2012年2月29日 星期三

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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Amaze Yourself - Design and Build Your Own Backyard Retreat


Your backyard should be a place where you can unwind, relax and escape your day-to-day worries. Hiring a professional landscape design company can be costly and is simply not an option for many people. So what do you do? If you are a relatively handy person, you do it yourself. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish using your own resources to create a beautiful backyard retreat.

Think about your yard as a functional space rather than an empty lot. Essentially, it is as an extension of your house with potentially many rooms. Visualize how you see yourself spending time in your backyard.

Questions you should be asking yourself are: do you want to entertain friends and family, do you have children and need a play area, do you have dogs and need space for them to run freely, do you want a water feature etc. Water drainage is important so you need to assess the grade of your yard. If the grade is an issue, consulting with a professional is recommended. You will also need to take note of the light and soil conditions in your yard before purchasing your plants.

If you have a difficult time coming up with design ideas go on line and do a search for local Landscape Design companies. Most companies will have photos of their work. It's a great way to get inspired and to trigger ideas on what you can do in your backyard. Or, you can simply go to the library or book store. There are hundreds of books available on landscape design ideas.

Once you have determined what you want to do with your space, take measurements of your yard and lay them out on paper to scale. On paper circle out designated areas such as dining area, play area, garden, lounging area etc. Take note, measurements on paper can be very deceiving even though they are to scale. I would suggest using something like a water hose or rope and lay them down on your yard to map our your "rooms" before you dig. This will ensure that you have allocated enough space for each area. A common mistake is making the dining area too small so be sure to allow enough space to walk around your table with guests sitting in their chairs. I would also recommend coming up with at least two or three different design ideas. Get a sense of how each design will work before selecting your final design.

For walkways, natural random flagstones are a great choice. If your budget does not allow for natural stone you may want to consider Unilock pavers. They are less expensive than natural stone and are available at retail stone yards. Also note that a walkway does not have to be a straight line. A curved walkway adds more interest to a space and allows your eye to wander more freely.

If you are interested in building a deck you have the options of cedar, pine or man-made wood such as Trex. Trex decking is enviro-friendly and is made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood. There are a variety of colours to choose from and this product won't rot or split like natural wood.

Before you begin digging don't forget to call your local utility company. They will ensure that you do not dig near hydro wires or gas lines. Once you are ready to dig start with your hardscaping. This means the patio area, deck area and walkways. If you require an electrical conduit hook-up for an irrigation and/or lighting system this must be installed first.

Landscape lighting is critical if you wish to create ambiance for you and your guests. If you are unable to install an electrical line to your yard, solar lights are great solution and are also available in spotlights for your ornamental trees or shrubs. It's very important your solar lights are placed in an area where there is plenty of sunlight otherwise your lights will go dim very early in the evening.

Once you have completed your hardscaping you are now ready for planting. Start with larger trees and shrubs. Be sure to include perennials and then finish with annuals. Annuals help to fill in bare patches and add a boost of colour all summer long. Place natural rocks through out your garden and then top off with mulch. When placing rocks in your garden partially embed them in the soil to create a more natural setting. If you are unsure as to what types of plants to use visit your local nursery. Most nursery staff will be able to recommend plants for your soil and light conditions. Larger nurseries may offer design services as well. There is also a wealth of information on plants on line so do a little research to determine what types of plants you like. Don't forget to include evergreens in your plant selection. They are easy to care for are great for winter interest.

There is no denying that doing your own landscape design will require research and hard work, but the hours of enjoyment as well as the thousands of dollars you could save will make it all worth while!

Visit my blog for an example of a before and after transformation.




Donna is the founder of City Home and Garden http://www.cityhomeandgarden.com, an on line store featuring custom crafted home decor products, many of which are made by American and Canadian Artisans.

In addition to selling beautiful home decor products, City Home and Garden features articles with helpful information related to Home Decor and Gardening. Please visit City Home's blog http://www.cityhomeandgarden.wordpress.com for additional tips.





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2012年2月28日 星期二

Composite Decking - Five Benefits That You Should Know Before Making Your Decking Choice


A deck is something home owners build with the intent of it being a gathering place, a centerpiece that connects the inside of our homes directly to our yards. A place to sit with the morning coffee, read the paper and wave to our neighbors. The deck is the main entertaining area for our backyard barbecues on those summer get togethers we so look forward to. For this reason, a deck is perhaps a little more personal than other home addition projects. There is no right or wrong in the type of product or brand. However, because it is so personal, you should gather as much information on what is available and ensure you will be satisfied with the end result.

Composite decking was generally referred to as Trex decking due to its early foothold in the industry. Nowadays it is called by a multitude of names reflecting the many different product brands on the market. Each company claims to have something the others do not, that is something you will have to determine yourself. When you do your research, you will find today's composite decking comes with a great number of benefits, so let's get started.

1) LOW MAINTENANCE. Properly constructed and installed, a composite deck will relieve you of the misery of sanding and sealing. I know personally, as I dreaded the process of waking up on a beautiful spring day and saying " I have to refinish the deck", especially the pickets on the railing. Yes, you know what I mean.

2) Durability; composite decking is a very sturdy and weather resistant product. Winter rain and snow will not cause it to rot. Summer sunshine and heat will not cause it to peel and splinter. It is so much nicer to walk out in your bare feet and not have to hear the theme from Jaws in your head, fearing the rogue splinter that awaits you.

3) Termite resistant; due to the fact it is weather resistant, insects have no place to begin their onslaught, they pack up the kids and move on to your neighbors gathering place. Try to be supportive and not smile when they tell you the nightmare the termites have caused on their beautiful deck. Karma will be kind to you for this.

4) The new generations of composite decking come in a variety of colors. They also come in reversible grain enabling you to create a pattern to your design by simply turning the boards over. For instance, the style of decking I used had a smooth grain on one side and a "wood" grain on the other. By simply turning certain boards over, I was able to create a look that was diversified. This may not be something you would want to do, but it is nice to have the option.

5) Finally and I know this is not everyone's main concern, but it is a plus. A percentage of composite decking is made from recycled material. When I look out on my deck and I see this beautiful surface, that I know I do not have to sand and seal, that I will no longer hear the theme from Jaws, that there will be no insects feasting on my gathering place, and that its make up consists of recycled materials.... I love it all the more.

