Your deck is one of the most significant investments in your home. It’s a place for relaxation, entertaining friends, and extra living space for several months of the year.

Like the rest of your outdoor investments – your roof, fences, driveway, and garden – it must be maintained to keep it looking and functioning well for the needs of your family.

A wood deck that has been neglected will soon warp, buckle, split, or show a raised grain. Eventually, it will harbor mold and mildew and begin to rot, becoming unsafe. 

What’s the best way to protect your deck: paint or stain? 

The answer is that either one can do a great job protecting your deck. However, they both need different maintenance types regularly.

It’s up to you to decide which method brings the look you want and which kind of maintenance you want to do yourself or pay for.

Natural or Stained Wood Deck

If you like the look of wood grain and you want to preserve as much of its natural beauty as you can, you want either a clear sealer over the natural wood or a stain and then sealer.

The sealer protects the wood from damaging UV rays, and the stain can even out inconsistencies in color and make the deck complement the rest of your home’s exterior. 

If you want color on your deck, as well as weather-protecting properties, you want to paint. Paint can also be used to revitalize a wood deck that can’t be brought back to its original luster but is otherwise sound.

It’s complicated – and in most cases damaging – to go from paint back to stain, so make sure you want to keep the painted finish if it’s what you decide.

Stained Wood Deck Maintenance

All maintenance projects start with repairs and cleaning. Wood that is always outdoors will build up a lot of grime in a year. If your deck doesn’t need any repairs, you can go straight to power washing, followed by scrubbing difficult spots.

However, make your repairs first. Inspect the boards to see if you need to replace any that are splitting or warping. Use a wood deck cleaner and brightener and follow the manufacturers’ instructions. 

After you clean your deck, it’s time to sand and vacuum. Not all decks will need to be sanded or not in all areas. You may need to spot sand with a random orbital sander.

Don’t use too fine a grit, or the sawdust will remain in the wood pores and prevent the stain from sinking in. Sandpaper that is too coarse will damage soft woods like cedar.

Vacuum the dust but don’t powerwash again as it may raise the grain on surfaces you just sanded. 

Re-sealing your deck requires using the right product. Most outdoor products are stains and sealers in one. Some are semi-transparent with just enough pigment to even out the wood’s tone. They come water-based or oil-based, and the common consensus is that oil-based stains penetrate the wood more effectively and provide longer-lasting protection, one that will not need to be re-applied every year. 

Painted Wood Deck Maintenance

Many people like the color options and easy maintenance offered by painted decks. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean and repaint your wood deck.

Everything about cleaning and sanding above applies to painted decks as well. Paint does protect well against UV rays and other damaging weather, but it chips and wears away. 

Painted decks must be repaired, power-washed, and sanded before they can be repainted. Sometimes all you need is spot-sanding after the chipped places are washed away. In other cases, the paint is peeling so badly that the whole deck will need to be sanded for a smooth finish. 

On bare boards or previously stained wood, you will need to use a primer first. Painted decks need several new paint coats over the old paint, leaving two days between each coat. 

Bringing it Home

Whether you like the look of natural wood, stained or unstained, or the colors paint gives you, there are many attractive options to maintain or update your backyard deck.

The best thing you can do for your deck is to clean and repair it every year and regularly re-seal to keep that wood healthy and beautiful for many years to come. 

Do you live in Southeast Michigan? If you looking for professional deck installation or refinishing, please give us a call. We are here whenever you need us!

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Have you been dreaming about having a hot tub installed in your backyard?

Michigan weather in the spring is inconsistent at best, but when it starts to remind us of summer, it reminds us of all the things we love about Michigan.

For many of us, it means many trips to a lake, camping, cookouts, and anything we can do to capitalize on the few warm months we have.

A hot tub could be one of your best investments for year-round outdoor relaxation. Not only does it maximize your time outside in the warm months, but it extends the time you can enjoy the outdoors throughout the entire year.

Unlike a pool, which is expensive to build and costly to maintain, a hot tub can cost as little as a modest vacation to install and the price of a fancy coffee every day to run. You would be investing in a way to relax, be outside, and entertain for years to come.

What to Consider When Researching Hot Tubs

You might think of a hot tub as a Jacuzzi, but a Jacuzzi is actually one brand of spa or hot tub. The brand is a good one. However, there are differences between it and its competitors, which a hot tub dealer can help you understand.

