Portland Home April/May 2016

THE BEAUTY AND BENEFITS OF

WASHouGAL BASALT Veneer AnD HArDSCAPInG mATerIALS

The Health Benefits

OF HOT TUBS AND SPAS Perfecting

OUTDOOR LIVING

How Safe

IS YOUR CHIMNEY? Stop Waiting

TO GO SOLAR Discover A New Look FOR YOUR CONCRETE

3 3 3 3 3 3

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WASHINGTON WEREOON869P8

vol XXXvII • no. 1 • ODD

APRIL/MAY 2016

THE BEAUTY AND BENEFITS OF

WASHOUGAL BASALT VENEER AND HARDSCAPING MATERIALS

8 Home Fashion

How Safe is Your Chimney?

For Custom Cabinets or Refinishing, and Hardwood Flooring or Refinishing—

A Master Craftsman Company Can Do It All

12 Kitchen & Bath The Affordable Kitchen

14 Home Interior

Travel Effortlessly from Floor to Floor Simplify Your Complicated Life Liv-abil-i-ty

18 Home Services

Losing Energy Dollars From Ductwork?

Keep Your Home Healthy—If It’s in Your

Crawlspace, It’s in Your Home How Functional Is Your Patio or Deck?

Stop Waiting to Go—Why It’s Time to Make the

Switch… Today!

One-Stop Shopping—Find Your Mobility Solutions

25 Exteriors & Landscaping

A Brand New Look for Your Outdoor Environment Perfected for Millennia Need a Change from Plain or Damaged Concrete?

Vacation at Home!

Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long with a

Motorized Patio Cover!

Maximizing the Life of Your Cedar Shake Roof The Beauty and Benefits of Washougal

Basalt Veneer and Hardscaping Materials The Greenhouse that Grows with You Shade Sails Beautiful Garage Floors in One Day Spas and Hot Tubs Provide Much More than Relaxation Recycled Rubber Roofing: Simply Amazing Transform Your Sinking Concrete Issues with the

Flat-Rocking Process Cedar Fences—You Can Get What You Want!

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The Health Benefits

OF HOT TUBS AND SPAS Perfecting

OUTDOOR LIVING

How Safe

IS YOUR CHIMNEY? Stop Waiting

TO GO SOLAR Discover A New Look FOR YOUR CONCRETE

The beautiful home featured on the cover has been designed using Washougal Basalt’s squares and rectangles thin veneer. Locally sourced, this quality basalt landscape rock and natural stone is exclusive to the Pacific Northwest, providing your home with a look that is truly unique. Extremely versatile, you can use Washougal Basalt for virtually any outdoor application, as well as for indoor design.

For more information about Washougal Basalt, you can visit the website at www.washougalrockquarry. com. You can learn about where to buy Washougal Basalt by viewing the list of local distributors on the website, or you can see their ad on page 42 and article on page 32. Photo by J. Cody Robertson

Staff Publisher Wally Hicks III Advertising Mailing Address 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, An­a­ heim 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 Target Marketing, Inc. 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

How Safe Is

Your Chimney?

W

hen you are cozy by the fire, snuggled up with a blanket and your loved ones, it can be very easy to get lost in the comfort of the moment. Because of this, most homeowners never even stop to think about the condition of their chimney. In fact, a chimney is an element of the home that most people consider to be virtually maintenance free—it’s a nice architectural component that plays an essentially automatic role in providing your family with ambiance and warmth. However, there is much more to a chimney than this.

The truth is, the real function of your chimney is to carry dangerous flue gases away from your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace so that your home and family are safe. In essence, a chimney ensures that the air inside of your home stays breathable, in the same sort of way that windows and vents do.

Fireplace and wood stove chimneys need a special kind of care. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which have been known to damage structures, destroy homes, and hurt people. Additionally, the older the house, the greater the risk of a chimney fire occurring.

Lack of lining is one of the most common issues that professionals see when surveying chimneys. Any chimney that is not lined should not be used for any purpose, and linings wear out over time without homeowners even realizing it. Here are a few reasons why chimney linings are so crucial: Toxicity. Unlined chimneys may leak noxious gases into your living space.

Condensation. If used for gas, modern appliances have such lowtemperature flue gases that they produce huge amounts of condensation.

With an unlined chimney, the condensation is allowed to adhere to the actual masonry. This ruins wallpaper in the house, and the freeze-thaw cycles in the winter will slowly demolish the masonry.

Fire. If the chimney is used for wood burning, the condensation can also help form tar and creosote. Creosote is the resulting residue that

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sticks to the inner walls of the chimney after smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, and more exit the fireplace or wood stove and creates condensation. Both tar and creosote are extremely flammable, and they pose an unnecessary fire danger in your chimney.

Remodeling. When you make a change to the construction of a structure, the system must comply with building code standards. Therefore, if you have a new furnace, boiler, wood-stove, or insert, the chimney must be lined at that time.

When it comes to masonry issues, everything starts at the top. Chimney and masonry damage is typically caused by weather, moisture, and water breaking down the mortar. To avoid masonry damage, professionals will keep things waterproof, fix the lining, and ensure that each component stays in good shape.

As a homeowner, you need to remember just one thing—clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Professionals can come to your home for a thorough evaluation, and bring your system completely back to compliance so that it’s safe and your home is protected.

Bridgetown Chimney & Masonry is your local chimney specialist.

With over 30 years experience, Bridgetown’s professionals can help with chimney sweeping, fireplace repair, masonry repair, chimney cleaning, fireplace and chimney rebuilds, wood stove cleaning and installation, and chimney liners. You can call them at 503-754-8500 or visit www.BridgetownChimney.com. CCB #195781. o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Monkey Bars North West (NW) Tom@MonkeyBarStorage.com | 503-930-2822 www.garagesolutionsportland.com Š 2015 Monkey Bar Storage. All Rights Reserved. | License #ccb 199592

homefashion For Custom Cabinets or Refinishing, and Hardwood Flooring or Refinishing— A Master Craftsman Company Can Do It All

W

hen the time comes for your living space to get a makeover, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start with your project. Deciding which aspects of your interior should be pinpointed can be an overwhelming task—because you are making an investment in your home, you want to make sure that you are completely satisfied with the end result.

