5 FAQ's About Deck Maintenance

Once thought to be an extra feature of one's home, today decks are often one of the big selling points when one is shopping for a new residence. This is due primarily because many homeowners have recognized the versatility of a deck. After all, what other room in your home can be used as a place to cook a 5 course meal then eat the prepared food, sleep in a hammock, have a container garden in or relax in the hot tub in-all at the same time? In fact, some homeowners have used natural elements such as rocks, trees and running water to enhance their deck experience or have decks with multiple levels and innovative shapes.

With all the many uses of today's decks, it is important that one take care of this important feature of the home. If one has never had a home with a deck or porch, or perhaps is unsure of proper deck care, questions are common. Here are some of those most frequently asked questions.

1. Is deck maintenance needful? Since most decks are built of pressure treated pine, it is not uncommon for a porch/deck to last 40 years before there is any significant decay. However, the deck will typically begin to discolor and splinter after only a few months if not properly cared for.
   
2. Do new decks need to be sealed? Absolutely! The sealing will prevent discoloration and keep splintering to a minimum. Sealing should be done within a few weeks of installation.
   
3. What will happen if the deck is not properly sealed? While a lack of sealing will not cause the deck to begin rotting, it will kill, remove and slow the return of any organic material. In addition, sealing a deck keeps the surface smoother with fewer splinters for much longer.
   
4. What type of deck maintenance is recommended? At least once a year, homeowners should check the deck for any exposed nails or loose boards. It is also wise to thoroughly clean the deck and reseal the wood by applying a clear or semi-clear liquid sealant to all exposed surfaces. This is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of owning a home with a deck.
   
5. What is good deck maintenance? This is a simple 3 step process- preparation, products and protection. Prepare the deck by removing any items, then sweep the deck free of any debris; check for loose boards/nails and make repairs. Purchase the recommended cleaning product and follow the directions carefully. Protect your work by finishing by re-sealing. Sealants may be brushed, rolled or sprayed on and are either water-based or wood-based.

Today's homeowners see the deck as an extension of the home, and like the interior of a home, the deck requires some basic maintenance in order to be used for years to come. However, a well maintained deck can provide years of pleasure for all. Don't overlook the value of your deck!

For more information and details on porches and decks visit www.paradisedecking.com.

Article independently authored by Janet m Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Building Codes Apply to Decks and Gazebos, Just As They Do For Home Additions Such As Sunrooms

Many home owners and other individuals fail to realize the importance of paying attention to detail and safety when considering a deck, gazebo or pergolas Just because the deck or other outdoor structure is open and free of walls or a solid ceiling, does not mean it is any easier to build safely. The same care needs to be taken with any building or remodel from a covered deck to a fully enclosed sunroom.

Home owners looking to build a new upgrade, such as a deck, gazebo or sunroom, have an advantage over a home owner with an existing deck. For one thing, the new home addition will be completed sooner due to not needing to perform the preliminary demolition of an old deck or structure. Whether the home owner is starting from scratch or replacing an existing deck, every new deck construction is required to have routine inspections.

Depending upon the part of the country, different locales have their own building codes specific to that region. Many times these building codes can even vary from county to county. It is important to verify that the deck builder is licensed to provide services in the county in which the deck, gazebo, or other addition is to be built.

Even though the average individual may not have any interest or experience in the construction field, it is important to frequently examine the construction as it develops. It is important to do so without interfering or interrupting the work crew, but should any concerns or questions come up, they should be directed towards the foreman or crew supervisor.

Generally, most decks share a few basic requirements. Ledger boards, which allow the deck to be anchored securely to the house, need to run the full length of the deck. Sufficient footings or foundation need to be installed properly. Some northern regions require the footings to be as much as 48" deep due to ground heaves during winter, while southern states, such as North Carolina, may not require the footings to be as deep. Railings are also a building code requirement should the deck or gazebo surface be of a certain minimum height.

Depending upon the use of the deck, special reinforcement may be required if there is to be excessive weight placed upon the deck. An example of this would be adding a hot tub or an outdoor kitchen and grill. Should heavier items be added without additional support, deck failure may result.

By providing the home owner with these few exceedingly brief and generalized examples of deck construction, one can begin to understand just a little of the specialized skill and attention to detail that is required of a deck contractor. One of the best methods to having this skill demonstrated before selecting a deck builder is to require references and access to a portfolio of past jobs.

Visit www.paradisedecking.com for questions on your custom deck or addition.

Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Enjoy Outdoors in the Extreme of Winter Or Summer Without Freezing Or Burning Up

Every winter seems to get colder and colder. The opposite can also be said of summers as the recent past has delivered record temperatures throughout the country. Rather than work with nature during either extreme, the only answer seems to be to cloister inside where the elements will not harass the family. The best method for beating the cold and heat is not shutting out the world, but to spend time in a sunroom, enclosed deck or porch.

Sunrooms and fully enclosed decks or porches are invariably more popular throughout the south than they are in the northern states. A few states, such as North Carolina, can reach down to freezing temperatures during winter, but even during the winter season receives a bountiful amount of sunlight to be enjoyed by the select few with sunrooms. A standard deck or patio gives little enjoyment in frigid temperatures, but an enclosed sunroom is perfect for chilly days.

It is widely recognized that winter can increase an individual's likelihood to succumb to depression. A major key benefit of enjoying an enclosed deck or sunroom is that with plentiful windows, every family member will be less likely to suffer the depressing effects of a lack of natural sunlight. Sunrooms provide the home owner the ability to regulate the interior temperature while still enjoying the views and experience of natural light.

These safe retreats are perfect for a variety of purposes such as family reunions, meditation, or lest we forget the all important televised football season. A popular choice of use for the enclosed space is a game room as opposed to the stuffy basement with artificial lighting. There is almost no limit in the manner a family can utilize a sunroom.

The bottom line is that an overall healthy outlook can be maintained or improved upon by spending time in peace and tranquility. True relaxation is a rare commodity not to be missed just because of a cold and blustery season. While building a deck or sunroom is not just as simple as 1-2-3, there are several reliable and professional companies eager to give free estimates and quite possibly a very good price in this economy. Investing in a home owner's major asset, the home, is always a good idea for the future, but will allow them to enjoy the home more.

For more information and pictures, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking's website has a detailed gallery of sun rooms, patios, decks and gazebos.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Deck the House

The summer is made up of memories at family barbecues around the house. But what if you do not have a deck or covered porch to host such memorable events? Let's look at the various options available for outdoor rooms and decks to help you make the best decision for your home.

The decking business can include a variety of constructions such as a deck, covered porch, screened in porch, or sunroom. Decks are beneficial for lawn furniture, barbecues, or just relaxing in the yard. However, decks may not be the best choice in less than ideal weather conditions.

Covered porches are very an easy weather solution, since the canopy can often shield some rain or wind from the covered area. However, many covered porches are very similar to gazebos and still can be affected by weather. The next upgrade would be a screened in porch. The screened porch is beneficial because with the openness it still gives the feeling of being outside, while keeping bugs and weather away. Another benefit of the screened porch versus the sunroom is the fact that screened porches are about one half of the cost of sunrooms to construct. However, they can cause a "dark" feeling in the house, while adding lights could solve that problem that would increase electricity costs for the owner. The screened in porch is also easier to construct, and can be adapted in the future to an upgraded sunroom.

Sunrooms are also great because like screened in porches they give an outdoor feel, but the "screens" also have windows and the room is insulated so during the winter months the room will stay warm and plants and people can still use the room without any discomfort. The sunroom is the most expensive, but it also adds the most value to a home. It can be counted as an additional room and adds to the home's overall value and also all the open windows bring in excess light that warms up the feel of the entire home. The only limitation on a sunroom over any of the other decking options is the fact that cooking on a grill would not be recommended in this room since it is a part of the home, and there is not sufficient ventilation.

All the different types of decking and covered outdoor rooms meet the same purpose, enjoying the outdoors! However, which ever type you choose to install should meet the specific needs of you and your family, as well as the budget!

Contact Paradise Decking today to see what meets your families budget and needs for outdoor living at www.paradisedecking.com.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.

Article independently authored by Matthew Eddington. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Home Improvement Best Left to a Deck Builder or Contractor

Decks, Pergolas, and Gazebos

Most adults had the opportunity to play with building blocks or toy logs to construct a house or towering structure as children. Some of these individuals have never lost the interest in building things with their own two hands. To listen to all of the home improvement commercials or lumber desks inside these home improvement stores, one would just assume that any person has the ability to build a fence or deck. This could not be further from the truth.

Building a deck and gazebo is not just a matter of placing some concrete footers on the ground and resting several deck boards across a wood frame. Even an installation as seemingly simple as a pergola is not necessarily a project for a do-it-yourself home owner. There are several factors which need to be considered in order to prevent creating problems by installing a deck or other structure.

Drainage and the slope of the land is a primary concern. Without considering the slope of the property and drainage, building an uncovered deck or covered deck can cause much of the water from rain to be channeled and collected at the footings and vertical supports or along the main wall of the home.. This can cause inherent weaknesses in the structures or accelerate mold, fungus, and rot.

