2012年9月19日 星期三

Choose Trex Decking - The Last Material For Your Deck


Trex decking is one of the composite decking materials that has a proven track record with homeowners. Trex is different from other alternative materials for use as decking because it has a higher percentage of wood in its components. It is also very environmentally friendly and is completely recyclable. Although Trex decking does contain wood, it does not require the same level of maintenance as wood decking does.

Trex decking prices may turn you off when you first look at the price tag associated with it. However, when you compare Trex decking to using wood as decking material, you have to look at the other important features of Trex composite decking. With wood, you have to paint and stain it just about every year. It is subject to rot and insect infestation. You do not have any of these problems with Trex decking and it will last a lifetime. Compare the prices of what it will cost you to keep your wood deck in good shape and you will see that Trex offers the best bargain in decking.

Some of the other impressive features of Trex decking include:

· It doesn't crack

· It doesn't splinter

· It is slip-resistant

· It will not swell when exposed to moisture

· It has minimal shrinkage in cold temperatures

You can saw and fasten the Trex composite decking to the wooden frame of the deck just as you can with wood or another brand of composite decking. It has UV protection so that it won't fade from the glare of the sun on the hot summer days. Even though you pay the higher Trex decking prices, you will notice some light fading in the first few months. This is the natural process of the composite decking acclimatizing to the location.

Trex composite decking means that the material is made from plastic and reclaimed wood. The wood can be fiber or sawdust and often the plastic is recycled as well. Each plank or tile that you have has the color going all the way through. When you purchase an installation kit to help you out, you will also get the instructions as to how to create a beautiful deck with Trex decking. You can also visit the company website and download the instruction. The cost of the installation kit is in addition to the Trex decking prices so you do have to allow for this in your budget.

It is best to buy all of the Trex decking that you need at the same time. This is because if you run out of the Trex composite decking and have to return to the store for more, the next shipment may not be exactly the same color. At various times, you may be able to get the Trex decking on sale and when you have to buy some at a later date, you will have to pay higher Trex decking prices.




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Trex Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Composite Decking and Pool Decking.





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Choosing the Right Deck Material


When it comes to building a deck there is a wide choice of materials to build it with.  You can pick from wood or composite materials. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.  If the lowest initial price is the most important factor then a wood deck would be your choice. If overall durability and low maintenance is important than a composite material would be the best choice.

 

Woods decks can be built with several types of wood. The lowest cost would be fir or pine. They require a sealer or paint to keep them from rotting The next step up in price would be pressure treated lumber. It typically is made of fir in the west and southern pine in the east. It is treated with a preservative that allows it to withstand rotting. Treated lumber can be very durable and is the best choice for the structural part of the deck, such as posts and floor joists. A better looking wood  choice is redwood or cedar. Redwood and cedar have natural preservative in the wood allowing them to hold up to the elements better than other woods. They cost more and are a softer wood so they can show signs of wear over time.  They generally make the best looking deck and can last a long time if you keep a good sealer or stain on them. The choice between them comes down to availability in your area and which one you like the look and feel of.

 

Composite decking has become very popular and there are several brands with many styles and colors available. They cost more than wood decks initially but over time their durability and lack of maintenance make them a good value. Composite decking can be made to look like several species of wood and has many styles of handrails available. Many people are familiar with some of the biggest suppliers such as Trex and TimberTech. One of the latest features of composite decking is the ability to install them with hidden fasteners meaning you do not see screw heads in the boards. Choosing the best composite for your deck comes down to what is available in your area and the color and style you like best.

 




For more info visit my web site at http://www.apexcarpentryinc.com

http://www.cbcarpentry.blogspot.com





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2012年9月18日 星期二

Outdoor Grill Pads


It never fails, even when you are trying to be so careful, when you are grilling it is so easy to splatter sauce on the ground, spill the marinade or even have the grease cup overflow a little. None of which would matter if your grill were in a dedicated spot where stains and spills don't really make a difference. You could put your grill on the lawn, but that doesn't really work either, unless you have a perfectly manicured lawn with very even grass, and if that were the case, why would you want to put a grill on it? One way to avoid this potential mess is to get outdoor grill pads to protect the area where your grill goes.

Outdoor grill pads are made from a variety of materials; one company sells pads made of wood or recycled plastic, others are simply polyethylene or a rubber type material and the most popular brand is made of flexible fiber cement. While the plastic or rubber outdoor grill pads may be less expensive than the others, there are a couple reasons why they do not work as well. The most important thing to remember is that you cannot use the rubber mats with charcoal grills. The rubber is easy to clean, however, and easy to store when not in use.

The chemically treated wooden slat outdoor grill pads are attractive and functional, but will absorb the grease and stain, so they won't keep the same look. If you are buying something just to protect the surface of your deck or patio and don't mind that the covering ends up unattractive, the wood grill pad would be sufficient. The same company offers a grill pad made of slats of recycled plastic, TREX, that is more expensive than the wood, but it does clean up better, lasts longer and is ecologically friendly. These outdoor grill pads sit over your existing deck or you can use them to cover a patch of grass where your grill will stay. You can get them with the slats very close together or spaced apart. They do suggest placing them over gravel to keep grass or weeds from growing through the slats.

Another option are the outdoor grill pads made from flexible fiber cement. These outdoor grill pads are placed under the grill to protect a deck or patio from stains, sparks, barbecue sauce, marinades or other potential problems. But, unlike the other types of outdoor grill pads, these pads prevent any moisture from getting trapped between the surface and the pad, thereby preventing rotting wood or stained concrete. These outdoor grill pads come in a variety of colors and also can be special ordered with college or university logos. These are not only perfect for showing team pride at home but at tailgate parties.

These outdoor grill pads are perfect for protecting your wooden or concrete patio or deck and not only keep them looking nice but keeping your work area safe from inadvertent sparks or burning embers.




You need to protect your investment, don't overlook Outdoor Grill Pads. For more tips and ideas on bbq gas grills.





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Remodel Your Home With Cellular PVC - Versatex, AZEK, Certainteed, and TREX


As many of our homes age, maintenance, rot, and replacement become the three principles we live by. Our siding gets replaced, our windows rot out, and our trimboards deteriorate in front of our very eyes. Many times it takes 15-20 years for these effects, but replacing them can be a financial nightmare and can cost us a lot of time and grief. It's often much more economical to take the cheap route and go with the cheapest materials to replace these problems. However, you should consider a few factors to help you make your decision.

First off, homes appreciate in value, so using more expensive materials will often increase the value of your home. If you plan to live there for a while as well and enjoy your new siding, windows, deck, etc. then you may wish to spend a little bit more money for a more permanent solution that lasts and also puts value into the home. No rot composites and other revolutionary materials like cellular PVCs are breaking into the market as newfound alternatives boasting to last a lifetime. Many of these materials have the look and feel of wood too and offer paintable options that other materials like vinyl seem to lack.

The problem is wood is that inevitably it can result in problems. Usually within 10 years signs of rotting, cracking, and peeling have begun to set in. Without repainting over these exposed areas, sunlight and rain will expedite the rot process and lead to other problems such as mold and moisture in the house. It can also lead to higher energy repairs as well. Having good materials almost always save you more money in the long run. They're also selling points if you're trying to sell your house during a housing recession.

Common cellular PVC materials are Versatex, AZEK, and Certainteed. They are commonly used for trim replacement, rotting windows, and even window flower boxes, where wooden flower boxes are notorious for causing problems. Composites like TREX offer composite decking options allowing the look of unpainted wood that lasts much longer. Sidings such as Hardiplank are nice alternatives which last much longer than your traditional wood siding and can pay dividends in the long run. No matter what your budget is, make sure that you don't choose a material just based on cost alone. You should consider all the factors that are important!




Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a window box company that specializes in affordable no rot window boxes. They manufacture and sell direct pvc window boxes which are 100% rot free and impervious to moisture. These no rot window boxes have been featured on The Today Show as "the last window boxes you will ever buy." Please visit their website for more information on affordable no rot solutions.





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Advantages of WestStar Composite Decking For Northwest Homes


As more and more consumers realize the benefits of composite decking, demand for this popular alternative to cedar is expected to rise over the next few years. Its durability in rough weather makes it a particularly advantageous choice for Northwest homeowners, who also tend to appreciate the low maintenance requirements, safety advantages and environmentally friendly aspects of a composite deck.

