Portland Home June/July 2015 by Affluent Target Marketing

JUNE/JULY 2010

PORTLANDHOME VOL XXXVI • NO. 3 • EVEN

JUNE/JULY 2015

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Publisher Wally Hicks III Marketing Specialists John Davis ADVERTISING MAILING ADDRESS

ON THE COVER Like the beautiful kitchen featured on the cover, professionals can take your vision of the perfect interior and turn it into reality. From beautiful hardwood floors to custom lighting and cabinet design, experienced craftsmen look forward to hearing your unique ideas and adding their experience and expertise when designing your dream room. From concept to completion, C&K Custom Remodeling can work with you to design and build your dream space. From bathrooms, kitchens, tile, room addition, and more, C&K Custom Remodeling can help. You can call them at 503-REMODEL (7366335) or visit www.503remodel.com. See their article on page 12. CCB #152994. Photo by Shannon Butler.

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PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507 Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507 (714) 446-6280 FAX (714) 446-6294 (888) 612-7400 portlandhomemagazine.com The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Portland Home. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Portland Home is used. Portland Home is produced bi-monthly by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, for advertising and editorials are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Affluent Living Publications can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising. CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY U.S. POSTAL RECEIPTS.

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homefashion

Instant Beautification

Convert Any Door into a Beveled Work of Art

magine having elegant beveled glass doors and windows in your home to beautify your surroundings, brighten your mood, and add light to your entryway. An ingenious new process now makes this possible with minimum intrusion into your daily life. Even better, it doesn’t take very long to fully install each panel—typically, a panel is installed in just a few hours. These beveled panels are not only handcrafted works of art, they are a full one-inch thick, have a half-inch of double insulating air pockets inside them, and are triple-glazed for strength. The panels are made to exacting standards utilizing only the highest quality beveled leaded glass with pure zinc caming providing security, and ease of cleaning. Sidelights and transom windows can be easily installed to match the new look of the door. With the perfect union of old world tradition and today’s technology, beveled panels are a practical way for bringing light into your home while providing you with the comfort of insulation and safety. Various privacy levels are provided from 85% to full light. The process is unbelievably simple. Whether solid wood, hollow core, paneled, steel, or fiberglass, any interior or exterior door or window can be converted with ease. A portion of your door or window is removed on the premises and then replaced with beautiful beveled glass inserts. At present, there is a variety of different designs to choose from or patterns that can be customized to your taste or existing architecture. As a finishing touch, stylish raised hardwood frames are added. Then the frames are painted or stained to match your doors and windows. The new conversions will not only enhance your lifestyle but will substantially add to the resale value of your home. Brilliance, beauty, and durability are tastefully combined to add a touch of elegance and fun to your home. You can accomplish this for a fraction of the cost of replacement windows or doors and they come with a 10-year warranty. Your neighbors will think you spent a fortune! At Elegant Entrys, it’s their glass and your door! For more information or a free consultation, you can call Elegant Entrys at 360-600-4717. Elegant Entrys is a veteran-owned business. You can visit their website at www.elegantentrys.com PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

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kitchen&bath

rom start to finish, the building and remodeling process is changing rapidly. The design process is becoming more formalized to help clients visualize and make wiser decisions. The use of computers in design is becoming more and more common, and some companies are even using customized software to help make the building process easier and more enjoyable. The process of design means different things to different people. Formalized building and remodeling design has several elements in common. The design should have something drawn to represent both before and after construction. Oftentimes, more than one concept drawing is considered and a final drawing is chosen as the winner. From there, the drawing can be populated with materials such as cabinet designs, finish materials, and colors. For clients who are more visual, once all decisions are made, a 3-D design can be computer rendered. The rendering can go as far as adding all of the materials chosen to give a photo realistic representation of the space from different angles. This allows lighting and other fine details to be worked through and it also builds confidence in the final outcome. The design process has used drawings and blueprints for many years, but what is changing is how this two-dimensional data now has the ability to be converted to 3-D images in a relatively easy fashion. Anyone who has watched HGTV also knows that 3-D drawings can be made into photo realistic computerized renderings. What is not clearly communicated is that the process can still be labor intensive. It does however allow contractors and clients to look

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

inside of a completed project to make spatial and material decisions before the hammers even come out. Projects are much better thought out, and the finished projects are aesthetically more beautiful. Additionally, problems during construction are less common. Some companies will go the extra mile by offering project management software. This software makes it easier for clients to track the schedule, make design or material selections, approve changes, track progress, and even see progress pictures. The software is designed to help eliminate the disconnect that occurs between contractors and clients, as well as demonstrating a company’s commitment to their clients and the process. All of the above mentioned advances in technology are designed with one thing in mind—the client. Any great contractor wants to do the best job for their client and they also want the process to go smooth. Open communication from both parties along with advances in technology bring everyone together as a team with one common goal— beautiful after pictures and raving clients. Since 2002, C&K Custom Remodeling has been a full-service kitchen, bath, home improvement, design, and remodeling team serving the Portland area. The entire team, from project managers to tile and stone craftsmen, place a high value on integrity, craftsmanship, and customer service. If you are ready to transform your home, you can call C&K Custom Remodeling at 503-REMODEL (736-6335). You can also visit their website at www.503remodel.com. CCB #152994.

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JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

homeservices

“The average home in the U.S. loses about 25 to 40 percent of heated and cooled air through leaks found throughout the home’s air duct system.”