The next aspect of building a deck, gazebo, or pergola is to be aware of the type of lumber to use, whether it is a synthetic wood or pressure treated wood. Untreated wood should never be used in the construction of any exterior installation. The humidity alone can cause the untreated wood to fail within an extremely short time. Because of the wide selections of materials available today and each having their own distinct properties, a professional contractor specializing in deck installations or some landscapers should be consulted.

The type of hardware to be used should be of main focus in addition to the above mentioned considerations. Galvanized nails or screws have been a long time traditional method of securing board to frame. While nails are a proven piece of hardware, they will not hold as well as screws. Over one season, nails can begin to pop up from the surface of the boards. Screws will hold much better and will stay much more secure. There are alternatives to screws and nails. Newer methods and hardware are available which will secure the surface boards of the deck to the frame without being visible from the top. Some particular types of lumber materials actually work better with these newer fasteners. Again, a professional deck builder should be consulted.

Clearly the "nuts and bolts" of a deck offer up a lot of options to a home owner. The basics will determine the longevity of the deck and ease of maintaining the home owner's investment. If experienced and wise choices are not exercised, the home owner can easily find that their "do-it-yourself" project will cost much more in the future.

For more information and pictures, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking's website has a detailed gallery of sun rooms, patios, decks and gazebos.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Gazebos

Perfect Additions to Compliment Decks and the Architectural Style of the Home

The holidays are always fast approaching and this year is no different. While the northern climates of the U.S. prevent all but the heartiest of adventurers from enjoying the outdoors in fall and winter time, the southern states enjoy much less extreme temperatures. This fact allows many families to continue to enjoy outdoor life on the patio or deck all year round.

For most families the aging deck or none at all is not a big draw for entertaining outside during the holidays and yet many of these families go through the trouble of decorating the home, lawn, and landscape without being able to appreciate it themselves. This is a pointless task; without rewards, unless time is taken to spend with friends and family.

A new deck installation or rebuilding the deck is always a good option, however, perhaps a deck is not a feasible home improvement undertaking due to the layout of the home. A gazebo is a good stand alone alternative to a deck that will also provide cover for family gatherings. The advantage of a gazebo is that by definition it is a covered unit. Gazebos can serve in almost any capacity that a family may desire.

Many popular uses for a gazebo, other than the all too infrequent family gatherings, are those special occasions. Special occasion, such as weddings, birthday parties, receptions, or even the NFL Superbowl party, are easily centered around the average gazebo. The biggest advantage of building a gazebo is that it is much more versatile than almost any patio that a builder included with the home.

Gazebos, much like decks, can easily be up-sized or downsized to fit within any property. Some gazebo designs incorporate a deck surrounding the gazebo in order to provide the best of both worlds to the home owner. Depending upon the architectural style of the home or neighborhood, every gazebo design can be customized to reflect the home style, from a Victorian or Colonial to a basic ranch style home.

Regardless of the size or style, the fact remains that a gazebo installation does require some planning and time to build in order to ensure safety. Make sure to allow the builder time to construct the fixture in time for the holidays or special event. It can be very frustrating to plan to use the gazebo for the first time on the family holidays; only to discover that it won't be completed in time.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

The Versatility of Sunrooms

Sunrooms are increasing in popularity, mainly because their versatility and options are improving. They are no longer limited to use as in-home greenhouses. Many homeowners are now looking to the spaces as year-round living areas. Home offices and family rooms are now common uses for these spaces, although privacy can be limiting. Privacy issues can be addressed with window treatments or with the placement of the room itself. By facing the room opposite neighbors and streets but still allowing proper sun exposure, privacy can be maintained.

Sunrooms are typically glassed in, but have minimal glare and humidity issues when installed properly. Walls with glass tops and solid bases, or knee walls, can enable the room to be fully wired for electricity. With the addition of electricity comes virtually unlimited room options. Although a glass walled bedroom would not be ideal, the new sunroom could be used as a game room, a child's playroom, or a spa style room with a hot tub. Ventilation is also an important factor to consider. Fans can be used to assist with cross breezes, but installing a full heating/air conditioning system in not necessarily economical. Installing a full insulated roof instead of a traditional greenhouse style will aid in temperature maintenance and also provide maximum comfort during most times of year.

Hiring a professional to help plan and build the perfect sunroom is a major consideration. Professionals will help the family to determine the exact needs for the sunroom and which styles would benefit the family best. Contractors take all the needs to form the best options and will even work within a specific budget. Location and privacy will be planned and the company should also consult with the family during the planning and building process.

For more information and pictures, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking's website has a detailed gallery of sun rooms, patios, decks and gazebos.