In your research you will find drawbacks to composite decking, let's face it, there is no perfect solution. The initial cost will be more compared to some wood products. The construction specifications are more demanding than wood products, in regard to the span of your joists, further adding to the cost.

I promise you though, on that beautiful spring day when you are headed out to the golf course, and you look over at your neighbor refinishing his deck, you will feel the beauty of a composite deck. And this is way before the termites stop by to pay him a visit.




Thank you for reading this article.

For all your Home Addition and Landscaping Ideas, please visit http://www.insideoutadditions.com Beginning February 1, 2010 you will find a free listing of local remodeling and landscape contractors.

You will also find a comprehensive gallery of Landscape and Home Addition projects, ideas and designs. Many of which are supplied through the contractor's own portfolio. Joseph Killian is a consultant and writer for insideoutadditions.com





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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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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 Industrial. 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.




You can read more information before you buy trex decking prices, and read exclusive reviews st francis statue from my websites.





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2012年2月27日 星期一

Trex Decking Prices - Look Beyond The Price For The Ultimate Deck


Trex decking prices are quite high when you compare them to the prices of other decking material. However, there are advantages to paying the higher Trex decking prices when you want a quality deck. Trex decking is one of the composite decking materials on the market that has a high percentage of wood. If you are looking online for decking material, the information about Trex decking prices and the material will tell you that this decking does not require the same amount of maintenance that you would have with wood.

Trex decking material is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Other impressive features include the fact that it does not rot or crack, you don't have to stain or paint it and it performs well in cold weather. When you look at these features and compare the Trex decking prices to the prices and features of other types of decking material, you will see that you are getting the most benefit for your money. Looking for Trex decking online will also give you tips about to install and clean the decking material.

Just as with wood, you can saw and fasten Trex decking material to a wood frame. Although you can also do this with other composite decking materials with lower prices than that of Trex decking prices, your deck will stay looking new for a lifetime. You can order Trex decking online if your local supplier does not carry it. By searching online, you can also purchase kits using Trex decking in various sizes and shapes.

Even though Trex decking prices are higher than average, the Trex decking material will fade slightly in the first few days after you build your deck. This is not a defect in the Trex decking, but is a natural process that you will find with any composite decking material. The composite decking has to become acclimatized to the location and after the initial fading, the decking material will remain true to the color.

Trex decking material is made from used wood and plastic. Sometimes the wood is sawdust and the plastic may be recycled as well. You will find that the color of the decking goes all the way through and is not just on the surface. When you decide to pay the higher Trex decking prices and place your order online, you will also need to purchase an installation kit. This kit does not come with the Trex decking and so adds additional cost to the Trex decking prices. You will have to allow for this in your decking budget. If the prices are a bit too high, but you really want a Trex deck, you can watch the sales and wait for the prices to go down. This happens several times a year and will enable you to get the deck you want at a lower price.




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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Decking Designs That Invite Entertainment


There are a variety of ways to design a deck or patio space that will allow you to enjoy more time with friends and family. This planning stage of your deck will be one of the most important times to take different factors into consideration. We'll cover some of these topics in this article. Decking designs that incorporate these elements will give you a more balanced deck.

The first place to start is with a discussion about the decking materials, size and the railing or lighting options. Decks are commonly made of wood. Cedar is a commonly used material. It is a soft wood that makes a great deck because of its natural weathering properties. It is resistant to rot and weathers to a beautiful silvery-gray color.

You might also like the idea of little to no maintenance that can be provided by a composite decking material. Trex decking is just one such name to keep in mind. This brand brought some of the original composite materials to market and is a leader in innovation of these paper and resin products.

The size of your deck is another thing to keep in proportion. Like with other aspects of your home, the deck should be kept in proportion to the other rooms in your home. One idea that has been suggested is to keep the largest space of your deck no larger than the largest room inside your home. For a deck that will be used for entertaining or that will have a patio set, a minimum size of 12'x12' is adequate to give you some room to move about.

You can 'frame' your deck with the right type of railings. Deck railings include metal and wood choices. Metal railings can provide you with a more maintenance free option, as well as more solid appearance. These and other railings can support the use of deck lighting like rope lights, post cap lights or string lights. Including these properties in your outdoor living area will be a product of great decking designs.




Michael James McCord is a patio enthusiast himself, with some first hand knowledge of how to design and ultimately use a patio. Most of his articles on http://patiocoversplace.com are similar in topic, such as this one about decking designs.





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2012年2月26日 星期日

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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Cleaning Composite Decks


Today's consumers are realizing that no wood or wood product exposed to weather is going to be completely maintenance-free. Even exotic woods like Ipe require periodic cleaning and sealing as the natural oils within the wood dry out. All exterior lumber used in deck construction should be maintained every year to protect it from the elements and ground in dirt.

Composite lumber varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it appears that all of the popular ones contain wood particles (these ground particles are called "wood flour" by the industry). That means that any of these particles on or near the surface of the board, no matter what they are mixed with, will react to Mother Nature the same way all wood does. Graying and staining are common problems - and the stuff of nightmares for deck owners. Manufacturers are getting calls every day from end users about these issues, and deck restoration contractors are stepping in with the fix.

Cleaning composite decks is important to keep the material looking its best. Properly cleaning composite decks should be done with a composite wood cleaner that is designed specifically for these unique materials. Some manufacturers have suggested using bleach or oxygenated bleach to clean the wood, but the results have been varied. Most pressure washing contractors who do deck renewal are finding success through products made especially for this problem, such as Flood's Composite Wood Cleaner. The key to this particular product is in the surfactants and cleaning chemicals in its formula.

This guide will give you the basic steps that should be used to get the best results when cleaning composite deck materials.

Preparing the composite deck: Sweep debris like leaves, twigs and dirt off the deck first. Then rinse off the composite lumber to cool it off and remove heavy built up deposits of dirt and mud. Rinsing off the composite deck first will cool the surface and prevent the possibility of flash drying the composite cleaner when it's applied. Also wet down plants and grass around the deck and if necessary, Cover plants, grass, concrete and any other areas you don't want the composite cleaner getting on.

