Northwest Living VOL XXXIV • NO. 3 • ODD
JUNE/JULY 2013
12-16 HOME FASHION 18-24 KITCHEN & BATH 26-32 EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING ON THE COVER Whether you are completely tired of your bathroom and are looking to give it an upgrade or already have a gorgeous shower that is simply missing something—experts can help transform your existing shower into a masterpiece with artistic, high-quality custom creations that cannot be found elsewhere. The professionals at Northwest Shower Door want to give you a reason to sing in your shower. For more information, you can call 206-264-1010, visit their showroom at 3223 1st. Ave. South, Suite A in Seattle, or visit www.nwshowerdoor.com. See their ad on page 13 and article on page 20. Photo courtesy of Steven D. Smith Custom Homes.
Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507
(888) 612-7400 FAX (714) 446-6294
The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Northwest Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Northwest Living is used. Northwest Living is produced bi-monthly by Af flu ent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, An a heim Hills, California 92817-8507. Re pro duction 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.
homefashion
Give Your Worn-Out Wood the “Wow” Factor Renewal Made Easy—Change the Color and Give It New Life!
Cabinet Renewal
H
igh style has moved from the runaways of Milan to our own homes. Chic trends and quality craftsmanship are the necessities of a home renovation. Whether a homeowner is preparing to sell, upgrade, or simply fix something that isn’t quite right, options and choices abound. While the ‘70s and ‘80s were a great time for many things, most homeowners want those years taken out of their kitchens and off their floors. Browsing local remodeling store aisles, it’s easy to fall in love with the colors and sophistication of today’s cabinets and floors. However, when a homeowner starts to visualize bringing a new look into their home, there is a good chance they will be overwhelmed with the timeframes and budgets. New floors mean a room cannot be used for days and sometimes weeks, while flooring and cabinets are demolished and replaced. Say good-bye to home cooked meals, and hello to eating out. Getting today’s freshest finishes and updated looks can seem out of reach, but there’s a new alternative to the expense, mess, and sheer chaos of ripping out floors and cabinets—let skilled craftsmen renew the floors and cabinets in a matter of days. Homeowners can upgrade to quality finishes that are well-rooted in the new millennium. Outdated, worn wood can be renewed with strong and striking finishes and little disruption. Bringing life back to your wood dramatically updates your home and minimizes downtime and expenses, instead of having parts of your home ripped up, ripped out, and banished to the landfill. Using time-tested techniques to renew existing wood floors and cabinets, the craftsmen remove wax and dirt build-up that make wood look flat and lifeless. The renewal process thoroughly cleans the surface, removes old coatings, repairs damaged areas with less mess, and applies an elegant finish. Have you always wanted chocolate cabinets or a rich cherry finish? You can go darker for a more modern look, for about a third of the cost of replacement. To begin the process, craftsmen will come in, evaluate your home, and provide an estimate for renewal. Often, homeowners who want to put their home on the market want to give it the “wow” factor in a number of days versus weeks, minimizing costs and maximizing convenience for getting their home sold.
12
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
Before
After
Basic Floor Renewal
Before
After
The possibilities are endless for all your tired wood. To rejuvenate your cabinets and give new life to your doors, trim, and floors, you can call the N-Hance Wood Renewal of Seattle, serving King and Snohomish counties, at 877-868-9663. WA Contractor ID: NHANCWR984BC. ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
JUNE/JULY 2013 • NORTHWEST LIVING
13
homefashion
Passion for Design… Love Your Home, More and More and More!