Two of the largest focal points in any home are the cabinets, and the floor. These elements surround you within your living space, and are constantly capturing your attention. Because of this, by focusing on your cabinetry, flooring, or both, the results will be drastic and you can completely transform the entire look and feel of your living space.

With cabinets, you can take two different routes to rejuvenation: custom crafted cabinetry, or cabinet refinishing. Utilizing years of experience and the latest in innovative practices, custom cabinetry is created with the skilled hands of master craftsmen and manufactured to meet your individual specifications. Each design is executed with the ultimate goal of balance and function so you receive cabinetry that is unique in style, yet highly practical. Choose from beautiful hardwoods such as cherry, maple, walnut and alder. With over 30 different wood species, your design options are vast.

Cabinet refinishing is a process that offers incredible design opportunity, but requires much less demolition than brand new custom cabinetry. If you have cabinets that are still completely functional, refinishing is a smart way to give them a convenient new look without much downtime.

Just like with your cabinetry, you can also choose between brand new or refinished hardwood flooring.

With brand new hardwood floors, you can opt for a more traditional and classic look, or dress things up with an artistic style. Your floor will be professionally installed and finished using only top quality materials. With a variety of wood stains and finishes available, your brand new hardwood floor will be customized to reflect exactly what you are looking for and exceed the standards of the National Wood Flooring Association.

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If you already have a wood floor that can be restored, professionals can upgrade your existing surface to your liking. You might love the way it looks, but simply want it to shine like new again, or perhaps you are looking for a new shade or style to redefine your atmosphere—no matter what you desire, a professional knows exactly how to accommodate your flooring needs.

When you work with one company who can take care of everything, from new cabinetry and hardwood flooring design and demolition to refinishing tired out surfaces that still contain some life, you can rest assured knowing that the best course of action will be determined by educated and competent professionals. AFC Inc. has been in business since 1996, and also specializes in custom furniture creation, finish carpentry, architectural woodwork, and concrete acid stain. For more information, you can call them at 503-758-6474, or visit their website at www.afcpacific.com. CCB #201824.

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Expires 5/25/16.*

Expires 5/25/16.*

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Portland Home

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kitchen&bath

F

The Affordable Kitchen

or decades architects and builders paid little attention to the design plan and functionality of the kitchens in the houses that they built. It was typically a small room in the back corner of our homes, used only for the utilitarian purpose of making food. Today much is known about this “most important room” in our homes. From family gatherings to gourmet food preparation to major decision making, we spend most of our at home time in our kitchens. It is the center of our universe and a true expression of who we are and how we live our lives.

Nobody ever said “I only have a kitchen because it came with the house”. In fact, the kitchen is the single most important item when purchasing a new home. When you stand in your kitchen, it needs to feel right. If your kitchen does not make you feel right, it is time to do a kitchen update and change your surroundings.

Budget is the number one concern when updating your kitchen. It is well known that kitchen remodeling is the best place to invest money into your home. But how much? What is your best return on your dollar? Today’s cabinet refacing is the most affordable way to remodel your kitchen into the designer elegance that your home, and you, deserve. A cabinet box has six sides. It makes sense and saves money to only replace only the side that is worn out or outdated.

Cabinet refacing does just that. All of the doors, moldings and drawer fronts are new built to your specification, and the cabinet box is refaced with a matching finish. When your kitchen has been

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refaced, the cabinets look brand new again.

With the vast array of door designs and finishes available today, there really is a design style for everyone. The popularity of white kitchens is at an all time high. Painting cabinets with a latex paint is big trouble and oil based paint is not much better. The durability of these products tends to create high maintenance as the cabinet finish around the sink area fails within a couple of years. Fortunately, the smart people out there have turned varnish into a solid color. Nowadays we can produce a white or off-white kitchen that will last for decades. The varnish is very easy to clean and highly resistant to water damage. It is a perfect finish for your kitchen. This is the most exciting product to be introduced into the cabinet business in years.

On the flip side, the popularity of wood cabinetry will never go away. There is something about the way a stunningly finished hardwood kitchen that makes us feel blissful when we are surrounded by its beauty. The deep, rich

stains that are available today create a kitchen that everyone will enjoy being in. If you prefer a light, bright hardwood kitchen, we omit the stain and leave the true beauty of the natural wood. The durable varnish that is used to top coat the cabinetry will last for decades. As you can see, there truly is a kitchen for everyone’s design style.

The functionality of your kitchen is almost as important as the finish. From soft close drawer glides to soft close hinges to double rubbish pull out bins to roll out trays in pantries to pull out spice racks, there is an endless list of convenience hardware that can make your kitchen enter into the new millennium. If you are tired of your old, worn out, outdated kitchen, you owe it to yourself to see what cabinet refacing is today.

For more information on cabinet refacing and remodeling your kitchen, please call Blane Winter with Affordable Kitchens llc. at 503-260-7502 or visit our website at affordablekitchens.com. WA#AFFORKL996BK, or #CCB 146830.

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Challenging Spaces or Common Places, We Can Help WA Lic#Empires*938QA • OR CCB #198333

Call for a FREE Consultation

SPRING SALE

SAVE 15%

503.919.8974 or 360.606.0251 www.empireclosets.com

Walk In Closets • Media Centers • Wall Beds • Wine Rooms • Wine Rooms • Home Offices and More o n l I n e at P o r t l a n d H o m e m a g a z I n e . c o m

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homeinterior

Travel Effortlessly from Floor to Floor

Access Granted with Residential Elevators and Lift

L

iving in a multi-level home provides challenges for anyone who has trouble navigating stairs due to age, wheelchair, or other mobility issues. With the addition of a custom home elevator, stairlift, or vertical platform lift, homeowners and their loved ones can safely and easily access all levels of their home, despite physical limitations, with an added sense of independence.