For any brand of hot tub you buy, you will want to consider several significant factors:

Cost

You can spend rock-bottom on an inflatable hot tub, but don’t count on it lasting as long as some other types. The median price is around $2000, but you can spend upward of $10,000 for a luxury hot tub.

However, even in the moderate range, you can see that a hot tub is much less expensive than a pool, and returns can be almost as good.

Overall Size

The overall dimensions of your spa matter in terms of where you would like to put it and how you plan to use it.

Do you want a roomy four seats, or would you prefer to be able to seat seven at a time but aren’t as concerned about roominess?

Number of Seats

Likewise, if you know you want to hold parties often, the number of seats will be more relevant to you. If you want your spa primarily for your own family, you can get away with fewer seats.

Filtration System

Another area of research is what kind of filtration system is optimal for your needs. Basic filters require chemicals like chlorine and bromine. However, there are new systems that can kill bacteria with other methods, requiring fewer chemicals.

The number of Jets & Pumps

More jets equal more or better pumps needed. Be sure to find out how well the water jets are supported.

Extra Features

Many hot tubs include lighting, music capabilities, and additional water features.

How to Find a Spot in Your Yard

When considering where to put your hot tub, you will want to think about the following.

Where the hot tub will go

It’s not always easy to find a place where the spa will be accessible and convenient year-round. That is why it can be a good idea to consult a contractor to help you integrate it into your exterior structure designs and landscaping.

How it fits into the overall design of your backyard

Will your spa fit in or stick out like a sore thumb?

This is an excellent opportunity to give your deck or landscape an overhaul.

Is there an area of your deck that can be extended to make a platform for the tub? Do you have enough space to service the tub if it breaks down?

How to give you and your guests enough privacy

Relaxing in your hot tub isn’t necessarily an activity you want to share with the neighbors. Neither do you want your guests to feel exposed. Think about how you are going to provide some shelter or screen.

How to make sure you have access to electrical and water supply from your house

At a minimum, a hot tub needs a solid, level foundation, electrical supply from the house, and a hose pipe.

Bringing it Home

Have you always dreamed about having a relaxing retreat right at home? A hot tub could be the perfect addition to give your guests a perk without the expense and danger of owning a pool.

Contact us any time with questions about how to integrate a hot tub into your home exterior. We would be happy to help!

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Some people dream of having a backyard swimming pool. I know of some children who would love nothing more than to walk out their back door and jump into their pool every day of the summer.

Unless you live in a tropical or desert climate where every other house on the block has a pool, it’s something that sets you apart from your friends and neighbors. A pool can tend to make your home the gathering spot.

There are some of the biggest pluses when you are thinking of breaking ground on a new backyard swimming pool. Who doesn’t want to be the envy of the neighbors?

However, to the uninitiated, having a pool might seem deceptively easy. Are there hidden costs, hassles, dangers, or perks involved? What’s the bottom line? Read on to find out more.

Unseen Perks of Having a Backyard Swimming Pool

Aside from being the hub of activity in the summer months, there are a few good things a pool can do you for you.

Added Value to Your House

While opinions on added value are divided, and some buyers will be turned off by a backyard pool, the addition of a pool does add value to your house.

The actual added value depends on many factors including if you live in a warm climate and if the majority of your neighbors have pools. Hiring a home appraiser to determine your housing market’s added value will help. You are not going to recover your costs, but that’s not why you had a pool installed.

Positive Family Impact

Today’s families are busier and more trapped indoors than ever. You might have time to drag the kids to the beach once or twice in the summer, but your pool can provide an opportunity for positive family bonding every day.

A pool will encourage your kids to be active and to be outdoors. The shared experience can work wonders for extended families, friends, and neighbors as well.

Staycation Potential

With a relaxing retreat in your backyard, you may find yourself wishing for a getaway less often. Since the economic recession of recent years, staying home for vacation has become more popular. A pool can facilitate a fun family staycation.

Downsides to Owning a Backyard Swimming Pool

You probably know why you want to own a pool. With all of the lakes in Michigan, it can be hard to justify the expense. There are some downsides you will want to consider before you make such a large purchase.

Expense

You will hear pool owners say this over and over: owning a pool is expensive. It’s true. Everything about a pool is costly, not just the cost of construction.

Once you build and fill your pool, you will have to pay to maintain it, fix it, run it, heat it, insure it, and make it safe.