Remove any stains on composite decks first! Use oxalic, citric or phosphoric acid-based cleaners to remove rust stains from metal furniture. These will also help remove leaf stains.

Use commercial degreasers containing propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers or mineral spirits may be used carefully on stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it can damage the grain pattern. Spot removers normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents. Use caution if the composite lumber has embedded color, as some solvents may affect the appearance. As always, test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot.

To remove light mildew wash your composite deck periodically with a cleaner that contains or is mixed with Sodium Hypochlorite.

The cleaning process:

Apply your composite deck cleaner on the railings and floor in manageable sections. Cleaning too large of an area at a time may allow the composite cleaner to dry on the surface which can cause discoloration in some materials. Once the composite cleaner has sat on the surface according to the directions, carefully power wash the surface in the direction of the grain, using less than 800 PSI. Use the pressure washer to "rinse" the surface. Avoid holding the nozzle too close to the composite surface or holding it in any one spot too long. Hold the pressure wand about 8" away from the surface and "sweep" it off in a rinsing motion. Use a "golf swing" motion, and avoid washing each square inch of the surface. Keep the wand moving smoothly over the surface to avoid leaving marks. Proper technique determines the results, so take some time to practice when you are able to. Once you have completed that section, treat the next area and continue until the job is completed.

For regular maintenance, rinse off your composite deck periodically with a hose. Even if your deck appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen and other debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins.

To repair scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves in most composite decking materials you can try using a brass wire brush. Brushing will need to be consistent with the grain of the composite material and the brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks. Make sure you try this in a hidden area first! Some materials could become discolored or damaged from wire brushing.

High-pressure washing of composite decks is not necessary or advisable. Instead, hire a properly trained pressure washing company to do it correctly and safely. Or if you must do it yourself, use the proper-strength composite lumber cleaners to do all the work for you. Then you simply RINSE using your pressure-washer. Doing it the right way means using your pressure washer to agitate slightly with MODERATE pressure and HIGH water volume. Use the pressure washer responsibly. Too much pressure on the surface of composite lumber can cause damages.




For more information on composite deck cleaners or pressure washing visit http://www.sunbritesupplymd.com or http://www.sunbritesupply.com





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Composite Decking Considerations-Maintenance & Fasteners


Choosing the right decking material will contribute to the beauty and maintenance of your deck.

Consider this fact, make sure your will be using the correct decking material for your local climate, taking into account such factors as humidity and temperature to ensure enjoyment and a long-lasting deck.

Above all, remember that research and knowledge about your future project is important to make a wise buying decision you will not regret.

If your choice is to build the deck with wood, your choice can be redwood, cedar or an exotic material of many choices which are fire resistant and will resists splitting and warping. Tip: Before the project begins, make sure your deck material (or wood) is acclimated and dry in reference to your current weather conditions.

Fasteners for your Deck Do Make a Difference:

Do you like nail or screws to show on the tops of the decking or would you prefer using clips on the edges of the decking to hold down the boards. Clips will not be seen, so the surface of the deck will be all wood, no screws or nails. Hidden deck-fasteners are readily available, and can be researched on the web . Here is a quote from a popular brand of hidden fasteners; " Our fasteners are the most reliable, long-lasting fasteners on the market. They are manufactured in the United States and made of ultra-violet resistant polypropylene. They can't rust, and they're guaranteed to last 100 years with normal use".

More advantages of hidden deck fasteners:

o Fasteners also help prevent premature wood rotting around fastener while creating a clean look from above.

o Help keep labor costs down. (Compared to other hidden deck fastening systems) Will not corrode like galvanized deck fasteners.

o No special tools needed to install.

o Easily installs for the average homeowner.

The Future of Composite Decking Technology is constantly changing and so are composite decks because of consumers desire for this product. So composite decking was created. Composites are usually smooth with a wood grain type of texture, and will not splinter and are comfortable on bare feet. Maintenance is easy too and can resemble the look of tropical hardwood. Other choices of decking other than wood, are plastic and vinyl decking.

Protect Your Investment

All decks need periodic maintenance and cleaning. Consult the instructions of the manufacturer as to what you can do and not do to maintain your deck properly. Pressure washing is usually permissible to keep your composite decking clean. Deck cleaners are also useful for getting rid of muddy footprints. General maintenance includes weekly sweeping of your deck. Especially sweep the deck during pollen seasons, because pollen creates a surface film and can allow mildew to grow on that surface. If your deck is attacked by mildew, you can use any one of several cleaners specifically made to eradicate the problem. You can use bleach and dishwasher detergent in warm water to remove small black mildew spots.

How about occasional spills, grease spots, etc? If such spills and spots appear, you can use any heavy-duty grease remover. Wood bleach will get rid of rust marks from metal porch furniture, toys, etc. Composite decking does have some drawbacks but has beauty. With regular maintenance you have a nice deck for many years to come.




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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2012年2月25日 星期六

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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Is Steel The Way To Go For Your Deck?


Trex Announces Acquisition of Iron Deck

Wooden decks have a long history in American culture. There's just something about the rich colors that different kinds of wood offer, and the feel of warm wood beneath your bare feet in the summer. However, wooden decks can sometimes cause worries and problems: termites, wood rot, and regular wear and tear with age. Perhaps it's time to start giving wooden decks a steel backbone!

I'm happy to announce that new steel options on the market are giving homeowners the chance to enjoy stronger, age-resistant, and more eco-friendly decks that can last up to 25 years. One of my most trusted suppliers, Trex Company, has announced the acquisition of Iron DeckR, a manufacturer of steel deck framing systems.

The result of this marriage is a new steel framing product called Trex Elevations?, which is meant to replaces the wooden substructure of a deck. A substructure is the hidden support system of a deck. It's what keeps the deck standing strong throughout the years of use. The Trex Elevations substructure can be hidden by an outer wood framing. In other words, customers get all the beauty of a wooden deck or composite decking with all the benefits of a strong, steel skeleton.