Residential elevators designed by trusted manufacturers like Waupaca Elevator Company, Inc. are ideal for homeowners looking for mobility solutions as well as those who desire the added value and convenience that a home elevator will bring to their home. A residential elevator can be retrofitted into an existing home or designed into your dream house.

As people grow older, they often need to move from their home, relocating to an unfamiliar neighborhood, because of the increased difficulty in safely using the stairs. An elevator eliminates the need to move from your home and can be significantly less costly than selling your home— especially in this real estate market.

A home elevator can greatly improve your quality of life. While stairs are great for exercise, they are incredibly inconvenient—and dangerous—when carrying heavy loads or bulky items from one floor to another. Modern technology has made home elevators dependable, safe, quiet, durable, and a considerable complement to any home. Elevator car designs can be customized to suit your tastes and blend seamlessly with the style of your décor.

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For homes or budgets where a residential elevator isn’t an option, the Stannah 260 custom stairlift offers a wide variety of features and is custom designed to fit your staircase, ensuring optimum performance.

The chair and track’s attractive, compact design takes up a minimum amount of space, making it ideal for narrow staircases. When not in use, it is easy to fold up and offers a convenient lever that allows the user to raise the footrest without bending down. The entire journey, controlled by a simple armrest rocker switch, is ultra-quiet and smooth, while conveniently located swivel handles allow riders to easily get on and off the chair. Because the Stannah 260 attaches to the stair treads, it can be mounted on either side of the staircase to suit your preference.

For indoor or outdoor applications such as porches, decks, or other raised levels in the home that require elevation of up to five feet, the Genesis OPAL vertical lift, manufactured by Garaventa Lift, is ADAcompliant and easily transports passengers short distances. Ideal for wheelchair-bound residents and guests, the platform walls, platform gate, and optional automatic folding ramp travel with the platform to create a safety barrier around the passenger.

For more information or to arrange a no-obligation consultation or demonstration, you can call Elevator Solutions, Inc., a locally owned and operated company, at 503-285-4222. Their trained staff can offer assistance with choosing and/or designing your residential elevator, chair, or lift system. CCB #143436, WA #ELEVAS1000L8. o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Cabinet Refacing Specialists

Give Your Cabinets A New Life Exceptional Finishes • Premium Soft Close Hardware • Designer Elegance Granite & Quarts Countertops • Custom Tile Backsplash WA#AFFORKL996 BK

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

503-260-7502

OR#CCB 146830

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Portland Home

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homeinterior

Simplify Your Complicated Life

I

t’s easy to become overwhelmed and overworked in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Work and other responsibilities leave us with little free time. Often, the home is a sanctuary to rest from the obligations and the stresses of life.

That is, until we realize it’s impossible to relax with the disorganized piles of clutter that have taken over the garage.

This is where Monkey Bars Storage comes into play. Their goal is to simplify your life by taking control of messy, burdensome garages by offering industry leading garage storage systems customized specifically for your garage and budget. With products like garage cabinets, shelving, overhead racks, and industry leading garage floor coatings, you can finally take control of your garage.

Monkey Bars understands that free time should be spent doing what you love, not fixating on an unruly garage. A garage storage system will help facilitate you and your family’s hobbies, whatever those may be. With a clean garage comes a clean conscience. This gives you time to focus on things that really matter, such as living a healthy, organized, and fulfilled life.

The process is a simple one. First, an authorized garage professional comes to your home and creates a customized organization plan designed for your garage, free of charge. This plan is drafted around your specific needs and budget. The dealer will then install the storage products you have chosen. After installation, trained professionals will sort your things on your new system with you.

The science behind storage success is high quality, cutting-edge products.

By sorting items based on how frequently the item is used, the patented

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shelving system separates storage by placing long-term items higher on an overhead rack or shelf, and hanging short-term items below or in a cabinet. In addition, the shelving is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Know that your garage is in good hands with trained storage consultants and a company that has been in business for 8 years. Monkey Bars NW was started in 2008. Monkey Bars NW can un-complicate your life and transform your garage. For additional information, you can call 503-930-2822 or visit www.garagesolutionsportland.com. License CCB #199592 o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

homeinterior

liv·abil·i·ty

S

uitability for human living is the basic definition, but what does this mean to you, your family, and the way you live?

We love our house, the neighborhood where our kids grew up, the memories that have become a part of our lives. You’re close to your favorite stores, your park, or perhaps it’s a simple as public transportation close to your home. But what happens when we’re no longer able to make it up the stairs? The kitchen counters are too high or low for our needs, or the doorways too narrow to suit our current purposes? What then, I suppose one alternative is to move.

Perhaps you have a parent or parents that are coming to live with you, rather than moving to a facility? Now you need a main floor master or another alternative at the very least.

Even more important is the goal to maintain or improve the quality of life with dignity. In order to do that, concentrate on what your current and future needs will be in your household. Deciding to stay in your home means you are choosing your independence by making the changes necessary for your comfort and any special needs that may arise.

How do I find someone suited to make these changes?

First thing is to look for a remodeling and mobility expert. Not every contractor available has the ability to know what the current ‘conveniences’ are, what will work for you and o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

your family, your current and future needs, and has the expertise in this area.

You need to find a company with a straightforward approach to customer service and a commitment to craftsmanship while using quality materials, and bringing your finished project in on time, on budget, and to your satisfaction.

Livability/accessibility experts will help you design a living space that eliminates frustration and allows you to thrive. Throughout the process the goal should be simple by minimizing limitations and providing you with the tools needed to move you forward.

Reliant Construction Solutions & Mobility provides all forms of traditional to specialty installations and remodeling, from home elevators to exterior/interior, wheelchair lifts, in-dash home stair lifts, ceiling gantry lifts and many other products from all well known manufacturers. With the future in mind, Reliant integrates construction and equipment into the home while keeping aesthetics appealing.

