips for Choosing the Right Vertical Blinds
Blinds can add grace to a room. However, they also require careful thought in choosing the right blinds for your windows. Vertical blinds are best for giving a taller look to your windows. Here are some guide tips that can help you choose the right vertical blinds as per your needs and requirements of your room.
Image Source: Flickr
Types
Wooden Vertical Blinds: One of the most popular types of vertical blinds on the market is made from wood. If budget is no concern, then wooden vertical blinds can add elegance to any environment. However, wood is also susceptible to sunlight fading, mildew and humidity more than other materials, and this may cause them to require maintenance and replacement more often.
Metal Vertical Blinds: Homeowners who are on a limited budget might turn to metal vertical blinds, which are typically made from aluminum. This material won’t rust easily, and it is incredibly easy to keep clean and maintain. However, larger slats can dent or crease over time, and there is no real way to fix this without replacing the slat entirely. Metal vertical blinds can be purchased in a variety of colors and thicknesses, but this is one material that might be noisy if there is a breeze in the home from an open window or a closing door.
Solid or Translucent PVC Vertical Blinds: PVC, or Polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic material that is a top choice for the construction of vertical blinds. Designed to be strong and durable, PVC is available in a number of colors, thicknesses and translucency options to better fit the needs of the buyer. This material is also flame-resistant, making it ideal for children’s bedrooms. Fabric Vertical Blinds: For a softer feel, some homeowners are drawn to the look of fabric vertical blinds. This material can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, but larger stains and damage can be tougher to deal with. Anyone who wants the light and style of curtains with the sleekness of blinds will want to consider this fabric option, which can come in hundreds of potential colors and patterns to suit the design of the homeowner. Source: ImproveNet
Light Filtering and Privacy
Vertical blinds will never be a good choice for room darkening or black out. Even opaque materials like vinyl will not totally darken a room – too many light gaps to be effective in this regard. But there numerous light filtering choice in fabric vertical blinds. There are solar screen vertical blinds. They have vanes made from the same solar screen material as solar shades. This is a good choice for patio doors or large windows with a view. The solar screen material allows view-through while blocking UV rays and solar heat gain. You can choose from a range of screen openness factors from about 3%-14%; the greater the number, the more light can pass through the material. Fabric vertical blinds are a good choice to preserve natural light as many of the choices provide gentle light filtering.
One of the basic function of any window treatment is privacy. Most vertical blinds will provide privacy (people can’t see into your home). Solar vertical blinds are one of the few choices that don’t provide privacy. In general, be mindful of the opacity of the vanes. How you see out of your window, is likely how people can see into your home. Source: Blindsgalore.WordPress
Maintenance
While most people will go for the option with the lowest required maintenance, others don’t mind performing a little upkeep in exchange for stunning blinds that will stand the test of time. Fabric will require more upkeep than plastic, metal or timber – but even fabric window furnishings are relatively easy to look after. Generally, all they require is the occasional vacuum and spot stain removal. Source: Blog.RisMedia
Budget
Installing Vertical Blinds (or any blinds) can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the style, material and the brand of blinds you choose. Before you order. Count how many windows you are looking at purchasing blinds for and measure them. That way you can price for the whole house and budget from there. Source: CompleteBlinds
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 4 Tips for Choosing the Right Vertical Blinds appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
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Monday, July 10, 2017
Monogram by Alliance Partners
Situated just 2 blocks away from Vancouver’s trendy Commercial Drive is Monogram’s boutique collection of 6 townhomes. Monogram was created by Alliance Partners and designed in two different layouts: 3 bedroom and 3 bedroom + den, with all units having underground parking and storage.
The six 3-storey units are close to grocers, restaurants, parks, retail shops, schools, breweries and transit. Many of the neighbourhood’s best amenities are accessible within walking distance, a bike path 1 block away, or nearby transit.
The estimated completion date has yet to be announced.
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Sunday, July 9, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
MORTGAGE AND REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE FOR JULY 2017
The post MORTGAGE AND REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE FOR JULY 2017 appeared first on Invis Team RRP.
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3 Tips for Windows That Expose Your Bathroom to Light Without Exposing You
In this short post, we’ll cover 3 tips for windows that expose your bathroom to light without exposing you, including: louvered & low-set windows, window treatments and green walls.
Image Source: Flickr
Louvered & Low-set windows
Louvered glazed panels are a great way to create a large window, but are also a means of controlling airflow. If privacy is not an issue, you can flood the interior with natural light via fully transparent louvres while enjoying the cool breezes.
If privacy is an issue, the answer is white translucent glass. You can still control the ventilation but also the amount of transparency by adjusting the louvres to the angle that suits you.
TIP: If you don’t have a spare wall in which you can incorporate a large floor-to-ceiling window, consider putting one of the shower cubicle walls to good use. Just be sure to choose a water-resistant material for the window frame, such as aluminums.
A great way to enjoy the outside garden but also enjoy your privacy is to incorporate a long and narrow floor window that allows the bathroom to extend to the outside world. In a long bathroom such as this, the low-set windows not only maximise the light coming in, but also serve to make the space look bigger. Source: Houzz
Window Treatments
Yes, window treatments are a thing even in the bathroom. Decorative and breezy shades are a great way to let light through and still experience privacy. Curtains will bring a decorative element to your bathroom with minimal effort.
If you don’t love the look of shades in your bathroom, then go for something more structured and modern like wood blinds. Blinds are nice for allowing in light during the daytime and avoiding onlookers in the evening. Source: ImproveNet
Green Walls
A green wall built outside near a bathroom with a window wall of clear glass can lend both privacy and bright light. The sight of greenery is also soothing in itself.
These windows and window treatments are great ideas for allowing in the beauty and peacefulness of natural light while providing for the privacy needed in a bathroom. Source: AlairHomes
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 3 Tips for Windows That Expose Your Bathroom to Light Without Exposing You appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
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Wednesday, July 5, 2017
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