Losing Energy Dollars From Ductwork? Seal In Your Savings From the Inside

hat is the single most effective thing you can do to save on the cost of heating and cooling your home while creating a greener neighborhood? Recent reports cited by the US Department of Energy found the single most effective means of conserving home energy for many homeowners is air duct sealing. And, according to the EPA’s Duct Investor Calculator, duct sealing in a home with a three-ton system and 30% leakage with a reduction to 2% leakage can save 300 trees a year, plus 20% to 40% on utility bills. That’s a lot of green! While all of these measures help reduce energy waste, recent reports cited by the U.S. Department of Energy found the single most effective means of conserving home energy for many homeowners is air duct sealing. As surprising as this may seem, the evidence is clear. The average home in the U.S. loses about 25 to 40 percent of heated and cooled air through leaks found throughout the home’s air duct system. Even newly built homes are, more often than not, plagued by leaky air ducts—leaks that divert heated and cooled air from their intended destination, reduce the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner, and ultimately increase your monthly utility bill. So, how do you find and seal air duct leaks in existing homes without having to tear down walls or strip the insulation? After years of testing, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory came up with a solution based upon revolutionary thinking: If you can’t access the leaks from the outside of the ductwork, let’s do it from the inside. The breakthrough sealant they developed is applied as a nontoxic aerosol mist that is pumped throughout the inside of the home’s air duct system. The aerosol particles, about the size of smoke particles, stay suspended in the air until they come across leaks in the ductwork. There they accumulate and bond together around the holes until the leaks are filled.

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

The new aerosol technology, commercially called AeroSeal, is applied with the help of specialized software that controls the flow of the sealant and provides a real time progress report of the process. When the job is completed, the homeowner is given a printout report that shows the before and after leakage amounts and the overall reduction levels attained. In addition to energy savings, effective duct sealing can have an immediate impact on home comfort and issues related to air quality. Allergens such as dirt and pollen from outside the home are regularly sucked into the air duct system by the furnace or air conditioner. Leaks and gaps in the air ducts allow these allergens to bypass filters and spread throughout the house. While a number of air conditioning and heating service providers in the greater Portland/Vancouver area offer ductwork testing for air leaks and provide an estimate of how much air you’re losing, when it comes to sealing, ENTEK Corporation is your local contractor that has the technology, product and training to accurately test and seal your ductwork from the inside out. A complete design/build heating, air conditioning and energy solutions company, ENTEK is dedicated to providing services that empower people to take control of their own living environment and energy use. Duct sealing with AeroSeal is just one of the many energy solutions ENTEK can offer—your entire house is a system that must be assessed in order to be truly comfortable and efficient. For more information and a list of all available products and services, you can visit their website at www.ENTEKhvac.com or call 1-800-633-1354. WA #ENTEKC*893WE – OR Lic #CCB4902

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JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

homeservices

Keep Your Home Healthy— If It’s in Your Crawl Space, It’s in Your Home

healthy home begins at the bottom. Many homeowners often ignore their home’s sub areas, such as basements and crawl spaces, until moisture causes costly structural and health problems. Neglecting these areas leaves your home open to a variety of pollutants. Crawl space encapsulation systems and basement drainage systems allow homeowners to address standing water issues to prevent future damage, and keep your family safe. Dirt crawl spaces are never-ending sources of moisture. Even if the dirt’s surface seems dry, digging down a few inches reveals moist earth. Moisture ruins houses by providing a hospitable environment for mold, fungi, and insects that destroy wood framing. Moisture in a crawl space affects not only the floor system directly above it, but also the entire house. Warm air in a heated building rises. As it rises, replacement air is sucked from the lowest part of the house – your house is actually sucking the ground. This natural air movement, called the stack effect, is how chimney’s work. Consequently, whatever is in the air at the lowest point eventually flows up into the living sections. Up to 40% of the air we breathe on the first floor of our home comes from the crawl space. To avoid moisture’s negative affects, a crawl space should be fully sealed and isolated from the ground and the outside. A new innovative and effective method has been tested and perfected in

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After

numerous locations throughout the country and is now available to Portland and southwest Washington homeowners – the CleanSpace® Crawl Space Encapsulation System ™ by Basement Systems Inc. This technique involves placing a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high- and low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord reinforcement on the dirt (or concrete) floor and up the walls. This pool-liner-like sheeting is made especially for this system and is treated with an antimicrobial finish that protects against mold and mildew growth on the liner. Lower energy loads, as a result of the encapsulation system, translates into a profitable return on the initial investment. It is strong enough to crawl on and store materials on, and is blue on the bottom and bright white on top to really brighten a crawl space, making it a relatively pleasant storage place. Many crawl space foundations leak. Such cases require a drainage system appropriate to the details of the crawlspace. Basement Systems, the makers of CleanSpace®, designed a tripatented sump pump system, the SuperSump®, that works in conjunction with the liner to create an airtight seal to keep moisture and bugs out. The SuperSump features a built-in WaterWatch® alarm system to let you know if there is ever a pump or power problem before the crawl space floods. Just remember that your crawl space, although often neglected until

it’s too late, is one of the most important spaces in your home. It can be a spawning ground for mold, bugs, smells, odors, and radon gas. The moisture generated in the crawl space can lead to structural damage in your home and loss of energy. While on the other hand, a clean, sealed crawl space can be an extra source for much needed storage while making your home a healthy and safe one. To learn more about the CleanSpace ® Crawl Space Encapsulation System™ or other innovative crawl space solutions, you can call Interstate Pest Management at 503-636-0565 (Portland) or 360-693-5029 (Vancouver), email them at info@interstatepest.com for a free estimate, or visit them on the Internet at www.InterstatePest.com. They are licensed, bonded, and insured, and can fix your crawl space quickly with little or no disruption to your daily routine. The CleanSpace® encapsulation system comes with a 25-year warranty against rips and tears, and from having groundwater on top of the liner. CCB#127319. Before