A swimming pool is not an investment you should make on a whim. If you don’t maintain it, it becomes even more of a hazard, and no buyer wants to see an old, broken pool that takes up their precious backyard space.

Once you have a pool, you have an ongoing project for the rest of the time you own it.

Potential Disease and Pest Magnet

Water attracts mosquitoes, bugs, and other wildlife. Water born illnesses that come from infected animals getting into your pool are things you don’t want to mess with because they can make your family seriously sick.

Proper cleaning, covering, and fencing can cut down on many of these problems, but it all comes at a cost.

Potentially Hazardous

Anyone who has cared for a small child near water will understand the specter of accidental drowning.

This is not to say that it will happen to you. However, it does mean you have to be extra careful, and that means top dollar on safety locks and covers. It also means an additional insurance policy that will protect you in case of any accidents.

Bottom Line

Pools are fun, and they are a luxury that will make you popular with many friends and family members. They are also expensive to build, maintain, and insure.

The bottom line is, having a backyard pool isn’t for everyone. If you have considered the expenses and the safety aspect of having a pool, then you can make an informed decision.

If you live in Southeast Michigan and have questions about home remodeling, decks and roofing projects, please give us a call. We are here whenever you need us.

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Want to spend more time outside in the comfort and privacy of your backyard?

Are you having trouble with the privacy aspect of your backyard oasis?

Your own piece of land, be it twenty acres of farm and forest or ten square feet of patio space in a crowded city, is the American dream.

Who doesn’t dream of reclining in the shade, reading a book, sipping an iced tea on a lazy summer weekend?

What about when Bob next door decides it’s time to garden, but he has a penchant for long stories?

Or the neighbor’s kids decide to move their noisy game of touch football a yard from where you are sitting?

Sharing the American dream can sometimes be more comfortable with a touch of added privacy. As Robert Frost said, “Good fences make good neighbors.”

Ways to Boost Your Backyard Privacy

Good Fences

Your backyard privacy can certainly be attained by a nice fence. I don’t mean the chain-link variety.

Wood comes in a wide array of styles and finishes, and it can be customized to every whim. It’s more inexpensive than other options and lasts a long time if treated right.

However, a wood fence is not every DIYer’s forte. Constructing a fence that won’t lean or wobble takes know-how about how to set a post in the ground and make everything level.

Another relatively cheap take on fencing is corrugated metal. Depending on your aim, it can look ultra-modern or down-home and can be great paired with greenery.

Go Green

Speaking of greenery, growing your own privacy hedge is another popular way to create a quiet corner.

Hedges have been used in open land to establish boundary lines and privacy for centuries. If you choose the right plants, your fence can surround and obscure your house.

Many homeowners choose the towering arborvitae for that reason. Green walls can be extremely DIY. However, they do take quite a few years to create the privacy you crave unless you have a huge budget.

Another fast-growing option for a green fence is bamboo. It quickly grows high enough to shield you from prying eyes. Beware of where you plant bamboo. It’s invasive in its native climate.

Take Advantage of Structures

If you don’t have the patience or the money for these large-scale solutions, why not create a room within your backyard – or even right on your deck or patio – with a trellis, screen, or pergola?

Any of these backyard structures can be customized and used as a base for climbing plants. In a relatively short amount of time, you will have your own private little outdoor room – or at least a wall of greenery for privacy.

If you can’t wait for climbing plants, the open walls of a pergola are perfect for hanging curtains. Enjoy dappled sunlight through the open roof while shielding yourself from the stories of Bob!

Are you ready to improve your backyard privacy?

Can you think of any other great ideas for improving your yard’s privacy quotient?

Hopefully, this guide has helped you envision yourself in your new yard, surrounded by walls, hedges, fences, trailing vines, curtains, or all of the above!

Do you live in Southeast Michigan? Are you looking for a professional to help with a new structure for your backyard privacy? Please contact us today. We’re happy to help.

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Do you have a beautiful backyard that you wish you could use more? Maybe you would use it as a second dining room in the warmer months, but it’s too difficult to bring everything outside.

Perhaps your patio is outside of a walkout basement, but the kitchen is on the first level.

Maybe you have no doors, deck, or patio leading conveniently outside, or perhaps it’s too difficult for some of your guests to get there.

Maybe you didn’t realize what you were missing. However, you would like to start making the most of your yard in nice weather.

Here in Michigan, we make the most of our summers because they can be so short! Below are some ideas for improving your backyard accessibility without moving to a new house!

