Once the snow is all melted and winter is finally behind us, you’ll likely find yourself walking around your backyard and picking up debris, fallen branches and pet waste. A little bit of TLC can go a long way in terms of preparing for a successful growing season.

It may be tempting to get outside and tackle yard work on the first warm day of the season, but it’s important to resist the urge to clean up the garden until temperatures are consistently above at least 10 degrees celsius. Butterflies and pollinating insects hibernate in the dead leaves and hollow stems of dead plants, so it’s important not to disturb them too early in the season.

If you didn’t get a chance to rake leaves in the fall, you’ve probably got a case of “snow mold” throughout your yard. Snow mold is more common in springs when the first snows of the previous winter were early and heavy enough to cover ground before it was fully frozen. As the snow continued to fall, the warm ground beneath the snow was actively supporting fungal growth, leading to snow mold in the following spring. If you happen to you find snow mould damage on your lawn, gently rake the affected areas to loosen the grass, as this will help the lawn dry and give new grass room to grow.

To prepare your gardens for a prosperous season, mix some compost to fertilize and soften up the soil. If possible, use compost rather than fertilizer, as fertilizer may burn new plants. Remove weeds and any dead plants you didn’t remove in the previous fall and plant bright spring annuals like snapdragons, pansies and petunias, or blooming perennials like bleeding hearts, black-eyed susans or irises. Prune any shrubs in your yard to remove dead limbs and allow new growth.

Once your yard and gardens are looking good, it’s time to tackle the exterior of your home and your patio area. Clean out your gutters and dispose of dead leaves and branches, and powerwash your siding and patio area to remove built-up grime that accumulated in the winter. Give your patio furniture a good scrub with soapy water to remove any cobwebs and dust.

It may seem like a lot of work, but the payoff of spring yard prep is worth its weight in gold and will leave you with more time spent enjoying your outdoor space all summer long.

Choosing to make changes in our lifestyle to benefit the environment has never been more important! Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to make your home more eco-friendly.

1. Use cold water in your washing machine

Hot water requires much more energy per load, with a large majority of the total energy being used to heat the water. Switching to cold water can add up to some major energy savings and will get your clothes just as clean as hot water.

2. Use a clothesline or drying rack

Washing and drying your clothes consumes a lot of energy. If you’re able, consider installing a clothesline to dry your clothes in the warmer months or purchase a drying rack for indoor use. Air drying your clothes will actually help them last longer, too. Win-win!

3. Make your own cleaning products

Homemade, natural cleaning products can be just as effective as store-bought ones, minus all of the harsh chemicals. You can make your own cleaning products using everyday items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

4. Use energy-efficient lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs consume approximately 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and don’t contain hazardous materials, like mercury. Energy-efficient light bulbs will give you more bang for your buck because they last about 2 to 4 times longer than standard bulbs, too!

5. Compost your food waste

Using a compost bin will help you dispose of leftovers and will give you free fertilizer for your garden in return.

6. Add window treatments 

Curtains and blinds will make a big difference in terms of heating or cooling your home. Even if your windows are closed, hot or cold air can still creep in and affect the temperature of your home – which means your AC or heating system will be used more than needed. 

7. Decorate your home with indoor plants

Indoor plants will positively affect the air quality in your home and will help reduce carbon dioxide. Plus, they look great!

8. Grow your own herbs and vegetables

Growing your own herbs and veggies will help save you money and reduce transportation emissions. Herbs like basil, mint, cilantro and chives or garden vegetables like lettuce, onions and celery can be continuously re-grown with just a bit of water and patience.

9. Unplug any electronics and appliances you aren’t using on a regular basis

Unplug any power bars or electrical cords whenever you’re done using the electronics or appliances. Everything from TVs to phone chargers can act as “leech appliances” sucking energy even when they aren’t being used.

10. Upcycle old decor and furniture

Breathe new life into old items with a fresh coat of eco-friendly paint, or you pick up pre-loved furniture and decor from a secondhand store like Habitat for Humanity or Value Village.

Over time, untreated glass products may start to lose their lustre due to harsh chemical cleaners, UV rays and even saltwater mist. Diamon-Fusion is here to help keep your InvisiRail Glass Railing system looking as good as new!

 Diamon-Fusion is a new ultra-thin, UV-resistant protective coating that permanently transforms ordinary glass panels into high-performing, water-repellent surfaces. Glass treated with Diamon-Fusion becomes easier to clean and requires less upkeep, making it the perfect choice for glass railings and showers. Diamon-Fusion protective coating can be added to existing glass products — removing the need to replace any of your glass panels.

When applying Diamon-Fusion coating to glass railings or shower doors, you’ll notice a substantial difference in your railing’s appearance. The protective coating will help protect against water stains, corrosion, etching and harmful UV rays, leaving you with more time to sit back and enjoy your crystal-clear view. 

Diamon-Fusion comes with a lifetime warranty on residential applications, and a 15-year warranty on commercial applications. For videos and more information on Diamon-Fusion, click here to visit our product page today!

When preparing for a new project, it is important to make sure you have all of the right tools required for the build. When it comes to something as seemingly simple as choosing the right screws, going with a “one-size-fits-all” mentality doesn’t always cut it.

In terms of their similarities, metal and wood screws are both available in standard lengths ranging from ¼” to 3”, and both types can be drilled using the same tools. However, as their name suggests, wood screws are better suited for builds involving lumber, plywood and other materials made of wood. While it’s true that metal screws can be drilled into wood, their unique features make them better suited for working with softer materials.

Wood screws consist of four parts: the head, shank, threads, and tip. The tip’s sharp point will guide the screw precisely as it cuts into the material. The shank forms the screw’s core and the thread is wrapped around it. The thread cuts grooves which allows the screw to grip the material securely as the screw is driven deeper. This grip prevents the screw from being pulled out, securing the workpieces together.

Metal screws differ from wood screws in their design and function. Their design elements are specifically geared towards securing sheet metal to metal, plastic, fibreglass, wood, or other materials. They can also be used to attach hinges, hasps, brackets, and other types of hardware. In short, metal screws are designed to withstand the stress of holding together heavy metal pieces for an extended period of time. 

Want to know more? Visit our store locator to find a local hardware store or building supplier near you.