What are the benefits of steel? Trex Elevations will be manufactured from dual-coated, galvanized steel, which will help decks last longer by preventing common causes of deck destruction such as termites and wood rot. Unlike wood, steel does not warp, twist, split or decay. City build Departments will recognize the stronger more durable qualities of steel which will make for permitting ease. Trex is offering a 25-year limited warranty, far surpassing the usual 15-year warranty offered by pressure-treated wood.

Trex even adds an environmental incentive. Their steel product contains 25% recycled material, and scraps from the jobsite are 100% recyclable. The design process needed for steel will eliminate most of the waste also.

Using the new Trex product for a deck's substructure might not be the best choice in every circumstance, but it is certainly a very exciting development. As a contractor, I can now offer my customers additional attractive options for their deck. I like the idea of building more secure, longer-lasting decks and using materials that are a little better for the environment. I am sure customers will appreciate a more durable deck that will require less care and maintenance and more barbeques and outdoor parties.




Jeff Mudd is President of Best-Rate Repair & Construction Company Inc. He has two decades of Home Improvement experience. His website is http://www.best-rate-repair.com his company Specializes in Termite and Fungus damage. Rebuilding of decks, patios, stairs, and balconies for home owners, real estate agents and property managers has been our core business.

For more information please call Best Rate Repair Co. 619-229-0116 or Visit his website http://www.best-rate-repair.com to see what services they provide.





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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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2012年2月24日 星期五

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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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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2012年2月23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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2012年2月12日 星期日

Building Your First Deck For Your Home


This article will give you a good idea of what's involved in building a deck. There are always quicker ways to do things and you will learn them and invent some of your own as you proceed with your project. Always work safely and make sure you have a good firm footing underneath you. A trip or slip with a power tool can be dangerous. Let's get started with some of the tools you will need for your project.

TOOLS NEEDED- Electric saw, hand saw, hammer, 8,10 and 12 penny common galvanized nails, 4' level, string line, pencil, measuring tape, tripod and level gun (rent at your local rental store by the day), 5# sledge hammer, SAFETY GLASSES and a good pair of work gloves (your hands will love you for it).

LUMBER NEEDED-If you cannot figure out from your plans what lumber you need, most lumber stores will do a 'take-off" for you and sell you only what you need for your project. Many pre-made plans contain a lumber list right on them! Get some extra 2 " x 4" x 8' long lumber for temporary supports, etc.. If you buy pre-cuts studs, they are even cheaper. You buy the cheapest thing they have as it is only for temporary use. You can always use them for something. Framing anchors are needed for the post bottoms ledger joist connections and today they make many types of handrail anchors if you want to use them. Look at the anchor chart at the store and see what they have.

Building a deck isn't as hard as it may appear. All decks have the same basic components, just more or less of them. Posts, piers, floor joists, decking, handrails and stairs are the major pieces of any deck. Footing piers are covered in my e-Book footings so we will assume you already have footings in place and are ready to frame your deck. Building plans are available at most major hardware and lumber stores and give you tons of layout info even if the deck shown isn't exactly the size you want. Almost everywhere in the country today, building departments want your support posts to remain above grade. When you check with them as to whether you need a building permit or not, ask them. They will be glad to tell you what they expect to see. Remember, if you fail your inspection, they have to come back again and that is extra work for them. They want to pass you the first time!

The companies that provide pressure treatment to your posts have found the posts last a great deal longer if they are kept from having contact with the earth. I prefer this method as well and have found it to be true. Your pier footings or tubes should have been poured 2" above finished grade and this is where your new deck post will sit. You do not want to sit the post directly on top of the concrete without some type of anchor to hold it in place. Several brands of metal anchors are available at your lumber and hardware stores. If you are using a 6" x 6" pressure treated (PT) post, purchase the number of anchors you need, one for each post. One type is a flat plate with a center nail hole and 4 'feet" or points sticking out from the bottom in each corner. Place the anchor on the bottom of the plate with the "feet" or points facing downward, away from the post. Nail a 10 penny common nail through the plate into the post to hold it there while you work. Stand the post upright at the line marked for the corner of your framing. The "feet" will bite into the concrete footing pier from the weight of post and make it almost impossible to slide it around. Once the weight of the deck is on the post, it will not move. Repeat this work for each post for your deck. There are many types of post to footing anchors available. Some require a bolt be set in the concrete pier and the anchor then bolts to that and then nails to the post. All work equally well.

Now with all your posts ready, we'll assume you have 4 for this deck, you can either stand the posts into their exact positions as closely as possible and use some 2" x4"" lumber to brace them in an upright position until you complete the sub-floor framing for the deck or stand one post, frame to it, stand another post, frame to it, etc. I suggest you stand all the posts first to check your deck layout before you get half of it framed and find out you made a math mistake in your layout.

As you frame along to your plans, the old carpenters adage that measure twice, cut once, is still correct today. Lumber is expensive. Don't waste it and don't be in a rush! Wasted lumber costs money and a slip or fall with a saw or sledge hammer, can cause serious injury. Be careful while you work but enjoy it. Your plans show the size and number of post required. At this point they should all be standing, temporarily braced. The next item to be installed is the ledger board on the house if it is not already there. This board(s) will run the width of you deck minus 3". The exterior band joist nails to the ends of the ledger board for a neat finished look. The ledger board is always one size larger than your floor joists. 2 " x 8" floor joists, 2" x 10" ledger board. After removing the required siding to allow the ledger to be installed, nail the ledger with some 10 penny commons in a few places just to hold it there. Now a little math work. If you are using 2" x 6" decking lumber for your deck floor, set the top of the ledger board, 1 5/8" below the door sill to the deck. 2" lumber is actually 1 5/8" thick. If you want a 4" step out the door, set it 5 5/8" below the door sill and so on. With the ledger temporarily nailed in place, layout your joist locations on the ledger. Don't forget the exterior band joists on each end. Your plans will tell you if the joists are 16" on center (O.C.), 12" O.C. or whatever the design calls for them to be. Using your measuring tape, starting on one side of the deck and measuring from the outside of band joist, the next joist goes 16" ON CENTER, not the edge of the board. More than likely it will not come out even spaces. One space will be smaller. DO NOT MAKE THEM LARGER! The lumber is sized by design to carry a certain weight and making the joist spaces larger could cause a collapse of the deck.

