Keep Your Decks and Porches Looking Great

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Decks and porches maintenance

Porches and decks take a beating. They are exposed to all sorts of weather conditions, including heavy winds, sleet, rain, snow, and even algae and mildew. While all of these things can be devastating in terms of damage, many people don’t realize that the roof they have invested in is just as important when it comes to protecting their homes. With the right kind of maintenance, you can get the price low on your roof and increase the value of your home, too.

One of the main things to remember about decks and porches maintenance is ensuring that they are adequately protected. No matter what kind of material your deck or porch is made out of, there is going to be joists, rafters, timbers, nails, screws, and more that can get in the way of your plans. One of the most damaging kinds of damage for decks and porches is to have nails, screws, or other pieces get stuck under the boards of your deck or porch patio. Nails and screws can break off and then become embedded into the wood, which can severely compromise the integrity of your roof and cause further damage.

To prevent this problem, screened porches need to be attended to every few weeks. If you have vinyl decking, a quick snip of the string tied to your skirting board will usually suffice. For wooden decks, however, it’s best to call in a professional to take care of this chore. Remember that wood is extremely susceptible to moisture so using your skirting board too often without covering it up can quickly damage your screens.

There are a variety of ways to ensure that your decks and porches get proper protection. If your homeowner’s manual offers some idea of how to maintain your screens, take advantage of that information and use it as a guide. You can also get price quotes on products at various home improvement centers in your neighborhood and online at major home improvement stores.

There are some precautions that you can take when cleaning your deck or screened porch. Always remember that wood needs to be left to dry after a rain or use, so standing water could become a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Use a sponge rather than a brush to scrub down your screens. Don’t use steel wool or aluminum scouring pads because these can scratch the surface of your decking. And never spray your screens with any kind of cleaning product unless you’re certain that it’s approved for use on wood surfaces.

In addition to preventing damage from moisture, you can also extend the life of your screens by taking a few simple steps. When winter comes and it’s time to give your roof a thorough cleaning, don’t forget to cover your wooden decking and porches. Most homeowner’s manuals will recommend against painting your roofs, but if you must, choose a color that won’t be damaged by the harsh rays of the sun. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, lay a light covering over the top of the shingles to protect it, and give us a call when you’re done.

When you give your decks and porches a thorough cleaning and protection treatment, you’ll find that there’s less likely of a need to clean them again for several years. Of course, there are always those rainy, snowy, or bright days that threaten to bring you back to reality and give you a case of the blues. And when it comes to protecting your family from harmful ultraviolet rays, you may want to consider a sunscreen that’s specifically designed for the purpose of protecting your decks and porches from sunlight. You can also use sunscreen to give your screened-in porch a quick cover up during the spring and summer months, before putting away your picnic lunch. Just remember that it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen to your porches and decks at least an inch away from the surfaces; if you fail to do so, you’ll be left with a case of yellow streaks.

For some homeowners, roof decks can pose a real problem, as they can be subject to constant damage from high winds and storms, as well as from fires. In this case, it might be more economical to get a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof decks and perform a thorough repair job. And even if you opt to perform the repair job yourself, remember to pick a tough replacement product to avoid having to face the same problem a second time around. Get a good contractor and a durable yet affordable composite decking material to get your outdoor living area looking great and lasting a long time.

How to Save Money on Kitchen Remodels

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Kitchen renovations are not just about adding new countertops and cupboards, and other functional items. They are also about incorporating modern styles and ideas into the space to make it more pleasant to live in and easier to cook and serve meals in. There are many reasons that people are going for kitchen renovations. Here are some of the common reasons:

kitchen remodels

Replace worn-out cabinetry and appliances – Kitchen Remodels Richmond VA are ideal for replacing worn-out or faulty cabinetry and appliances. These items can quickly be returned with new or used ones. With the help of your contractor, you can get rid of old, low-quality fittings and replace them with new ones of high quality. This will save you considerable design fees and plumbing charges.

Install high-end appliances – One advantage of kitchen remodels is installing high-end appliances. In some instances, contractors may charge you extra for installing highly sophisticated and expensive kitchen equipment. However, many times these contractors would be able to install the items at a fraction of the cost because they would buy them in bulk. It may be helpful to look around to find companies that specialize in selling used or reconditioned equipment. The downside to doing this is that sometimes you may have to compromise on the quality of the items purchased. This is why it is important to check the quality of the items you are considering carefully before you go ahead installing them.

Increase the resale value of the property – This is perhaps the biggest reason for homeowners to take up kitchen remodels. When you have a nice kitchen that is well-equipped with all the modern amenities, it will definitely increase the resale value of your home. Even if you are planning to sell your home in a couple of years, having a brand new kitchen that looks like something out of a magazine is sure to make prospective buyers swoon. Of course, the first tip is to choose a designer who has several years of experience in kitchen designing. The more experienced a kitchen designer is, the more innovative and stylish designs he/she will come up with.

Enhance the kitchen environment – Another thing that can increase the value of your home when you plan to sell it is to remodel the kitchen. Today, homeowners can opt for a whole new look for their kitchens, which include having marble countertops, using stainless steel appliances, repainting walls, adding islandettes in kitchen, etc. If you intend to put these items in your home, make sure that they add value to your home as well. One of the most common misconceptions about kitchen remodels is that homeowners simply paint the cabinets or overlay the cabinetry. The truth is, you should invest in quality kitchen remodels, which will make your space sparkle with a kind of renewed energy.

Invest in quality plumbing and electrical – Although plumbing and electrical fixtures are usually cheap when purchased new, they can become very expensive when they are outdated. Therefore, if you are planning to use new kitchen remodeling ideas, consider investing in high-quality plumbing and electrical units that can help you save money on annual maintenance costs. By remodeling your kitchen with updated fixtures and faucets, you can also save money in terms of upgrading your kitchen appliances because new models often offer more efficient functions.

Invest on kitchen cabinetry and furniture – Cabinets and furniture manufacturers have begun incorporating new design elements and innovative materials in their products in response to the demands of consumers. Therefore, it is important that you choose a designer who is able to incorporate your desired features into his/her designs. This is especially important if you want to change your home improvement ideas into reality. A good designer can not only provide you with kitchen cabinet layouts but can also help you select the right kitchen cabinets, tables and other kitchen items that can make your dream kitchen come alive with the best home improvement qualities. By working with a quality cabinetry and furniture manufacturer, you can ensure that your dream kitchen is as functional as it can be.

Before hiring a home improvement professional for your kitchen to remodel or home renovation needs, consider getting free quotes from local cabinetry and furniture stores. A quality home improvement company should provide you with quotes from several kitchen renovation companies at the same time so you can compare prices and quality. By doing so, you can ensure that you get the most affordable kitchen remodels at the best prices available in your area.