Most decks are not built directly over the soil or a concrete floor. Most are constructed slightly off the ground or even on the second floor of the home. This gives you a distinct space beneath. What should you do with the space under the deck?

High Deck Use

If your deck is located on the second floor, then you have a tremendous space that should not go to waste. The most logical use is a patio. You can accommodate an entire patio furniture set, and the deck acts as a makeshift awning. Other additions might include lighting, a swinging bench, and wicker furniture. Some owners even install a small playground set or home gym.

Low Deck Use

In most cases, the deck is on the ground floor and no more than one-foot off the ground. Options in this instance are limited, though the space can still be put to good use. Many homeowners use a low deck as storage for items that don’t require climate control. The benefit here is twofold. First, it frees up space in the garage or basement. Second, the presence of the items filling up the space dissuades the growth of weeds. You can create a more solid base below the deck by covering the soil with gravel. Continue Reading →

The Pacific Northwest isn’t the coldest region by a long shot, though it can get quite frosty. Your roof will feel the effects as much as you do. This is why we suggest winterizing your roof. Here are some tips to help you offset the impact.

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection from ground level is insufficient. You actually need to be on the roof to spot any signs of damage. Due to the inherent risks of climbing a ladder to reach the roof, we suggest leaving the pre-winterizing inspection to a professional roofer. However, you may certainly do this on your own if you are comfortable with these types of DIY tasks.

Signs of damage to look for include loose or torn shingles and rot. While seemingly minor, the arrival of snowfall can exacerbate the existing damage. Continue Reading →

Different fences serve different purposes. This is why fence panels come in varying heights. Keep in mind, though, that even if you prefer a taller fence, panels cannot exceed a certain height. Most cities actually enforce a residential limit on fence height.

Residential Fence Height Regulations

Fence height varies greatly. The typical white-picket fence, for instance, is usually no more than three-feet. Full privacy fences, on the other hand, are upwards of five to six feet.

Why don’t you see fences 10 feet high or ones that are level with the home’s roof? Most municipalities have regulations that limit fence height. In most jurisdictions, fences for a front yard cannot exceed four feet, while backyard fences cannot exceed six feet. Fences have to be shorter if they’re in the front of the home because tall panels can create blind spots for motorists.

If your home is part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), the association may have its own set of rules. If the association says front yard fences cannot exceed three feet, then that’s the maximum allowed, even if the city regulation says otherwise. Continue Reading →

More homeowners are investing in a saltwater pool on their property. Installing the pool right on their deck is a trendy home design. You need the right saltwater pool deck material so that the surface holds up even after years of water and salt exposure.

Why a Saltwater Pool?

Unlike a traditional pool, a saltwater pool does not contain chlorine. The chemical tends to leave the skin dry and itchy after a swim. It can even have more long-term health effects. One study found that children who regularly swam in chlorinated water were at an elevated risk of lung inflammation. For adults, chlorinated water has been linked to bladder and rectal cancer.

Saltwater Damage to Decks

Deck panels installed around the perimeter of any pool require highly moisture-resistant properties. Untreated wood is porous, and too much water absorption can accelerate deterioration.

The issue is even more pressing when dealing with saltwater pools. The water that gets into the wood eventually dries, leaving salt granules inside the wood. This gradually warps the wood, giving the surface a fuzzy appearance known as salt-kill.

Good Saltwater Pool Deck Material Choices

Wood decking, while aesthetically beautiful, is not the ideal choice due to its porous nature. However, wood is still a feasible option provided the panels are properly stained and sealed.

Composite decking is a good choice because the surface has an outer protective covering. Our deck panels come courtesy of suppliers Trex® or TimberTech®, both reputable manufacturers. The material of these panels is resistant to water penetration and ideal for a saltwater pool deck.

We Provide the Best Deck Material for Saltwater Pools

The decks we install are made to withstand moisture, salt, and other external elements. We provide equally sturdy materials for fence panels and roof shingles. Call Allied Construction for a new deck installation. The deck material for saltwater pools needs to be of the highest quality and durability.

Durable Residential Decking

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell,
Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Shingles aren’t your only roofing option. Metal roofing is growing in popularity among residences due to its durability. There are a lot of half-truths about this type of roofing that are simply not grounded in reality. Let’s consider some of the most prevalent metal roofing misconceptions. 

Misconception #1: Metal Roofing Isn’t Right for Contemporary Homes

When it comes to metal roofs, one often thinks of corrugated tin roofing panels associated with weathered-down barns and sheds. In reality, though, metal roofing nowadays comes in various styles and complements modern residences quite nicely. It also fits in with many architectural design schemes, such as stone and vinyl siding.

