Monday, February 9, 2015

Drainage, Grading and Swampy Lawn Problems

In mid-winter, there's always a few days where all the snow melts suddenly and you're left with a swampy mess. If you have already noticed that excess water is making your yard marshy or soggy or is flooding your basement, you may need to install a drainage system to help avoid further damage.

Water is often the biggest factor in damage to homes.  Improper land grades and drainage systems around homes can cause severe problems such as, flooding, foundation damage, harmful mold, hardscape settlement, and swampy lawn areas. It's sure to snow again and start all over, but make arrangements to fix that now!

Anyone who has experienced a flooded basement knows how much of a headache it can be. A wet basement can be costly, especially if it is finished or used for storage. However, a moldy basement can be a dangerous health risk. Due to the prevalence of ground water in Pittsburgh, this is a serious concern for home-owners in the area.

However, there are a number of less costly solutions that can be put into place before flooding occurs. Soil grading is the most basic technique used by landscape contractors to control the direction that rain and ground water moves. By gently sloping a landscape design, water will move away from the foundation of a house. Not only will good lawn drainage prevent flooding in your basement, it will protect your lawn by preventing pooling in your yard. With the addition of professional edging, flower beds and luxurious grass will thrive with proper yard drainage.

Another basement waterproofing solution is the installation of drainage and gutter systems that move water off of your roof and away from your home. A poorly installed downspout can do more harm that help. If downspout dispersal is in the wrong place, the water will move towards the house’s foundation. Similarly, a French drain can be installed in a way that compliments the already existing landscaping.

Even if flooding has already occurred, simple drainage measures can serve as a method of basement waterproofing. Call Pittsburgh’s leading landscaping contractor and protect your home!


Thursday, February 5, 2015

Looking for **TRUCK / BOBCAT/EXCAVATOR OPERATOR (LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE/CONSTRUCTION) (CECIL TWP/SOUTH HILLS)

Are you passionate about working in the landscape industry? Join our team at Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes, LLC!

Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes is a landscape design-build company of over 30 years. We are a growing company and seeking to fill the position of truck / machine operator.

Our company specializes in innovative projects such as outdoor rooms including kitchens, fireplaces, patios, driveways, ponds, waterfalls, pools, landscaping, excavation and much more. With two million in projects last year, we are very excited about our growth and looking for hardworking individuals to grow with us. We offer:

• Competitive wages - $17-$25/hr based on experience/ability
• Health benefits and vacation after 6 months
• End-of-year retention bonus
• 50 hour work week with OT
• Growth within

Candidates for this position should possess the following:

• Valid PA driver's license and own transportation to and from work
• Class B CDL license or permit
• 3 years minimum experience operating skid steers and mini excavators
• Be physically fit, have no existing medical problems, and be able to lift 85 lbs.
• Ability to work 6am-5pm M-F, and Sat (only when needed)
• Landscape / hardscape knowledge is not necessary but would be additional valley
• Employee will be expected to fully participate in field projects outside of machine and truck operating responsibilities

Initial report to shop each morning is Cecil/Canonsburg, PA.

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in learning more about our company and the position offered, please email your resume (or outline of your work experience and qualifications) to cmoretti@pghsw.com, or call our office at 412.319.7524 to discuss.

You can learn more about our company by visiting us on the web at www.pghsw.com!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Think OUTSIDE of the Box!

Ideas for "home decorating" often encourages people to bring the beauty of the outside inside; but, why not take the comfort of your indoor living space to the outdoors? This will allow you to immerse yourself in natural surroundings without compromising on practicality. Here is Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes' list of things to think about to get started:

Lighting
Lighting is key to creating the right atmosphere and is crucial for allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living space at any time of day. Avoid brash security lights and go for fixtures that offer softer lighting to create a relaxed ambience.

Furniture
Say goodbye to flimsy plastic outdoor tables and chairs, which are neither comfortable nor stylish – something you’d never have inside the home! Instead, try beautiful and durable patio furniture from a reputable retailer like The Fireplace and Patioplace who stocks the most stylish sets of furniture for all areas of your outdoor living space - from elaborate dining sets to delightful garden pieces.

Dining
Set up an ample covered outdoor space and house a barbecue and food preparation area within. You can then dine while enjoying stunning views of your backyard oasis, even in the cooler weather or rain. Grills, outdoor barbecues, brick ovens and cooking areas - the ideas are endless.

Entertainment
Entertain yourself or guests in the great outdoors, and you have no reason to step back inside during the early spring and even into late fall/early winter! Supplying the heat or ambience with fire pits and fireplaces outdoors, you can entertain guests for a long time, even in this Pittsburgh weather! Nothing makes guest feel more comfortable than the beauty and warmth of a fire.

These are only some very general ideas to think about when envisioning something more for your outdoor space. The professionals at Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes can help you transform your backyard into an extension of your indoor space for some great outdoor living. Visit us at www.pghsw.com for great ideas and information on how to get started.