Benefits of Outdoor Radiant Heat Systems

Henry Camosse — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Everyone who has lived in a snowy climate has wished for an alternative to shoveling.
And, living in New England is no different. Luckily, for those who want to throw away their snow shovels, there are outdoor radiant heat systems. Outdoor radiant heat systems can be placed under driveways, walkways, and patios, ensuring that your paved surfaces will be kept clear of snow and ice… without shoveling!

Outdoor radiant heat systems are the perfect solution to eliminating snow without having to go outside and shovel. Long gone are the days of breaking our backs to clear snow. In fact, outdoor radiant heat systems will continue to warm your patios, driveways, or walkways to ensure that no snow or ice will be present on those surfaces. Can you imagine sitting inside by the warm fire, watching the snow fall knowing that your outdoor radiant heat systems are keeping your driveway clean and clear of snow and ice? Sounds like an ideal situation to me! The following excerpts from doityourself.com offer more insight into the benefits of outdoor radiant heat systems.

Taking their lead from radiant floor heating in the home, many new buildings are taking advantage of outdoor radiant heat for walkways and driveways. The system makes sense for cold climates – it’s a great alternative to introducing salts and chemicals in to the environment when trying to melt snow and ice, and family members and visitors aren’t at risk of slips and falls due to icy walkways.

Outdoor radiant heat can also be a great advantage for professionals such as doctors, who may need to get out quickly in an emergency, and don’t have the time to shovel out the driveway. Especially long driveways are benefitted by radiant heat in the same way. It can take a great deal of time to clean out a 200 yard driveway, and if there is any emergency, a heated driveway can melt the snow and provide an easy exit.

Patios can be complimented by the addition of a radiant heating system, giving a more aesthetic appeal to the home, and allowing homeowners the opportunity to enjoy their patio more on warmer winter days. Imagine having a barbecue in the winter, enjoying the time outside cooking on a patio with a heated deck!

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The Benefits of Heated Driveways and Walkways

If the installation is done properly by a professional installer, the advantages and benefits of having heated walkways, driveways, and patios is enormous. The environment is protected from chemicals and salts, there is no pesky snow shoveling to do, and you can get out of your driveway easily in the case of emergency. But probably the biggest advantage of all is to the safety of family and visitors to your home. If your walkways and driveways are heated, ice and snow will be melted, and there will be no danger of slips and falls.

It would probably be wise to check with your insurance agent when installation of a radiant heat system is complete. Who knows? They might give you a break on your premiums for installing heated walkways and drives. And you will no longer have to worry about your expensive carpeting being ruined by tracked in salt and chemicals, or pets and children possibly becoming sick from the tracked in materials.

As you can see, outdoor radiant heat systems are a great solution to the problem of snow shoveling and ice. As long as the outdoor radiant heat systems are on, the snow will disappear and you can spend the day inside your warm house, with the knowledge that your walkways, driveways, and patios are clear and safe.

If you are interested in having an outdoor radiant heat system installed, we can help you. Give us a call and we can work with you to get the outdoor radiant heat systems installed and ready for winter.

Getting Rid of Paver Efflorescence

Henry Camosse — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:32:47 +0000

Is there a “whitish cloud” covering your beautiful new patio? Before you pick up the phone to complain, we urge you to read this. The white haze you’re seeing is called paver efflorescence and while it may be ruining the appearance of your patio, paver efflorescence is completely natural and is not damaging your pavers in any way. Paver efflorescence, also known as ‘calcium hydroxide’ or ‘free lime’ can occur a few weeks after the installation of your pavers and is much more common than you may believe.

While paver efflorescence is both a regular occurrence and is completely natural, we completely understand why most want to rid their patio of this “white discoloration.” You wanted a beautiful patio- not a patio covered in efflorescence. The following article by Kurt Glave will help you to better understand the science behind paver efflorescence as well as provide you with a solution to restoring your patio back to its original coloring.

Efflor – What? Efflorescence

What is it?

Efflorescence is a whitish haze that appears on the surface of concrete pavers within a few weeks or months of installation. Efflorescence may also be referred to as calcium hydroxide or free lime. Efflorescence is a completely natural occurrence. It usually occurs in random areas throughout all types of concrete pavers. However, it may appear more pronounced on dark colored pavers. But don’t worry. Despite the fact that it gives pavers the appearance of fading, it does not affect the structural quality of the pavers.

Why does it happen?

All concrete products contain cement. As the cement hydrates, it produces lime or water soluble salts, such as calcium hydroxide. The calcium hydroxide is soluble in water and therefore migrates to the surface of the concrete pavers through capillary action. When the calcium hydroxide reaches the surface of the pavers, a chemical reaction occurs with the carbon dioxide in the air. As it reacts with the carbon dioxide, the calcium hydroxide forms a water insoluble calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate creates the whitish haze on the surface of the concrete pavers. As the moisture evaporates off the surface of the pavers, the whitish haze becomes more pronounced. And as naturally as the efflorescence appeared, it will fade.