Because composite decks are made from wood fibers encased in recycled plastic, manufacturers can differ when it comes to the amount of recycled content, the ratio of wood to plastic and the overall strength and quality of the materials. Here's what you need to know about composite decking for the Northwest:

Differences Between Composite Decking Manufacturers

Many people ask for Trex decking when what they're really looking for is composite decking. Although Trex is one of the most recognized makers of composite decks, many other manufacturers have emerged, and the quality of their products can differ.

For decks built in the rainy Northwest, one manufacturer has created a product specifically designed to withstand the region's rough weather. With enhanced protection against mildew and mold, WestStar decking was formulated to hold up in a wet, humid climate.

What Makes WestStar Composite Decking Unique

One hundred percent recycled. A combination of wood from warehouse and factory pallets, as well as scraps from woodworking studios, are combined with plastic from post-consumer bottles to give WestStar composite decking its unique strength.

Strongest plastic. WestStar selects only the toughest HDPE (High Density Polyethlyene) recycled plastics instead of lower-density plastics that can break down more quickly and result in expensive repairs.

Resistant to mold. Mold and mildew growth, which causes a slippery surface, is a common problem with composite decks. A mold inhibitor in WestStar decking keeps mold from growing, even in rainy weather. In addition, WestStar composite decks come with a signature non-skid finish for added safety.

Durable. The plastic in composite decking seals it against moisture, UV rays and extreme temperatures, which means WestStar decks have a lifespan that's two to three years longer than that of a typical wood deck.

Minimal maintenance required. There's no need to worry about paint or stain with a composite deck. Simply sweep away leaves and branches regularly, clean up any spills or stains promptly, and wash it down twice a year with a pressurized hose nozzle.

Top-notch warranty. Warranties for WestStar composite decking tend to be generous compared to those for competing brands. They almost always cover splitting, splintering, surface checking and damage from insects or termites.

Tips for Installing a Composite Deck

Traditionally, most professional contractors install composite decks by screwing the boards into the joists from the top down. Although this creates a secure structure, it can also allow moisture to seep into the areas between the screws and the boards, allowing rot and decay to infiltrate the wood material within the plastic.

To prevent this problem, you can invest a little extra money into deck clips, which fasten boards to the joists from below, eliminating the need to drill into the composite decking material and keeping the wood's protective coating intact. By installing your deck this way, you can add years to its life and bypass the need for costly repairs in the future.

~Ben Serviss, 2010




Want to know more about why WestStar outshines other brands of composite decking for Northwest homes?
Visit the Rick's Fencing & Decking website for Port Orford cedar and composite decking materials in Oregon and Washington.





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Trex Composite Decking Brings Beautiful Durability to Your Outdoor Living


Tired of the artificial look of many alternative wood decks on the market? Well, why not try natural-looking Trex composite decking?

For centuries, wood has been the favored decking material across the globe. Nowadays, though, manufacturing wooden decks has a big dilemma: destruction of hundreds of acres of forests. Because of the numerous negative effects of deforestation, many homeowners nowadays are looking for alternative decking materials.

For years, vinyl decking has been the top alternative decking material. Manufacturers advertise vinyl decking as an inexpensive solution for homeowners who are reluctant to use wood decking. And it is really true. Compared to hard wood, vinyl decking is inexpensive.

But there is one really huge downside with vinyl: appearance. Sure, a vinyl deck is very affordable, but it is not really aesthetically appealing. Manufacturers have yet to refine the art of making vinyl decks that appear real and elegant. Just take a look at vinyl decking at any local home improvement store, and you will see that it really does look kind of artificial. It pales in comparison with real wood decking in terms of appearance.

Fortunately, there is the Trex Company. One of the largest makers of wood-alternative decking in the country, Trex provides nature-loving homeowners the best decking material on the market. With Trex composite decking, homeowners will get that natural elegance that is usually offered only by real wood.

Made from recycled plastic and waste wood, Trex composite decking is one of the most eco-friendly alternative decking materials for homeowners across the US. Unlike vinyl decking, Trex composite decking has that wood-like elegance that many homeowners desire.

And that is not the end of it. There are other rewarding benefits that you can get with Trex composite decking. One very huge advantage of Trex decking is that it can offer homeowners more options on enhancing the look of their decks. Why is that so? Well, this decking can be molded and shaped to fit personalized needs--and that comes without much hassle or expense.

Another great thing with Trex decking is that it can be kept in good condition with minimal maintenance. Unlike pure wood decking, you do not need to apply water-proofing sealants to it: This Trex material is built to be water and moisture resistant.

There will be no need for you to purchase special cleaning equipment or chemicals. You can just use basic cleaning materials to maintain the integrity of your Trex composite deck. All you need to do is regularly clean it with soap and water.

What about treatment for termite and fungal damage? Well, that is not necessary with Trex composite decking. Although it is partly made from wood, Trex has designed special manufacturing techniques that make their finished composite decking unappealing for termites and fungi.

But will your Trex deck last long? The answer to that is a big YES. Trex products are designed to resist the elements. However cold or hot the weather gets, rest assured that this decking will not crack or splinter. And that comes without application of special sealants or other coatings.

Durable, low maintenance, and natural-looking, Trex composite decking simply has the perfect qualities that homeowners want with alternative decking. Get Trex decking and give yourself a wonderful deck, and at the same time, help preserve the well-being of our environment.




Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about decks and backyards at Vinyl Decking, with information on finding the best Trex Composite Decking and other backyard ideas and discussions that any outdoor enthusiast would be interested in.





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2012年9月17日 星期一

Maintenance Free Does Not Exist!


In the world, I have found that everything is in a state of deterioration. Human bodies are in a state of deterioration, relationships are in a state of deterioration, cars are in a state of deterioration and houses are in a state of deterioration. All of them require effort and work in order to not deteriorate further. My body requires exercise, a healthy diet, regular doctor and dentist appointments, as well as rest and relaxation. My relationships deserve active listening, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts of service and meaningful touch. My car requires gas and oil just to run, air in the tires, regular servicing. And a house requires painting, gutters kept clean, trash and debris removed, HVAC and other systems regularly serviced. Even vacant land requires mowing, trash removal and erosion control.

It is commonly accepted that a new car's value drops significantly the second it is driven off the car lot! So it amazes me when a home owner assumes that once they have bought a home, that they are done - that from then on they can live there happily ever after. Part of this misconception I believe is that advertisers frequently represent products as being "maintenance free". How can that honestly be?

For example, the gutter companies that sell the shields or guards that go over the gutters lead one to believe that the home owner will never have to get up on the roof again. But even the gutter cover requires maintenance, if it gets clogged with debris, the entire system will jam up and not let water to flow freely. Our office had a roofing contractor explain issues to watch for in roof maintenance and the question came up, is it better to have gutter guards or not. The short answer is that yes they can help keep the larger debris out, but that still doesn't mean they never require maintenance again.

Another product that often claims that it is "maintenance free" is synthetic decking manufacturers. One of these companies, Trex, advertised in 1996 that the product maintains its natural beauty and color "all by itself". It is true that synthetic decking does not split or splinter, rot or warp, but it does tend to grow mold, mildew and other substances. To remove the mold substance it requires frequent cleaning, so thus it is not maintenance free.

My husband and I last year purchased a townhouse that is about 10 years old, much newer than our previous single-family home that was built in 1959. We were hopeful that would mean that the time associated with maintenance as well as our expenses would go down, and they both have. But that doesn't mean that our home is maintenance free. In the first 6 months of ownership we had to replace the dishwasher, one of the HVAC units and several of the slate shingles.

I recommend that a property owner budget on an annual basis between 1%-3% of the value of the property towards maintenance and updating. So for a $1 million property, a homeowner should budget on an annual basis for maintenance, systems and features upgrades between $10,000-$30,000.




An experienced Realtor understands maintenance issues associated with real property, as well as has a list of reliable vendors that provide service and installation. Karen Briscoe with the Huckaby Briscoe Group, Keller Williams Realty would like to be that Realtor for you. Whether it be buying or selling of real property, Karen can be reached at 703-734-0192 or Homes@HBGroup.us. Or visit the HBGroup website for more information at http://www.HuckabyBriscoe.com.