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JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

exteriorslandscaping

Eco-Friendly Roofing Takes Portland by Storm

s your greatest and most personal investment, it’s important to protect your home from the elements and the roof of your home is of primary importance in that consideration. In today’s environmentally conscious world, recycled building materials are also of primary importance. But going green with your home doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, aesthetics, and affordability. As an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roofing systems, EUROSHIELD™ covers your home in style while reducing your carbon footprint. This roofing system offers function and durability as well as beauty. EUROSHIELD™ roofing products were created 15 years ago with the goal of utilizing mountains of rubber tires that have been amassing on the landscape since the dawn of the automobile. Up until recently there has been little use for them. Years of research and development led to the creation of a unique formula, containing over 75% recycled materials, for the production of the finest synthetic rubber roofing products available on the market today. Between 600 and 1,000 rubber tires are used in the production of a EUROSHIELD™ roof for an average-sized home. Scrap material generated during the installation process can be collected and recycled again—virtually eliminating environmentally harmful waste. Heat, wind, rain and snow will take its toll on any roof, but you can rest easy no matter what Mother Nature brings your way—

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

EUROSHIELD™ roofing systems are rain, wind, hail, and fire resistant. As an added bonus, many homeowners comment on the difference the product has made in keeping their homes cooler in the summertime, and also about the superior sound-deadening qualities this roofing system has to offer. EUROSHIELD™ offers two types of roofing systems; a thicker heavier panel that replicates either slate or shake and features a locking “tongue and groove” butt edge, and a thinner lighter panel that also replicates shake or slate, that is lower cost and faster to install. The primary advantage to the lighter product is its lower price point, bringing rubber roofing within reach of more homeowners, while offering a similar slate or shake look. The slate profile is designed to accurately replicate the look and texture of a traditional heavy chiseled-edge slate tile, but without the considerable weight and high cost associated with slate. The shake profile is the perfect choice for those who want the look of a wood roof without the worries of premature failure due to rotting, cracking and warping. EUROSHIELD™ roofing systems are available in three standard colors: black, grey, and brown. When it’s time to sell your property, your EUROSHIELD™ roof increases your home’s resale value by adding to the design, beauty, and durability, and in green Portland, eco-friendly features are always a plus. For more information on EUROSHIELD™ roofing systems, you can contact Keith Green Construction, Inc., a certified installer, online at www.keithgreenconstruction.com, or by phone at 503-681-7912. Keith Green Construction, Inc. (KGC, Inc.), can answer any questions you might have. You can also visit the product website at www.euroshieldroofing.com. CCB OR #109148, WA#keithgc948kh. ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

exteriorslandscaping

How Many Decks Are You Going to Build? hy is it that decks, our Great Northwest-get-away place, only last a decade or so? Roof structures are commonly made of wood and they can last for centuries, so why not decks? Chemically treated roof trusses are not common, why don’t they rot? What causes wood decks to rot? Where wood, moisture, oxygen, and warmth are all simultaneously required for wood rot to occur, if one limits the degree of wood’s exposure to one or more of these components does rot slow? Indeed, take away one of these components and wood rot stops. What about the treated lumbers? Treated docks fail, that proof is everywhere. Improvements to formulation and application made, including incising, and pressure, provides a means to maximize chemical penetration but cannot ensure lumber saturation, thus the inner core commonly remains untreated. Harder and stronger woods do not accept liquids well therefore; they are not commonly treated, only soft wood products. Soft woods have less structural strength and fastener holding power thus allowing screws or nails to lose hold prematurely. Fasteners penetrate the wood to the inner core allowing water to infiltrate the untreated areas. The sun bakes the deck’s wood surface causing everwidening cracks allowing deeper moisture penetration. This causes even more moisture retention, ice breakdown, fastener breakdown, and rot damage while the chemicals themselves may promote fastener decay. Lumber joints, whether butted or laid together, remain wet for days allowing further diminishing of the deck integrity, until catastrophic structural failure occurs. No, treated lumber only addresses the contact decay and insect infestation therefore is also not the fix one would desire. What about the new plastic composite lumber? Let us look at the facts. The deck top is not the primary reason for most deck failure. Deck surface boards are available for cleaning, oiling, staining, or treatment to inhibit inevitable decay and failing deck boards are replaced with little problem. Even with meticulous care of the deck top, neglect of the deck’s frame is inescapable. The unexposed deck frame fails as the wood joists, ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