For more information or a free inhome analysis and consultation , you can call them at 503-643-9417 or visit their website at www.mobilityremodeling.us.

Contact@reliantmobility.com. CCB #198886, WA#RELIACS875D2

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Portland Home

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homeservices

Losing Energy Dollars From Ductwork?

Seal In Your Savings From the Inside

“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.”

W

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.

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 non-toxic 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.

The new aerosol technology, commercially called AeroSeal, is applied with the help of specialized software that controls the flow of the

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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 o n l I n e at P o r t l a n d H o m e m a g a z I n e . c o m

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Portland Home

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homeservices

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

a

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 numerous locations

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After

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 20mil 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), e-mail 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

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

homeservices

How Functional

Is Your Patio or Deck?

I

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, micro-cracks 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 while it’s still in decent shape—saving o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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 fiveto-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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homeservices

Stop Waiting to Go— Why It’s Time to Make the Switch…Today!

W

hen it comes to going solar, there are typically three main incentives available to the majority Oregon homeowners.

However, customers who are unsure of moving forward (with a solar installation) typically base their decision on one of three premises: 1. They believe that the technology is about to take a quantum leap forward.

2. They believe that the price of the technology will continue to decrease.

3. They believe that the available incentives will increase.

Let’s address the first statement: the technology is about to take a quantum leap forward. The short answer is: maybe. If it does, it still won’t be commercially viable for at least five-to-ten years. Large leaps in technology typically are done on very small scales and ramped up as the ability to perfect the process on a manufacturing scale catches up with the technology. So, essentially, yes—the technology is improving, but not at the same rate that the incentives are disappearing.

Next let’s discuss the idea that: the price of the technology will continue to fall. To summarize, the energy companies are losing ground to distributed energy generation (home/business owned energy systems).

As they lose ground, they are also losing revenues. To compensate for this, the utilities are actually increasing prices to customers at unprecedented rates and schedules. As utility prices continue to escalate, the manufacturers of solar technology have gotten wise to the absolute long-term value of their products and have started to price them relative to the cost of purchasing a lifetime of power. Your choice is: you can

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either own your own power plant, get all available incentives, and never feel the pinch of energy price increases or you can continue to endure the never-ending price increases that are being seen ever more frequently from energy companies.

Finally, let’s consider the question regarding the premise that: incentives for solar are actually increasing. The short answer is: absolutely not. The Energy Trust of Oregon previously offered their customers up to $20,000. As of August 2015, the Energy Trust has reduced this incentive to $7,000 for PGE customers and $6,600 for Pacific Power customers. The State of Oregon tax credit is now requiring the installation of system sized no smaller than 3.53 kW to fully acquire their state tax credit. Not just two years ago, this minimum system size was 3.0 kW and, if we rewind the clock even a bit further back to 2010, the minimum system size to fully acquire the state tax credit was a mere 2.0 kW system.

Ignoring the consistent reductions in the incentives available could put a solar array financially out of reach to many potential adopters. At Dynamic Power Innovation, LLC (DPI Solar), the goal has been (and continues to be) to provide high quality power systems, assist customers down their path to energy independence, and keep all these things within financial reach. If you are still unsure of whether or not you want to move forward with your solar project, DPI Solar can help by offering 12 months of protected incentives to give you the time to truly consider the idea of going solar. During these 12 months, when the incentives reduce again, your incentive from Energy Trust will be protected from that reduction.

You can call them at 1-800-864-3517 or visit www.dpisolar.com for more information. Lic. #185494. o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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homeservices

One-Stop Shopping— Find Your Mobility Solutions

a

s people age and circumstances change, not only can the home present serious safety and comfort issues, daily life and routine activities can also become difficult to handle. Disease, injury, or age-related mobility issues can quickly change the way you or a loved one live from day to day.

Our homes are full of memories and love; therefore leaving your comfort zone behind is typically not a popular solution. All people have the right to a safe and comfortable living environment that does not compromise independence. Aging and physical changes do not have to put a damper on your quality of life.

However, while most people are aware that certain products can be added to homes of those struggling with limited mobility, where do you even start? Because there are so many options, the shopping experience alone can be overwhelming. For example, if you need to access all levels of the home without having to use stairs, how do you know whether you should choose a stair lift or home elevator? Or, you might

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need to get around more quickly, but can’t decide whether a scooter or power wheelchair would be the best option.

All of these dilemmas are common, and who doesn’t want to be educated and informed before making any final decisions about mobility investments? Luckily, there is a local solution that allows you to experience everything you need to know about the variety of different products on the market, in just one place.

Providing you with the ultimate one-stop mobility shop experience, you can visit a store that allows you to actually see, feel, and try various mobility products that are available to you. Inside, you will find actual working models of stair lifts, home elevators, and track lifts. You can compare different walk-in tubs and barrier free showers. You can even test out a selection of wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, scooters, and power chairs around the store, both indoors and out, to see what products are the most compatible for your unique needs.

Some featured products on display include

Bruno® Independent Living Aids stair lifts, which are made in Wisconsin. Three stair lift units are on display for you to use, both straight and curved.

For the bathroom, you can become familiar with Bliss walk-in tubs, as well as Best Bath Systems barrier free showers and walk-in tubs. A working Inclinator Company of America® home elevator is on display for you to operate at your leisure, and finally, a working 52-inch, wheelchair accessible Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE) vacuum tube elevator is on display. This unit does not require a shaft and is available both freestanding or through the floor. It is similar to the vacuum tube systems used by banks to move around checks and paper; only this unique elevator has been designed for people.

All In One Mobility, Inc. has been operating their incredible store for over 11 years. Helping you find the ideal solutions for you and your home, All In One Mobility sells, installs, and services everything they feature. You can visit their shop at 12833 NE Airport Way in Portland.