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How to Decorate Your Deck and Give it a New Look


Decks and patios are a great way to spend free time outside with the family or just enjoying nature. They can be the center of family occasions, parties, bar-b-ques or an outlet for reading, writing, and just plain relaxing. Having a deck atmosphere that sets the right mood is critical to getting the most enjoyment out of your deck. This can be achieved with a few decorative additions, a simple remodel, or a complete deck overhaul. Here's a few tips and tricks you can use to learn how to decorate your deck, make your old deck look new, and make your new deck standout.

1. First, you should consider the material the deck is made from. Today there are composite materials like TREX, AZEK, and Versatex that look like wood but are much more resistant to rotting and the elements. Some of them are designed to last a lifetime. If you plan to live in your home for a long time, it can be advantageous to consider and invest in a composite deck that will last much longer and look new for a very long time. Staining a deck is a good option for wood, but make sure the wood is treated properly so that the stain lasts the longest. Some composites can be stained and will hold the stain for longer periods of time.

2. You can also upgrade your deck with more decorative railings or posts. These can cost more, but can dictate the architectural style of the deck and feel of it. Aluminum railings are better for exterior use and will resist the normal rust associated with wrought-iron. Decorative PVC posts and railings can give you the same rich look of an interior railing, but in a completely rot and moisture free application that will last for years.

3. A trellis is a good addition to a deck and can create a wall of privacy so that you can screen out the views of your neighbors. It can add an upward dimension to the deck and give it a closed feel. You can also have overhead crossbeams installed. These can create a sunscreen or allow you the ability to make a vine cover overhead that will turn your deck into a green sanctuary.

4. For simple wood railings, why not give them a decorative upgrade with some deck railing window boxes. Decorating a deck is with deck rail planters can transform a plain deck to a flower sanctuary. Nowadays, you can find planters that are designed to attach to the railing allowing you to wrap your complete deck in planter boxes and hanging vines and flowers for a dramatic effect that will leave your neighbors green with envy. A freestanding planter could also work for a more private showing of your flowers.




Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a popular online window box company that specializes in affordable no rot window boxes, deck rail planters, and freestanding planters. These deck rail planters and freestanding planters have been featured on The Today Show as "the last window boxes you will ever buy." They are a great way to transform a simple deck or patio railing. Please visit their website for more information.





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Composit Decking - Material That Can Handle Mother Nature


Composit decking is one of the new decking materials for commercial and residential decks that is cornering a section of the market. If you are not sure about using this material for your decking, you should read some of the reviews of the various brands. Viewing photos of decks completed with composite decking material will also give you a good idea of the professional ambiance that this can bring to the exterior of your home. Although composit decking comes in second place to wood in the look and appearance of a deck, you can get this material that looks as if you have a traditional wood deck.

The word composit means that the material used in the decking is molded or extruded using a process of mixing wood and plastic to create a unique decking material. Composit decking has distinct advantages over wood if you want to have a deck with which you will have very little work in the future. If you read composite decking reviews, you will learn that some manufacturers use polyethylene plastic while others use vinyl. The wood used is generally wood fibers or sawdust, although you would never guess this when you see the composite decking photos.

The brand of composit decking that you buy depends on what you are looking for. Read the composite decking reviews of Elk, Procell, Trex Geodeck and more then 25 other manufacturers of composite decking. You will find very favourable reviews about all of them whether you choose plank decking or composit tile decking. In the reviews, you can also learn valuable information about how to install this decking and the best ways of fastening it to a wooden frame. You can learn from the mistakes of others by reading reviews, so that you can avoid some of the common problems homeowners sometimes have and then feel so foolish when they realize the simple mistake they made.

Composite decking photos in magazines and online are a great way for you to decide which type of composit decking would best suit your home. As you compare the various photos of the composite decking material, you can also compare the prices of this decking material. When you compare the prices of the composit deck prices with that of wooden decks, you should keep in mind that composite decking requires very low maintenance. This is not true of wood decking. Read composite decking reviews to help you understand how paying a higher initial price can help save you money down the road.

The only maintenance you will need to do when you install composit decking is washing it down with a hose. This decking material does not rot, crack or splinter and it never needs painting or staining. If you notice that the color fades a bit in the first few months, just read the composite decking reviews to find out that this is perfectly natural. The color will fade slightly as it adjusts to the weather of your location. After that, the color will remain constant in your composit decking so that it will always look like new.




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Composit Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Trex Decking and Pool Decking.





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2012年9月16日 星期日

Six Indisputable Reasons to Install a New Composite Deck


If you're considering adding a deck to your home but you're worried about things like cost, maintenance and longevity, look no further than plastic/wood composite materials. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood can make for attractive decks, but nothing beats the durability of a good composite. Decks made with products like Trex, TimberTech or Evergrain are easy to construct, beautiful to behold, and will stand the test of time:

Composite decks are cheaper in the long run. A price list for wood products and composite materials might be misleading. While the initial cost of composites is higher, there's almost no upkeep cost, in dollars or elbow grease. That's because all of our composites are maintenance free - there's no need to water-seal or restain them. Whereas with wood, you might pay $3 per square foot for a good renovation every year or so (and even more than that for resurfacing every 10 to 15 years), composites only require sweeping and an occasional hosing-off. Many composites are even stain-free.

Composite decks are easy to install. Many of our composites are designed specifically for making decks, which means they're less work to install. Many composite decking materials feature tongue-and-groove design, making assembly a snap.

Composite decks are environmentally friendly. Aside from being composed of reclaimed wood and recycled plastics - materials which would otherwise go to a landfill - composite decks don't require wood preservatives, which can leak into soil and groundwater.

Composite decks have a great, consistent appearance. Because composite decking planks are designed from scratch specifically for decks, they're uniform in appearance, without the knotholes or areas of raised grain that can make wood decking difficult to deal with. Put that potted plant wherever you want - with composite decks, you won't need to use them to hide imperfections.

Composite decks age gracefully. The sky can dump as much rain and snow as it wants on your new deck - the planks won't warp. Or cup. Or twist. And the fasteners won't come loose. Many types of composite decking resist scratches and retain their grain over time, and many more are fade-resistant. Whatever you choose, your deck will look as good ten years from now as it did when you first installed it.

Composite decks are easier to walk on in bare feet. What fun is the great outdoors if you've got to leave your shoes on? Composites won't heat up in the sun, no matter how hot it gets. They won't splinter either. So go ahead - kick your sandals off and enjoy the nice weather.




Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





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Deck Building with Alternative Materials


On a warm summer evening, with the smell of barbeque wafting over from the grill, it's difficult not to appreciate the simple beauty of a nice outdoor deck. Once the deck building is completed, the main challenge will be maintaining the deck. There are a variety of building materials that can help you maintain your deck over the years.

Using alternative materials for your deck building project can make maintenance easier at the same time that you provide for environmental responsibility concerns. Lumber come from trees, and incase you're totally lost in the loop of corporate-biased television programming, you're already aware that the depletion of our forests continues to increase at an alarming rate.

Luckily, there are new technologies and alternative building materials that allow one to take on a deck building project with renewed gusto, for they offer environmentally sound materials as well as deck building materials that will last for years and years, with much less maintenance than the traditional wood deck.

Trex is one of the first deck building companies to incorporate recycled materials into their deck pieces. A combination of reclaimed plastic from consumer products and shopping bags are combined with wood fiber that may otherwise go to waste. These materials are then formed into planks and installed in very much the same way that traditional deck wood planks would be installed.

The Trex deck building materials are extremely resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation as well as all forms of weather and exposure related issues of damage. The boards will not chip, splinter, warp or rot. The plastic portion of the mixture protects the wood from rotting. As such, there is absolutely no need for applying a sealant or deck paint.

So instead of reapplying deck paint for weather sealing varnish, you can do nothing! These post-consumer recycled deck building boards make horrible termite food as well! With all of these benefits, to the environment, the pocketbook and future weekends NOT spent maintaining your wood deck, it's a wonder that anyone is still building the traditional wood type of deck at all.