With the joist layout complete, you can now see the spaces between the joists. Starting on the end bays or spaces, drill 2 holes, one above the other equally spaced in the ledger for lag bolts. Each bay after the end bays, gets one bolt not two. Stagger the bolts up and down from the top to the bottom so one bay the bolt is 2" down from the top in the center of the bay, the next is 2" up from the bottom in the center of the bay and so on. Pre-drill a pilot hole for each lag bolt. The lag bolt must be long enough to pass through the ledger and house plywood and into the house band joist behind. An example would be using a 2" ledger, ?" plywood on house, and a 2" band joist on the house, you would need a 4" lag bolt. Remember, lumber is 1 5/8" not actually 2". Here's where and electric impact socket gun comes in handy. You need to use a socket and ratchet for this work but it is possible with a plain old wrench. Either way, wrench or socket, your arms will be worn out when you have them all installed. The electric impact gun makes very short work of this task.

Ok we have the ledger installed, joists laid out on the ledger and it is time to build and set the beam across your piers or top of your support posts that will carry the outside end of the floor joists. The beam shown on the plans could be shown as 3- 2" x 10". You have to construct a beam from 2" x 10" lumber, three pieces thick, as long as your ledger board on the house. If your deck is 12' long, just nail 3-2" x 10" x 12' pieces together and your done. If your deck is 18' long this probably will not work. Some long length lumber is available but is very costly. It is cheaper to get 4- 2" x10" x 12' and 1- 2" x 10" x 8' piece. You cut one 2 " x 12" x 12' in half making two 6' pieces. Layout one 12' and one 6" piece end to end. Now layout another 12' piece over the 6' piece below and lap 6' onto the first 12' piece. Fill the 2nd layer with the other 6' piece you cut. Nail these together with 10 penny common nails. You now have two pieces 18' long, nailed together with the joints in the wood not lining up. NEVER line up the end joints. When nailed, place the last 12' piece over the 2nd layer starting from the 6' end and lapping over the joint. Fill in the last end with a cut 8' piece 6'. You have only 2' of wasted wood so far.! When nailed with 12 penny commons to the first two layers, you have an 18' long beam, securely nailed together with NO joints lining up. This is very important if the beam is constructed from pieces. Last note, every board has tree growth rings showing on the ends. Place your first layer of both boards so the rings point the same way down. Place the 2nd layer so the rings face up. Place the 3rd layer so the rings face down. When the boards dry out and try to warp, this alternating of the rings will help keep your beam straight and not warp or bow. OK here's where you need some extra muscle. You must at this point do a little math again. With the support post standing, you need to figure how long the posts need to be, plus the beam, plus the floor joists and then the decking. So again: (* actual size)

floor joists 7 5/8"*

beam 9 5/8"*

total 17 1/4"* OR 1'-5 1/4"* ALL TOGETHER.

Remember you have to add the thickness' of the pieces you are using. Above is an example only.

Now is the time to install the framing anchors. Install one framing anchor for each interior floor joist. The end joist or band joists get nailed to the end of the ledger and do not require a framing anchor. Nail one of the framing joist hanger on line either to the left or right side of the floor joist. Many people like it one way or the other. Whatever works best for you. Do NOT nail both sides to the ledger. Ok beam setting time. Having figured out the height of the beam and joist assembly, transfer the elevation of the TOP of the ledger on the house out to your posts. The mark on the posts, will be level with the top of the ledger. The tripod and level you rented, make this short work. It is possible to use a string line and bubble level but that is not as accurate and is really tough to do. Do not try it with a 4' carpenters level. If the level is off by only 1 /16" per foot, in a 12' wide deck that's 3/8" out of level not counting pencil marks. Most carpenter levels are off more than that. Trust me.

OK with the posts marked, deduct the height of your joist/beam assembly as in the example 1'-5 ?". Make this line BELOW the upper mark. This is where you cut your posts. REMEMBER-MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. Cut off the posts with your saw and be careful. Standing on a ladder is awkward. Make sure you have someone holding the ladder and you have a firm footing. Watch where the top of the post is going to fall. Don't hit your partner, your going to need him shortly. Ok now, with the posts securely braced, get all the help you can find to lift the beam into place on top of the posts. This was a good day to have a picnic or some other way to trick your friends or relatives into coming over. (Don't tell it is to do work!). All together, lift the beam into place squarely on top of the posts. Hopefully you have two or more ladders so the beam can be nailed into the posts as quickly as possible. You don't want to balance it any longer than you have too. Now you can also see why I keep repeating the requirement for bracing the posts so well. Your braces are holding both the post and the beam at this point but not for long.

Now with all your help, start installing the floor joists. Drop one into each joist hanger on the ledger and place the other end on top of the beam. While one person nails the ledger end on the layout mark and against the nailed side of the of the hanger, the other person nails it into place on top of the beam. Jump around a little putting joists in every 3rd of 4th one and you will find that each one will help stabilize your beam and post assembly. Once a few are done, the assembly becomes much more stable and easier to work on. Toenail each joist securely to the ledger and top of the beam. Now you can complete your metal ledger joist hangers and beam to post connectors. Bend the ledger joist hangers around the joist until they are tight against each side and the bottom of the joist. These hanger have 2 indented metal fingers on each side that you can drive in with your hammer to hold them securely in place. Each hanger comes with short nails that are required to be driven into each hole in the hanger. Some hangers have 4 holes some 5 but whatever it is, install a nail in each hole both into the ledger and into the joist on both sides. The building inspector will look for these nails.

Bridging- In the case of a deck where the span between the ledger and the edge of the beam is 8' or greater, bridging is required to prevent the joists from warping and spreading apart thereby loosening the nails in the decking or possibly pulling out the nails from the ledger or the beam causing the deck structure to fail. Bridging can be either cut from left over pieces of wood joists, or metal bridging which is available at all lumberyards. Wood bridging or blocking is cut to fit in between two joists. Nail each one on center line of the deck offsetting the ends left and right so as to be bale to end nail them through the joist itself. Do not toenail them. When your done you will have one row approximately center of deck all the way across. Metal bridging simply nails form the top of one joist to the bottom of the other. Make sure you tell the salesperson what your joist centers are. 16"OC are longer than 12" OC. Metal strap bridging comes laid flat. Nail one end to top of joist, bend down and under the next and nail to the bottom of the 2nd joist in a criss cross manner. They are available in several different brands.