Misconception #2: Metal Roofing Absorbs Heat

Metal absorbs heat; that’s common knowledge. Therefore, homeowners believe metal roofs absorb heat, which would make hot summers seem even hotter. This is actually not true with respect to modern metal roofing. Thanks to new innovations, metal panels now have high reflectivity and emissivity. This makes them less of a heat absorber than most types of shingles.

Misconception #3: My House Can’t Support a Metal Roof

It’s true that weight considerations are a significant factor during a roof installation. This is especially the case with respect to residential roofing. However, contrary to popular belief, most metal roofing panels are actually lighter per square-foot than most shingles.

The weight isn’t a major cause for concern whether you select metal or shingles. Some installers, however, install new shingles over existing ones without removing the old ones. This doubles the weight of the roof; this is when the roof’s weight becomes a pressing concern.

Don’t Fall for Metal Roofing Misconceptions

We install/replace residential metal roofing. Give Allied Construction a call for roofing work or for services for your fence or deck. By dispelling these metal roofing misconceptions, we hope more homeowners will begin to consider this option for their next roofing upgrade.

Residential Roofing and Re-Roofing

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell,Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Attic ventilation is absolutely critical for roof health, yet it is also one of the most overlooked aspects. Many homeowners have false ideas about how ventilation works. Here’s some important information about common attic ventilation myths that are based on half-truths. 

Myth #1: Roof Vents Equal Ventilation

Just because the roof has an existing vent does not mean your attic has proper ventilation. Ridge vents, for example, provide very little ventilation if the roof lacks baffles. Likewise, gable vents only circulate air in a set area in the attic. Your home’s structure will determine the best ventilation system.

Myth #2: Vents Are Unnecessary in Cold Climates 

Another misconception is that vents are less important in cold climate areas. Ventilation improves energy efficiency and reduces moisture year-round. While not in the warmest or coldest North American region, Snohomish homes still require adequate ventilation. 

Myth #3: More Ventilation the Better

Too much of a good thing can be counterproductive. More vents mean more potential penetrations where leakage can occur. It also means more seams, which can tear apart and expose openings during windy weather. An inspection will determine the amount of ventilation needed based on factors such as attic size and roof slope.

Myth #4: Attic Vents Release Warm Air

One myth is that vents let warm air escape, thus forcing the heater to work harder during the colder months. Heat escapes due to poor insulation and not because of vents. The vents, though, unfairly get the blame. Poor insulation also allows moisture to seep into the attic, leading to wood rot.

Don’t Fall for Attic Ventilation Myths

To ensure roof longevity, call Allied Construction for a roof upgrade. Summer is also the time of year for a checkup of the fence and deck. Attic ventilation myths are based largely on inaccurate information; arrange for an inspection to determine your roof’s health.

Roof Vent Installation and Replacement

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell,Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

A deck is a mainstay in any home with a substantial outdoor area. However, as with any other component of the home, age and lack of care might cause you to notice that your deck is falling apart. Learn to recognize the signs that the deck is in dire need of repair.

Airflow

A competent deck builder takes airflow into consideration during construction. Inadequate airflow below the deck causes moisture to accumulate. This leads to rotting panels. If the floorboards are rotting, we may use boards to skirt the space between the deck and ground to allow air movement. The use of pressure-treated lumber also minimizes chances of rot. 

Railings

Most decks have railings that add to the curb appeal. However, less experienced installers may use more nails than necessary to secure the railing to the deck. This can split the rails, leading to openings that allow moisture to collect.

Rotted Rim Joist

The rim joists support the deck. This part is usually out of sight because it’s buried below ground. This support is supposed to be at least one-meter below ground. If it’s only a few inches below, it may be prone to sinking. You may notice this as the deck feels uneven, sloped, or depressed in the center.

Ledger Board 

The ledger board is the piece of wood that attaches the deck to the home. Proper installation requires that it slightly overhang the juncture. Lack of an overhang leaves the ledger prone to moisture collection. The flashing behind the ledger should also be in good condition to prevent water penetration. Inexperienced installers may not install flashing at all.

We Keep Your Deck from Falling Apart 

All home components like the roof and fence will also degrade with age and the passage of time. Contact Allied Construction for regular inspections to prevent further damage. Decks fall apart completely when homeowners neglect professional maintenance. 

Residential Deck Maintenance and Upgrade

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville