Preventing Ground-level Deck Rot
Floating decks have grown in popularity over the years as a result of their flexibility. Since they’re not attached to the house they can be erected anywhere on the property.
Floating decks, however, are also more susceptible to more problems because of their contact with the ground. Rot is one of the common issues faced by these decks. Some effective ways of dealing with this problem include:
Pressure Washing
Regularly sweeping your decks is essential in preventing the accumulation of debris that could encourage the emergence of adverse organisms. However, with ground-level decks this isn’t enough, Newton MA Deck Builders recommend pressure washing at least once a month to get the gunk out of the spaces between panels.
Pouring Gravel Over the Base
Another simple effective means of preventing the potential onset of rot is by pouring a mix of gravel over the base before setting your deck. You can also choose to cement the ground if you’re looking for a more level foundation. The main objective is to prevent contact with the actual ground.
Treating the Wood
Using treated wood ensures that the material is already resistant to issues such as rot and infestation. It’s also advisable to regularly reseal your deck (at least once a year) to maintain this attribute. For the best deck-building services in Newton, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
The Best Wood for Building a Deck
There are multiple options available when it comes to decking material. Lumber is arguably the most popular option available in this category, as it represents great value for money when it comes to quality and affordability.
Some of the best species a Porch Builder will recommend include:
Pressure-treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber offers the best value for money for individuals looking to initiate a decking project with a mitigated budget. This option isn’t limited to a particular species but is generally implemented with more affordable softwoods. The chemical treatment given to these woods enhances their longevity and durability without having to pay over the odds.
Hardy Softwoods
As the name suggests, softwoods are not the best option when it comes to construction material – but some options serve as the exception. Natural softwoods can represent good alternatives in regions that don’t suffer from frequent extreme weather. Good options include cedar, pine, and redwood.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods are arguably the best timber option when looking for a natural alternative. Combined with treatment measures such as staining or sealers, these species can last for decades with minimal care and maintenance. We work with a wide variety of hardwoods with our decking projects, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Planning a Deck Building Project
Adding a deck to your home is one of the most effective means of enhancing the curb appeal of your home. Planning for the endeavor beforehand is crucial to your chances of success, and some of the crucial elements you should consider at this stage include:
Notify your Neighbors
Building a deck is a noisy endeavor and considering that the work will be taking place outdoors, your neighbors are likely to be affected by the commotion. Warning your neighbors at least a week before the Deck Builders come to the site is a good way to maintain relations. Sending a second reminder one or two days before the project begins is also advisable.
Applying for a Permit
Most states require homeowners to acquire a building permit before they can add a deck to their homes. Depending on the features involved with your fixture, you might need additional permits including electrical and plumbing. In most cases, a permit will take between two weeks to a month for approval. No work can commence before the acquisition of these licenses.
Sourcing your Material
The primary materials involved can also play a significant role in the timeline involved. Elements such as lumber and composite decking, for example, can be acquired without much fuss. Extravagant options such as rare hardwoods, however, might take a longer time to get. For high-quality decking solutions, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.
How Does a Deck Enhance Your Home’s Resale Value?
A great way to ensure you get a solid return on investment (ROI) when looking to enhance your resale value is through the addition of a deck. Some of the ways this extension can enhance residential value include:
Enhanced Curb Appeal
A deck is sometimes viewed as a special feature when describing a residence on a listing. When cared for appropriately, it greatly enhances the external appearance of a house improving the overall aesthetics. The design you choose can urge the overall residence in certain stylistic directions, as well as provide an inviting aspect with the home’s entrance.
Increased Square Footage
Hiring Needham MA Deck Builders to add an orthodox extension to your home automatically increases the overall size of your home when listed. This is because traditional decks are attached to a house, meaning it can officially be considered as part of the residence. The larger your home the higher its potential resale value.
Additional Features
Installing features such as bench seating, recessed lighting, and smart entertainment access can also enhance the value of your home. These features enhance the value of your deck by transforming it from a simple extra space into a hosting/entertainment area. Hiring established firms to handle your decking needs is crucial to your chances of success, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Leading Deck Innovations in 2023
Whereas traditionally a deck was generally utilized as an area where homeowners can enjoy the cool breeze for a few moments, numerous households have transformed this area into a comprehensive additional lounge.
Some of the leading deck innovations available from a Porch Builder in 2023 include:
Curving Perimeters
Traditional decks are generally available in right-angled dimensions. However, modern decks have implemented a more curvaceous approach with their design – integrating various loops, waves, and arches with their circumference. These designs offer an elegant and stately appearance, enhancing curb appeal.
Fire Fixture Centerpieces
Installing a fireplace around a seating area is an effective means of enhancing comfort levels during the colder seasons of the year or nighttime. Opting for a woodburning alternative is recommendable when looking to mitigate costs. Gas burners will require permits to connect the fixture to a gas line, leading to extra expenses.
Pergola Installations
Pergolas feature multiple benefits and are available in numerous designs. This structure offers a great shade solution and depending on your roofing and wall choice, it can also be a good cover against the wind and rain. It’s crucial to ensure that you hire an established firm when looking to integrate this addition into your deck, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
How Long Does a Deck Building Project Take?