Now it is the time to take a break. Look over your work so far. There is bound to be nail missing or not driven completely into the wood. Finish all this first and then you can remove the braces for you posts.

REMOVE ALL NAILS FROM YOUR BRACES! Stepping on a nail sticking out a board is very painful and will cause a severe foot injury. Always strip all nails from wood when it is removed. Don't put it off untill later.

Cleanup- Cleanup all the debris from your framing work. Make sure the ground is leveled around your footing piers and rocks and other debris is removed. Even a small rock can cause you to twist an ankle.

Decking-After installing a flashing over the ledger board, start you decking against the house and work outward. I always leave a ?" space between the house and the first decking board. This will allow rain to fall through the opening and not wick down your siding or house plywood. It once was thought correct to leave a nail width between decking boards but this is not a good idea. Wood shrinks. Butt the boards together without forcing them. Either nail or screw them to the joists below. Use at least two screws for each deck board to each joist. Three is better. Use the longest length deck boards you can get. The less end joints the better. If you must butt two boards together, make sure you center the butt over the center of the joist and toenail or screw each one to the joist. Many carpenter like to let the boards "run wild" over one end of the deck, and then strike a chalk line at the end of the installation and cut them all at once. This will give you a better finished look instead of cutting each board and trying to line them up in a perfect straight line.

Handrails-Every state is different in its requirements. My state requires handrails 36" high with a mid point rail as well as a minimum if the deck is more than 30" above the ground. Railings must withstand a 250 pound side load push. Designs can vary by what the homeowner wants to see as a finished product. Handrails could be cedar, PT lumber, plastic, vinyl or even pipe. The types and styles are endless. A few points though to remember. The handrail posts must be securely fastened to the exterior band joist by either through bolting them or lagging them. Through bolting is far the better manner. Cutting away ? of the post to provide a rectangular notch the height of the band joist and the decking and then bolting makes a strong, secure handrail post. Two bolts minimum in each post to the exterior band joint is required. The handrails and top cap can then be nailed or screwed to the posts and provide a safe barrier against an accidental fall. Just about anything you can imagine, you can build for a handrail system

Final-Buy a couple of sheets of 100 or 120 grit sandpaper, Wrap the sandpaper around a piece of 2x4 and rub it along the edges of the handrails and posts. This will remove and potential splinters for soft hands.

Place the picnic table and barbecue on the deck, sit back and enjoy your hard work!

Pete

Your Friendly Building Inspector

http://www.Wagsys.com

BICES-Building Inspection & Code Enforcement System Software




Pete Ackerson is a 30+ year building inspector with experience in both public and private construction industries. From schools to treatment plants, from private homes and condo projects, to large residential landscaping projects, he has worked both in the building design areas and field construction in the Eastern US. In 2006 he formed along with two other building inspectors, Wagsys LLC which produced software for municipal agencies in the fields of building departments, planning boards and Zoning Boards of Appeals.





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2012年2月11日 星期六

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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Is Steel The Way To Go For Your Deck?


Trex Announces Acquisition of Iron Deck

Wooden decks have a long history in American culture. There's just something about the rich colors that different kinds of wood offer, and the feel of warm wood beneath your bare feet in the summer. However, wooden decks can sometimes cause worries and problems: termites, wood rot, and regular wear and tear with age. Perhaps it's time to start giving wooden decks a steel backbone!

I'm happy to announce that new steel options on the market are giving homeowners the chance to enjoy stronger, age-resistant, and more eco-friendly decks that can last up to 25 years. One of my most trusted suppliers, Trex Company, has announced the acquisition of Iron DeckR, a manufacturer of steel deck framing systems.

The result of this marriage is a new steel framing product called Trex Elevations?, which is meant to replaces the wooden substructure of a deck. A substructure is the hidden support system of a deck. It's what keeps the deck standing strong throughout the years of use. The Trex Elevations substructure can be hidden by an outer wood framing. In other words, customers get all the beauty of a wooden deck or composite decking with all the benefits of a strong, steel skeleton.

What are the benefits of steel? Trex Elevations will be manufactured from dual-coated, galvanized steel, which will help decks last longer by preventing common causes of deck destruction such as termites and wood rot. Unlike wood, steel does not warp, twist, split or decay. City build Departments will recognize the stronger more durable qualities of steel which will make for permitting ease. Trex is offering a 25-year limited warranty, far surpassing the usual 15-year warranty offered by pressure-treated wood.

Trex even adds an environmental incentive. Their steel product contains 25% recycled material, and scraps from the jobsite are 100% recyclable. The design process needed for steel will eliminate most of the waste also.

Using the new Trex product for a deck's substructure might not be the best choice in every circumstance, but it is certainly a very exciting development. As a contractor, I can now offer my customers additional attractive options for their deck. I like the idea of building more secure, longer-lasting decks and using materials that are a little better for the environment. I am sure customers will appreciate a more durable deck that will require less care and maintenance and more barbeques and outdoor parties.




Jeff Mudd is President of Best-Rate Repair & Construction Company Inc. He has two decades of Home Improvement experience. His website is http://www.best-rate-repair.com his company Specializes in Termite and Fungus damage. Rebuilding of decks, patios, stairs, and balconies for home owners, real estate agents and property managers has been our core business.

For more information please call Best Rate Repair Co. 619-229-0116 or Visit his website http://www.best-rate-repair.com to see what services they provide.





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2012年2月10日 星期五

Do It Yourself Fencing Repair - Replacing Posts in Fence Made Easy


Do it yourself fencing repair can be a challenge for the inexperienced but it doesn't have to be. Knowing times are tough and as a thirty year veteran I will try to make fencing repair, changing rotted fencing posts and replacing panels in your fence doable for those who like to do it yourself and save money. I will address:

* Do it Yourself Fencing Repair

* Replacing rotted Fence Post

* Cedar fence Fence Post

* Treated Wood Post

* Galvanized Metal Fence post

* Changing a Wood Fence Picket

* Adding or Changing Fence Rail

There are as many How to Wood Fence and Fencing Repair as there are nails in fence pickets. The way that I describe here has worked for me here in the Dallas Texas metro area for many years.