Efflorescence will most likely disappear within the first year of installation… Most concrete paver manufacturers have attempted to control the problem of efflorescence by using an admixture in their products. However, no manufacturer has completely eliminated the problem. Therefore, most contractors resort to the use of commercial efflorescence cleaners. Most cleaners will effectively reduce the whitish haze on the paver caused by efflorescence, but only if used properly.

Here are a few simple tips for working with efflorescence cleaners:

1). Improper cleaning can result in damage and discoloration of the pavers and/or personal injury so always make sure that the manufacturers’ recommended application procedures are followed;

2). Always test the cleaner in a small inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire paver surface;

3). Most efflorescence cleaners contain acid or detergents, so protective measures must always be taken before handling the cleaner (see manufacturer’s directions);

4). Remember that efflorescence will continue to reappear until the calcium hydroxide has time to exhaust itself, so more than one application of cleaner may be necessary.

Now that you have a better understanding of what efflorescence is, it’s time to eliminate it! Camosse Masonry Supply in central Massachusetts carries a variety of cleaners to rid your pavers of efflorescence. If you are having a problem with paver efflorescence, we invite you to explore the cleaners that we supply. Don’t call your contractor to complain about efflorescence, call Camosse Masonry Supply instead. We’ll help you with any questions you have regarding paver efflorescence and also have the knowledge and know-how to assist you with any other masonry issue you may have.

Fire Pit vs. Fireplace

Henry Camosse — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:10:26 +0000

You’ve got the patio of your dreams… an extension of beautiful pavers, a brand new patio set, and plants galore. But that extra spark is missing (pun definitely intended) – an outdoor hearth. Deciding to have a source of both heat and entertainment for your outdoor living area is easy, but the decision of ‘fire pit vs. fireplace’ is definitely more of a difficult choice.

While both fire pits and fireplaces are a great addition to your outdoor living space, there are benefits to both that you may not have even considered. If you’re trying to choose between a fire pit and a fireplace, then take a look at this article from ConcreteNetwork.com to decide which is more appropriate for you and your outdoor living area.

Fire Pit vs. Fireplace

Selecting the right hearth for your outdoor living area

Deciding between a fire pit and fireplace is an important decision when creating an outdoor room. Both features extend the enjoyment of an outdoor living area by providing warmth, light, and relaxation. However, they have important differences that should be considered. Answer the questions below to find out which hearth style best suits you and your space.

1. How many people would you like your fire feature to accommodate?

1-4: A fireplace is perfect for just a few people. It provides romantic ambiance and encourages intimate conversation.

5 or more: A fire pit is ideal for entertaining a group. It provides 360 degrees of enjoyment and a campfire like environment.

2. Which best describes the overall mood you are trying to create in your outdoor living space?

Intimate: A fireplace will create a cozy, romantic feeling.

Social: A fire pit will encourage storytelling, laughter and s’more eating.

3. Does your property have a view you would like to take advantage of?

Yes: A fire pit is low to the ground, and won’t draw away from an amazing view. Position the fire pit in a place where the view can be enjoyed.

No: A fireplace has height and mass, and will become a focal point in your space. Decorative elements such as a hearth and mantel can be added.

4. Is your property affected by wind?

Yes: A fireplace is enclosed, making it easy to light even in windy conditions. Additionally, a fireplace can serve as a wind break that will protect guests.

No: A fire pit is open and the flames can be more easily enjoyed. However, it will be difficult to light and enjoy in windy conditions.

5. Does smoke make it hard for you to enjoy a fire, or do you feel nervous or unsafe around an open flame?

Yes: A fireplace directs smoke up and away from guests and is much less likely to produce flying embers.

No: A fire pit is a great option, but be sure to think safety first. Always be aware when enjoying a fire outdoors.

Be it a fireplace or a fire pit, the choice is ultimately yours. However, we hope that this article provided some further insight and knowledge in order to help you choose which is more appropriate for you. Camosse Masonry Supply, located in central Massachusetts, has a selection of both outdoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits to choose from. If you are still contemplating whether a fireplace or a fire pit is more suitable for you or have any further questions, please give us a call.

Henry Camosse — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:38:07 +0000

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Fiberglass Propane Tank Cover

Henry Camosse — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:48:53 +0000

Propane is a great way to run your home, but their bulky tanks are quite an eye sore in your landscape. Cover up that ugly tank with this great natural stone alternative. Light-weight, easy to move, and installer friendly, this is one of many great products we carry to masque those necessary vents, tanks, electric boxes & more!

Stop in today to one of our two store locations & learn more about Fiberglass Stone options!!