There are other companies and manufacturers of similar deck building supplies and materials, such as the TimberTech company. This companies deck material is similar to that of Trex, but wood fiber is mixed with formulated polymers to effect the same type of durable, pest and maintenance resistant deck materials.

Then there's Dream Deck, with a completely vinyl deck building product. Like the two companies mentioned above, these products are completely warp, splinter and weather resistant. Plus, Dream Deck offers a number of deck accessories to compliment your deck area.

Each of these companies, as well as several others not mentioned, offer a variety of colors and finishes from which to choose. Take your time and shop around, as each of these companies offer different deals and each type of deck building material has its own installation guidelines and potential complications.




Nicky is a do-it-yourself landscape enthusiast who has written numerous articles for various landscaping books on helping individuals plan their home design projects. He has created [http://www.loneoak.net] which consolidates all of his knowledge into colorful illustrations with free installation tips for various deck ideas [http://www.loneoak.net].





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Decking Parts And Structure Explained


Decks come in wide ranges of shapes designs, large and small. One thing that stands out among the different sizes and looks is that the structure or look of a deck is the same. For DIY'ers here is a valuable breakdown of all deck parts or structures needed to ensure a solid, long lasting and safe deck.

So what are the parts of a deck? What are they made of?

Knowledge is strength. Acquaint yourself with the various names and parts of your deck. Just think how you'll impress your friends and spouse as you order that part by name at your building supply.

Let's begin identifying and naming each structural part of a deck.

Boards used in the construction of decks usually are pressure treated wood because pressure treated is great for strength and longer life in the elements. These boards come in 2x6, and larger structural sizes, that hold the deck up. When constructing a deck other names you will become familiar with are ledgers, beams, posts, and joists.

Topside parts of the deck include the actual decking , rails, stairway, and decorative fascia usually 2x6 just below the deck running horizontal. The parts you see topside are usually in redwood, cedar or for example if its a composite deck, then you would probably use the manufacturer's composite railing kit and posts that compliment the brand of decking you have chosen.

Lets Identify the Deck Ledgers: They are used to secure a deck to an existing house. It's used to support one end of your joists. Joists: These are usually 2x6 boards attached at both ends of the deck. Joists are what the deck boards are attached to, either by nailing, screwing or T-clips. These joists are secured to the header joist on one end and to the ledger on the other end.

Concrete Footings; How is the deck supported? By concrete footings. The footing is formed by pouring concrete in the ground and hence allowed to dry. While drying some will secure a cement block of sorts with wood on top of this to nail in their 4x4 posts. Another way to attach posts is with metal post anchors made of galvanized steel.

Posts: These are attached to the concrete footings vertically 4x4's.

Beams: ( 2x8 or 2x10 wood supports) Called the main support system which is fastened to the deck posts underneath the deck.

Railings Terms you will hear are balusters, posts, railing and the cap. Balusters and posts you'll find are attached to the header and outside joists of the deck. The height of of the rails are usually 24- 34 inches high- check with local building codes.

Stairs: Made of 2 stringers and a number of what is called treads attached with cleats (metal) to the side of a deck.

That's it for now.....Happy Deck Building.




Darrell Suchocki invites you to benefit form his 25 years of experience in the construction trades as a builder and flooring installer and home water damage. See his website at http://decks-n-floors.com/ for comprehensive information about flooring and decks to make better home improvement buying decisions. Plus see other articles related to the home construction trade. http://decks-n-floors.com/





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Using Hardwood Decking in Your House


Hardwood decking has become very popular these days and has witnessed a manifold increase in use across the United States. The high quality of the hardwood can give the decking a very polished appearance. The sudden jump in its popularity has been facilitated by the easy availability of quality woods such as Ipe, Yellow Ballau, Oak timber, Trex, etc.

Softer woods, while being easier to work with, don't quite offer the refined, polished look that most home owners desire. This problem is offset by the use of hardwood. Hardwood is somewhat difficult to work with, owing to its density. But in the long run, this higher density translates into more durability, which makes the extra initial expense worth the price in the long run. This is a great advantage when you consider the fact that the decking is usually subject to adverse weather which most softwoods cannot withstand.

Hardwoods have been used extensively in Europe for several decades now. If you visit a house in Stockholm or Oslo, chances are, you will find hardwood used extensively throughout the outdoors. The wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests where trees are cut down only in specific numbers so as to maintain a certain amount of green cover. Using hardwoods, thus, is environmentally sustainable.

In contrast to softwoods or synthetic substitutes, the color of hardwood varies naturally. Thus, no two floors will have the same color or texture. If you want a unique look for your house, hardwoods should be your first choice. Additionally, the sheen and smoothness of hardwoods is much more superior to synthetic substitutes or comparable softwoods.

A good designer should be able to use hardwood decking in a creative way so as to bring out as well as complement the natural "aura" of your house' outdoor areas. You should be careful not to overuse it though as most people following this trend are prone to do. Use hardwood judiciously to complement your house and outdoors design, not to overwhelm it.




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2012年9月15日 星期六

Advantages of Hardwood Decking


A deck is the "must have" home addition this summer. It can enhance the look of your house by several notches and give you additional space to entertain friends or relax with your loved ones. Decks are great for BBQs, a romantic candlelight dinner, or just gazing at the stars with your better half.

Decks are mostly built out of wood. This is because wood is easy to work with, can withstand different weather conditions, looks great, and complements the "outdoors" theme of the deck. In addition, wood is also cost effective, durable, and 'natural'.

You can build a deck using either hardwood of softwood. The latter is not really recommended owing to its lack of strength and overall poor aesthetic qualities. Hardwood, on the other hand, is the ideal wood for making decks. Hardwood decking has several advantages, some of which are:

1. Hardwood decking is strong and durable. While it may be a bit difficult to work with as compared to softwood, a decking made out of hardwood will be able to withstand diverse weather conditions and remain undamaged for generations. Hardwood does not rot easily either. This is quite an important feature, especially if you live in an area prone to excess rainfall or adverse weather.

2. Hardwood decking has a natural sheen and smoothness. This is undoubtedly one of the most important reasons for its popularity among home owners. Hardwood decking simply looks amazing as compared to its softwood or synthetic counterparts. It has a natural sheen and feels great to touch owing to its smoothness. Moreover, hardwood varies naturally in color and texture, meaning that no two decks will ever look the same.

3. It is cost effective, as compared to the alternatives. When you consider the durability and aesthetic qualities hardwood offers, its cost comes out quite cheap compared to synthetic alternatives. Cost is a major factor in home renovations. This is perhaps the reason why hardwood is preferred over other woods when it comes to making decks.




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The Best Ways to Build Green


Green building is a design process that grows out of a connection with the natural landscape. It is a set of informed decisions that considers the site and materials to reduce the cost, maintenance, and energy usage of the home. Conservation is central to the green building approach. Green homes are healthier, safer, more comfortable, and cost less to operate. They connect people to the land and community around them. Here are seven green building ideas:

Build a passive solar design.

Passive solar design for natural heating and cooling is practiced throughout the world under all climate conditions. As energy costs rise, it is critical to use building orientation, window placements, stone floors, roof overhangs, reflective barriers and other techniques to control natural solar energy.

In warm climates, face the broad side of the house to the north or south, to avoid excessive heat gain as the sun rises and drops in the horizon. Use deep overhangs or solar screens to shield glass areas from direct sun. Avoid skylights or greenhouse rooms, because they allow too much heat gain.

In colder climates, solar heat can be captured and stored in materials such as concrete or stone to be slowly released during the evening.

An open floor plan optimizes the effect of passive solar heating or cooling.

Doors and windows should be placed to catch the prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation. Lower inflow windows and higher outflow windows keeps air moving, as hot air rises.

A thermal chimney uses a hot zone, such as a glass cupola with windows or vents, to create rising air currents to pull air through the building.

Double glass panes provide an insulating air space between the panes, reducing heat transfer.

The metal oxide coating on Low-E (emissive) glass helps to keep solar heat out, and interior heat in.

Ventilate attic spaces.

In hot climates, attic spaces can accumulate heat, transferring it to living areas below. AC ducts located in the attic will absorb this heat.