You can also call them for a home estimate or for more information at 503-255-5005. www.allinonemobility.com. CCB #165310.

WA-ALLONOM920KA.

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

exteriorslandscaping

after

A Brand New Look

for Your Outdoor Environment

b

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, significantly decreasing the curb appeal of your home. Instead of replacing unsightly, weathered wood surfaces, turn to 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 agitated 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 remove surface level grime and oil, but will not separate old product that has solidified deep in the pores of the wood. By not removing the old

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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, 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 windows because brighteners can permanently etch glass.

After allowing the wood to completely dry (time may vary by weather conditions), a stain containing penetrating oils should be applied.

Using such oils allows the wood to breath 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 has 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

before

uses three different oils—paraffin, linseed, and tung. Each oil has its own job in the protection of the wood.

As with all products, following manufacturer’s instructions will ensure a safe work environment. Choose from a wide selection of colors in transparent stains, ranging from natural to dark brown, or semitransparent 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, call Custom Deck and Fence Maintenance, serving Portland Metropolitan homeowners since 1991, at 503-658-1936 or visit online at www.cdfm.biz.

OR CCB #200701, WA # CUSTODF87506 A P R I L / MAY 2 0 1 6

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Portland Home

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exteriorslandscaping

Perfected for

Millennia

P

aving stones have a long history, very long. On every continent of the world there are many examples of the use of stones for building paths, roadways, walls and structures that are thousands of years old (think of the Appian Way, cobble stone streets in Europe). Fast forward to modern day and we are still using very similar materials with a similar building process. This shows us that when installed right these products can last a very long time. Look for a contractor who uses locally made paving stones to design and build the outdoor living space of your dreams and guarantee it for life.

The most exciting aspect of interlocking paving stones are their versatility for design combined with their extreme strength and the lasting beauty this creates. When it comes to style a qualified professional can design a truly unique outdoor living space for your home.

Many color blends are available to complement the color of your home, while layout and stone shape allow anywhere from a very natural look to something very clean and modern. This combined with a dark strong straight border or a soft curved organic edge designers are able to please. With a myriad of available options be sure to consult with an experienced designer.

The strength of interlocking paving stones is one of the best features. Concrete slabs for driveways and walkways have a PSI of around 3,500. Our stones are manufactured to meet the ASTM standards (ASTM C-936) of at least 8,000 psi and normally test closer to 10,000. While strength is very important any material is only as good as the installation process. For this reason, look for a member of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), this trade association sets the standard for the correct installation process that ensures your patio or driveway will last a lifetime. Over many years

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this process has been perfected using the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail while using extremely sound materials. Ensuring this investment in your home provides many years of lasting usability and beauty.

Last, is the green aspect of pavers. Since they last forever you won’t be filling up the landfills or paying the same environmental consequences with the multiple costs for manufacturing and shipping. The permeable aspect of pavers allows us to control rainwater runoff thus improving water quality and

reducing erosion and flooding. Certain paving systems used by Alpine significantly reduces pollutants in storm water, including sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, and oil and grease.

So, it seems the Ancient civilizations had it right. Use natural materials with a tried and true installation process and enjoy the benefits forever. For more information you can contact Alpine Outdoor Living at 503-376-7146 or 360-719-2358 or visit their website at alpineoutdoorliving.com.

CCB#200003 WA#ALPINOL851K6. o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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

www.SpecialtyCoatings.us

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Portland Home

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exteriorslandscaping

Need a Change From Plain or Damaged Concrete?

Resurface with Decorative Concrete Coatings

C

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 Before 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 lowmaintenance 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, After depending on the design and system installed.

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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. o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

exteriorslandscaping

Vacation at Home! outdoor Living rooms

T

he rains in December, January and February, were relentless! Let’s face it, we have been cooped up in our houses for too long this Winter because it’s been just too wet to go out, right? While that may be true for some. Those who’ve invested in their homes to accommodate for the rainy and not so pleasant days, have been able to enjoy the outdoors almost all year round. Outdoor Living Rooms are becoming one of the most popular trends in the housing industry. Some are designed for relaxing, some for cooking, some for entertaining and many for all the above, built to keep the weather from running down your back. Simple to extravagant, roof structures for patios and decks are just the ticket for not only increasing the usable space of your home but keeping you dry and comfortable as well.

The expanding range of products and innovations available now to consumers are just short of astounding and never thought possible 10 years ago. Entertaining areas with an outdoor rated T.V., seating areas fully equipped with a fireplace and kitchen can all be moved entirely outdoors. With roof structures in a wide variety of price ranges and styles to keep you dry while fulfilling your o n l I n e at P o r t l a n d H o m e m a g a z I n e . c o m

needs and budget.

Along with increasing the livable space of your home, comes added home value and decent return on investment when the time comes to sell. Have you ever walked through a new “Street of Dreams” home? If so, you’ve seen that an outdoor living space like the ones described is becoming almost a staple in any new home design today. In fact, home buyers are practically demanding it.

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes occasional rain, and looking ahead to summer the direct sun can heat your outdoor space to the point of, “well, it just gets too hot”.

Building that outdoor living room makes all the difference, keeping you cool on the hot days and dry when it rains.

Archadeck Outdoor Living has been building beautiful outdoor oasis for over 30 years. This includes everything from decks, paver patios, sunrooms, outdoor kitchens and roof structures-----if you can dream it, Archadeck can build it. Each project is accomplished with the professionalism, integrity, and written warranties Archadeck is known for, and that will put a big smile on your face when you relax in your new outdoor living

space. You can check out their website at www. westportland.archadeck.com. Or the National website at archadeck.com You can view their video and photo gallery while you’re there, and you can also call Eric Fahland at 503-925-8756 for a free consultation visit and discuss any ideas you have cookin’! CCB#204750 a P r I l / m aY 2 0 1 6

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exteriorslandscaping

Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long,

with a Motorized Patio Cover!