Questions to Ask

The first step is to ask yourself the following questions.

Making a Design

Any major project should start with a design phase. This is where you think about what you want to do with your yard, how to make it happen, and what it will cost.

If you hire a professional designer, each area and step of the plan will be drawn out and measured, and the cost estimated.

One of the best parts of hiring a professional is that we come with years of experience. Often, your designer can come up with ideas you would never have considered on your own!

Once your yard is measured, and plans are finalized, your contractor can give you an estimated cost based on materials and labor involved in making your dream come true.

As we have covered in the past, a deck is one of the most cost-effective ways to add living space.

A second-story deck can be converted into a sun porch on the lower level. When you combine this with new French doors and an outdoor kitchen, your indoor-outdoor living potential will be maximized.

Next Level Backyard Accessibility

If you do have wheelchair access concerns, you will want to keep several other things in mind.

Many outdoor surfaces can be difficult for those in a wheelchair, and you will want to make it as easy as possible to go from one area to another with paved paths, lights, and ramps.

If you are thinking about an outdoor kitchen, pool, or second-story deck, safety for children is a significant factor.

Bringing it Home – Maximizing Your Backyard Accessibility

Hopefully, this article has inspired you to think big about how to maximize your backyard accessibility and outdoor space so that you can use it to its fullest potential come spring!

Do you live in Southeast Michigan? If you have any questions about creating an outdoor space and making it more accessible from inside, please give us a call. We would be honored to help.  

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Are you looking to maximize your outdoor space or make your backyard more accessible to more areas of your house?

Have you ever dreamed of walking out of your master bedroom onto a private deck? Or perhaps you want to connect your patio by the walkout basement with the kitchen on the main floor.

Who wants to walk needlessly around the house when a second story deck could easily connect the two? It might be time to consider this outdoor addition.

Building Second Story Decks

Because of the height aspect, building a multi-level deck isn’t well suited to a weekend DIYer. When you are working at 8 or 9 feet above the ground, you want to make sure you have safety measures and insurance in place in case of unforeseen accidents.

It’s a job best left to the pros.

Types of Materials

Most decks are made of either pressure treated wood or composite material. This is because regular lumber doesn’t hold up to the elements as well.

Pressure-treated Wood

Also, pressure-treated wood is still priced right. The great thing about wood is that it can be cut, stained, and painted to almost any specification you want, making it highly customizable.

The higher the grade of pressure-treated wood, the more expensive it is. However, the less chance you’ll have to restore your deck every few years. Eventually, all wood must be maintained and repaired.

Composite Material

Composite material is gaining in popularity. It’s a mix of wood fibers or chips and plastic, and it requires very little to no maintenance.

It doesn’t splinter the way wood does, which can be a significant consideration for kids and pets. You won’t be restoring this kind of deck in a few years.

However, it’s much heavier than wood, requiring more supports, and it’s more expensive. It’s also less versatile than wood.

Stairs

The great thing about adding a multi-level deck is that it creates the potential for a room underneath. Some homeowners choose to finish out the patio space and make it into a three seasons room or a screened-in porch.

Other homeowners want the open space to create an outdoor kitchen connected to the interior.

Whatever you choose, one of the primary considerations is what kind of stairs you will use to connect the upper floor with the lower.

Traditional stairs, of course, can be built using pressure-treated wood or composite. These do take up more space and cost more in materials and labor to build.

However, again, they are highly customizable. You can make your outdoor stairs into an eye-catching feature.

The other thing you can do is choose a spiral staircase in galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum. These staircases are space savers, and they look really great.

Pros of Adding Second Story Decks

Add living space for cheap

When it comes to renovations, a deck is a no-brainer. It’s far less complex to add a basic structure with no plumbing or electrical work needed than it is to reconfigure your indoor space.

Add visual interest

Change the flat, uninteresting back of your house with the depth of a structure. With so many color and style options, your deck can be not only useful but add tons of character to your house.

Maximize your view

If you are lucky enough to live in a place with a beautiful view, a second story deck can make the most of it. Not only can you see it from indoors, but you can enjoy that view while lounging, grilling, or dining al fresco.

Usable backyard space on a slope

If you live on a hill, you know there’s very little usable space to entertain outside. A second story deck can make your backyard inviting! It might even feel like you are living in a treehouse.

