One consideration when constructing a new deck is the addition of a ramp. This is a must if the household includes a wheelchair-bound occupant. Here are some construction tips for a deck with a ramp.

Considerations for a Ramp

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes regulations for ramp construction. While these apply to commercial facilities, residences can benefit by following the same, or nearly identical, guidelines. Apartment complexes, by the way, fall under the commercial category, so compliance is a must.

The advice we impart below comes courtesy of ADA. Continue Reading →

Improving curb appeal is a common New Year’s resolution. The fence is one of the most visible components for neighbors looking from the outside in. This is why you should consider the latest fencing trends for boosting the appeal of your property’s exterior.

1. Shorter Fences

In the past, more homeowners preferred taller fences for privacy reasons. However, privacy seems like less of an issue these days. This is not really a surprise given the age of social media. Today, more people are opting for shorter picket fences, usually no taller than three-feet.

2. Shelving

Homeowners are adding shelves to the interior-facing portion of the fence. This trend is actually a popular way of adding a decorative element to a chain link fence. More people, though, are doing the same with other fence types. They typically use the shelf space for storing a variety of garden plants and other decorative items. Continue Reading →

More homeowners are electing to grow vines on their fences. Long and stringy plants wrapping around a picket fence produce natural beauty. However, allowing vines to accumulate on a wooden fence may actually damage the panels.

Why Growing Vines on Fences Is Detrimental

With the beauty of vines come hidden dangers. Vines grow the way they do in order to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Woody vines, such as trumpets and wisterias, are especially destructive. Vines also collect moisture, which ends up soaking into the wood’s surface. This creates an environment that invites rot and fungus if the wood is untreated. Moisture also attracts other problems, such as algae and boring insects.

In addition, vine roots can also grow in the spaces between wooden panels. As the roots expands, they can force separation between panels or even push them out of the ground altogether. Continue Reading →

An improperly ventilated roof can introduce a whole set of preventable issues. Aside from premature wear and damage, poor roof ventilation can also cause more heat to seep into the home during summer months. This, in turn, forces your AC system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs. Having a roofing service ventilate your roof will keep it in tip-top shape and add to its longevity.

The Consequences of Bad Ventilation

Simply put, inadequate ventilation is the catalyst for a fragile roof. This leaves shingles and slates vulnerable to mold and mildew. Snohomish and surrounding cities are particularly prone to high humidity, which puts homes and facilities with improperly ventilated roofs at risk. Trapped moisture can also cause the slates to crack.

In addition, too much moisture and air also leads to the formation of ice dams in the winter months. Ice dams create melted water that drips into the insulation and exterior walls where it can ruin the paint and sheetrock. The ice can also pull apart shingles and gutters. In the worst-case scenario, the weight of the ice can cause a roof collapse. Continue Reading →

At some point you may have to replace your roof. Treat this as an opportunity to aim for a new curb appeal. Nowadays, homeowners have so many options at their disposal. One style is designer shingles, or luxury shingles as some people refer to them.

What Are Designer Shingles?

In the early 2000s, manufacturers began creating multi-layered shingles. These were asphalt shingles with two or more materials bonded together. This gives the shingles a three-dimensional appearance. Common materials include asphalt and fiberglass.

In the years since, manufacturers have released various luxury designer shingle styles. Many styles replicate the appearance of wood, stone, or natural slate. Continue Reading →

A deck is a mainstay in outdoor home improvement. For the majority of homes, the deck belongs in the patio or back of the house. However, for homes resting on a slope, a walkout basement deck may be best.

What Is a Walkout Basement?

A walkout basement is commonplace in a home located on a slope. Due to the slanted surface, only a portion of the basement is below ground-level. This actually offers many possibilities. For one, the homeowners could add windows for the basement. The whole area is also more usable as an additional bedroom or living space. The addition of windows also increases air circulation and decreases damp conditions that can lead to mold and mildew.

If the slope is steep enough, you can also add a door that leads directly outside. The basement essentially becomes the first floor. This is where an outdoor basement deck enters the picture. Continue Reading →

A fence’s gate is prone to damage due to the many hinges and small parts. After several years of smooth function, the gate may start to stick and become a pain to open and close. We’ll explain why this happens and how fixing a stuck gate is possible using a few basic tools.

What Causes a Gate to Stick?

Misalignment is the biggest cause of stuck gates. In a traditional wooden fence, individual posts can become loose. Wobbly posts adjacent to the gate can lead to tilting and sagging. Wood is also porous and prone to warping, causing hinges and latches to shift.

In metal gates, the pins connecting the gate to the posts may bend or corrode, causing stiffness. Continue Reading →

A jacuzzi makes for a wonderful outdoor addition. We especially recommend it for homeowners who frequently invite guests. A jacuzzi usually rests on top of a deck. The deck’s surface, therefore, needs to be able to withstand constant water exposure. We’ll discuss the best decking for an outdoor hot tub.

Why Is the Right Decking Material Important?

With a jacuzzi chemically treated water constantly splashes onto the surrounding deck. Is the decking material capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to chlorinated H2O? If the water lingers, the boards will prematurely warp and deteriorate.

Furthermore, jacuzzi water may also contain salt. When the water evaporates, the boards absorb the salt crystals, causing expansion in the wood fibers. The chlorine also wreaks havoc by breaking down the wood’s proteins and causing discoloration. Continue Reading →

We routinely install chain link fences for Snohomish homes and facilities. However, those woven coated steel wires don’t necessarily have to function as fencing material. More homeowners with pets are requesting a chain link kennel. We’ll explain why this trend is rising.

Why Install a Chain Link Kennel?

Most homeowners believe their existing fence suffices for keeping their dog in the yard. However, you can benefit even more by installing a smaller kennel within your fenced in property. For one, larger-breed canines may easily be able to scale a shorter picket or veneer fence.

We especially recommend kennels for female dogs. Unneutered male dogs have been known to scale fences to mate with a female dog. Breeders may also find a kennel useful because it provides a safe space for the mother to care for her pups.

This also keeps your pet out of certain portions of the yard, such as the patio deck. Dog urine, after all, can cause serious staining on deck panels.

The Kennel also separates your dog from people who need to enter your yard, such as the mail carrier or other delivery agents. Continue Reading →