F

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

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experiences into nature 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 comfortable at all times.

Available in three attractive 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. CCB #205943 o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

exteriorslandscaping After

Before

Maximizing The Life of Your Cedar Shake Roof

n

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 other o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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. Quickfix 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 A P R I L / MAY 2 0 1 6

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exteriorslandscaping

The Beauty and Benefits of Washougal Basalt Veneer and Hardscaping Materials

W

ith the concept of stylish outdoor living on the rise, homeowners continue to seek ways to improve the curb appeal of their home.

Utilizing proper hardscaping techniques is one way to achieve both an increase in property value and a more enjoyable outdoor living space.

Washougal Basalt is an incredible natural product that will take your hardscaping to the next level. Locally sourced, this quality basalt landscape rock and natural stone is exclusive to the Pacific Northwest, providing your home with a look that is truly unique. Washougal Basalt is known for its beautiful color, durability, and exceptional hand finishing.

Stone veneer offers the beauty of full cut stone, but its thinner profile overcomes the need for the additional structural reinforcement that could be required with full cut stone. Washougal Basalt stone veneer is fairly lightweight, adheres to a vertical surface, and needs no footing for support. Because of these qualities, you can use Washougal Basalt for virtually any outdoor application, as well as for indoor design.

Decorative Washougal Basalt veneer is available in the color tones unique to its quarry of origin, giving your home and hardscape a special touch of style. Transforming your existing landscape creates exciting opportunities to customize the patio, driveway, walls, garden, and front and backyards to reflect your personal style, complement the

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architecture of your home, and function to suit your particular needs and those of your family. Updating with a custom Washougal Basalt hardscape design can instantly turn a lackluster yard into a fantastic outdoor extension of your living space.

Try sprucing up outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas with block walls, a custom fireplace or fire pit that allows you to enjoy your outdoor space when the weather cools down, and more. Stone steps and walkways are a powerful presence extending from your patio or winding through the garden, creating distinct paths with one-of-a-kind visual appeal. Washougal Basalt quarried rock products provide the ideal method for infusing your outdoor living space with unique character and personality.

One of the greatest benefits of hardscaping with Washougal Basalt is that you get to enjoy a stunning element of your landscape that requires virtually no maintenance. You can create texture and depth with an element that doesn’t need to be constantly watered, pruned, and cared for the way living plants do, not to mention, you also save water.

For more information about Washougal Basalt, you can visit the website at www.washougalrockquarry.com. You can learn about where to buy Washougal Basalt by viewing the list of local distributors on the website, or you can see their ad on page 34.

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

exteriorslandscaping

‘The Greenhouse That Grows With You’

H

ave you ever gone out to your garden and experienced the explosion of flavor as you bite into a freshly picked heirloom tomato or puckered to the refreshing zest of a home grown Meyer lemon? Now imagine picking that gorgeous fruit in the middle of winter! It’s possible with a greenhouse. Greenhouse gardening is growing in popularity across the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a motivated hobbyist, the selection of a perfect greenhouse for your needs can be a challenge.

Some greenhouses are poorly made and are not built to withstand windy conditions, some are extremely expensive permanent structures with limited versatility, and almost all kits you come across use cheap materials and inadequate instructions, making them complicated to install.

A great alternative is to find a full service company that will deliver and install a beautiful, sturdy greenhouse with innovative features all at a reasonable price. The structure should be designed modularly so it can be expanded or even moved to suit future needs. It should satisfy strict HOA aesthetic demands and be sturdy enough to perform in any moderate to severe weather including very high winds, torrential Oregon downpours or feet of accumulated snow. The perfect greenhouse should come with accessories that will accommodate any gardening situation, o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

from year round growing and over wintering, to cultivating starts for an early jump on the season.

When choosing your greenhouse, look for a US made company that provides choice in design, finish, frame material and glaze options like glass or polycarbonate. In addition, a greenhouse should include accessories such as adequate staging (benches/shelves), water and electricity access and automated ventilation. Most importantly, your greenhouse should be a place that is spacious and inviting, beckoning you to continue enjoying its warmth and ambiance year after year.

For more information, you can contact Zebulin at NW Green Panels at 503-890-1504, or visit www.nwgreenpanels.com. Zebulin@ nwgreenpanels.com.

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exteriorslandscaping Top Left: A four-point hypar shape provides excellent shade coverage and an elegant look.

Bottom Left: Shade sails look like they are floating in air, providing shade while keeping an open outdoor feel.

Shade sails

W

hen you invest in a home, you are buying more than just an interior; you are also buying an amazing outdoor space where you can spend many happy, enjoyable summer days. Summer is the time when you can enjoy your backyard the most.

However, it’s also the time when the beautiful south-facing deck turns into a virtual oven, and some shade is needed to make the space livable again. More and more homeowners are turning to shade sails as an elegant alternative to standard awnings or pop-up tents.

If you are thinking of adding shade sails to your home, it’s good to understand some simple guidelines as to what they are and how they are best used. Shade sails are tensioned membranes, made from shade cloth, that are attached to fixing points at the corners. It looks like they are floating in the air, which gives the space a very open feel while still providing excellent sun protection.

When designed and installed properly, shade sails are an attractive and contemporary shade solution, that are low maintenance, easy to install and remove, and are stable in the wind. If built and used correctly, they can easily last ten or more years. But they do have some very specific requirements: 1) Proper support. Since shade sails are tensioned out from the corners, and have no other support, the fixing points have to be well secured. While there are various ways to do this, the most

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common is to use a steel post that is concreted in the ground.

2) Good design. While triangles are a common shape, a much more effective shape is a four-point hypar. A hypar is essentially a rectangle that is twisted into a saddle shape, providing an attractive design that is stable in the wind. Sails can also be overlapped or designed with five or more corners to provide even more coverage or unique architectural focal points.

3) Shade sails are for shade only.

