by Valley Redwood | summer heat
With summer in full swing, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. One such risk is sunstroke, a severe heat-related illness that can have serious consequences. By taking a few precautionary measures, you can enjoy the sun while keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Understanding Sunstroke
Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of sunstroke include a rapid pulse, high body temperature, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Certain individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly vulnerable to sunstroke.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential to prevent sunstroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration. If you’re engaging in outdoor activities, carry a reusable water bottle and sip water regularly. Adding electrolyte-rich drinks or sports drinks can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweating.
Seek Shade and Limit Sun Exposure
To reduce the risk of sunstroke, it’s crucial to seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors during this time, wear a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above. Additionally, consider using an umbrella or a sunshade to create a shaded area.
Take Regular Breaks and Cool Down
When spending prolonged periods outside, take regular breaks in a cool and shaded area. This will allow your body to rest and regulate its temperature. You can also use cooling techniques such as wetting a towel with cool water and placing it on your neck or wrists. If possible, seek air-conditioned environments or use fans to keep cool indoors.
Conclusion
Preventing sunstroke requires diligence and awareness of your body’s needs during hot weather. By staying hydrated, seeking shade, limiting sun exposure, and taking regular breaks to cool down, you can minimize the risk of sunstroke and enjoy the summer safely. Remember, your health and well-being should always be a top priority when basking in the sun’s rays.
by Valley Redwood | deck maintenance, Redwood Stain
Now that you have spent time, energy, and money on your new redwood deck, the next step to consider is maintenance. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your deck and help keep its natural beauty. Several factors can contribute to the wood looking dull, grey, and weathered. Years of sun, rain, and extreme temperatures can make your deck look older than it is. Simple measures can alleviate the affects of these factors.
The first thing you should consider is a proper stain/sealer when the deck is new. This will give the deck the best start it can have and will make the maintenance in the future even easier. There are many sealer and stains available, so make sure you select one that is formulated for redwood. Many tints are available depending on personnel choice and the desired look. Because it is an open-celled structure and it contains little or no pitch or resins, redwood accepts and holds a variety of finishes from clear stain to solid color paints. To achieve a lasting redwood color, use a water-repellent, oil-based deck stain.
When it comes time to clean your deck, a few simple steps should be taken to assure long lasting beauty. Depending on how long it has been since your deck was cleaned, you may have to apply a cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with water, or you can lightly clean with a pressure washer. If you are pressure washing, be cautious and use a wide fan spray and not a concentrated jet spray as this can carve grooves in your deck. Consider lightly sanding the railings before sealing to keep a nice smooth surface your hands will thank you for.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your redwood, make sure it is dry. Sometimes it might take a few days to completely dry. Once dry, you are ready for sealer. Sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. You will have better coverage with a brush or roller as some of the spray will simply get lost in the air.
Before you start your cleaning and sealing process, give us a call and we can recommend which method will be the best for your deck and we will help you choose the right stain or sealer. Done right, you will only have to do this every 2 or 3 years. Valley Redwood is happy to help you keep all your redwood decks, gazebos, and furniture looking great for many years.
Image by mrsiraphol
by Valley Redwood | deck maintenance, Paver Sealers
The Sacramento area has extremes in weather from hot dry summers to cold and wet winters. Be sure your concrete surfaces, paver decks and, landscape masonry is protected from the elements with quality products from Glaze ‘N Seal. They have been supplying quality products to homeowners and contractors since 1962. Valley Redwood has the proper sealers for the right surface.
Also remember to protect your wood surfaces as well. We offer a full line of of stains and sealers designed to look beautiful and protect the surface for many years. Valley Redwood features quality products from Penofin. With years of experience, you will feel confident about the products you are applying.
by Valley Redwood | Retaining Walls
Nature’s uneven terrain has its charm, until you try to play croquet on a hilly lawn or enjoy a candlelit dinner on an off-kilter patio.
More than problem-solvers, retaining walls also have a sculptural quality that adds definition to the landscape, and they can be made from various materials to evoke different styles. Stacked timbers or mortared stone, for instance, can impart a rustic look, while poured concrete is sleekly modern.
Just keep in mind that when planning for a type of retaining wall meant to hold back tons of soil, there’s little room for error. How effective your wall will be and how long it’ll last, decades or just a few years depends largely on things you can’t see, such as a sound footing buried in the ground and drainage to keep water from building up behind the wall. Valley Redwood has a variety of materials available for you to create the perfect retaining wall. Depending on the size (height and width) and the material you are trying to retain, choosing the right wall material is very important. Even more important than the material is the design and engineering of the project. No material will last, be safe, and effective if not properly engineered. Step one would be to have the site inspected and the wall designed to remain structurally sound for many years. After that you can determine which materials to choose. Redwood and block retaining walls are the most popular for landscape purposes and both have their merits.
We suggest starting by contacting one of our experienced staff and let them help you decide which style is best for your project. Once you decide, then the fun begins. We have many options of block colors, shapes and sizes to choose from and redwood products that will make your wall safe, beautiful, and will last a long time. Make the short drive to Valley Redwood to get your wall project started. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
(916) 334-9500
by Valley Redwood | Stone Veneer
Coronado Stone Products® offers a variety of manufactured stone veneer, thin brick, tile and precast products. Architectural stone veneer can be used to greatly enhance the look and feel of a project. Our products are hand crafted from natural stone in a process that makes the two hard to discern. We have been creating simulated stone siding that captures the natural elegance and beauty of genuine stone for over 60 years. Coronado offers the widest selection of profiles and colors in the industry. With eight manufacturing facilities throughout the US, short lead times and competitive pricing, Coronado is the preferred supplier of masonry products for any commercial or residential project.
Valley Redwood is proud to offer a wide selection of Coronado Stone products to choose from. Make the short trip to our store and see for yourself. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