In cold climates, moisture can accumulate in unventilated attic spaces, causing wood rot or mold.

Continuous eave and roof ridge vents will create natural air flow through the attic. Air enters through the eave vents, and moves out through the ridge vents. As heated air rises, it ventilates the attic.

Lighter colored roof materials absorb less heat.

Reflective heat barriers on the underside of the roof deck help to reduce heat gain.

High levels of insulation in attics and exterior walls is crucial for comfortable indoor temperature in all climates.

Some research is being done on building sealed, highly insulated attics.

Optimize your heat and AC systems.

An oversized system will cool too quickly, and leave the room clammy. Smaller systems run long enough reach the desired temperature, and, at the same time, clear the air of humidity.

A smaller system lasts longer, does not cycle on and off frequently, and costs less to purchase.

Check for leaks in duct work joints, and around windows, doors, attic stairs, exhaust pipes, recessed lights, and electric outlets. Ongoing maintenance of central air systems is necessary to prevent air loss.

Use programmable thermostats to regulate your energy usage.

Use Pleated-Media Filters in AC return-air grills. This filter removes particles as small as mold spores from the air that is drawn back into the AC blower, keeping coils cleaner and improving the air quality in your home.

Heat pumps on electric furnaces reduce energy use by drawing heat from outside air, using the same technology that air conditioners use to remove heat from indoor air.

Check with your utility provider for free diagnostic testing and rebates for high efficiency AC systems, insulation, solar screens, and weather-stripping.

Reduce water needs.

Native landscaping that is suited to the rainfall in your area is fundamental to building green.

Keep as much native growth on your lot as possible.

Water pervious materials such as crushed granite or open paving blocks allow water to percolate into the ground.

Rainwater catchment systems use gutters and barrels to catch and store water that falls on roofs.

Front loading washing machines use less energy and water. Some dishwashers use less water and have no-heat drying. Check water and energy usage before buying appliances.

Low flow toilets and shower heads reduce water usage.

Reduce water and fertilizer needs by re-cycling yard waste and leaves for use as mulch.

Use renewable or recycled materials.

Consider decks made of waste wood and plastic, such as Trex or other brands.

Medium density fiberboard (MDF), a wood product used for interior trim and doors, does not contain formaldehyde.

Fiber-Cement siding, trim, and pipe materials (Hardie Board) are very durable, rot resistant, and fire retardant.

Use locally produced, and easily renewed, materials when possible.

Consider alternative building materials, such as rammed earth, straw bale or insulated concrete panels.

Concrete floors utilize the foundation material as finish floor, saving materials and labor.

Recycled wood floors are a very attractive re-use of materials.

Bamboo floors are made from a rapidly renewable source - bamboo is a grass that can grow several feet per day.

Hard surface floors do not hold dust, molds, and allergens, and are very durable.

Use materials with recycled content when possible, such as cellulose insulation, Thermo-ply, and lumber composites.

Plan for a place to re-cycle household trash, such as a storage bin in the kitchen, and holding bin in the garage.

Safeguard your site.

Trees, vegetation and bird habitat on the site should be protected during the construction.

Native trees, grasses, rock outcroppings and natural drainage can be made a part of your building and landscaping design.

Reduce the impact to the building site as much as possible.

Make sure construction waste is properly disposed of, especially paints and solvents. Do not allow them to be buried on the site.

Use safe materials.

Use products that are biodegradable, non toxic, water based, and cold water compatible.

Avoid products that contain dyes, ozone depleting chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or known carcinogens.

Avoid solvent based finishes, particleboard, adhesives, some carpets, and other products that release volatile chemicals into the air.

Look for green rated labels on carpets and other products.

Remove old-style pressure treated wood when possible, especially in play structures.

Green building is an approach to design and construction that respects the environment and conserves resources. It is a common sense approach that is available to all home owners. Green building techniques create a more cost effective, enjoyable and sustainable home to live in.




Roselind Hejl is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United in Austin, Texas. Her website - Austin Texas Real Estate - http://www.weloveaustin.com - offers homes for sale, market trends, buyer and seller guides. Let Roselind help you make your move to Austin, Texas. Austin Real Estate Guide





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Know The Reason Behind Inflated Trex Decking Prices


If you want superior quality decking material, then nothing can match up to the standard of the brand Trex. It is a fact that this brand offers high price products to their customers as compared with other service providers in the same industry but it is due to the unmatchable standard both in designs and quality which makes it expensive. They are worth the value of your hard money. You will find several advantages behind paying inflated Trex decking prices which is its unique quality and durability. Trex is one of the amalgamated decking equipments that contains a higher mix or percentage of wood.

So if you are looking for decking materials and their prices over the online medium, you will find several service providers to offer you with large variations but the products from Trex are best in the Industry. They do not even require too much of maintenance as it is done for woods. They are known for their environment friendly nature and thus are recyclable further. The quality of these materials is quite sturdy this is why the prices are also bit higher. Decks from Trex do not crack or rot easily and there is fuss of painting or staining them for effective performance during cold climatic conditions. Trex decks require little or no maintenance and eventually save your maintenance fees largely.

This will be more evident if you consider comparing the Trex decking prices with the normal brigade of decking materials online. With Trex you will receive more benefits and value for money. You can also get more tips on the installation process through online surfing. You always have an option of buying them online if required. You can initially compare Trex decking prices with the average ones in order to be sure about its credibility and finally plan and make a sensible purchase decision.




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2012年9月14日 星期五

How To Build a Deck You'll Never Worry About


You may have heard the stories: Owners of wood decks complaining about warping and splintering, or about the creepy-crawlies that made homes in the knotholes of the lumber. It's enough to make you think twice about installing a deck.

Wood decks can be a beautiful investment - if you've got the time to devote to caring for them. But sometimes you just want to install your deck and start enjoying it... and continue enjoying it with as little maintenance as possible.

That's where composite wood decking comes in. Composite wood decking is a revolutionary product that combines the look and texture of real wood with the durability and sturdiness of a plastic composite. Wood decking has a great natural look and feel, but it can fade and crack without a rigorous maintenance schedule. Composite decking retains its beauty and strength with little effort. And it can do it while maintaining that same outdoorsy look.

Lumber, by its nature, is attractive to termites, woodlice and other pests; composite wood decking won't appeal to even the hungriest of insects. You're a busy homeowner, and you've got enough chores on your list. There's no reason to add more, like spraying for bugs and slopping water sealant all over your deck in the hot weather.

What's more, most composite wood decks are environmentally friendly, and feature the natural look of real lumber because they contain real lumber. When composites are created, their manufacturers reclaim and reuse wood by-products - sawdust, wood fibers and other lumber cast-offs that would otherwise go to a landfill - and combine them with other materials that seal in both beauty and strength. The result is a composite wood decking material that retains its attractiveness in the face of anything nature throws at it. Rain and snow, mold and fungus, bugs and burrowers - composite decks can deflect it all.

The wonders of competition in the free market have resulted in a vivid rainbow of composite decking types; because several companies manufacture it, composite wood decking also comes in a variety of textures, colors and patterns, any combination of which is sure to satisfy your desire for a warm, pleasing aesthetic.

Each manufacturer specializes in a specific type of decking. Trex, for instance, offers versatility of style, whereas TimberTech planks are famed for their comfort. Before beginning any decking project, it's important to outline for yourself what you want in a deck. It'll help you make the right choice when it's time to pick a manufacturer.

Your individual needs will decide the kind of composite wood decking material you should buy. If you're looking for the smoothness and comfort associated with an indoor floor, try TimberTech's Floorizon Plank, with its hidden-from-view fastener system and its silky surface. If it's versatility you're in the market for, Trex Accents may be for you: On one side, a smooth, soft surface; on the other, a standard wood grain. Many composite products allow for numerous design possibilities, so you can have swooping postmodern curves and simple, straightforward coziness, all in the same deck.

As environmental consciousness grips the world more and more, and people become more concerned with reclaiming and recycling waste, composite wood decking products will become more prevalent and popular. There's really no better way to build a deck that retains its sturdiness and beauty over the years.