posts, supports and fasteners rot. They rot where they hold moisture at joints and fasteners. Joist and beams, left exposed to nature, rot or lose hold of fasteners due to fastener rusting, freeze/thaw cycles, lumber core rot, or treated lumber’s poor holding power. Deck failures occur when the deck becomes unstable or unable to support a load, not because it looks ugly or it is getting too costly to maintain. Plastic lumber does nothing to increase the life of the supporting structure, and therefore is not the fix one would hope, only hides it. Build it once, right. 1. Only use treated lumber where required by code. 2. Use Douglas fir framing lumber when possible. 3. Use factory recommended plywood. 4. Acclimate all lumber and plywood before installing. 5. Glue and screw the deck plywood. 6. Provide proper ventilation. 7. Allow positive water run-off. 8. Protect joists, fasteners and hanger from getting wet. 9. Use a proven waterproof product. 10. Complete a moisture survey (non-penetrating) of the perimeter, posts and deck field every two years. 11. Maintain siding, windows, doors, and post caulking and sealants. 12. Recover or replace membrane surface at serviceable life end. Duradek Ltd. decks are protecting sundecks, roof decks, walkways, and porches, including their structures and have for over 40 years. Duradek has the oldest, largest, and most experienced local waterproof vinyl deck authorized installer network available. Duradek membranes are thermal plastic, as such, cannot peel or flake. There is no need for recoating maintenance. Failures can mean much more than replacing your deck, where connected to your home, rot knows no boundaries. For more information, you can call Duradek Northwest at (800) 442-9215 or visit www.duradeknorthwest.com. JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

exteriorslandscaping

Beautiful Garage Floors In One Day

t used to take three to five days to install an epoxy three-coat flooring system in your garage. Typically, the floor was prepared and primed on the first day, a body coat installed on the second day, and a clear coat on the third day. Depending on the time of year, the coating then took anywhere from one to three days to cure before you could walk or drive on the floor. Now with AcryliGuard, a four-coat concrete flooring system can be installed in one day and you can drive on it within an hour. Although this technology has been around for more than 30 years, this is the first time AcryliGuard has been used in the residential market. The material is basically a liquid plexiglass that is 100% solid and doesn’t contain any solvents. When the material is activated, its chemical structure simply changes from a liquid to a solid within about 30 minutes and doesn’t require any time to dry. Like any coating system, the preparation of the concrete surface is the main key to success! Shot blasting (like sandblasting, but without the mess) is the best method to prepare concrete because it removes contaminants, opens the pores of the concrete, and increases the surface area 200% to 300%, allowing the coating materials to penetrate and anchor.

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

The biggest cause for coating failures in the Northwest is hydrostatic pressure. Since concrete is a porous material with microscopic air passages, moisture passes from the ground, through the concrete and into the atmosphere. The amount of pressure is determined by the volume and strength of the moisture. Most epoxies can withstand about three pounds of pressure before delaminating, whereas the AcryliGuard can withstand about 11 pounds, which provides superior adhesion and performance. This is due to the penetrating characteristics and strength of the primer. In fact, this product comes with a lifetime warranty not to delaminate—even under hot tires! Unlike epoxies and urethanes, the AcryliGuard will never turn yellow or become brittle, which makes a coating more susceptible to chipping and cracking. One significant benefit of this flooring system is that it doesn’t become slippery when wet. This is why Fred Meyer uses this product in their produce departments. Most other coating systems require the addition of aluminum oxide for non-slip, which is effective, but makes a floor more difficult to clean. AcryliGuard costs slightly more than a standard epoxy floor due to the fact that

more material is applied to the floor. An average epoxy system is between 10 and 30 mils thick (mil = 1/1000 of an inch), whereas the AcryliGuard system is approximately 80-100 mils thick. Considering the amount of material used and the life expectancy of the floor, AcryliGuard offers tremendous value with a low cost of ownership. For more information on making your concrete beautiful or to schedule a free estimate, you can call Specialty Coatings at 503-644-7500. CCB# 151176

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exteriorslandscaping

The Complete Outdoor Experience— A Truly Wise Investment

one are the days of being forced to shift uncomfortably on uninspired aluminum chairs and nylon webbing when the time comes to take the entertaining outdoors. Modern homeowners want a complete outdoor experience with friends and family. Outdoor rooms can now boast a kitchen, gas grill, refrigerators, pizza ovens, larger patios for dining and relaxing. The calm, soothing sounds of water and fire not only promote the feeling of being one with nature, but have also been known to lower blood pressure. Gorgeous outdoor living spaces have not only become a popular trend with savvy homeowners. In fact, they are slowly becoming a musthave space that essentially provides your family with an extra room to enjoy. An upgraded landscape provides you with a valuable space for entertaining and relaxing, however perhaps even more important, it’s also a wise financial investment! Not only can an outdoor living and landscaping remodel reduce the time a home stays on the market by as much as six weeks, but it can also add up to 14% to the resale value of a property. Statistics show that a 5% investment in landscaping can raise the value of a home by 15%—which is a substantial 150% return on your investment. While this is great news for a homeowner, it’s not a good idea to run outside and start planting trees and flowers everywhere. You want to take some time to create a cohesive landscape and outdoor remodeling project in order to maximize your livable space. First, you should put some serious thought into what you and your family would like to have in your yard. If you are the type of person who finds ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

solace outdoors, would the addition of a pond or water feature create the ambiance you desire? Can you envision yourself spending evenings unwinding next to a beautiful outdoor fireplace, or even under a stylish pergola so you can stay covered when the weather is less than ideal? Once you’ve realized what your top outdoor priorities are, the next step is to find a professional who can help you bring that vision to reality. Design and build landscape experts have the knowledge and experience to create your perfect space. They understand how certain elements work together in order to achieve the mood you want. For example, incorporating plants that provide both privacy and block wind. Building walkways and landscape walls with beautiful natural stone can create borders and sitting areas, which brings balance and structure to the yard. With over 25 years of experience in landscape design and installation, Northwest Outdoor Living & Landscapes is positioned to help you with any landscape project, from simple to complex. The improvement to your property will reflect the passion they have for creating outdoor spaces and gardens. For more information, you can call them at 503-740-7733 or visit their website at www.northwestoutdoorliving.com. Oregon landscape contractor’s license #8431. Washington license #ALLNANL866N6

JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

exteriorslandscaping

How Functional

IS YOUR PATIO OR DECK?

f there’s one thing Oregon homeowners can always count on, it’s the rain. Over the course of a year, it rains approximately 155 days in the Portland/Vancouver area. That is almost half of the entire year. While this might not be a problem for some, it can definitely become an issue for homeowners that have decks and patios—especially if those architectural structures were built many years ago. However, even newer structures can suffer if they have been coated in urethane. An older, and still commonly used, technology from the 1950s is the urethane fluid-applied deck coating. While urethane has a lower initial expense, the re-coating costs that accompany it are much higher. With a typical lifespan of just five-to-eight years, urethane is subject to UV degradation from both the inside and out. As it degrades, microcracks open up and leaks begin before you are aware of the problem. Urethane is easily stained and cut, and it dulls with time. Take a good look at your home patio and deck area. Do you see rotting wood or cracking concrete? Do you notice any discoloration, rust, sagging and rot? If you observe any areas of concern, one of the best decisions you can make is to properly waterproof your patio or deck

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while it’s still in decent shape—saving both time and money before the problem becomes a major repair issue later on down the road. A new acrylic polymer technology offers a more comprehensive system for those outdoor structures—professionals will both waterproof and resurface your deck. Not susceptible to UV degradation, the coating will not crack and is extremely chemical and stain resistant. This technology has been tested to withstand liquids such as bleach, vinegar, transmission fluid, brake fluid, surface cleaners, blood, iodine, ketchup, red wine, and much more, proving it to be an ideal surface solution for any sort of high-traffic area. Your new waterproof surface will not crack, keeping the structure dry underneath. One of the most attractive benefits is the versatility. While urethane coatings are only available in single-color, monochromatic finishes, your newly coated deck or patio can have any texture, stain or color that you choose. Once everything is finished, maintenance is extremely minimal. Cleaning will entail a light pressure washing, and a new top sealer can be applied every five-to-ten years, depending on use. Rock Solid Waterproofing has been providing residential and commercial waterproofing and drainage solutions in the greater

Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area since 2006. Because all waterproofing projects require a high level of expertise, innovative solutions, and attention to detail, each technician looks not only at the symptoms, but focuses on the root problems. Along with decks and patios, Rock Solid Waterproofing also provides services on basements, roofs, foundations, flooring and other specialty jobs. For more information, you can call them in Portland at 503-245-3313 and in Vancouver at 360-887-0421. You can also visit their website at www.rocksolidwaterproofing.com. Oregon CCB #177980. WA CL #ROCKSSW926C6.

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exteriorslandscaping

Outdoor Entertaining Is Finally Back Get Ready in High Style for a Great Season s the warmer weather approaches, homeowners want to spend more time outdoors. And today more Americans than ever are taking advantage of backyard living and entertaining. In fact, the American Institute of Architects reports that virtually every new residential architectural plan includes an outdoor living space. And with this explosive growth in the outdoor living category from fully loaded outdoor kitchens to multi-functional outdoor living rooms, outdoor furniture has become an important part of the equation. When it comes to outdoor furniture it’s worth investing in selections that are specifically designed and manufactured for the outdoors. Good money can be easily wasted on so-called weather resistant décor, as all outdoor furniture is not the same. True outdoor furniture is designed and crafted to temper all kinds of outdoor weather conditions and made to withstand potentially damaging UV rays and

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moisture. There are also distinctive differences in the quality of the materials used to manufacture outdoor furniture. Before staging and decorating your outdoor space with new seating, lounging and dining arrangements, this may also be a great time to enhance the outdoor leisure spaces you now have. With so many materials, styles and colors available, your imagination is the only limiting factor in an updated design plan. For example, in decks alone, there are now many options to choose from, including composites, exotic hardwoods, PVC, vinyl, cedar, and that’s just the top deck surface. Beautiful and protective railings now also come in literally hundreds of styles to reflect the atmosphere you are looking for. The good news for West Portland residents is that now you only have to make one call to get it all. In addition to designing and building stunning outdoor living spaces of all shapes and sizes, professionals can outfit the entire space with premium outdoor living woven furniture and accessories from Casuwel™. Set apart from regular remodelers and home contractors by thoughtful and impeccable approach to design, a local team of design consultants specializes in creating custom projects for clients’ outdoor living spaces. In addition to affordable, functional and innovative deck designs and porch designs, a portfolio of custom built outdoor living spaces includes award-winning screened porches, three-season rooms, sunrooms, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms, hardscapes, retaining walls, pool and deck spas, paver patios, walkways, front porches, porticos, docks, pergolas, trellises, awnings, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor firepits and water features, too. When you elect to work with Archadeck Outdoor Living, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy quality construction levels and exclusive unmatched protection. For your added peace of mind, your custom outdoor living space will be backed by Archadeck’s written warranty for workmanship of one year and structural integrity of five years when Archadeck exerts control as your remodeling contractor. For more information, you can visit Archadeck.com or call Eric Fahland at 503-925–8756 for a free design consultation. CCB#204750