Do it yourself fencing repair: Is easy if you go about it the right way but is very hard if you go about it the wrong way and can get very frustrating and costly.

Replacing Rotted Fence Post: Replacing posts in a Fence is one of the hardest things about fencing repair. I have seen DIYer's try everything to get broken fence post out of the ground. One of my favorites is what I call the Grand Canyon. This is when a DIY will dig a hole so big around the fence post that they almost need a cement truck to bring in enough concrete to fill it. Have you ever dug a hole for a fence post? If so use the concept of digging a 8 inch diameter hole for a fence post against the concrete of the old fence post about 2-2 1/2 feet deep. Then take a sharp shooter shovel to clear a little dirt from each side of the concrete. Use post hole digger to remove the little bit of dirt that you loosened from the post hole. You now have a hole that is deep enough that with a little effort you can use a rock bar to lever the broken post and concrete into the hole you just dug so that it will be easy to lift out.

Put the new pole in the hole, take the old hard concrete and use as filler in the hole and put as much premixed wet concrete in the hole as needed to fill to the ground level then plumb the pole with a level. You can then wait 24 hours for the concrete to harden around the new fence post the nail the fence panels to it or you can go ahead nail the old or new fence panels to it, re-level the post and then use an old fence board to support it.

If you would like the easier way out then you can install a new fence post in next to the existing so that you do not have to dig the wood post out.

Cedar Fence Post: Cedar is naturally highly resistant to rot, decay, warping and bugs when used above ground. If it is saturated with moisture when installed in the hole with concrete around it and dries out, it will shrink leaving a void that will take on water. This creates a premature rotting process. This can also happen at the ground level if the concrete is not poured to a level that will help repel the water away from the fence post. You can use a good weather treatment to soak the post end prior to installing to extend the like of a cedar fence post. I have used Behr and Olympic with good success.

Treated Wood Post: Pressure treated wood post have a chemical that is resistant to rot and bugs. The tag on the end of the post at most retail chains like (Home Depot or Lowes) will tell you if it is good for ground contact. I have seen a lot of Landscape timbers used for posts in a fence. These usually do not have the proper treatment that will give it the rot protection so unless someone is on a very tight budget I will not recommend this type of wood post for fencing. Pressure treated pine fence post can warp or check from drying and shrinking (looks like a split). To minimize warping and twisting make sure that you attach the fence panels with the correct screws or nails. They need to be long enough to penetrate through the rail and the post by 2 1/2 - 3 inches. Also make sure that it is a Hot Dipped Galvanized screw or nail so that the chemicals in the wood do not deteriorate them.

I have seen that pressure treated wood post will last several years but can dry rot at the ground level but you can also minimize this by soaking the part that will come in contact with the ground in a good weather sealant.

Galvanized Metal Fence Post: Galvanized Metal Fence Post are my choice to use for fencing a backyard or changing out a rotted fence post. When they are installed correctly they can last a lifetime. Diameter of the hole they are to be cemented in to should be 8 - 10 inches and the depth should be a minimum of 30 inches and up to 48 inches. The type of soil and ground condition as well as the freeze line for your area will dictate this. They will cost a little more but in my opinion are worth the difference. Make sure that you get a heavy gauge like a.095 and put a dome cap on it so that it doesn't act like a rain gauge. The appearance is not as natural as wood fence post but this can be easily by boxing it with a fence board or two.

Changing a Wood Fence Picket: Changing a Fence Picket is almost self explanatory. In the Dallas Texas metro the choices of fence pickets are starting with the best then to the last are Cedar (3-4 different grades), Composite ( recycled materials like Trex, Correct Deck ), Pressure Treated Yellow Pine and Spruce - Fir - and White Pine ( These are all in the white wood category). The white woods typically have a longevity of 7 - 10 years unless a good weather sealant is applied.

Once again make sure that your screws or nails are of the proper length and either hot dipped galvanized or aluminum.

You can attach a fence board to the top of the pickets or a nylon string to use to keep the top straight as you fasten them to the rails.

Adding or Changing Fence Rail: I have had the most success changing a fence rail by leaving the fence panel attached to the post. Use a sawzall with a metal cutting blade. Slip the blade in between the rail and the post so you can cut the nails or the screws. Use a Wonder Bar and a hammer so that you can wedge it between the rail and the fence board. Pry the fence board away from the fence rail. Follow the same procedure with all the fence boards. Take the fence rail out. Cut the new one to the same length. Drive the nails through the fence picket leaving the nail in. Insert the rail. Hammer to nails back into the fence rail. You then can use 3 1/2 inch hot dipped galvanized nail to hammer through the rail into the fence post.




Want to know more about Fencing Repair and look to see What Your Backyard can Become?





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What Kind Of Decking Material Do You Like? - Get Composite Decking


Decking material includes just about everything you can think of that could be used for a deck. Composite decking is a type of decking that is made from a combination of wood fibers or sawdust and plastic. If you prefer to use traditional lumber, 2 X 6 is the most common lumber used, but you can also get hardwood decking, such as Ipe, cedar and redwood. In the line of wood decking material, you can get #1 and #2. # 1 lumber is kiln-dried to help prevent warping, cupping and checking. #2 lumber is considered green or wet.

If you are not sure about the new composite decking material that you have heard so much about, just visit one of your local decking retailers to see what it looks like. You can also do a search online and do a comparison of composite decking material and the traditional wood for decking. You can also compare the manufacturers of this decking material to find the best product for your needs at the best price. Some of the popular manufacturers of composite decking include Trex, Choice Dek, Weatherbest, Eon, Ipe and GeoDeck.

The invention of composite decking material has reduced the amount of work that homeowners have with building and maintaining a deck around their homes. There are various types of decking material that will last for years and with which you have very low maintenance to keep it looking just as new as the day you installed it. When you do a comparison of composite decking materials, you will find that when you have a deck made of this material, the only work you will ever have to do with it is to hose it down for cleaning. No more painting, scraping or repairing rotten boards in the decking in the spring. Composite material is well able to withstand the elements of the weather.