Kevin Ott is a freelance copywriter who lives in California and writes on a variety of topics, including home improvement, food, travel, marketing, and a variety of other topics. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of composite wood decking material (to both contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners) in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





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Dangerous Decks - Quick Tips For Safety and Peace of Mind


Decks are thought of as places for us to enjoy-to entertain or relax. But before we can really relax on our decks, we need to know that they are safe.

According to experts, the deck is the most dangerous place in the house. More injuries and more deaths occur on decks than anywhere else, and of all structural failures other than those caused by hurricanes and tornadoes, collapsing decks cause the most damage. Between 2000 and 2006, there were 30 fatalities in the United States alone.

If you already have a deck, it's probably in need of an annual "deck check."

The North American Deck and Railing Association recommends that you check different areas of the deck for splitting or decay. This is especially important on the ledger board, where the deck meets the house. Poke the wood with a sharp screwdriver or an ice pick. If you can easily penetrate the wood to a quarter or half inch, or it you break off wood without splinters, there may be decay. If so, the wood should be replaced.

Check for small holes in the wood. Those may be signs of insect damage and you might need to call a professional exterminator.

Put pressure on your railings and banisters to make sure they are secure. Then check all fastening hardware such as screws, nails, and anchors for loose items that need to be tightened.

Here is some important information if you are planning on building your own deck.

It's estimated that this year 2,500,000 decks will be built in the US. Many of these will be built by homeowners themselves, people who may not be aware of the importance of correct building requirements for long-term deck safety.

Part of the problem is that the U.S. national building codes offer little coverage on residential decks and local building codes vary greatly. It's important to check with your local government agency that issues building permits before starting on your deck.

Remember that most deck failures occur at the place where the deck joins the house. Make sure you use quality fasteners of more than sufficient strength and durability. Treated lumber contains copper that can corrode steel fasteners, so check the corrosion-resistance of the kind you select.

Plan on putting an additional support under the deck next to the house. This can act as a fail-safe in case the deck were to fail and can prevent serious injury.

If you are building your deck with wood, you might want to consult the International Residential Code for building materials. It offers tables that recommend what size boards to use. For example, the IRC suggests that if you use pine wood for floor joists, you need to use 2" x 10" boards, spaced 24" on center to span 13'. It also gives guidance for railings: 36" minimum height with posts no greater than 6' apart and attached with 2.5" diameter through bolts and washers.

If you are planning on using composite materials such as the popular Trex@, there is a web site that gives strength specifications on a variety of manufacturer's products

The wonderful feeling of recreation and repose that a deck can provide shouldn't be compromised by concerns for safety. Taking the time and expense to ensure that your deck is a safe place for you and your family pays dividends in years of peace of mind.




Jonathan Scott runs an outdoor living space blog and is a purchasing manager for Umbrella Market Place, an on-line store for discount custom patio, market, and commercial umbrellas. More information can be found at [http://www.umbrellamarketplace.com]





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Interesting Composite Deck Building


If you are looking to get yourself a new composite deck for your home, you should try to stick to getting a professional to install and build it. Decks are something that you can try to make for yourself, but if you are not keen on building things, you might end up ruining your backyard, or simply ruining your bank account. Your bank account will suffer and then you'll have to pay someone to not only tear down your composite decking mess, but also make you rethink your construction abilities.

For many people, construction work is not so hard. However, that construction work might not translate well to making a strong, and safe composite deck because if you have several people on it at once, you do not want it to fall and break, hurting your friends, family and even children. Yes, there are people that can build nice decks and do a lot of projects in their home. However, the majority of people that try to build something, hang rain gutters, or simply do their own construction, plumbing, or electricity, eventually realize that their handy work is not up to par with the professionals. If you try to do it yourself and you forget to test it for stress, you may have a lawsuit on your hands.

If you got sick, you wouldn't simply self diagnose yourself. You would not want to make a judgment call on your life, but for whatever reasons, many different people seem to think that they can do what the professionals do without any major problems. It's not easy to build with composite decking from raw materials. Sure there are home improvement shows that will make you believe that anything that can be done at home can be done with your own hands, and while that is interesting to say the least, it is not always the case when considering building a large scale project like a nice deck in your backyard.

Your backyard might be missing a composite deck, but do not be scared of adding that to your home. You will enjoy the greater good that this will value if it is done correctly. Things like knowing the proper deck screws to use to joist spacing can make a world of difference. However, if you are not sure, ask for a professional estimate and the pro's will make sure that you get the Correct deck or Trex deck of your dreams and make sure that you are not going to regret getting it. They'll also make sure it lasts for the life of your home and beyond.




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Spring Maintenance Tips


It is that time of year, the outdoors are coming alive!

Now is the time to think of some of the interior and exterior semi annual maintenance items that need attention.

Here is a peak at my honey do list:


Change the batteries in my smoke detectors
Vacuum and check my carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
Check my all purpose class A, B, C fire extinguishers located in my kitchen, garage and laundry room
Call my Furnace and air conditioning company to service my AC
Clean my gutters and check my downspouts
Clean all by bathroom and kitchen exhaust filters
Clean my air ducts, have not done those in five years it is time
Check my roof for wear along the snow line, from the ground with binoculars
Service the interior drain lines in my 1955 ranch style home, in my kitchen, laundry sink, bath tub, and basement floor drains I add one cup of baking soda, follow with one cup of white vinegar then pour a tea kettle of boiling water after that. I actually do this monthly
Find the handy caulking gun and caulk around the exterior of my doors, windows, bath tub tiles, kitchen or bath counter tops, driveway or foundational cracks and all those places that have caulk that has cracked or has gaps on the inside and outside of my home
Check the soffits and fascia boards behind my gutters for water damage or areas where animals can enter my attic
Check my hot water heater and other drain lines for water leaks
Vacuum the back coils on my fridge and underneath too
Check the tar flashing around my roof protrusions or on my flat roof seams
Mark the areas of exterior painted surfaces that need repainting or repairs
Talk about our fire safety plan or our bad weather plan
Schedule the sprinkler turn on along with the inspection of the sprinkler heads and the deck misting system
Replace water damaged Trex decking, this stuff is suppose to be maintenance free, but not always
Check the cement capstone on top of my chimney for any cracking or deterioration
Check the attic for leaking or damage


If I had:
Stucco on my house, I would schedule my professional stucco tech to visit the home to make any necessary repairs
A sump pump, I would have it inspected and operated to ensure it was working correctly
A radon mitigation system I would schedule my annual radon test
A basement wood subfloor with space underneath that has a ventilation system, I would schedule an inspection of the fans and humidistat
Lived in an area of high moisture I would have a mold and moisture inspection
Lived in an area that is affected by hurricanes or tornados I would have all necessary inspections of related items and review my safety plans and strategies

Be smart in your approach to home maintenance, do what you can easily do, hire the rest.

Good luck, be careful when using your ladders always look up you would be amazed at what can get in the way of a ladder- light fixtures, electrical wires all kinds of things.

And last but not least, clean the clothes dryer lint trap, lines and exterior cap along with the inside of the dryer.




Ranoli is a Holistic Home Inspector, Life Development Counselor, Intuitive Environmental Consultant, Author, Teacher and Radio Host on http://HealthyLife.net

She is the owner of Heart And Home Healing, a consulting service designed to empower people, create healthy homes and stage the feel of homes or offices.
Reach her at FaithRanoli@aol.com





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2012年9月13日 星期四

Cleaning Wood and Trex Decks


With the approach of spring many homeowners look forward to spending time once again on their deck or patio. Unless you live in a mild climate you probably have some work to do before you will be ready to invite your family and friends over for a cookout. Regardless of whether your deck is a traditional wood surface or a composite material like Trex® the most common spring task is cleaning your deck.

Fall, Winter, and early Spring weather can produce a number of different stains on your deck. Mold, sap, fall leaves, and other debris will all leave a mark on your deck surface and may need to be cleaned in different manners. If this is the first time cleaning the surface make sure that you check before power washing or using a chemical agent to clean your deck AND test a small, out-of-the-way region to make sure there will be no ill effects. Here are some common ways to clean your deck.

Sweep it Up and Hose It Down - Use rake, blower, and/or broom to remove leaves, sticks, dirt and other loose debris from your deck. Once cleared, use you hose and spray down the deck - a surprising amount of the clean-up may be accomplished in this fashion.