Y
our home décor should bring it—the “wow” factor! It should be a perfect balance of your personal taste and lifestyle. Whether you have a problem area of the home that you just can’t seem to get right, or perhaps just want to liven things up, it’s time to discover that there’s more to life than ordinary. Visit a store that offers complete professional interior design services—a 5,100 sq. ft. store filled with everything, from window treatments, bedding ensembles, area rugs, wall coverings, accessories, lighting, upholstered furniture, tables, entertainment centers, and much more, you will discover that transforming your home has never been more convenient, efficient, or affordable. If you don’t see it, staff will get it! With in-house design consultants available at all times, there is always someone available and ready to help you. The key to achieving a new, refreshed interior is to have the help of a professional who knows how to successfully blend your existing pieces with new furniture and accessories. You don’t have to break the bank
14
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
buying a completely new interior; professionals can take your favorite pieces and combine them with Tuscan, traditional, French Country, or even Old-World designs to achieve the look you want. If you are looking for just a simple touch of style, talented window treatment designers can even make your window dream designs come true. A design should be a balance between your wishes, inner-desires, and purpose. If you are stumped with what to do in a certain area, bring a photo and an in-store designer will help select just the right piece, or pieces! With a focus on premier home interior design services, Infusion Interiors brings a unique sense of vision, passion, and attention to detail to each project they create. Voted Best of the South Sound for Interior Design in 2013, you can visit Infusion Interiors and see their extensive selection of furniture and accessories at 7513 Custer Road West in Lakewood. You can also call them at 253-472-4100 for more information or to schedule a design consultation with a professional. www.infusion-interiors.com
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
M
any homeowners long for the luxury of granite countertops, and are not aware that in as little as one day, their dream kitchen or bathroom can become a reality. Granite Transfornations’ countertops can be easily installed without disrupting your everyday routine, and without the cost of a major renovation project. “People want their homes to be an expression of their style and personality,” says Carl Griffenkranz, vice president of marketing for Granite Transformations. “They want a beautiful product that is easy to install, easy to maintain and easy on the budget.” Granite Transformations fills the bill in all three categories. The company uses an exclusive process to permanently bond their innovative natural stone, quartz and glass products to existing countertops. The product line is extremely versatile, and can be applied to kitchens, bathroom walls, backsplashes, fireplaces and even flooring. “With more than 300 mosaic glass tile accents and colors, the variations and customizations are endless,” says Griffenkranz. Granite Transformations brings homeowners a fusion of the world’s finest granites, and a lifetime warranty on its fabulous range of products. The granite for the countertops is mixed with a polyester resin called ForeverSeal®, which provides a special sealant that makes it virtually impossible for spills to penetrate the surface and seep into the stone. “One of the biggest appeals of our product lines — beyond the affordability, is the fact that it’s easy to maintain,” Griffenkranz says. “There’s literally no maintenance, other than cleaning the surface with soap and water. The countertops are heat, stain and scratch resistant, so for anyone who wants beauty, durability and value, this is the product for them.” Whether it’s kitchen counters, kitchen sinks, bathroom vanities, shower walls, tub liners, floors or fireplaces, the technology of Granite Transformations can literally transform any home. A full-scale kitchen remodel includes many different elements, such as countertops, cabinets, backsplashes, sinks and more. Refacing the kitchen’s cabinets is ideal for homeowners that plan to keep the same kitchen layout and want accessibility to their kitchen during the remodeling process. The skilled professionals at Granite Transformations provide a free in-home consultation, and even show you how the kitchen will look via computer animation. If you are currently thinking about a kitchen or bath remodel, you owe it to yourself to see all that Granite Transformations has to offer. Your local Granite Transformations outlet is 7100 Fun Center Way #130 Tukwila WA 98188, 206203-6206 or 877-297-3274. You can also visit www.granitetransformations.com
homefashion
The Ever-Expanding Kitchen
F
eeling frustrated with your kitchen size? Don’t let square footage be the determining factor when it comes to the potential of this valuable space. The truth is, with the right design choices and guidance, a smaller kitchen can be transformed into an effective space that offers functional storage solutions and leaves you completely satisfied. Here are a few tips from the experts on how to maximize your kitchen environment: Double tilt-up cabinets. This type allows your cabinets to be spaced more closely to the wall, giving you more room. Finger pulls. Adding finger pulls to cabinets completely eliminates the need for handles, creating a clean and streamlined effect. Appliance niche. Most of us have appliances sitting on the counter, taking up space. A “U-shaped” countertop creates a space free of an overhead cabinet, convenient for tall appliances such as juicers. After use, you can just slide them back to their designated spaces.
16
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
AFTER Windows. If you have an underutilized window, you can create a window seat with BEFORE convenient storage below. Walls. Don’t be afraid to knock out a wall to create a whole new living area, or use the inside of the wall by creating storage shelves between the studs. Adding a buffet counter in the stairwell can significantly extend your kitchen space. A successful kitchen remodel takes the knowledge of someone who can conveniently put all the pieces together, from flooring to cabinets and everything in between. With expertise in both interior design and general contracting, Christine Suzuki ensures the integrity of their designs throughout a project, from a budget-conscious start to a beautiful finish. For more information or to see examples of kitchen designs, you can visit www.christinesuzuki.com or call 206-850-7715.
