Composite Decks - Why They Get Dirty and How to Clean Them

Composite decks were supposed to be maintenance free and last forever, that's why everybody spent the extra money on composite decking instead of a traditional wood deck.

Now it seems that we been "had" , they do get dirty, mold spots show up all over the deck like a case of the measles and anything that drips or spills on the deck, like sun tan lotion, grease, food, food condiments, etc leaves a stain that doesn't wipe off.

What is composite decking? Composite decking is nothing more than compressed wood pulp (saw dust) which is usually mixed with recycled plastic to give it some stability.

How can it get so dirty? Mold needs an organic food source to survive and the wood pulp serves that purpose, so mold will grow on composite decking just as it would on a wood deck. If you have ever seen how cardboard absorbs a drip of oil, you will understand how composite decking absorbs spills, it goes in beneath the surface but still it is visible and that is what makes cleaning tough.

Sodium percarbonate based cleaners are highly effective because when mixed with water they created a bubbling action much like "alka-seltzer" and when applied to composite decking these bubbles will actually dissolve and lift any organic material to the surface which can be easily cleaned off.

Cleaning is simple, apply the mixture to the affected area of the deck, allow it 15 minutes to penetrate and to start breaking up the stains, while the area is still wet take a deck scrub brush and in circular motions scrub the spots out, when cleaning is complete rinse the area well with water. A pressure washer may be substituted for the scrub brush, but light pressure, max 1,000 psi, is all that is needed.

The key, when cleaning is to clean small sections at a time and always keep that area wet with the mixture while scrubbing, if the area dries before the cleaning is complete the organic matter could settle back below the surface and the process would have to begin again.

Sodium percarbonate is also a great product to use to prevent mold, simply apply a coat to your deck in the spring and fall and this will break up and dissolve any organic matter that is starting to make your deck it' new home and food source.

Not all Sodium percarbonate based products are made of the same quality ingredients, strengths vary from 10 to 90% and there are additives necessary to take the sodium percarbonate mixture below the surface of the composite decking, without these additives the sodium percarbonate will only clean what sits on the top of the decking. The right formulation will be the difference in how clean your deck will come out.

John Redihan is the owner of Wash Safe Industries of Harwich, Massachusetts. Wash Safe Industries manufactures environmentally safe cleaning products, such as Composite Deck Wash and provides exterior "green" cleaning services. http://wash-safe.com/

Second Floor Insulation

What You Need To Know About Patio Lighting

Patio lighting is almost as important as the patio furniture that you place there. With a little creative planning, you can create a patio with lighting that really shows it off. You should plan the lighting just as you plan the design and look into all the options available for lights on a patio. Some people like to string Christmas lights around the patio to give it a festive appearance. This method of lighting does not cost a lot because you simply use the Christmas lights that you already have.

Down lighting is a way of lighting the patio from above. It helps to create a natural light, similar to moonlight shining down on those seated there. This lighting is also a good security measure for when you are not home because a lighted patio gives the appearance of people being outside when no one answers the doorbell. With creative lighting, you can sit on the patio after dark and enjoy your favorite novel or read the newspaper.

Spotlights or floodlights can serve as down lighting. If you want all of the patio lit up, then floodlights are best. Spotlights are great for highlighting certain areas of the patio such as stairs and the doorway. If you have a particular area on the patio that you want to draw attention to, such as the fountain, then spotlights work really well. One area that you do need to have lighting is the cooking and eating areas, so that you can see what you are doing.

Patio lights can be installed along the edge of the railing and add an ambiance to the patio. Some of these lights are connected to an electrical supply, while others run by batteries. They come on at dusk and go off at dawn, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the lights when you go in.

For lots of information on patio design and other decks and patios related topics, visit The DIY Home Guide at http://www.thediyhomeguide.com

Missing Window Flashing

Painted Adirondack Chairs - A Burst of Color in Your Backyard Retreat

When it comes to expanding living space one of the easiest places to start is the backyard. Filling it with furniture and greenery and even water elements makes it feel homey and luxurious. Who doesn't want to relax outside in the warm sun?

An ideal place to begin is with a place to sit. You may be inclined to choose a porch swing to enjoy the warm breeze or a chaise lounge to relax by the pool, but for a classically comfortable look, you should try painted Adirondack chairs on your deck or patio. You can choose from many colors from warm red to sunny yellow and even have it pre-distressed or let it naturally distress in the environment. Ready to settle into they make a welcome respite along your garden path or even amongst the green leaves of your garden as a place to sit back and admire your work.

Created as outdoor furniture in upstate New York, this style of chair boasts a high slat back, wide angled seat and extra large arm rests. It is impossible not to relax while sitting in one. And if you invest in painted Adirondack chairs you can add a punch of color to any spot in your yard. On the deck, around the fire pit or alongside the pool you will always have an always comfortable spot to rest your bones.

Along with your painted Adirondack chairs, you can invest in matching ottomans to put your feet up and a side table to rest your cold drink and book on. Once you have set up an area with a pair or more you can add other things to your retreat. Cushions make any patio furniture more plush and a table and chair set ensures you can enjoy a meal in the elements. Usually crafted from heavy duty wood such as pine, cedar or teak your painted Adirondack chairs will last a lifetime.