Chemical Cleaners - Most home and garden stores will have a selection deck, patio, and wood cleaners for you to choose from as well as professionals to offer you suggestions on what is best for your deck. Many can be applied with a deck sprayer or sponge mop and if necessary scrubbed with (appropriately enough) a deck brush. Whatever cleaner you use, make sure to familiarize yourself with the cautions on the package (some can harm your landscaping if inappropriately applied) and apply it as directed.

More Power - If you still have dirt and stains, you may want to try using a power washer. This works particularly well when you are cleaning a hard and/or porous surface (i.e., cement or pavers) however you must take care not to damage the surface (high pressure water can do a surprising amount of damage if you are not careful). Special caution must be taken when using a power washer on wood, composite, painted, and/or stained surface as too much pressure applied at too close a range can mar the surface you are cleaning and remove even paint and stain. Use a wider angle spray and practice on out of the way areas until you get the hand of it.




Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.





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Composite Decking Material - Choose From Several Brands To Beautify Your Home


There are many types of composite decking material for you to choose from when you decide this is the material you want for your deck. Although composite decking is composed of wood, it does have other components as well, such as recycled plastic and the wood is usually reclaimed wood. The wood in the composite decking material may actually be sawdust or chips of wood. There are various prices associated with composite decking material, so you would be wise to read reviews of each brand before you buy.

Evergrain is one of the brands of composite wood decking. If you read the composite decking reviews of this name, you will find that the molding process used in the manufacturing of this type of composite decking material is the closest you will get to having a deck look like it is made of real wood. Composite wood decking is available in various colors, but for a truly beautiful deck, homeowners usually want the look and feel of a wood grain. The reviews of Evergrain will tell you that there is a 25 year warranty with this composite decking that includes the fact that the decking color will remain true.

All composite decking material is easy to install. When you are looking through the various composite decking reviews, you may have several factors that you want to look for. The most important part of installing composite wood decking is the price. This is the bottom line for most homeowners as they determine which brand of composite decking their budget will allow. Composite decking is more expensive than traditional wood decking, but even in this category there are differences. For example, Trex decking is the most expensive type of composite decking, but once you have it installed you have a deck that will last a lifetime.

Even if you decide to go with the cheapest composite decking material, of which Veranda decking is one, you will still have a beautiful deck. There is an added bonus if you choose this type of composite wood decking in that the boards are reversible. One side has a wood grain, while the other has a smooth finish. When you get tired of one style on the deck, you can reverse the boards so that everyone will think you have a new deck. Composite decking reviews also give you hints about the best way to install each type of decking and any problems that you need to watch out for.

Whichever brand of composite decking material you decide to choose, you do not have to visit the local home improvement store to get it. With the many companies selling composite wood decking that have online stores, you can virtually order your decking from any part of the country and have it shipped to you. Along with reading the composite decking reviews, you can also search for retailers with the cheapest prices of composite decking material. Although this may take you a little extra time, the money you save will make it worth your while.




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Composite Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Trex Decking and Pool Decking.





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10 Phases of Swimming Pool Construction


Building an inground swimming pool is the culmination of 10 different phases of swimming pool construction. This article will give you a brief understanding of the construction cycle. And it all begins with, the desire to have a pool in your own backyard.

Design & Engineering

The first place most homeowners look for qualified swimming pool contractors is the local phone book, and by word of mouth from others who have built a pool. After the initial interview process, you will have a good idea what your swimming pool will cost to have built. The contractor or consultant will provide a design and a complete bid for your acceptance. With a contract in hand, the contractor will obtain all necessary engineering from a qualified structural engineer. The contractor will then submit for permits from the local jurisdiction. At this point, it might also be necessary for the contractor to apply for a Home Owners Association(HOA) approval depending on your local community requirements. Once the building permit is obtained, the construction kicks off in high gear.

Layout & Excavation

This is one of the most exciting phases of swimming pool construction, excavation. Excavation is the digging and forming of the swimming pool. The very first thing the excavation crews do is the pregrade. Pregrade is the clearing of the pool site and the grading of the area for the swimming pool. This allows the crew to paint on the ground the final shape of your pool and at the same time the crew will stake the perimeter of the pool and add forms for the structure of the pool. The typical time needed to dig a pool depends on various factors. These factors include: access, soil conditions, and overall size and depth of the pool. Most pools these days are dug in 1 to 2 days.

Rough Plumbing & Electrical

Once the pool is dug, it's time to move on to the rough plumbing and electrical. This is where all of the trenches will be dug for all the pipes and conduits necessary to operate your pool. Sometimes, the rough plumbing & electrical will be broken down in a couple of parts, otherwise all trenching and installation of the pipes and conduits will be done at the same time. This includes installation of the suction and return lines, water-feature lines, vacuum cleaner lines, fill lines, solar inlet and returns, gas lines for swimming pool heater and future barbecues and firepits, and the electrical service line. In most cases this will take 2-3 days to complete, and may be done either before, during or after steel.

Steel

The steel phase is the addition of rebar formed in the ultimate shape of the pool. A rebar contractor will "tie" the steel using bailing wire in a grid pattern determined by the structural engineer. A good crew will normally take less than a day to tie the steel depending on the size, shape and any raised walls or bond beams.

Gunite or Shotcrete

Up until this time, your backyard will look like one big disaster area, with trenches running here and there and a big hole in your yard with a criss-cross pattern of rebar running through. Gunite or Shotcrete is the application of the concrete to the pool surface, it makes the shell of your pool. The crews will arrive and via a hose will apply the concrete in the end, the pool will have a close to finish look. The benches installed, and the pool walls and floor will have been completed. This will also be one of the first times you will be required to be actively involved in the construction of your pool. For the next 7 to 10 days, you will be required to hose down the swimming pool shell two and three times a day with water to help cure the gunite or shotcrete. You will be truly amazed at how much water the pool structure adsorbs.

Tile & Rock

After the installation of the gunite or shotcrete, the waterline tile and any rock or boulders will be installed on your pool. The tile is necessary to provide an easy surface to keep clean at the waterline. Rock or boulders are added to incorporate a natural "swimming hole" look and feel and for waterfalls and jump rocks. For pools with the contemporary look or classic style, tile is incorporated into the design and is applied not only to the water line, but also to any raise walls or water-features.

Decking

(Concrete, Pavers, Trex, Tile, Stone, etc.) With the tile installed, the next addition to your swimming pool project is the decking. Now where I grew up, decking was always associated with wood, and redwood was king. But when I got involved in the swimming pool industry, deck was the item that surrounded the pool. For the majority of swimming pool owners, the deck of choice is concrete. Concrete is durable and inexpensive when compared to the other options being, grass or landscaping, tile, stone, pavers and natural or synthetic wood products. The installation of decking takes a minimum of a couple of days for forming and finishing, or it can require multiple days and weeks depending on the surface. The deck crew will also be responsible for installing the equipment pad, where all the pumps, filters, heaters and other equipment necessary to operate your pool will be located.

Equipment Set

The excitement builds, you're almost done and ready to swim. At equipment set, either your pool service company or the plumbing and electrical company will return to install all of the equipment. The lights will be installed, control panels will be hooked-up, all pumps, heater and filter will be mounted to the equipment pad and plumbed. This normally is routinely completed within one to two days. All ready for the filling of your pool with water. But wait, we're missing the all important pool surface.

Plaster

Plaster provides the waterproofing surface for your pool. Plaster comes in many different forms from plain-old, to pebble and polished surfaces. Typically, this can be done in a day. And for those of you where money is no object, this can be an all tile pool surface complete with Grecian borders. After the swimming pool finish has been applied, now is the time to start filling your pool.

Construction Clean-Up and Start-Up

Once the bulk of the construction is complete, all excess and left over materials will be removed from the pool site. All empty boxes will be hauled to the dumps, and finally, your backyard will be ready to be enjoyed and not looking like a disaster zone. The last item left to do is to start up the pool. The start up process assures all equipment is operating and the swimming pool has all of the necessary chemicals to prevent algae and other problems. Now it's your turn to start reaping all of the benefits of swimming pool ownership.