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
kitchen&bath
Get Organized:
With Glide-Out Shelves!
S
ome tasks never seem to make it off the to-do list, and organizing your cabinets is definitely one of those unappealing chores that always seems to be better fit for another day. Most homeowners wish their shelves were more organized, but simply don’t know how to utilize their space more efficiently. No matter how painstakingly you organize your cabinets, something is always going to end up stacked against the back of the cabinet, difficult to find and hard to reach. Have you ever stopped to think perhaps the problem is structural, and your cabinets are actually setting you up for failure? If so, you aren’t alone, and thankfully this common frustration has led to great innovations in the world of cabinets. Knowledgeable cabinet renovation experts can come to your home and utilize new technology to create an efficient solution to your organizational dilemmas once and for all. A professional designer can come to your home to assess your needs and understand the unique challenges you face. They will take the time to understand everything that needs to be stored, and where it is used in your home. Many different options will be explored to ensure that your cabinets will be retrofitted to suit your needs in the most efficient manner possible. The designer may suggest hidden trash containers, Lazy Susans or tray organizers, and will almost always suggest the implementation of custom gliding shelves, the pinnacle of modern cabinet organization.
AFTER
18
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
AFTER BEFORE Custom gliding shelves are a popular solution to messy cabinets that can ergonomically optimize your storage space. Custom fit to any existing cabinet in your home, these gliding shelves can make every item 100% accessible and within a comfortable reach. Imagine all of the lost space in the back of your cabinets, retooled with purpose. This is truly one of the easiest and most affordable home improvements for homeowners seeking a clutter-free home. When you are ready to make the call, be sure you choose a company with a high-quality, long-term solution. You use your cabinets every day, therefore quality craftsmanship and heavy-duty materials are key to lasting success. With the right company a quality product at an affordable price is attainable, and your completely customized solution will serve you well for many years to come. For more information, you can contact Shelf Genie—a company that can design, build and install these remarkable glide-out shelving systems for any cabinet in your home. You can call them at (888) 799-9891 or visit them online at www.shelfgenie.com/seattle
BEFORE ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
kitchen&bath
A Shower for
I
Any Space
t’s very common to have a bathroom that feels somewhat awkward in regards to space—whether it’s simply just too small or has been designed and built in an extremely limiting way. As a homeowner, you are probably more than aware of the inevitable challenges that you must tackle when trying to decorate or remodel a uniquely constructed bathroom. Especially when it comes to the large projects, such as the shower. Finding a “standard” shower is nearly an impossible task when dealing with a small or limited bathroom. However, don’t give up on your project yet because a convenient solution exists. Custom shower enclosures can be designed and built to fit any space, no matter what the bathroom looks like. Professionals can design a shower that fits absolutely perfectly into any area of a bathroom by taking careful measurements and creating an enclosure that is exactly what you need. Additionally, there is a myriad of different options when it comes to luxurious custom shower enclosures. The incredible transformation that takes place with the addition of gorgeous architectural glass will leave you speechless. Professionals will help you find the perfect fit for your artistic project that is both beautiful and functional. From frameless shower enclosures, framed doors, art glass and even timeless classics, such as standard shower and tub doors—there is always a perfect match for your style and home. The professionals at Northwest Shower Door want to give you a reason to sing in your shower. Family-owned and operated, Northwest Shower Door works with archi-
20
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
tects, builders, contractors and homeowners to design, create and install the most beautiful enclosures and glass creations that can be found anywhere. Their highly trained experts are devoted, talented and dedicated to producing the best product. They are members of The Master Builders Association and they have a Facebook page. For more information, you can call 206-264-1010, visit their showroom at 3223 1st. Ave. South, Suite A in Seattle, or visit www.nwshowerdoor.com
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
kitchen&bath
Can Beautiful
STONE SURFACES Last Forever? ost people don’t realize that granite and other natural stone surfaces are porous and must be protected against staining and dirt build-up. Over time, oils, food stains, mold, mildew and dirt will adversely affect the look and feel of your natural stone surfaces. Professionally sealing them will prevent this damage, will save you money and will keep them looking the way you want them to look with minimum effort on your part. So how does the sealing process work? First, the stone is deep cleaned with a proprietary enzyme that emulsifies the contaminants that have accumulated in the pores. Then, a commercial vapor-steamer with 275-degree steam is used to force the now-emulsified “stuff” up out of the pores and off the surface. Last, the material is infused with quadrillions of “designer-molecules” that permanently bond with the molecules in the stone, forming an invisible barrier that won’t allow water or other liquids, (including oil), to penetrate it. The most obvious reason that this particular method of sealing is superior to the standard process is that it truly lasts forever. Other sealers on the market are topical, meaning they are applied to the surface (like car wax) and conse-
M
22
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
quently wear off in a short amount of time. This process creates a seal that cannot wear off because after it’s been treated, the stone itself is the sealer. An added bonus is that since water can’t get a grip on the treated surface, dirt can’t become attached, which makes cleaning a breeze. (Imagine never having to scrub your shower again). Forever Seal also cleans and permanently seals other surfaces such as tile, grout, concrete, slate, pavers, flagstone, brick and more, and can repair, restore and refurbish damaged and abused stone surfaces to like-new condition. Their services come with a no-nonsense lifetime warranty against staining. If you are ready to protect your expensive stone surfaces from stains and residue buildup, and would like a free in-home estimate, you can visit www.foreverseal.net or call them today at 425-739-4641.
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
kitchen&bath
Define Your Bathroom
with Gorgeous Glass
B
athrooms have evolved over the years from an area that was once purely functional, to a valuable space where you can create an ambiance that is both stylish and relaxing. If you are looking to enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom, there is no better place to start than with the shower. A shower is a dominant feature in any bathroom. With the addition of clear frameless doors, this area quickly transforms from an average aspect to a stunning focal point. Frameless shower doors offer so many benefits. Even if you aren’t planning a complete remodel, it’s easy for professionals to simply switch out existing shower doors with new frameless ones. If you are stuck with a small bathroom, frameless doors can create the illusion of a larger space. Nearly invisible, a clear frameless glass shower door limits the visual barriers, provides a flowing seamless look, and has the effect of making the area seem more open and roomy. Frameless doors are easier to maintain than standard framed options. The glass is in direct contact with the shower tile, which eliminates corrosion that builds up over time on a metal track of a framed door. Unsightly frames on a shower door can take away from any beautiful tile work you want to show-off. Frameless doors are strong, featuring thicker glass with heavy-duty hardware. Unique hardware allows the door to swing both out and in. Finally, frameless shower doors are a wise long-term investment. They are much more desirable to people looking to buy a home. They open up
24
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
a whole new door to creativity and flexibility when matching plumbing fixtures, choosing a specific height, or coordinating a particular style to your bathroom. For more information about frameless shower door and much more, Affordable Quality Glass can help. Offering a three-year warranty on all material and installation, Affordable Quality Glass values customer service as their number one goal and are always available when you need them. For more information, you can call them at 206-619-1028 or visit www.AQGlass.com
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
Don’t Settle with Just Any Roof—Discover All of Your Options! hen the time comes to invest in a roof, wouldn’t you like to feel completely confident with your decision? The truth is—there are so many different kinds of roofing options. Whether you’re building a new home or need to repair or replace your existing roof, the first step is to become familiar with all of the different types to choose from. An experienced and specialized residential roofing company can assist you in choosing the material that best suits the weather in your area, the look you want to achieve and the specific architecture of your house, as well as your budget. Every house has different characteristics that make it unique; therefore there are different roofing types that are more compatible with some homes than others. It is crucial that your roofing company offers exceptional service when it comes to providing you with the information you need to understand how each type of roof is unique. Here are just a few examples of different types of roofing that are very popular in the Northwest. Presidential Shake™. A top-of-the-line product, CertainTeed’s Presidential Shake shingle roofing is a popular type of composition roofing that is considered a “luxury shingle.” Designed to replicate the look of cedar shake with the performance of fiberglass construction, Presidential roofs are especially popular in Eastside neighborhoods that were built 15–20 years ago with cedar shake roofs. Shake roofs are often replaced with luxury shingles because they are the closest to the cedar shake look of any composition roofing material. Majestic Slate™. A beautiful alternative to composition, Majestic Slate by EcoStar™ looks like real quarried slate. Extremely classy and high-end, you get the natural beauty of slate along with enhanced strength and durability. Manufactured from 80% post-industrial recycled rubber and plastic, Majestic Slate offers an environmentally friendly, lightweight alternative to traditional slate roofing. Cedar Shake. Cedar shake roofs are not only timeless and beautiful—they also add real value to your home. Contrary to popular belief, today’s cedar
