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Preparing for installation
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Locates: Depending on the location of the proposed structure, there will be locates for all utilities (spray paint and small flags) that show up on your property leading up to the installation. Please leave these undisturbed, they are required by law to be visible while digging depending on the location of excavation. If these markings or flags are removed, this could delay the project. This is a government funded program that helps us stay safe and sometimes patience is needed waiting for them to visit the property (multiple visits by multiple companies).
- Private lines: While we can easily locate service lines (utilities feeding your home), private lines are very difficult for us to locate prior to digging. We are not responsible for damaging private lines running on your property. These lines could be: sprinklers, hydro or gas running to a garage or pool shed, and drainage lines. We’ve found quite a few sprinkler lines over the years, because of this, we carry the items and tools needed to make small repairs if necessary.
- Sprinklers: Please turn off sprinklers during the installation period, excessive moisture could prevent the concrete footings from curing properly and make for a muddy job site.
- Neighbours: Communication is key! It’s very important to discuss plans to build a fence. Whether you are sharing the cost or paying for the fence yourself, letting your neighbour know your plans is a great idea. If we are tearing down an old wood fence and installing a vinyl fence, adjoining fences will not be able to be reconnected. We will have to set a new wood post next to the new vinyl post (additional charge). If the neighbours are splitting the cost, the fence should be split between properties. If they aren’t splitting, we suggest bringing the fence line in 3″ from the property line. This will ensure all cement will be on your property and save you from any future hassle with existing/new neighbour disputes. If the neighbours are splitting the cost, please be sure they know their total contribution well before hand.
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Please ensure:
-One side of the driveway is clear to make room for lumber delivery/work trailer
-There is access to hydro and water on site
-A copy of site plan (property plan) is obtained to determine property line. Most times we can locate property lines (metal bars at each corner of the property, sometimes they are removed by previous owner) but this document helps immensely. It’s beneficial as a homeowner to have this document, your builder or lawyer (from house purchase) should have a copy of this document. As a last resort, municipalities may have a copy of the house plans but will be reluctant to go through the hassle of printing one.
Payment
30% of the estimate must be paid upon booking (feel free to round it down to an even number). In some cases, special order items need to be paid for ahead of time.
Remainder must be paid within 24hrs of completion (same total as estimate, unless stated otherwise). If your neighbour is splitting the cost, it is your responsibility to either:
- Put him in touch with us and arrange payment
OR
- Collect payment yourself
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Methods of payment
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Cheque made out to ‘Decks and Fences by Ryan’, if being mailed please mail to :
Ryan Regan
400 Marla Crs
Belle River ON N0R 1A7
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E Transfer to ryan@decksandfencesbyryan ($3000 daily limit)
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Cash
Things to note with brown pressure treated wood:
Will it stay brown?
In an exterior project, the colour of MicroPro Sienna will turn to warm tan and over time will gradually fade to driftwood grey. The length of time will vary according to the exposure to sunlight, the wood species and the application. To maintain the colour and surface of MicroPro Sienna Treated Wood it is recommended that a high quality water repellent be applied to the wood as soon as possible after construction of the project. Long term, the initial colour will provide a good foundation for staining to renew or change the colour.
It is possible that on some MicroPro Sienna treated wood a green colour may appear along the grain of the wood and around knots. This green colour is due to the copper that is used in the wood preservative system. Over time the green colour will change to a tan colour that blends into the overall tone of the wood.
Products treated with the MicroPro Sienna pigment colouring system are resistant to fading but are not impervious to colour changes. Natural colour variations in the product are to be expected due to varying exposure conditions and the variation between different species of wood. In addition, colour variations may occur between heartwood and sapwood and knot areas from board to board or within the same piece of wood.
Natural Wood Occurrences
Shrinkage
As wood dries you can expect some slight shrinkage in both width and length to occur. To minimize gaps between boards, wet wood should be butted together during installation.
Checks, splitting and grain separation
As wood is exposed to alternating cycles of wetting and drying some checking and splitting may be expected.
Bowing, cupping and twisting
Wood may bow, crook, cup or twist in varying degrees depending on stresses released by initial sawing of the lumber and moisture absorption.
Severe warping and splitting
Severely warped or buckled wood is wood that has twisted to the point where it is an eyesore or structurally unsound. Severely split wood will have a crack that goes completely through the board and has opened. These severe warping and splitting conditions can sometimes be corrected, but in worst case situations, the wood may have to be replaced. Replacement of severely warped and split wood is part of a regular maintenance program.
To minimize these defects, we always order a bit more lumber to be able to pick and choose from the lot.
Finishing
Any exposed wood, pressure treated or not, should be protected with a high quality water repellent finish or stain with water repellent to help reduce warping, checking, and splitting. The application of a clear water repellent will allow the colour of the wood to naturally fade over time. The addition of pigments or colour in a stain/finishing product help to protect the wood surface from UV damage and colour fading.
If you desire to apply a paint, stain, clear water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated wood, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and label of the finishing product. Unless the manufacturer stipulates otherwise, you can apply a stain or water repellent to the wood as soon as it is dry to the touch, which may be as soon as two weeks or as long as eight. It will depend on weather, the exposure to sunlight and how wet the wood was when it was installed (it is saturated with water during pressure treatment). To test that the treated wood is surface dry, sprinkle water droplets on the surface. If the water droplets are absorbed into the wood, it is ready for stain. If not, try sprinkling again in a few days.
Recommended stains/Sealers