This has been a brief article describing the inground swimming pool process for gunite or shotcrete pools. A swimming pool is the culmination of many individual persons, each an experienced veteran of his or her trade. For most homeowners, a licensed contractor can guide them through the process. For others, the option of building their own pool and acting as their own general contractor can save them thousands of dollars but requires a deeper level of understanding.




David Vogel, is the founder of DoItYourself Swimming Pools & Spas where you can learn the latest about swimming pools, design, construction and what it takes to build your own and save thousands of dollars. David has spent the last 10 years building swimming pools and spas in California and was one of the first to incorporate todays latest technologies into every pool he's built. Sign-up today for his upcoming eBook at:

[http://www.diy-swimming-pool.com/2007/08/31/welcome/]





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2012年9月12日 星期三

This Chiropractic Marketing Tip Is Almost Too Easy


If this doesn't get you excited, nothing will.

And, frankly, I probably shouldn't even be telling you this because it DOESN'T even require the Chiropractic Dashboard to work like crazy.

In fact, you can start benefitting from this powerful chiropractic marketing tip immediately after you finish this email.

Excited yet?

No?

Just hang tight, you will be. Trust me.

First, a question...

Have you ever stained a deck?

Yeah... a deck... a wooden one... have you ever stained one?

No?

Well, me neither.

I was absent the day the Big Guy upstairs handed out "handyman" skills.

Anyway, when I lived in New Jersey I had this really nice cedar and Trex deck installed overlooking my backyard of about a 1/4 acre.

It kind of had this mid-western feel to it... really nice.

If you're not familiar with Trex, it's sort of like a tough plastic that doesn't require any maintenance, and is sometimes used as decking.

Perfect for a 'home repair challenged' guy like myself.

The only maintenance it did require was an annual application of the cedar stain on the cedar.

Of course, I had to call our handy man in each year to do it for me, but nevertheless, it got done. :-)

I think we paid him around $400 or so to restain all of the cedar which was fine by me and good for him.

What amazed me, though, was that every year when it was time to have the deck restained again, if I didn't call the handyman to come back he would never call me.

And, because of that, there were many years where I didn't end up calling the handyman back for well over a year and a half, if not more.

What the heck does my deck and lack of maintenance skills have to do with your chiropractic practice?

A heck of a lot!

Here's why:

Most of your patients are just like me.

No... not bad with tools... but... busy.

Sometimes so busy, running around with tons on their personal To Do list that their chiropractic care falls by the wayside.

In some cases, it falls by the wayside for so long that they either forget about it altogether or, more likely, they become uncomfortable calling your office to schedule a new appointment, embarrassed that it's been so long.

What happens then?

They don't call and don't come back for care with you.

And, the typical chiropractic office chalks them up as a former patient... a lost patient.

Meanwhile, they're not lost.

They're just what we would call INACTIVE.

And, until you do something proactive to REACTIVATE them, they're going to stay inactive.

The good news is that statistics show over 50% of your inactive patients would become active again in your office if you simply contacted them about getting started again.

That's 5 out of 10 inactive patients you're currently not seeing right now, that would come back in to your office and start-up their care program again with you, if you simply contacted them.

Contact them, how?

Doesn't matter.

Postcard, letter, staff call, email, online video, audio postcard.

The key is just letting them know you're concerned about them, not angry or upset with them, and would love to get them back on the right track again.

And, if you can contact them more than once, for the ones who don't respond to your initial contact, even better.

Most of the time 3 properly written contacts to a list of 10 inactive patients will turn into 4 to 6 reactivated patients for you.

Really!

Now, because of the automation and ease that comes with email, and online audio and video, I'm personally partial to using the Internet with chiropractic marketing to reactivate patients.

But, again, you don't have to use the Internet.

However, with something online like the Chiropractic Dashboard you don't have to worry about sending out letters or postcards or whether your staff is making the calls to your inactive patients at the correct time or not like you do with traditional chiropractic marketing.

Online, with something like the Chiropractic Dashboard, you can have the 3 contacts being done for you, with email, audio, and video, all on total autopilot without you ever having to think about it.

Regardless, though, remember...

Don't lose patients and cash flow just because they haven't been into your office in a while.

Even if it's been months, it's important to recognize, with some simple contacts executed at the correct time you could start bringing back half of your inactive patients.

Think of the financial impact that would have on your practice and lifestyle.

HUGE!

Sidebar: I wonder how much money our former handyman is losing ever year by not contacting former customers about having their decks restained.

Probably THOUSANDS!

With some simple contacts he could probably reclaim most of that.

You too, in your practice, with your chiropractic marketing.




Todd Brown, president of MoreChiroPatients, Inc, is now giving away for FREE his popular Online Videos entitled "The Ultimate Chiropractic Patient Attraction System". Get instant access to these videos at: Chiropractic Marketing Videos





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5 Things You Should Know Before Building With Composite Wood


Composite decking wood sounds good but costs a lot of money. Composite decks are not too strong either and require additional sub structural strength than normal decks. If your contractor does not build them properly the company that manufactured the product will not stand behind the guarantee, so be careful in your choice.

They all fade in the sun. In recent years however, they have made some improvements. If composites are so good, then why do they require you to use only treated wood as the framing underneath? One would think that if the wood is so good, why can't you use it as a substructure? Why do so many composites require a gap of one foot per joist? Instead of the universally accepted 16" O.C. (on center). Because composite decking wood is very weak structurally, it requires real wood to be used underneath. On hand rails, it is even worse.

Why do composites decks need such a big gap between the decking boards? - They swell from water absorption.

I have seen countless Trex decks built by inexperienced contractors fail in the first year.

They did not put enough gap between the decking boards, and when the winter rains came, the deck absorbed the water and expanded like a wet sponge. Soon the deck mushrooms up above it's decking joists below. The gap between the boards is needed to allow the composite wood to expand as it get wet. When confronted with these complaints the manufacturer replaces the wood for free plus gives you $2500, to settle. We got the recipe wrong on that batch of wood is the answer given as an excuse to the home owners. Do you buy that? I most assuredly do not!

That is why they changed the lifetime guarantee to a " Limited 25 year guarantee". Composite wood decking fades over time. It has so much glue content, you can not paint it because it looks weird and the paint does not take to the composite. Now they have Trex dye. So many people complained, they invented a dye for decks. I do not know about you, but, give me a break. I would rather get new carpet, than to have it dyed. I use dye to color my Easter eggs, but that is about it. Point being, research it before you use it. Composite wood salesmen talk a good game, but do they walk the walk?

Tired of getting the run around on your decking needs? Contact a professional at Delphi Construction to answer any of your decking questions today.




Chris Doctor is a licensed general contractor in the state of California.
Owner of Delphi Construction # 631583
Celebrating 20 years of building.





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Do's and Don'ts For Your Composite Deck


There are a lot of advantages of having a composite deck. Not only do they look as good, if not better than real wood, they also last longer and requires much less attention and care. They are low-maintenance and durable that's why a lot of people prefer to use composite decking to real wood when building their decks. But there are also things you should remember and avoid when it comes to composite decking. Remember, they are low-maintenance, meaning you have to still at least exert some effort in maintaining them.

The most important don'ts when it comes to your composite decking are as follows. Sanding is never a good idea when we're talking about composite decking, especially if you have the materials from Trex. Sanding is a very big mortal sin when it comes to composite decking because they will potentially ruin the surface. Not only that, but it also voids the Trex warranty. If this happens, you will have a much harder time having it cleaned or replaced for new materials.

If you've just installed your Trex composite decking materials, it's advisable to dispose the trash just like any other scraps. Throw it in the bag together with other household waster or construction materials. Absolutely do not burn the scrap materials because they not only contribute greatly to global warming, but also directly affect humans through the smoke.

Do use cleaners that contain sodium hypochlorite or bleach for getting rid of mold and mildew, and products that contain oxalic or phosphoric acid for getting rid of scuffs and abrasions. These can usually be found in typical cleaners and washers so you don't have to sweat to look for them. Having a composite deck that's low-maintenance and which always look good may seem too good to be true, but through the advance technology, and a little help from you, it's possible.




For more information, check other Composite Decking Reviews.

Erika Ayala writes part-time for Chicago Face Lifts.





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