While it is possible to design waterproof and snow-bearing canopies, a standard shade sail won’t take the weight of the snow. All shade sails are temporary structures that must come down in the winter. Shade cloth itself is not waterproof and will provide only minimal rain protection.

If you are thinking of adding shade sails to your outdoor space, you need a company that has experience with designing, fabricating and installing shade sails. Wyckam is a leading Portland company that can assist you with 3D CAD renderings, shade studies, fabric and color selections, fabrication of the sail and final installation. They also provide annual installation and removal service, cleaning and storage as needed. Contact Wyckam at 503-729-6051, or visit wyckam.com.

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

You want more than a hammer, nail and skills.

You want a contractor who cares.

• • • • • • • •

General Contractors Fences Decks Kitchens Bathrooms Roofs Additions Whole House Remodels

CURRIN CONSTRUCTION

If anything goes wrong with our workmanship...

I will take care of it for as long as I’m alive!!!

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12:25 PM

exteriorslandscaping

Beautiful Garage Floors In One Day

I

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 Plexiglas 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.

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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 or see them on the web at www.specialtycoatings. us. WA# SPECIC1981JR CCB# 151176

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

exteriorslandscaping

Spa’s and Hot Tubs provide much more than relaxation...

The health and therapy aspects they provide are amazing...

T

hroughout history, humankind has sought relief from the workday through relaxation and fellowship. For centuries, one of the most refreshing and healthy ways of combining the two has been through the utilization of the spa. From ancient communal baths to modern, jetted tubs, the healing power of water has been harnessed to relieve stress and provide a setting for relaxed interaction and renewal.

Hydrotherapy - Is an age old form of healing and stress relief, it is based on 3 simple principles: Heat, buoyancy and water movement/ hydro-massage. Heat dilates the blood vessels and increases circulation in the body. This helps enzymes and endorphins (the bodies natural pain relievers). Work more efficiently on muscles and joints. Heat also helps cells get rid of metabolic waste, which is replaced by oxygen and the bodies natural nutrients.

Restful sleep - While heat brings up the bodies internal temperature, the cooling off induces natural relaxation. Unlike the use of medication and sleep aids, the circulation and warmth of an artisan spa encourages the body to unwind and relax on its own.

Stress Relief - There are physiological and psychological reasons that a spa successfully reduces stress. Hydrotherapy, combined with heat therapy and being submerged in water all work together to let your body release tension and loosen stiff muscles making the blood flow more freely.

Arthritic Pain - For relief from arthritis pain and fibromyalgia, your spa is literally your own personal mechanical masseuse, while the heat from the water relaxes the body and increases blood flow. Powerful massage jets loosen muscle tension and soothe sore joints.

Diabetes (Type 2) - Heated water helps diabetes by improving circulation. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that sufferers of type 2 Diabetes can benefit from the regular use of a spa. The study reveals that sufferers experienced a significant decrease

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

in blood sugar levels and improved sleep after spending 30 minutes a day in a spa.

For more information you can contact Spa-Logic Hot Tubs at 503703-6267 or visit www.spalogichottubs.com. Spa Logic carries a wide variety of spa’s and hot tubs as well as tabletop fire pits, firepit tables and patio heaters. They also offer hot tub service and repairs. See their showroom at 11135 SW Canyon Road, Beaverton, OR. Family owned since 2003.

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exteriorslandscaping

Recycled Rubber Roofing:

Simply Amazing

T

he key to protecting your home from the elements is your roof, especially in the Pacific Northwest where the primary concern is moisture. The purpose of roofing systems are to protect your home from the elements. Exposure to the weather will eventually wear down most any roof, and then the problems begin: leaks, water damage, mildew, and the list goes on. Now there is a more durable roofing option. Introducing Euroshield®, a product that lasts about 200% longer than the average roof. This amazing product will protect more than just your home; because it is made from recycled rubber, EuroShield® is eco-friendly as well.

In today’s environmentally conscious world, we are bombarded with information

about “eco-friendly” or “green” building materials. But, what does “green” really mean?

“Green” is the new catch-word for appealing to the environmentally conscious consumer. It is often used (and misused) to create additional value. But, should a product containing little to no recycled material be considered “green” if the only benefit is that it is recyclable at the end of its life? How much recycled content should a product contain before it is considered “green”?

Euroshield® Roofing Products contain approximately 95% recycled content and the trim and scrap material generated from the manufacturing and installation process can be recycled again back into more Euroshield® roofing products. Furthermore, all Euroshield® Roofing Products are

Eurolite Shake in “Woodlands Brown”

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recyclable at the end of their lifecycle.

The major ingredient in all EuroShield® roofing products is recycled tire rubber. In fact, 70% of a panel of roofing material is recycled tire rubber. On average, 600 tires are used in the production of material required to cover a typical single-family residential home. Old tires are one of the most significant, and highly visible, sources of waste material generated today. In today’s world, it is of great importance that we recycle materials to make the products we use now and into the future.

EuroSlate®, EuroShake®, EuroLite Slate® and EuroLite Shake® roofing systems are rain, wind, hail and fire resistant. They are also beautiful, available in traditional shake, or even slate profiles. Many homeowners have commented that as an added bonus, they noticed 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.

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. In green Portland, eco-friendly features are especially valued. With the recent addition of the more cost effective EuroLite® products, this remarkable recycled rubber roofing product is now within reach of even more homeowners.

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. KGC, Inc. CCB OR #109148, WA#keithgc948kh.

Eurolite Shake in “Silverwood Grey”

o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

railPro is a design and installation company that offers various styles of rust free aluminum railings. We have the capability and experience of creating solutions to your custom situations.

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exteriorslandscaping

BEFORE

AFTER

Transform Your Sinking Concrete Issues With the Flat-Rocking Process

S

inking concrete can be one of the most frustrating outdoor aspects for a homeowner. Not only is it unappealing to look at, but it can be an unsafe factor that increases the risk of someone tripping and falling. Yet, homeowners often find themselves facing a number of questions when this starts to happen on their property.

