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July 2014
How to check your deck for problems Summer party season is in full swing, and that means scores of people will be relaxing with family and friends on their decks. But such gatherings are only as fun as they are safe, and responsible hosts and homeowners must inspect their decks for signs of trouble before hosting their first summer soiree. Deck inspections can be relatively simple, especially for those homeowners whose decks are newly built or recently refurbished. But even a new deck should be inspected at the start of the season to ensure the safety of all who will be spending time on the deck in the months to come. The following are a few tips to help homeowners spot trouble spots on their decks. * Check the wood. Split or decaying wood is a trouble spot that will need to be addressed. Such wood may feel spongy or break off without splintering, and those things are indicative of rot.Another sign of trouble to look for with regard to the wood is whether or not it has any holes. Holes may be a symptom of infect infestation, which can compromise the safety of the deck over time. * Inspect the ledger board. The ledger board is a weight-bearing board that connects the deck to the house. Over time, the gap between the ledger board
and the house may widen. In such instances, simply tighten the bolts. When inspecting the ledger board, examine the flashing that surrounds it. Flashing prevents the buildup of moisture that causes rot, and when there is an issue with the flashing, it’s often noticeable because mud and debris has become stuck between the flashing and the exterior wall of the home. Clear any such debris and then seal the overlapping areas with caulk. * Inspect support posts. Support posts should be firmly connected to the beams below the deck floor. Loose connections between the support posts and beams should be tightened, and replace any bolts that need replacing. * Inspect the surface. The elements can be harsh on a deck, so inspect the surface to ensure there is no buildup of mildew, power washing any areas where mildew has started to accumulate. Different deck materials may need certain types of cleaners, so consult with the company who built your deck or speak to a local home improvement specialist to determine which type of cleaning solution your deck needs. Once the deck has been power washed, allow it to dry before applying any additional layers of finish.
Homeowners should periodically inspect their decks for signs of wear and tear to ensure their safety and that of their friends and family members.
* Ensure railings are not loose. Grasp and shake the deck’s railings to ensure none are loose and all provide ample support for anyone who will be enjoying the deck. Balusters are the short pillars or columns that run perpendicular to the railings and the walking surface of the deck, and these should also be checked to ensure they are not loose. Youngsters
may lean against the balusters when relaxing on the deck, so it’s imperative that none are loose. Deck inspections ideally should be performed in spring before homeowners host their first get-together, and if any problems are discovered, everyone should steer clear of the deck until those issues have been addressed.
Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun Tis the season for making changes in and around the home. The warmer weather renews homeowners' vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours. According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA. * Improve navigation. Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there's a bend or an intersection.
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Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard, including flower beds.
Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space. * Enhance security.To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways. * Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor
lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are. * Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that's too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures
that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exteriorsafe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch. * Add decorative elements. Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside. * Enhance views from inside. Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home. Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.
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