Yard-Wise: 6 Ways to Improve Your Property’s Exterior Efficiency

Posted on August 18, 2022 by James Florence

Like many Bay Area homeowners, you’ve probably taken measures to reduce your home’s water and energy usage, such as installing water-saving plumbing fixtures and switching to LED lighting. However, you may have overlooked another part of your property: your yard. From your garden to your pool, there are several areas where you can save water and energy by improving your exterior efficiency. Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Energy Efficiency, Landscaping Tips
Tags: , , ,

Diamond Certified Experts: Renovating With Concrete

Posted on September 14, 2021 by James Florence

From driveways and retaining walls to patios and pool decks, concrete can be used to build a variety of structures. Photo: Calnorthex Concrete ©2021

new concrete driveway

When it comes to hardscaping projects like installing a new driveway or patio, concrete provides a solid solution. However, before scheduling a project with a concrete contractor, it’s worthwhile to get a glimpse into the process so you know what to expect. To learn more about concrete design, installation and maintenance, we asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to provide their professional insights. Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Hardscaping
Tags: , , , ,

Specialty Spotlight: Hardscaping

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

hardscaping in back yard

Most of us spend more time outdoors during the summer doing activities like gardening, playing sports, grilling meals and socializing with friends. If you’re trying to create the perfect yard for enjoying the warm weather, it’s important to focus on both landscaping and hardscaping. A pathway, patio, retaining wall or any built-in feature in your yard is part of its hardscaping. Below, we’ll explain how hardscaping features can make your yard more beautiful, better for entertaining and even safer. Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Decks and Patios, Specialty Spotlight
Tags: , , , ,

Why You Should Fix That Crack in the Sidewalk

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

broken concrete

A few weeks ago, I was walking down my street and stopped to talk with a neighbor. She was deeply worried. She just learned she was being sued by someone claiming they had been injured after tripping on a cracked portion of the sidewalk in front of her home. I looked at the sidewalk and saw that the county had placed some orange markers on either side of the cracked portion. This news was puzzling to me. The crack wasn’t especially large and had been there for years. It also made me think about all the cracked concrete in my backyard where someone could easily trip. I decided to learn more about homeowner liability regarding sidewalks and what options exist for concrete repair.  Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Hardscaping, Safety
Tags: ,

What to Do About Soil Erosion

Posted on January 07, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

retaining wall

California’s steep terrain and forceful winter rainstorms make soil erosion and landslide risk a yearly threat to homes. After months of bone-dry conditions, strong storms can quickly alter hillside terrain. While soil erosion is an inherently natural process, homeowners can take steps to reduce the negative effects erosion may have on their properties.  Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Hardscaping, Landscaping Tips
Tags: , ,

Firescaping Your Property

Posted on September 08, 2020 by Suzanne Carroll

The Bay Area has already seen numerous destructive wildfires in 2020, and there are still several weeks of hot, dry weather ahead of us. As wildfires become an increasingly common threat to the region, many homeowners are turning to “firescaping,” which is the coordinated use of fire-resistant plants and building materials around the home. With the right plants and hardscaping features, you can make it harder for wildfire to take hold and spread. Firescaping is a type of landscaping, which means you still have many options to create a garden that reflects your personal style. Aside from improving safety and adding beauty, firescaping can increase the value of your home. Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Fire Prevention, Uncategorized
Tags: , ,

Industry Organization Spotlight: Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Suzanne Carroll

Since 1993, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) has served as the leading trade organization of the segmental concrete paving industry in North America. ICPI’s 1,100 members come from across the United States and Canada. They work as paver manufacturers, installation contractors, designers and suppliers.

ICPI positions itself as the industry’s leading authority on best practices and technical expertise for paver installation and maintenance. The organization’s primary goals are to promote greater use of segmental pavers in residential, commercial and public settings, and to improve the skills and standards of those working in the industry. Read more

Share
Leave a comment

Posted in: Industry Organization Spotlight
Tags: , ,