So, when that warm weather comes throw open your doors and invite the summer in. Your living space becomes instantly larger with the right furniture and accents. You can add outdoor lamps for lighting, custom made cushions for increased comfort, and outdoor art for a unique look. The possibilities are endless. No matter what colors you choose your painted Adirondack chairs will complete your outdoor oasis with rustic elegance.

Don't leave that big backyard empty. Maximize that space with the right furniture and accents and your favorite vacation destination will be right outside your door. Whether you create a romantic resting spot along a garden path with a teak bench or a beckoning entrance with a garden arbor covered in creeping and flowering vines; the choice is yours. Look forward to returning to your home every day and kicking off your shoes and relaxing. Finding the right furniture designed for your life and your style is not a difficult task. And once you invest the time and money you will love your space for years to come.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of numerous niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to renew your deck or patio with Adirondack Chairs or create the ultimate living environment with furniture that is perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Click today http://www.eadirondackstyle.com and indulge your senses.

Wet Brick Wall

Roof Repair And Replacement

When replacing your roof you don't want to hire a company that will not stand behind their work or even worse yet, disappear once the job is done. If the roofing company can't answer your questions or provide you information needed to fairly evaluate them, then they are probably the wrong roofing company for you. The following is a list of questions you need the roofer to answer when giving you a bid. Make sure that the roofer gives you a written bid and all your concerns are addressed.

1. Determine if your roof only needs repaired or the entire roof should be replaced. You might receive different opinions from different roofers.

2. Ask the roofer how they will protect your windows, siding, shrubs, gutters, attic, lawn, etc. from damage. Find out how often they will remove the debris if they are taking off the old roof. Are they prepared for inclement weather? Will they put up temporary weather protection when they leave for the day?

3. If you are putting on a new roof, ask if removal of the old roof is necessary? Once again you may receive differing opinions, challenge the roofer to explain the difference of opinion.

4. Does the roofer need to replace only part of the existing sheathing or is all new sheathing required. If so, inquire about the type and thickness. You need to ask about the felt underlayment; what type and weight?

5. Make sure the roofer includes new flashing for the chimney, vent collar and valleys. What type will be used, will it be copper or aluminum and what gauge?

6. What shingles will be used (specific brand, grade, design, color)? Will the shingles be nailed or stapled?

7. Does the roofer guarantee his work? The guarantee should include the workmanship by the roofer and materials by the manufacturer. Since faulty application can invalidate the materials guarantee, sign a bid only if it has a workmanship guarantee.

8. Does the roofer have a certificate of insurance? Ask to see it. The contractor should have Workmen's Compensation as well as liability.

9. Does the price include the permit and taxes? Does non-contracted work require your inspection and written approval? What is the payment schedule?

10. Request start and completion dates (including penalties); be sure this is made part of the contract.

11. Ask for references: Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of four roofing jobs. They should be at least two or three years old (to see how the job held up). Call the references and ask them if they were satisfied with the work and if they had any problems. Ask them if they would hire this company again. Drive by and look at the jobs, do they look good, is the flashing neatly applied?

Ultimately when the bids are in you should choose a contractor on the basis of price, quality of work, reputation, and work completed on schedule and your general impressions of the company and its people.

Find more home improvement advice, Solutions for Your Home, Yard and Garden

You Can't Afford That Garage You Need

For those of us who have a home that did not come with an attached or detached garage but could use one to house our cars or need one for storage, it is overwhelming to find out how much it costs to build a standard garage.The foundation alone is more than most of us can afford right now.

There is also the hassle of the code process with the local building departments as well as hiring a good and competent contractor who can deliver the job for the quoted amount.It seems that, in the world today, very few jobs come in at the quoted price.It just does not make since when you break it all down into dollars and cents.

Now what to do?What you need costs more than you have but you still need a garage!Believe it or not, you do have a few choices.If you need some type of covering for your vehicles, a carport may work for you or a portable garage that is more like a plastic sheet structure that can go from place to place.

Even though you may think it crazy, you will need to check with your local codes or community boards to find out if you need any type of building permit to construct these structures. It is always better to find out before you purchase and install any of these than to find out you have to tear them down because you did not get the correct permit.

Another great and cheaper way to go is to put up a plastic garage, otherwise known as a vinyl garage.These garages have a great reputation for being sturdy and come in various sizes so you can customize whatever you need.The more extra storage you need for storage, the deeper the garage you can buy.

Another great garage that is a lot more inexpensive and comes in varying colors, shapes and sizes are the metal garages that can be put up over a weekend.These are economical for residential and commercial uses and are a good choice for many areas of the country.You can determine by your region the correct structure for snow load and wind speed.

The bottom line here is if you are in need of a garage, there are a lot more choices than you may realize.Find the one that works for you and go for it!

It's easy to construct a Duramax garage. There are other great outdoor products and structures for your home and garden to choose from.

Foundation Waterproofing Vs Dampproofing

Most people who build a new home with a basement plan on making it an added living space. New homeowners want to install a large screen TV, a pool table or maybe another bedroom. They expect that their basement will be dry and free of water. But what they don't know is that it may be possible that their basements are not waterproof.

Water vapor that gets into a basement causes the musty odors that you smell in a basement. Any liquid water that gets into a basement can damage carpets, drywall and any insulation that is installed inside the basement. And it can cause mold to grow.

First the Basics

Not all foundation coatings are waterproofing. When foundations are built, many are coated with what is called dampproofing. This is a bituminous asphalt membrane that is black in appearance. While it has been used for decades, it does not truly waterproof a basement. Dampproofing can stop water vapor, but that is it. Dampproofing cannot stop liquid water from getting through the foundation walls and into the basement.

Foundation Waterproofing Membranes

According to the ICC-ES, a non-profit public benefit corporation that evaluates products and sets performance criteria for the residential building market, waterproofing must do three things. First, it must stop water vapor. This gaseous form of water is released by the surrounding soils and can move through the foundation walls and into the basement.

Secondly, waterproofing membranes must be able to stop liquid water under hydrostatic pressure. In easy to understand terms, hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by liquid water that is in the soil. You can think of it just like the water in a water tower. The taller the soil and therefore the higher the water column in it, the greater the hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. Also, the amount of water that is in the soil itself can affect the amount of hydrostatic pressure. The greater the amount of water in the ground, the higher the hydrostatic pressure exerted against the foundation.

Third and most important is that waterproofing must span a crack in a foundation. Foundations crack as a normal process of concrete curing, and if that crack is not sealed against water intrusion, it can leak when it rains.

Why Dampproofing will not Stop Water

Dampproofing does not have the ability to stop liquid water under hydrostatic pressure. This is because it goes on very thin, only 10 mils thick in some cases. Water under hydrostatic pressure can go right through it.

Because the dampproofing is brittle and has no flexibility, it cannot span a crack in a foundation. When the foundation cracks, so does the dampproofing. Therefore, liquid water can penetrate into the basement area.

The terms waterproofing and dampproofing are incorrectly used interchangeably. So, when you are building your new home, be sure that your builder is using a quality waterproofing membrane. It will give years of protection and effectively give you a larger living space that will stay dry and keep your finished basement safe from water.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz who's with Applied Technologies, LLC. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. For more information about foundation waterproofing visit Applied Technologies on the web

Frozen Pipes - Home Advice For Repairs

First, it's important to know which pipes are frozen. If your water will not drain, this means your drain pipes are frozen. If no water comes out of the faucet, this means that your supply line pipes are frozen.

DRAIN PIPES:

What to do: If your sinks, toilets, showers or tubs will not drain, this means that your drain pipes could be frozen. If your drain pipe is frozen, open cabinet doors or cut into your walls or ceilings to allow the heat from your home to get to the pipes. To heat your pipes faster, a hair dryer is a great way to warm them up. Please use the hair dryer with care - if water starts leaking out, the hair dryer can short circuit.

Why it happens: Many times pipes freeze due to finishing off a basement. When the basement was unfinished, the pipes were exposed to the heat of the home. Once the basement is finished, the sheetrock and insulation blocks off the pipes from getting heat from the home. If the pipes freeze, the could cause damage to newly finished basements.

How to prevent it: A simple precaution for preventing frozen drain pipes can be as easy as cutting a 6x9 return air grate in the area to allow warmth into the joyced cavity. Always remember to insulate your pipes from the cold, but not from the heat in the house.

SUPPLY LINE PIPES:

What to do: If your water will not come out of the faucet or shower head, this means that your supply line could be frozen. Your pipes could be burst, so first you must shut your water off at the main. You will want to get heat to your pipes. The best way to heat them is to open cabinets and doors, cut holes in the walls and use fans or hair dryers to warm them up. Again, please use care when working with the hair dryer, if it gets wet, the hair dryer can short circuit. Warming the pipes is important, and the extent of the damage cannot be determined until they are mostly thawed.

Why it happens: Many times pipes freeze due to recently finishing off a basement or a change in insulation. The pipes in your home need to be insulated only from the cold on the outside, but not from the heat on the inside. If your pipes are insulated from the heat inside your home, they have no way of staying warm.

What do do after the pipes are thawed: If after the pipes are thawed, there are non leaks, many times full operation is returned. Sometimes scale and sediment move through the lines because of the glacial-like action of ice, which pushes sediment into blocked pipes. Because of this, ariators and shower heads may need to removed and cleaned for them to work completely.

If a leak develops because of burst pipes from ice, turn the water off again, and call a plumber. It is helpful to know exact location or even cut open walls to identify the exact location of a split pipe.

How to prevent it: If you are worried your supply lines are going to freeze because of past history or evidence to support that, some plumbers may recommend letting run to keep the water flowing - similar to a water tower. Please do not do this! This can be just as dangerous. The water usually cannot go down the pipes fast enough and it can develop layers of ice and plug the pipe, causing an unattended running faucet to overflow the sink. Another way to prevent a freeze is to take care of those leaky faucets. The dripping into the drain can cause an ice buildup and eventually cause a frozen pipe.

Amanda Klecker - Zell Plumbing & Heating

http://www.zellplumbing.com