W
26
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
shakes last longer (on average) than the shakes used years ago. This is because the treatment methods have greatly improved. Shake roofs installed today are pressure treated and won’t need to be treated again. In the past, most cedar shakes only had a topical treatment or sometimes weren’t even treated at all. Additionally, a company should never use builder grade shake on a roof. Unfortunately, entire neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest have been built with builder grade shakes and their roofing hasn’t lasted. Premium shakes not only last much longer, but they require very little maintenance. Valentine Roofing of Seattle is a residential roofing company specializing in cedar shake, synthetic slate, recycled rubber, metal and low-slope roofs. Roofing contractors in Seattle face unique weather challenges, and many residents assume that a roofing contractor can’t operate during the rainy seasons. However Valentine Roofing has year-round employees who will stay on your project from start to finish. Installing any type of job, including steep, custom and difficult roofing projects, Valentine Roofing treats every home like it’s their own, never cuts corners, are extremely clean and neat and always pays great attention to detail. You can call them at 206-801-1326. More photos and information about their products are available at www.valentineroof.com
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
A Lifetime Solution
To Gutter Problems hile climbing the ladder to clean out your debris-filled gutters over and over again can be a tedious and stressful task, one cannot express the importance of having clog-free gutters while living in the Northwest. Leaves, pinecones, fir needles, and so many other things can get backed up in the gutters protecting your home, causing a big mess. And what about that section of the gutter that has started to pull away from your roof, taking the shingles with it? Wouldn’t it be nice if your gutters could function on their own without your assistance—no clogs, no roof damage, no messes? Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. With the only one-piece, leaf and debris shedding gutter protection system, you will never have to worry again. This gutter system works on the scientific principle of liquid adhesion. The gutter’s special curved design allows rainwater to travel down, around, and into the gutter’s trough while deflecting leaves and debris. Another advantage of this particular gutter system is the way it attaches to a house. A bracket attaches from the inside to the fascia board, rather than to the roof itself. Because of this method, the gutter will never pull away from the house due to water weight or accumulated debris. Each system is custom-fitted for every installation. They are constructed of
W
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
.032 aluminum, which is more than 20% thicker than the average materials used for standard gutters. Also, you will never have to worry about rusting or corrosion. It has a scratch guard enamel finish that is available in 14 different colors to suit your home’s exterior appearance, and will not chip, peel, or crack for as long as you own your home. LeafGuard® gutter protection systems from Englert, Inc. are truly a superior solution to old home rain gutter problems, guaranteeing free-flowing gutters for as long as you own your home as well as a transferable warranty. In the unlikely event you’re your LeafGuard system clogs or pulls away from your home (even from snow or ice), the professionals at LeafGuard NW will clean or replace it for free. For more information, you can call LeafGuard NW at 425-320-3520 or visit www.GuttersSeattle.com.
JUNE/JULY 2013 • NORTHWEST LIVING
27
exteriorslandscaping
The Great Outdoors, Every Day of the Year he best part of living in the Seattle area is our climate: moderate temperatures and lush, green landscapes and gardens invite year ’round access to the outdoors. Sure, it rains a bit—the tradeoff for our beautiful vistas. Yet the latest home upgrade trend takes full control of Seattle’s climate—and makes the outdoor room accessible in any weather, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Sound intriguing? It sure is. More than a sunroom, the NanaOutdoor Room is an all-glass, indoor-outdoor room concept that is fully convertible. Installing quickly, it provides the flexibility and individuality to use the house as needed, all year long. Start by completely enclosing your existing deck or outdoor room inside the sleek, all-glass structure. Now make the glass walls fully opening, with panels that easily slide away and stack neatly to the side. Best of all, the glass is completely frameless—even when the wall is closed, you still feel like you’re outside. “It gives you the flexibility and individuality to use your space as needed, year ’round,” says Rob Laris, who sells and installs the NanaOutdoor Room. “It’s the connection, the space between indoors and out, where the magic happens.”