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Cost Effective Recycled Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Stonework and Stamped Concrete Eye-Catching Yet Functional Solutions for Outdoor Living

s families change, many homeowners find themselves feeling cramped in what used to be ample living space. With the kids getting older and the puppy now a full-grown dog, you’ll need more room. With real estate and new construction costs rising daily, now is a good time to utilize the existing space you have outdoors. Outdoor living options offer endless opportunity for expanding your home beyond its four walls. The starting point to creating outdoor living space is a patio or deck, and you’re not limited to the ground floor. If your house has the perfect space off an upper story, a custom deck is the only way to go. Choose a traditional all-wood deck or a wood deck structure with a concrete or stone surface. For living space at ground floor, a concrete patio is ideal in the Pacific Northwest as wood decks will decay, are prone to moss, and can become slippery. Concrete patios are low-maintenance and visually appealing, with installation options available in a wide variety of finishes, including stamped concrete, which comes in an array of colors, stone patterns, and textures. Concrete pavers are another option, available in many eye-catching colors and styles. For homeowners that want the underlying durability of concrete but a different look, stone and brick surfaces can be applied over a concrete installation. If you think your outdoor area is hopeless because of sloping or other space issues, consult an experienced hardscape contractor that also specializes in retaining walls. They can add curb appeal to a front yard by bringing definition to your property and creating a more manageable landscape, as well as develop areas of your property that are sloped or otherwise unusable. Installing retaining walls enables you to add sport courts, patios, children’s play structures, and garden areas, making it easier to maintain while maximizing your square footage. Constructed with a range of attractive products and materials like recycled concrete, stone, block, brick, and poured concrete, retaining walls don’t have to be an eyesore, in fact, quite the opposite. Gorge Stone, a stone veneer product that resembles local indigenous stone, can be used for retaining walls, fireplaces, and building siding for a more natural look. As a green product, recycled concrete walls provide the look of stone at about half the price while using a waste product that is neither manufactured nor quarried and often takes advantage of on-site recycling from a driveway, sidewalk, or patio that has been removed for replacement. As part of any well functioning landscape, pathways and stairs allow homeowners to enjoy their yard year-round, while a well-constructed driveway adds value and curb appeal. Driveways, pathways, and stairs can be constructed with concrete in finishes that include exposed aggregate, stamped and colored, sand finish, or a standard broom finish, as well as concrete pavers, stone, and brick. With the addition of features such as built-in barbecues and firepits constructed with brick or stone and fueled by natural gas for durability and convenience, you can transform your backyard into a functional and beautiful environment ready for friendly get-togethers and relaxing nights with the family. For more information, you can call The Wall, member of the Association of Oregon Recyclers, at 503-735-9255 and e-mail info@bythewall.com. Serving Portland Metro homeowners since 1985, The Wall is a complete design-build company offering full-service design. They are also members of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland and The Oregon Remodelers Association. www.ByTheWall.com. OR #54495, WA #WALL***991OO, Metro lic. #1363. ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

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Now, your concrete floors can look as beautiful as the rest of your home. Specialty Coatings installs a wide variety of decorative finishes for your garage and shop floors. Our exclusive Acryli-Guard 4-coat flooring system can be installed in one day and you can drive on it in less than 1 hour. And it's guaranteed for life not to peel—even under hot tires! These seamless coatings are easy to clean and will dramatically improve the appearance of your floor. We also do commercial and industrial work. Call today for a FREE estimate!

(503) 644-7500

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JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

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BEFORE

Flat-Rocking—

hen concrete begins to settle and sink, not only does it look unsightly and diminish the curb appeal of your beautiful home, it also creates new dangers and hazards for you, as a homeowner. Settled concrete increases your risk of tripping and can cause water to run in unwanted areas and can cause pooling near structures. It can also have a negative affect on the overall value of your property. During a home inspection, some home inspectors and some insurance companies may request that the homeowners try to correct any problems. However most homeowners do not want to go through the costly and time-consuming demolition that is involved with concrete replacement. Here’s the good news—you don’t have to settle with those less than perfect surfaces. Professionals can raise uneven concrete without having to remove or replace it. Flat-rocking and expansion joint replacement is an efficient and affordable way to make your driveways, sidewalks, patios, steps, and walkways good as new and much safer too.

BEFORE

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

AFTER Flat-rocking is about one-third the cost of tearing up and replacing your existing slabs. Most jobs take less than one day, which means you don’t have to deal with the mess and disruption that often comes along with concrete replacement. Clean and professional, flat rocking is good for the neighborhood, good for our community, and good for your home and budget. A durable custom mix provides a solid base for your concrete slab. Extremely stable and reliable, professionals will actually fix the problem from underneath instead of simply pouring more concrete on top of sunken concrete. Environmentally friendly, this product is sustainable and all natural instead of chemically produced. Once your concrete has been raised to a more level position, you won’t have to worry about uneven and mismatched slabs. The finished product will blend throughout the overall look of your exterior. In some cases, you can even bring large cracks closer together by leveling certain parts of a slab. This is a great option that is an affordable way to restore the beauty and safety back into your concrete. Flat Rock Concrete Leveling professionals have extensive knowledge in the industry and possess a meticulous skill that must be learned through construction experience, which the Flat Rock family has acquired for over 40 years. For more information on services or to schedule a free estimate, you can call their dedicated and qualified individuals at Flat Rock Concrete at 503-421-8580. You can also learn more at www.flatconcrete.com. Washington #FLATRRC892MA. Oregon CCB#192071.