Why does concrete sink, crack, and settle? Essentially, the underlying support beneath a surface can give way for different reasons. For example, a sidewalk may have been installed on dirt that hadn’t been properly compacted. Yet sometimes, it’s simply because soil tends to settle naturally as the years go by.

What are your options? There once was a time when the only way to fix sinking concrete issues was to completely tear out the slab and pour a brand new one. This process was not only expensive, but the demolition was both invasive and time consuming. Luckily, there is a much more affordable and efficient way to get your sidewalk, driveway, patio, steps, and more looking beautiful again—it’s called flat-rocking.

The innovative flat-rocking process can typically be done in just one day. Instead of simply pouring more concrete on top of sunken concrete, (which not only isn’t a solution, but also sets you up for more issues later on), flat-rocking allows professionals to actually go inside and fix the problem from underneath. By drilling small holes in the concrete,

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a highly durable custom mix provides a new solid base for the concrete slab. This fills any voids and assists the concrete to rise back into place before the drilled holes are sealed with customized mix. Once the flatrocking process is complete, there is little evidence of any repair.

Flat-rocking is good for all of Portland and the surrounding area.

Upgrading concrete and curb appeal one property at a time not only keeps safety a top priority, but it’s also an environmentally-friendly process. All organic products are used as opposed to chemical bonding agents. Additionally, company vehicles run on biodiesel. When you choose flat-rocking instead of new demolition, you are also doing your part by keeping old concrete out of landfills, cutting down on waste. Just because something appears old and run-down doesn’t mean it can’t be rejuvenated.

Along with flat-rocking for concrete slabs, professionals can also replace the rotten or missing wooden expansion joints in driveways, sidewalks, patios, or pool decks. An immediately effective process with rapid installation, wooden expansion joint replacement eliminates trip hazards associated with empty joints, deters weed growth between slabs, and also blends beautifully with the surrounding colors and concrete.

Flat-rocking is an ideal 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 over 30 years. For more information on these services, you can call Britt Allen and Flat Rock Concrete Leveling at 503-421-8580. For more information on the process of concrete leveling, you can visit www.flatconcrete.com. CCB #192071, WA#FLATRRC892MA.

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o n l I n e at P o r t l a n d H o m e m a g a z I n e . c o m

exteriorslandscaping

Cedar Fences You Can Get What You Want!

I

t was 9:00 on a gorgeous summer evening.

The shadows deepening. The crickets were beginning their all-night symphony. Ryan and Sarah were relaxing in their chairs around the patio table, enjoying each other’s company after a long day at work. Quiet conversation ebbed and flowed. Knickerbocker, the cat, was curled up in his favorite bench,his little motor purring loudly. Suddenly the stillness was interrupted with boyish laughter. It seemed to be coming from the back yard. “ Who is that?” hissed Sarah.

“I think it’s Jordan and his friend”, replied Ryan.

Jordan lived on the street behind Ryan and Sarah’s house. He and his friend were taking a shortcut to the corner store.

For once, it wasn’t raining on that March afternoon. Jessica and Jamie had just gotten home from school, and were ready to soak up some spring sunshine.

“Mommy, can we take Shiloh out to the backyard?” asked Jessica. Shiloh was their beloved Boston Terrier.

“No”, replied Mommy. “Shiloh may wiggle under the fence. We don’t want her running away.

There is nothing like sitting in your o n l i n e at p o r t l a n d h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

backyard on a warm summer evening and hanging out with family or friends. Or watching children romp on the back lawn with their favorite pooch. However, an unfenced backyard can greatly take away from this feeling of relaxation. Maybe you are annoyed by foot traffic walking through your backyard, or maybe you are just worried about your pets escaping.

Altogether, these worries can definitely take away from what would otherwise be a very relaxing time.

In talking with you, here are the 6 top benefits you are looking for in a fence.

• Security / privacy • Pet containment • Aesthetics • Longevity • Property boundary marking • Adding resale value A cedar fence offers all of these benefits, and more.

Here are some points you want to consider for security and privacy.

The two most popular styles of cedar fence are “good-neighbor” and “privacy”. “Goodneighbor” means exactly that. You are a good neighbor! You and your neighbor both have equal aesthetics. Their side looks the same as your side. The fence boards or pickets are attached to both sides of the fence rails. This is a strong fence that offers good security but not so much privacy. There is a 3-4 inch gap between every board. So when you stand facing the fence, you can see into your neighbor’s yard at 45 degree angles to yourself.

“Privacy” fences, as their name would infer, offer the best security and privacy. On standard privacy fences, the fence boards are attached to the fence rails side by side. Over time, as the wood dries out, a small gap appears between the boards, but that is minimal. On picture frame fences, these gaps are covered up with a second layer of fence boards.

Standard height for backyard fences is 6 feet. If you want to build a fence over 6 feet high, be sure to check with your local building department. They may require a building permit.

And of course you’ll want to have gates at all your entrance points to the fenced yard.

Many gates come with latches that can be locked with a padlock or other locking device.

If you want my complete special report immediately, “Cedar Fences - You Can Get What You Want!”, call me at 503-919-0673, or email me at realestate970@gmail.com. You will get “in the trenches” pointers and advice on cedar fences so you can have all the benefits listed above. Currin Construction, LLC Nolan Rohrer CCB# 205284.

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Is This the Year You Enhance Your Lifestyle?

Driveways • Patios • Retaining Walls • Pergolas • Patio Covers • Outdoor Lighting

Affordable Luxury Alpine’s team consists of experts in the industry with extensive training in design, project coordination and installation.

Our design consultants can create the vision that will allow our hard-working crews to transform your ordinary yard into your dream outdoor living space.

At Alpine, we are committed to our customers’ 100% satisfaction with the highest regard for quality and affordability.

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Call today for a free professional design, consultation and estimate. 503-376-7146 or 360-719-2358