A comparison of composite decking material also means you have to look at the prices of each brand. Some of the manufacturers have tile decking that just snaps together. Some of these tiles come in a hardwood pattern and by rotating them you can create an interesting decking design. All of the composite decking materials are colored through so there is very little if any fading. This decking material is also slip-resistant and the water drains through the mesh base.

Take a good look at the many types of decking material on the market when you want to install a new deck. Whether you choose to use composite decking material or not, you will have to build a wooden frame. All the instructions you need for installing the composite boards or tiles are included in the packages and you can easily complete a typical deck in a few hours. Why bother with decking material that you have to paint or stain, when you can use composite decking and then sit back and enjoy it?




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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2012年2月9日 星期四

How To Install A Bocce Court


Bocce is a ball game that dates back to the age of the Roman Empire; it used to be a sport played on dirt. It required special skills to win the game on dirt, because throwing the ball to the target on dirt was not an easy thing to do.

The complexity of being able to roll the ball through the dirt to the set target turned many off from the game. The idea of dirt-free bocce courts made the sport interesting to all clans who wished to play the game, because they did not have the need to deal with the hefty task of playing in the dirt. The sport has survived to date due to leveled bocce courts. Eventually, it has continued to be one of the most liked backyard sport and people of all ages play this game. This game is played as a tourney, league or commonly as a social leisure. There are famed Bocce Champions as well.

The bocce ball game when played in specially designed bocce courts provide players with great recreational experience.

Materials Making the Court

The standard recommendations for building a bocce court consisted of lumbar, drainage and gravel. The bocce court has the backstops and sideboards made out of weather-resistant lumbar. The play area in the court is compacted with crushed stone dust, natural gravel or clay. A tiny fortune invested in an excellent drainage system enhances the playability and longevity of the leveled surface.

The materials used to build the bocce court can differ from one to another based on personal choice and convenience. However, there are recommendations about the choice of materials and commonly applied dimensions for the court.

Layout Dimensions

The dimensions of the bocce court can follow the width range anywhere from 8 through 14 feet and the length can be somewhere from 60 to 90 feet. The recommended size for private backyard court has dimensions reading 10 x 60 feet. However, municipal courts or those meant for community bocce events, tourneys and leagues are set at larger dimensions at 12 x 76 feet up to 13 x 90 feet.

Surface Quality

The game is all about rolling the ball. It is important for the court to be flat and straight to ensure complete roll of the ball with minimal or zero bounce. The goal is to create a court with zero bumpy surfaces. Coarse material renders the surface too loose eventually hindering free rolling of ball. Based on personal budget and project affordability, one might have to do the best to invest in materials that form a smooth firm surface.

Post-play dent restoration becomes difficult on surfaces formed with large particles. Downpour during heavy rain leads to stagnant water and drainage therefore becomes difficult. Therefore, the best recommended surface material is one that consists of small particles. Eventually, minimal upkeep restores playability.

Crushed Oyster Blends versus Traditional Options

Crushed oyster shells blend well with few other natural materials enhancing the quality of binding, therefore, providing excellent drainage. The traditionally recommended material is stone dust, but increasing number of luxury bocce courts, use oyster shells blend with clay to bring in premium leveling.

When it comes to using stone dust for the surface, the dust is supposed to be fines. Coarser particle size of the gravel will make the field bumpy. Clay is an alternative in regions where appropriate particle size of sand dust becomes unavailable.

In regions where heavy rain is common, the downpour can lead to standing water. Therefore, excellent drainage system becomes essential to restore playability of the court at the earliest.

Procure Appropriate Perimeter and Surface Materials

Procure pressure-treated (or) ground-contact perimeter rails of appropriate size or pressure-treated (or) ground-contact perimeter posts of appropriate sizes for the external perimeter as needed.

Buy contact points for the end walls in the perimeter rails with appropriate Trex decking lengths. Procure pressure treated or standard perimeter caps, fasteners, lag screws, washers, and square head decking screws to strengthen the structure. For setting the drainage in small courts, sleeve drain tubing that provides minimum of 60' of 3" perforation / corrugation is used. The corrugation size should be more for bigger courts.

Purchase limestone or class 2-road base as needed to fill the depth of the court base. The surface material for the field can be appropriate sized sand dust/gravel, clay, or oyster shell blend as per personal choice. The appropriate perimeter chosen for the court can vary considering the private or community usage targeted for the court. The quality of the soil should be favorable to digging and installing of postholes.

The Installation of The Bocce Court

The perimeter, the length and width of the field, are marked using the post or plank styles. In the plank perimeter style, it is a common approach to double up with the 2" planks or by using 3" or 4" thickness straight lumbar. In the perimeter marking process using poles, posts are commonly dug in per 5' or 4'. In both the post and plank finishes, capping improves aesthetics.

Cement surrounds are increasingly becoming common in environments that face extremes of climate. In such conditions, concrete perimeters work best. Wood or composite liner finishes in the inner regions of the concrete boundaries saves the balls from suffering constant abrasions. Setting the bumper in concrete with appropriate liners are a permanent solution to avoid abrasions.

Dig out the top soil to nearly 10" in the perimeter and fill the area with limestone or class 2-road base. Drilling, driving nails, and appropriate centering ensures rebar support thus strengthening the structure. Good quality finishing at the fasteners is important, because if the fastener fails particles get in between the railing and repair gets to be expensive.

Back walls are set up for rebounding. Rubber fenders or sheet steel is the commonly used finish for the end walls in bocce courts. Trex decking is an alternative for better finishes as well.

Care should be devoted to creating a leveled court with the appropriate surface blends and tamping. Appropriate buffer placed in the court absorbs shocks created by overshot balls. Court markings and foul lines as needed are marked on the sideboard. Community-bocce-courts require facilities that permit the usage of wheelchairs by disabled people. The final stage of Installation involves setting up of ball racks and scoreboards. Glare-free lighting in place ensures playability after sunset.




Sharmela Mukuntha Krishnan is a professional article writer. Also provides SEO, SMO and SMM consultation. You can reach her at sharmela@yogine.org.





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