Developing a suitable schedule for your deck-building project is crucial in determining the overall success involved with the venture. The length of a particular deck building project will depend on several issues as no one size fits all.
Average Timeline
Generally speaking, undertaking a professional deck-building project can take between one week to a month. A floating deck, for instance, can be constructed in under a week as the construction requirements involved are simple. Traditional porches that are attached to the house can take between two weeks to a month, with complex designs potentially stretching to two months or more. The competency of the Deck Builders you hire will also determine the potential timeline of your project.
Materials and Supplies
The particular materials you implement with your project will also determine the length of your project. Working with easily sourced alternatives such as lumber, for example, will have a very short or non-existent waiting time and homeowners can commence their project as soon as possible. Pink granite, on the other hand, is extremely rare and can take a couple of months to acquire, depending on your supplier.
Hiring an established contractor can potentially shorten the overall timeline involved with your project, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Luxury Deck Ideas
If you happen to have come across an influx of cash, dedicating these funds to your deck is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your home. The presence of a deck automatically raises the resale value of a house, and the addition of luxury options can offer a return on investment of over 100%.
Some great luxury upgrades a Porch Builder can include with a remodel include:
Jacuzzi Bathtubs
Installing a jacuzzi on your deck can offer the ultimate form of relaxation. These fixtures can be used any time of the day and during any season because of their climate-control features that allow individuals to control the temperature of the water. Your deck will need sufficient levels of privacy, however, to avoid peeping Toms.
Multi-level Decking Designs
Multi-level decks offer a sense of elegance that’s unique to this approach. Implementing a low gradient that gradually rises to the entryway of your home can significantly enhance the aesthetics related to curb appeal. It’s essential to hire a professional who specializes in such designs to ensure quality work.
Outdoor Entertainment Systems
Entertainment systems are arguably one of the most popular luxury upgrades available with decking remodels. Individuals have taken it a step further from simple audiovisual additions to enhanced provisions including WiFi and gaming setups. If you’re looking for reliable decking professionals in your area, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
DIY vs. Hiring Professional Deck Builders
One of the major elements to consider when thinking about adding a deck to your home is whether to handle the construction personally or hire a professional to get the job done. There are several elements to consider when making this choice. It’s crucial to consider all aspects involved before coming to a final decision.
Handling the Construction as a DIY
If you have no prior expertise with construction projects, handling your deck-building project as a DIY is not advisable. The kind of deck you’re building will also determine the success of a DIY decking venture. A floating deck, for instance, doesn’t require a lot of construction expertise as it’s detached from the house and doesn’t involve features such as ledger boards, joists, and footers.
Hiring a Professional Builder
If you’re looking to get the most out of your venture, enlisting professional Needham MA Deck Builders with experience ensures no amateurish mistakes are involved with the construction. This is a crucial aspect when it comes to adhering to the building codes involved with building a deck. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines.
In conclusion, hiring a professional when working on a decking project is recommended unless you have professional construction experience. For reliable deck-building services at affordable rates, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Choosing an Alloy for your Decking Project
One of the major elements involved with a deck building project is the primary materials implemented with the construction. One of the leading alternatives that have come to the forefront in recent times is metal alloys.
Some of the elements you need to consider when choosing a metal alloy with your Porch Builder include:
Malleability
Malleability refers to a metal’s ability to be shaped into varying forms without breaking. This allows a builder to easily handle the material when implementing a particular design with their construction, enabling them to implement different angles and curvatures to their work. Malleable metals will require lower volumes of construction material.
Corrosion Resistance
The metal you choose must be highly resistant to corrosion. If you live in an area that experiences frequent rainfall or snow, finding a metal that’s highly resistant to corrosion greatly enhances the longevity of your structure. Stainless steel and aluminum represent two popular options when considering corrosion resistance.
Heat Conductivity
If your deck’s design will incorporate metal with its railing, choosing an option with low thermal conductivity is advisable to avoid burning your hand during the hotter seasons of the year. You can encourage this aspect by combining metal with material such as wood. For quality metal decking building services, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.
Types of Residential Decks
Building a deck might not always be as straightforward as you think. There are multiple aspects to consider, with one of the leading elements being the particular design suitable for your needs. These extensions can be categorized into several types. Some of the popular options include:
Traditional Porches
Established Deck Builders will tell you that you can never go wrong with a classic. If you’re working on a limited budget, integrating various frills and features can strain your finances. Focusing on a simple design is a great way to mitigate your funds. The archetypical square or rectangular design can still enhance curb appeal.
Wraparound Decks
A wraparound deck surrounds your home in its entirety or covers a major section. This approach enhances the square footage of your home, improving your residence’s resale value in the process. They’re, however, more expensive than other alternatives because of the perimeter covered, and also require plenty of yard space to implement.
Floating Decks
Floating decks are a great option for individuals looking to build a deck on a budget. These designs are not attached to the home, and therefore don’t need any permit to install, and allow for larger levels of flexibility as the fact that they’re detached from the house means they can be placed anywhere. For reliable deck-building services in the market, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