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Enjoy the Outdoors Comfortably inding the perfect outdoor patio or deck system that allows you to spend time outdoors any time you want can be a serious challenge. Some enclosed patio covers keep you dry when it’s raining, but what happens when the sun comes out and you want nothing more than to relax outside and gaze at the beautiful sky? Finding that perfect medium, where you can adjust accordingly depending on both your mood and the environment, seems almost impossible for most homeowners—until now. American Louvered Roofs provide you with the ambiance you desire at the exact moment you need it, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living space virtually every day of the year. This system can open for the warm sun and natural light, and close when you want cool shade, or to keep you dry when it rains. When you want to barbeque, the smoke can escape easily. When it’s hot outside, you can protect your home from the heat and reduce the temperature. When it’s nice and sunny, you can bask in the sunlight. The choice is completely up to you! American-made and designed, professionals can customize and install your state-of-the-art patio or deck cover. The ultimate outdoor living experience, American Louvered Roofs extend memorable experiences into nature ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

while assuring your comfort. When you plan outdoor parties and gatherings, you will have confidence knowing that your louvered roof will provide infinite adjustability so your family and friends feel confortable at all times. Available in three stunning standard color options to match your home with over 100 custom colors available, systems are crafted from heavy-grade extruded aluminum and powder-coated paint. Featuring a lifetime limited warranty, the high-quality louvered roof will give you years of trouble-free performance. Engineered for extreme wind and heavy snow loads, the louvered roof system also lowers the temperature of your deck by 15-to-20 degrees, allowing you to save on your cooling bill. Standard remote control motorized operation makes for easy transitions, adding the ultimate in quality and comfort to your outdoor space. Portland Willamette has been in business since 1946, and one of their newest products is the American Louvered Roofs. With years of experience producing the world’s most innovative solutions in architectural metals, American Louvered Roofs represents the best in your home so that you can add more cherished moments with the security of rain and sun protection. For more information about American Louvered Roofs, and more ideas on how to expand your living spaces and make the most of your home, you can visit www.newpatiocover.com or email cs@portwill.com. You can also call Portland Willamette at 503-288-7511. JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

exteriorslandscaping After

Before

Maximizing The Life of Your Cedar Shake Roof

obody wants to spend money on a roof. Certainly it would be more fun to put that money aside for a new RV, boat, car, etc.—anything besides a roof! Unfortunately, the simple economics are that once your roof is allowed to deteriorate beyond restoration process capabilities, you will spend from $300 to $450 per square foot to replace it. The vast majority of today’s cedar shake roofs carry a price tag of from $9,000 to $30,000. Under conditions commonly found in the Northwest, total deterioration can take place in less than 10 years. The problem is, your roof gets “Oregonized.” When wood is exposed to the effects of sunlight and moisture, it changes both physically and chemically—commonly called weathering. First the color changes from reddish brown to silvery gray. This happens within the first year. Gradually the roof will take on a darker gray color, indicating it is being colonized by microfungi. As the roof continues to age, wood-destroying organisms slowly degrade the shingle’s surface and edges. Debris from trees accumulates in the valleys and between the shakes. After each rain these areas remain moist longer, encouraging the growth of

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

other troublesome plants, primarily lichens and mosses. Your roof is now “Oregonized” and deterioration will rapidly accelerate. Moss and fungus growing on your roof does double damage: (1) During rain, it retards the shedding of water, which promotes leaks. (2) When the rain stops, it prevents the surface from drying, and wood-rotting organisms begin to grow. The accumulation of leaves, needles, and other debris has the same harmful effects and increases the chance of fire damage. Preventative maintenance and specialized treatment is a process and is the key to maximizing the life and beauty of your cedar shake roof. Be wary of roof cleaner contractors who solicit door to door or leave flyers promising quick fixes. Demand their license or CCB numbers as well as references, and choose an experienced roof cleaning company. Quick-fix solutions to revitalize your roof should be approached with extreme caution. Pressure washing makes your roof look brand new, but the problem is that 6 to 36+ gallons per minute of water under 1,500 to 3,500 lbs. per square inch of pressure tears at the shingles, leaving them 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch thinner, removing years of life from your roof. Do not pressure wash.

The other most common method of restoring your cedar roof to its original luster is replacing the natural oils. Never do it! These oils account for less than three percent of the cedar’s total mass, and that was when the tree was alive! Furthermore, petroleumbased products are oxidized and broken down fairly quickly and increase the flammability of your roof. Taking care of your cedar shake is a responsibility; it’s a process—not an event. Putting the care of your roof in the hands of a cedar shake expert is among the wisest dollar decisions you will ever make on your home! There is a specialist who has pioneered a process that is neat, clean, simple, and safe. This process won’t rot your gutters or stain your concrete, won’t harm your lawn or shrubs, won’t injure animals, is virtually odor-free, and, best of all, is guaranteed. Cedar Tech has a completely biodegradable and environmentally compatible process that is time-tested on numerous sensitive applications, including the Inn at Otter Crest and the Leach Botanical Garden. To contact the experts and seasoned pros at Cedar Tech, caring for cedar roofs since 1991, you can call Kevin Stinson at 503-643-9303 or visit their website at www.CedarTechRoofCare.com. Cedar Tech is licensed, bonded, and insured, with extensive references throughout NW Oregon and SW Washington. CCB #160333 ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

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JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME

▲

exteriorslandscaping

after

before ▲

A Brand New Look

for Your Outdoor Environment

reathe new life into your home by rejuvenating outdoor surfaces such as wood decks, railing, fences, and outdoor structures. Wood can fade and rot over time and significantly decrease the curb appeal of your home. Instead of replacing unsightly, weathered wood surfaces, try turning to the specialists who use a complete system of quality products from trusted manufacturers— like Superdeck—to revitalize your outdoor living space and ensure maximum life and beauty. Stripping a deck using a biodegradable product and agitating with a stiff deck brush will clean the pores of the wood, remove the bond between the oil and stain pigments, and allow them to be washed away with a low-pressure power washer. This will also remove the ground-in dirt and stains, including mildew and algae growing below surface level. It is important to remember that wood fibers are soft and can be damaged by a pressure washer if used incorrectly. Sanding alone will only remove the surface level grime and oil, and will not separate old product that is solidified deep in the pores of the wood. By not removing the

PORTLAND HOME • JUNE/JULY 2015

old product, the new oils and stain are prevented from penetrating deep into the wood, likely making the finished product appear blotchy. Once the wood is free of old pigment and oils using the process above, a brightener should be applied to the wet deck. This will neutralize nail bleed and dark tannin bleed from tannin-rich cedar, redwood, mahogany, ipe, and other woods. Care should be taken around glass windows because brighteners can permanently etch your glass. After allowing the wood to dry completely (time may vary by weather conditions), a stain containing penetrating oils should be applied. Using such oils allows the wood to breathe and water to evaporate from the wood after it rains. Sealing a deck is not recommended. Sealing the pores on the top surface of the wood prevents water from penetrating into the wood, but it also does not allow moisture that is wicked into the wood from the sides and bottom to escape. This traps the moisture in the wood, making it susceptible to premature rot and decay. Experts agree that the best way to increase the longevity of your wood is to treat it with penetrating oils, not a sealer. Superdeck uses three different oils—

paraffin, linseed, and tung. Each oil plays an important role in protecting the wood. As with all products, following manufacturer instructions will ensure a safe work environment. Choose from a wide selection of colors in transparent stains, ranging from natural to dark brown, or semi-transparent stains that can be tinted to almost any color. A deck, gazebo, or spa enclosure is an integral extension of an outdoor living space, while fences and other wood surfaces make a dramatic impact on the overall visual appeal of a home. By taking preventative measures to revitalize these exterior wood surfaces, homeowners can avoid the costly, time-consuming frustration of replacement. Each application is unique, whether you want to take a painted surface down to the bare wood or rejuvenate a badly weathered deck. Expectations and limitations should be communicated during the initial meeting with a wood restoration specialist to be sure the desired results are obtainable and realistic. For more information on maintaining outdoor wood surfaces, maintaining composite decking, or repairs of either, you can call Custom Deck and Fence Maintenance, serving Portland Metropolitan homeowners since 1991, at 503-658-1936, or visit them online at www.cdfm.biz. OR CCB #200701. WA # CUSTODF87506 ONLINE AT PORTLANDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

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Before

After

Need a Change From Plain or Damaged Concrete?

Resurface with Decorative Concrete Coatings oncrete may seem like an unlikely canvas, but resurfacing with decorative concrete coatings can instantly transform boring or unsightly surfaces into a work of art. With a variety of possible applications including garage floors, interior floors, large commercial floors such as restaurants, and even waterproofing basement floors, decorative concrete coatings offer homeowners the freedom to create unique designs while adding dramatic visual appeal. Resurfacing your existing concrete surfaces can be at least half the cost of tearing it out. Like other elements of your home, why replace it, when you can reface it? High-end, quality coating systems offer a resilient, flexible surface that resists chipping, mildew, oil, and rust. Easy maintenance, slip resistance, and extreme durability—four times the strength of normal concrete—make decorative concrete coatings the perfect solution for enhancing high traffic areas. Resurfacing is faster and more economical than removing and re-pouring new concrete. This superior solution allows you to have the flooring of your dreams, without a messy process that disrupts the flow of your everyday life. Additionally, with an extensive selection of colors, patterns, and textures, there’s an attractive combination to fit any style and budget with minimum hassle and low-maintenance materials. Homeowners have the opportunity to customize their concrete surfaces to coordinate with their home and complement their personal style in as little as one to three days, depending on the design and system

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installed. Concrete specialists will work with you to transform an oily, mildew, or rust-stained surface into a colorful, textured finish that will retain its elegant appearance for years to come, enhancing curb appeal while creating an eye-catching surface that will become the envy of the neighborhood. Combine stamped concrete with other decorative concrete applications such as staining for maximum appeal. Transform your garage floor and create an attractive living space that can be used for more than just storage, polish some life back into a large and busy space such as an office or restaurant, or reclaim your basement by waterproofing and rejuvenating the floors and turning it into an entertaining game room or a quiet reading area. With non-porous, easy-to-maintain coating systems, you only have to reseal every five years, and with full-service specialists offering a written warranty as well as cleaning and sealing options, taking care of your concrete surfaces has never been easier or more convenient. For more information or to schedule an appointment to view samples and color options, you can call NW Creative Resurfacing at 503-750-4330 or e-mail NWCreativeResurfacing@gmail.com. NW Creative Resurfacing uses products that have been time tested for more than 50 years. To view their online portfolio, you can visit their website at www.NWCreativeResurfacing.com. CCB #180848, WA #NWCRECR925JZ. JUNE/JULY 2015 • PORTLAND HOME