There have been over 30 deaths from deck collapses in the country from between 2000 and 2008. Statistically, deck collapses are catastrophic; over 75 percent of people on a deck during a collapse die. In an effort to raise awareness of this serious home maintenance issue, NADRA has declared May to be a national deck safety month.

We offer professional deck evaluations to Atlanta area home owners, providing information on deck capacities, any issues that might be present, and an idea of what areas should be watched carefully. There are also safety checks that you can perform on your own deck to ensure it’s safety.

1. Decaying Wood

   1. Using a sharp tool, like an ice pick or screwdriver, check different areas of your deck for rotten or splitting wood. Pay close attention to areas that may have a tendency to stay damp, stay in contact with water, or have fasteners attached. If you can reach them, check the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house), support posts, joists under the deck, decking and railings. If you encounter wood that can be easily penetrated (1/4 to 1/2 inch), are able to knock pieces of wood off without splintering, or find any soft spots, you may have decay. Keep an eye out for insect damage while you’re at it.

2. Flashing

   1. Flashing is a metal or plastic guard that is often installed at the ledger board where the deck and house come together to keep moisture and debris from collecting. Make sure the flashing is in good shape and that it has not come loose.

3. Loose or Corroded Fasteners

   1. Fasteners are all the nails,screws, or anchors in the ledger board. Tighten any loose fasteners, and if a fastener appears rusted or corroded, you may consider replacing it, as it can cause deterioration of the wood surrounding it.

   2. The deck itself and stairs should both appear even, with no sagging. They should not move when tested.

4. Railings and Banisters

   1. • Push on the railing and banisters to make sure they are secure. There should be no movement when they are pushed.

   2. This can also be a source of code issues on older decks. Most modern codes require a 36” high railing, with a 42” height being preferred. Rails should be no more than 4” apart, especially if your deck is high above the ground.

5. Stairs

   1. Check all the railings and handrails to make sure they are sound and secure. Also check the risers and stringers to be sure they are sound and not decayed.

   2. Usually, the area behind the stair treads is open. Make sure this opening is no more than 4” high.

   3. You may also consider keeping the deck stairway free of planters, décor, toys and other items that may cause someone to trip.

6. Cleaning and Maintenance

   1. Leaves and other debris can promote mildew and rot; make sure to clean things us regularly.

   2. If you do have mildew present it’s time to clean and apply a new waterproof coating. It can help prevent wood decay and loose fasteners.

7. Grills, Fire Pits, Chimneys and Other Sources of Heat.

   1. Many people use their deck for grilling, but make sure any source of heat is placed away from flammable surfaces, and that the deck is protected by a non-flammable pad.

8. Lighting and Electrical

   1. Be sure all your lighting is working and free from debris. Also trim any trees or plants that may be obscuring your light sources.

   2. Making sure all your electrical outlets and features are up to code and in good working condition. Childproofing is also a good idea.

9. Outdoor Furniture and Storage

   1. Make sure the outdoor furniture is in good shape. Avoid placing any near the edge of the deck or the stairs. Swings and hammocks should have chains or ropes that are in good condition.

   2. You may consider childproofing any storage boxes/benches, and keeping all chemical products away from children

10. Surrounding Trees

    1. Trees that overhang your deck can pose a safety issue if they have decayed limbs that could fall on the deck.

If your deck fails to meet the standards described above, it may be time to perform some upkeep. Water and termite damage are very common for the metro Atlanta area, and can destroy a deck, or other wood structures. Give us a call at 678-714-7393, or contact us online for help with any issues you may have found, or for a free, professional deck evaluation.

Before Remodel

After Remodeling, Vinyl Siding, and Doors

This is a covered parking area at an Atlanta area home before and after remodeling. Existing structures were used as much as possible to reduce materials costs. After repairs and additions, vinyl siding and garage doors with openers were added. New windows and doors were also installed.

For more information, including pricing for replacement siding, windows, and doors, please call us at 678-714-7393. More information about garage doors, can be found at our sister site CurbAppealCSI.com

Expanding your living space by adding exterior structures is not only a smart way to add value to your home, but value to the quality of your outdoor life. There are many types of structures to choose from and virtually something for every type of yard and design aesthetic. Deciding whether to build a deck, patio, sunroom, pergola, covered patio, or screenroom is the first decision the homeowner needs to consider. The benefits of each of these structures are numerous, and any one of these structures will add value to your property.

1. Decks – These relatively uncomplicated structures are one of the most popular exterior additions. Decks can be made of treated lumber or composite decking material, which comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. The addition of a deck, like any other exterior living space structure, alters the exterior of the home and should be carefully planned to incorporate the style of the home. Consideration for the site of the deck should be given to take advantage of all outdoor conditions in order for the homeowner to spend time outdoors in the conditions they prefer.

2. Sunrooms – Another great way to extend living space with year round comfort, sunrooms can include heating and cooling, lighting, ceiling fans, tile flooring, and energy efficient windows. The addition of a customized sunroom adds light, gives the home a more spacious look and adds tremendous value to the home. Sunrooms blend with any style of home while bringing added visual esthetics to both the interior and exterior of the home. Customizing a sunroom to match exterior siding such as Hardie siding is easy and affordable. If an existing sunroom needs replacement windows for more energy efficiency, consider that cost as added overall value to the home.

3. Pergolas – Also referred to as arbors or shade covers, pergolas are a beautiful addition to any home. A pergola can either stand-alone or be attached to an existing structure and can be made of wood or termite resistant metal. Pergolas provide dappled shade and can serve as a trellis for climbing vines. Pergolas can transform a yard and landscape by adding elegant style to the backyard. Freestanding arbors can also play an important part in great garden design and can lead from one garden area to another.

4. Screenrooms – Screenrooms are making a comeback from the first half of the century, when virtually every home had an attached screenroom. They are a great way to add living space to the back or side of your home. Screenrooms allow for enjoyment of the outdoors in shaded comfort while staying free of insects and pests. Screenrooms are simple, economical, and can even be built using an existing patio or deck! Patio covers are another great option for expanding outdoor living space and staying out of direct exposure to the sun.

Home improvements, whether adding a carport, replacement windows for energy efficiency, Hardie plank or siding for a long lasting exterior, or upgrading exterior paint will all add great value to your home. Whether you are adding a carport to protect an extra car or boat or adding outdoor living space by building a deck, sunroom, pergola, arbor, screen room or covered patio, these structures are sure to add to the enjoyment of your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Four-Great-Home-Improvement-Projects—Decks,-Patios,-and-More&id=1802808

Today, many homeowners are finding that exterior siding can be a viable method to enhance both the appearance and the value of their home. Exterior siding, sometimes called cladding or clapboard is the outermost layer of material on a home. There are a variety of types of siding ranging from popular vinyl sidings, to aluminum, wood, and natural or cultured stone.

However, the newest and currently best-received exterior siding alternative is fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie siding, is the most popular brand of siding in North America. In fact, a recent study has shown that, of homeowners who have recently purchased vinyl siding for their homes, about 50% of them say they would have chosen fiber cement siding over vinyl, had they been better informed.

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is made from a composite of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, which is then blended with water, waxes, and resins. The material is then autoclaved, a process in which the mixture is subjected to highly pressurized steam that presses the material into its final form. This autoclave procedure provides increased strength and durability to the final product.

Fiber cement siding is normally manufactured into a much thicker and more durable product than its vinyl counterparts. While this increased thickness will add more weight to your home, it will also provide more protection.

Problems with Vinyl Siding

While vinyl siding is the most commonly known and most inexpensive siding alternative, it presents a host of problems and tribulations to the homeowner. For instance, since vinyl siding is not tightly secured to the walls of the building, gaps are left in which insects and moisture may accumulate and create problems down the line.

Also, vinyl siding is extremely flammable and can catch on fire or melt if to close to a flame or other heat source, such as a barbeque grill or even a reflective light source. In addition, vinyl siding will fade over time from exposure to the sun. When faded, it is often difficult to find replacement panels that will match your existing vinyl siding shade and color. Vinyl siding is also infamous for not being able to be painted with quality results. While paint may be applied to the vinyl, the paint very rarely holds on the plastic and will most likely peel and crack.

Vinyl siding is extremely thin, sometimes only 5/100” thick. This leads to structural inadequacies, so the siding is more prone to damage from being struck by objects, weather, and temperature changes. The vinyl siding may crack, split, or become misshapen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver
http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Introduction-To-Fiber-Cement-Siding&id=620830

Upgrade Siding and Windows to Sell Your Home – Revitalizing Your House’s Curb Appeal Makes the Sale
By Matt Gallo

We keep hearing the gloom and doom stories about the housing market, but if you’re trying to sell, there are ways to make your house more attractive to buyers. Don’t just sit there and wait-be proactive about selling your house with exterior upgrades. Replacing the siding and old windows can actually go a long way toward attracting potential buyers and making your home sell!

As real estate agent Amy Mills Siler points out, home buyers almost always make up their minds about a house based solely on exterior appearance: “If they drive up to a house with dingy aluminum siding and old windows, the buyers automatically get a bad taste in their mouth.” You simply have to maximize curb appeal if you want your house to sell, especially in today’s market. So if you’ve been considering having new siding installed or the windows are starting to seriously look their age, now’s the time to upgrade to new vinyl siding and replace those windows. Putting off exterior improvements simply doesn’t pay when it comes to real estate.

Cost may be a concern for many homeowners who need to do repairs before they can sell their home; after all, no one wants to put money into a building if they’re not going to make any of it back! The good news is that you’ll recuperate the majority of your investment in siding and window replacement. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2008-2009 national “Cost vs. Value” survey, siding upgrades (cement fiber, vinyl, and insulated vinyl) on average cost between $13,000 and $10,000 and recouped between 86% and 80% of the cost. Window replacement had almost as good a return on investment with window upgrades (wood and vinyl) costing between $17,500 and $10,500 and recouping between 79% and 76% of the initial outlay.

You may be thinking, why spend $13,200 for new siding to only recoup $11,400? Because that new cement fiber siding is what makes the difference between selling the house and keeping it on the market for 8 months or a year. Sure, you only make back 86% of the siding upgrade-but what is the time your house spends on the market worth to you? If you’ve already bought another home, fewer months of making two mortgage payments is definitely worth far more than the $1,800 “loss.” Of course, there are other costs associated with keeping a home on the market long term: time lost cleaning and picking up prior to showings, additional energy costs associated with keeping the lights on, and other little costs that can really add up. Exterior upgrades can help save you these additional costs, even if the siding or windows don’t earn 100% ROI themselves. In fact, if you consider all of the other costs of keeping your house on the market for months, you’ll likely get more than 100% of the investment back if you sell the house quickly!

Because the simple truth is that homebuyers often judge your house in the first few seconds they see it, replacing your old siding and windows is a great investment. You’ll earn back most of your money and your house will sell that much faster.

So stop delaying: call your local siding contractor and window installer today to get started on your home’s exterior makeover and the road to selling your house fast!

Matt Gallo is a home improvement specialist and the Internet marketing manager for Prospect Genius, a leading provider of online local advertising solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Gallo
http://EzineArticles.com/?Upgrade-Siding-and-Windows-to-Sell-Your-Home—Revitalizing-Your-Houses-Curb-Appeal-Makes-the-Sale&id=2059472