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You may already know that decks are hot. Homeowners are building them and renovating them more than ever. But do you also know these five amazing facts about decks?
Smart investment: Your home is your biggest investment. It’s an even better investment if you add a deck. Experts say you can realize a 100 percent return on your investment. And if you build it yourself, you can expect an even better return.
Party central: Think of the possibilities for year-round fun on your deck with family and friends. On New Year’s Eve, you and your guests can gather on your deck and celebrate the stroke of midnight. On Halloween, you can organize a pumpkin-carving contest, with Jack-o’-lanterns lined up around your deck. A built-in hot tub adds opportunities for fun and relaxation.
Decking materials galore: Consumers have more choices than ever these days when it comes to choosing material to build their decks. Some decking materials are better suited to warm climates, and others are perfect for withstanding snow and ice. You can even build your deck with composite material which is not only environmentally friendly - but also as beautiful as wood.
Whether you’re building or renovating a deck, you can be sure to participate in an amazing trend.
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The Birds and the Butterflies
Your garden will spring to life with the addition of birds and butterflies!
Create a haven in your garden for birds and butterflies and breathe new life into your garden. You will also create an oasis that the whole family will enjoy with these tips.
- Go Natural - Avoid using pesticides as they’re harmful to both birds and butterflies.
- Water Works - Install a bird bath or fountain for your feathered friends to bathe and drink from.
- Food & Shelter - Trees and shrubs that bear fruit, nuts and berries not only provide food but also offer shelter.
- Bloom Boom - Butterflies are attracted to pink, orange, yellow, red, purple and blue shades while butterfly larvae feed on dill, fennel and milkweed.
- Sun Seekers - Butterflies like sunny locations that are sheltered from the wind. A few flat stones will give them a place to rest while warming in the sun.
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Spotlight on Decks
For many, a deck is an extension of the home. It brings indoor life to the great outdoors. With a little care, a deck can last for many years. Neglected, it can become an eyesore or worse, unsafe! This spotlight on decks provides a few tips to help keep your deck safe and in good condition.
Deck Materials
Pressure Treated Wood: The most common deck building material is pressure treated wood. Properly maintained, a pressure treated wood deck can last 20 years.
Cedar: Cedar is a premium deck building material with a rich look and feel. It is more expensive than pressure treated wood but it has many desirable properties. It is naturally more dimensionally stable than pressure treated wood so it does not shrink and split. A well maintained cedar deck can last 20 years.
Synthetic: Synthetic decking is the most expensive decking material but it requires little to no maintenance beyond cleaning and should last many years.
Wood Sealer: The secret to a deck that looks good over the years is wood sealer. Unsealed wood absorbs water. Over time the wood splits and deteriorates.
Here’s a test to see if your deck needs sealer. Pour a cup of water onto the wood, if the water beads up and runs off, the deck is in good shape. Otherwise it needs sealer.
Deck Collapse: Many decks fail because they are old, worn and rotted. Others fail because they were not built properly in the first place. The most critical connection is the deck to house connection. Look out for:
- A ledger that is attached securely to the house structure.
- Flashing to keep water from leaking behind the ledger. Water is directed over the ledger.
- Joist hangers attach joists to the ledger.
Check Your Deck - Look for these signs of trouble:
- Wood rot: Rotted connections such as the ledger board to house connection could lead to deck collapse.
- Good connections: Check points of connection of major components such as the deck to house, guard rail to deck, beam to post, post to pier, etc. You should see plenty of metal brackets and bolts not nails.
Reduce Bills and Chills
It’s important to do everything we can to reduce our energy use.
A few small changes can make a huge difference to your monthly energy bill. For instance, adjusting your “smart” thermostat by just a few degrees can produce major savings!
Also, don’t forget to lower the thermostat on your water heater or better yet, get an “on demand” system that only heats up water as it’s needed. Here are a few other ideas to consider:
- Switch over to LED bulbs install energy efficient shower heads.
- Clean out your dryer’s lint tray after each use.
- Seal up air leaks around windows and doors.
- Use ceiling fans to save money on both heating and cooling.
- Service your air conditioner and furnace each year to maintain efficiency.
Landscaping is a naturally beautiful way to keep your home comfortable. A few strategically placed trees or shrubs can save a fortune on heating and cooling as they shelter against the cold winds and provide shade during the summer months.
Higher energy bills are a harsh reality for the rising number of people who work from home. To help minimize this expense, power down your computer when it’s not in use and shut it off completely at the end of the day. You can also cut costs by positioning your desk to take advantage of natural light.
It doesn’t take much to implement a few energy saving solutions around the home.
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