T
28
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
The top-hung outdoor glass panels—which normal sunroom walls can’t support by the way—are on smooth tracks for easy, one-hand opening and closing. With no vertical frames, the glass walls seem to disappear, offering uninterrupted, panoramic views. High-quality furnishings—leather sofas, area rugs—stay protected from the elements with the NanaOutdoor Room. “The outdoor room has been one of the best ideas in Northwest house design,” says Laris. “It’s wonderful to feel the breeze, or to experience a storm coming through. And there’s nothing like using your deck all year long.” For more information about the NanaOutdoor Room or NanaWall opening glass walls or to make an appointment to visit the showroom, call Rob Laris at 425-825-7900. www.nanawall.com
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
Roof Maintenance Keeps
Your Home Safe
T
he roof on a home is more delicate than it looks. When your roof is neglected for too long, weather, age, and corrosion can all cause extensive harm—resulting in extreme damage that you must attend to immediately. Debris build-up and moss growth are two of the leading contributors to roof damage. However, by cleaning and repairing your roof on a regular basis, you can completely avoid a stressful and expensive situation like this. Whether your roof is tile, shake, or composition, there are certain things that you should notice when regarding roof maintenance, and certain methods of cleaning that are unique for each type. Tile Roof There are two ways to approach tile roof maintenance. The first process starts with a low-pressure, high-volume water cleaning. Once cleaned, the valleys and channel flashings should be opened up and cleaned out to prevent debris buildup, which in turn can cause water to overrun the flashings, deteriorate the felt underlayment and cause leaking in the home. Once all cleaning and repairs are finished, the roof should be treated (lasting up to three years). If the home is under trees, an annual air cleaning is recommended and a professional should always be on the roof to minimize both damage and accidents.
30
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
The second option is to have the roof air cleaned. This will remove all debris and 90% of the moss from your roof’s surface. The roof is treated with a non-toxic chemical that will clean the surface naturally as it rains. The roof will be cleaned within two-to-three months and you will only need to re-treat it ever three years. Shake Roof The first way to clean a shake roof is to water clean it, make minor repairs and treat. With this process, you have the choice of treating the shakes with a cedar-tone tan or a driftwood gray color. All moss and fungus is removed, and the treatment will keep the fungus growth down. Moss and fungus deteriorates the shake, so this type of cleaning will extend the overall life of your roof. A different option is to air clean the roof, which removes all debirs and 70–80% of the moss, then treat it with an environmentally friendly treatment that is rain activated, cleaning the roof in about eight-to-ten months. Composition Roof Again, there are two different methods of cleaning for composition roofs. First, you can water clean and treat the roof every three years. Or, you can air clean and treat with a rain-activated, non-toxic substance that will clean the roof within two-to-three months. Both of these methods should be done every three years. For more information about roof cleaning, repairing and treating, Alpine Gentle Roof Cleaning can help. They are committed to providing you with the highest level of service at an affordable rate. You can call them at 425-271-8426, 1-800-55-ALPINE, or visit them online at www.alpineroofcleaning.com ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping Rain oR Shine?
You Shouldn’t have to ChooSe JuSt one!
I
t’s a challenge to find an outdoor patio or deck system that allows you to spend time outdoors all year long, no matter the weather. 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 lie in your favorite chair and enjoy 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. Innovative louvered roof systems 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. When it rains, you stay dry. When you want to barbeque, the smoke can escape easily. When it’s significantly 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 all yours. American-made and designed, professionals can customize and install your state-of-the-art patio or deck cover. Available in three attractive colors and multiple sizes, the systems are crafted from heavy-grade extruded aluminum and powder-coated paint. Featuring a lifetime warranty, the louvered roof system can withstand heavy snow and high winds and can be easily cleaned from the bottom (keeping it protected from moss and dust,
32
NORTHWEST LIVING • JUNE/JULY 2013
no climbing necessary). Systems can even serve as a freestanding cover for a hot tub or gazebo. American Louvered Roof Systems can make the outdoors accessible to any homeowner in the Pacific Northwest. With a motorized system that is second to none, the goals at American Louvered Roof Systems are to stay ahead with technology, offer competitive pricing, unsurpassed warranties, and outstanding customer service. For more information, you can call them at 253-732-8641 or visit www.louveredroofs.com. Lic. #AMERILR873B8.
ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM