23 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, april 20, 2016
Spring Home Spring Is Here and Outdoor Living Space Is More Important Than Ever to Homeowners We may not be in Florida or California but spending time outdoors is just as popular here — and perhaps even more welcome since it is not always a congenial year-round opportunity. Indeed, as more and more homeowners enjoy taking “staycations” — that is spending more time in their own backyard, — it’s time to get the deck or patio ready for summertime fun. Making sure these structures are in good repair as the season begins can ensure months of outdoor pleasure. Whether repair, renovation, or even replacement is needed, a number of area experts can provide professional advice and service. “Our firm has been replacing quite a few old decks in the last few years,” reports Steven Doerler, owner of Doerler Landscapes Inc. in Yardville. “A lot of our clients have decks that were built 20 or 30 years ago, and the pressure-treated sub structure has started to reach its life expectancy and is beginning to rot away. We are also finding that a lot of the surface decking, especially if it is
wood, is starting to deteriorate and either looks unsightly or is creating a hazard. We have been replacing some of these old decks with new ones constructed with composite or wood decking. We have also removed quite a few decks and replaced them with either ground level patios or raised terraces.” Areas of Concern “If you are considering the replacement of an existing deck, generally, the decking surface and railings are all that will need to be replaced,” explains Matthew Bonacci, owner of Black Bear Builders in Princeton. “Most decks framed within the last 20 years (if done to code and inspected) are still in good shape structurally because most of the framing is treated, anchored in place with zinc plated hangers/fasteners, and shielded from the weather. If your deck is much older, the two main areas of concern are any framing that is in contact with the ground and the attachment of the deck (ledger) to the house. “Your deck is typically the only place where people gather in large numbers in a small
area, so the live loads on decks can become extremely heavy. If the deck is more than 20 years old, it is a good idea to have the structure checked by a professional if you plan to have a large group on it.” Popular decking surfaces include natural wood products, such as Southern pine, cedar, and Ipe or mahogany, adds Mr. Bonacci. Composites, including Wolf, Trex, or Evergrain, are also favored. “We have found that composites (we typically recommend Wolf) with hidden fastening systems are a great choice for decking and railings. In the northeast, the freezing winters and humid summers wreak havoc on any natural materials used outdoors. Pressure treated Southern pine decking and railings have long been the budget-conscious choice, but as with any natural product, the upkeep in the long run can eat away at the upfront savings. “Generally a wood deck should be power-washed annually and then cleaned/resealed (stained) every two years, which can be time consuming and expensive. We’ve seen
PICTURESQUE PATIO: This patio, a project of Cedar Creek Landscapes, includes stone walls capped in bluestone. A fire pit is built into the wall. composite decks that were installed 10 years ago that still look new if maintained with annual power-washing. Also, the newer composite products have come a long way with fade-resistance and their ability to mimic wood. Wolf’s Tropical Hardwoods Collection and their Deckorators CXT railing systems are our favorites.” Brian Knisely, president of Continued on Next Page
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