Add a screened-in porch underneath

As I mentioned above, many people love the usable patio space the deck provides underneath. Add another room as a bonus!

Cons of Building Second Story Decks

Expense

Second story decks do come at a price. They are significantly more expensive per square foot to build than a deck built nearer the earth.

This is because they require more materials, more structural support and engineering, and more labor. If you also choose to make a screened-in porch, the price will continue to go up.

Danger

It’s more dangerous to build a second story deck. For professional builders, it’s not that big of a deal. We deal with heights all the time, and we have safety training. It’s not something we suggest you do on your own!

However, there’s also the danger posed by an unsafe, rotting, or poorly engineered second story deck for you and your guests.

As long as you own it, you will need to make sure your deck is in working order, or it could spell disaster for someone.

Bringing it Home

Second story decks are the perfect way to blend indoor and out, upstairs and down, all without the high expense and complexity of an interior renovation.

Wood and composite decks are convenient for entertaining or maximizing your view.

If you are interested in having a professional deck constructed and live in Southeast Michigan, give us a call. We’re happy to help.

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A deck is one of the most coveted pieces of a house. It’s a key selling-point, as long as it’s in good shape because it extends the “living space” of your home in two to three seasons of the year.

In addition, a deck can provide a safe and comfortable spot to sit outside and enjoy your yard, as well as house amenities like an outdoor kitchen, a pergola, or even a hot tub.

A deck also adds visual interest and dimension to the outside of your house. It gives any home a finished look.

Second-story Deck Advantages

A second-story deck can be even more advantageous.

However, what about a deck that is aging or falling apart, especially if it’s a second-story deck?

The downside to decks is that they weather much more quickly than the other parts of a house.

Whether they are made of wood or composite material, they are subject to constant sun, rain, wind, and even and ice and snow.

A second-story deck can go from top-notch amenity to liability quickly if it’s structurally unsafe.

Anatomy of a Deck

Let’s say you want to tear down and rebuild a second-story deck. Even if you’re going to tear it down (maybe you’re converting a duplex back into a single-family home, and it’s an eyesore), there are safety considerations.

Roofline Joining

Often, a second-story deck is constructed so that the main roof of the house juts out over the deck, or the deck roofline joins that of the house.

Once it’s removed, what will you do with that remaining portion of the roof you don’t need?

How will you safely remove that portion?

You need a qualified and experienced team to do this correctly, so your house isn’t damaged.

Deck Foundation

Most two-story decks have their own foundations. These often consist of cement footings under the posts.

However, there may be times when a deck’s foundation is tied to that of the house. The last thing you want is to start trying to tear down your deck yourself and find you’re in over your head, or that you’ve damaged the foundation of your house.

Ledger Boards

Ledger boards are the boards that are attached to your house and used to anchor the deck. Once your deck is removed, the ledger boards will have to be removed as well.

If you are having your deck rebuilt, the ledger boards will be used or replaced. However, if not, you need professionals to erase any evidence those ledger boards were there.

Other Considerations for a Second-story Deck

Of course, we never recommend you do anything but the most basic DIY to your own home unless you are experienced, and you have the right equipment.

This includes safety equipment and – harder to come by – know-how. There are extra considerations for tearing down a second-story deck safely.

Working from heights is potentially dangerous, and falling debris and equipment can be hazardous as well. The smaller the area in which you have to work, the easier it is for accidents to happen.

You need qualified professionals to secure the area and do a safe tear-down.

Bringing it Home

Second-story decks can be a huge selling point, and the perfect addition to your house. However, a rickety and unsafe deck is dangerous.

Whether you want to build a new one or tear yours down, it’s a job for the pros. We would love to help you every step of the way! If you live in Southeast Michigan, give us a call.

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Did you know that beautiful landscaping adds as much as 20% to the value of your home?

It kind of makes you want to splurge on that flowering tree or those stone pavers, doesn’t it?

It’s true; outdoor spaces are getting just as much attention as the house itself these days. When you see what a difference it can make on some of these home and garden shows to clean up your landscape, you want to do it too. 

A great way to achieve a living space that extends to the outdoors without breaking the bank is a little thing called a pergola.

A Pergo-what?

Do you know what a pergola is?

A pergola is a wooden structure that creates the illusion of a room or a living space outdoors.

It’s typically four posts arranged in four corners of a patio area, connected at the top, and with beams or joists running across the top to create an open roof.

It looks beautiful on its own, as the structure is typically built with cedar or some other material that won’t rust or rot in the outdoor weather.

However, it shines once your climbing plants have made their home up the posts and across the top.

The more your beautiful plants take over, the softer your pergola will look and the more shade you will have during the day.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pergola

There are very few cons to owning a pergola since it’s a relatively cheap and easy thing to build or take down.

However, one drawback may be that your pergola won’t be able to offer much real shelter from the weather, other than shade.

You can buy or create a removable roof and walls with fabric curtains if you don’t yet have climbing plants.

However, your pergola will look a bit unfinished at first. This is annoying to some people. It makes the structure seem pointless.

There are many positive aspects to building a pergola.

More Space for Plants

Remember how high-quality landscaping can add value to your home?

Pergolas are very popular right now, and they are timeless, as well.

Many young homeowners are looking for ways to grow and display plants, and a pergola is the perfect three-dimensional structure for this purpose.

Entertainment Space

If you are not the type of person to host a dinner party outside on your patio, maybe a cozy dinner under cafe lights strung on your pergola will change your mind.

Put a table and chairs underneath and pull those curtains for private, romantic dinner in your backyard.

DIY Friendly

You can certainly hire a contractor to erect the perfect pergola in your backyard. However, these structures are relatively easy for someone handy to put up.

A pergola can be made from wood, metal, or even vinyl. You can also find pre-made pergola kits that you can put together in a weekend.

Structure

A pergola can add definition and structure to your patio or yard – even if you don’t have a patio!

Is your yard feeling a little flat or bare, but you can’t spend thousands on a professional landscaper?

You can put in a pergola and plan your garden around it. It’s also versatile and works well combined with other structures, like a deck, patio, shed, or gazebo.

Bringing it Home

If you are looking for the perfect thing to add to your home exterior or garden area to add value and interest, look no further.

A pergola is beautiful, versatile, and it’s the perfect place for your plants to climb.

If you live in Southeast Michigan and would like our help with your new pergola, please give us a call. We would be honored to help!

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It’s that time of year again in Michigan! It is time to dust off the patio furniture, bring the grill out of storage, and enjoy the outdoors.

We wait for such a long time for this season here in Michigan. We want to make sure our outdoor spaces are safe to use for the whole summer.

Have you been using an old wood deck? Are you seeing signs of aging, but want to know which ones are safe to live with and which ones mean your deck needs to be replaced?

Dangerous Signs Your Wood Deck Needs Replacing Rather Than Repair

Concrete Post Anchors Are Showing

Unless your deck sits directly on the ground – and most of them don’t – it is anchored into the ground using strong posts that are set into concrete.

Sometimes, the posts are sunk deep into the ground, and this can pose problems over time.

Water is the culprit. Water freezes and thaws and pours down from the sky to erode the dirt around your deck’s posts.

If too much of the post is showing or if the concrete anchor is showing, your deck may become unstable.

Those anchors may need to be replaced before the post snaps, or the deck starts to wobble.

Rotting Posts

Problems with posts are some of the most dangerous, especially when the deck is off the ground.

Structural damage to this area and posts that are rotting or wearing away makes a deck unsafe to use. They can snap at any time, which is a hazard to anyone on or near the deck.

Rotting Wood

There is a difference between one section of decking needing to be replaced and the whole thing starting to crumble.

If your deck is soft and rotting, or if it’s cracked and splintering, it’s not safe and needs to be torn down.

Wobbly Railings

One or two railings that aren’t firmly attached may not mean much.

However, if the whole thing is moving back and forth, it may mean that the place where the rails are attached is going soft or warped.

If that’s the case, the whole deck may need replacing.

Gaps

If you notice a gap between your deck and your house, it’s time to get a new deck. It’s not safe anymore!

Not only can you trip, but it means that likely the ledger boards attaching the structure to the house are damaged. When that happens, the weight of the deck will make it lean away.

Gaps will let in water as well, which can damage parts of the structure it isn’t supposed to reach.

Mold

Mold can grow wherever there is moisture and organic matter. You can keep mold at bay by regularly cleaning your wood deck.

However, it’s one of the main ways a deck can become too damaged to save.

Stains

Stains are an indication that a deck needs to be replaced if you don’t know its age.

Let’s say you just moved into a house with an old wood deck. Widespread staining, fading, and peeling varnish can be a good indicator that the whole thing needs to be taken down.

Bringing it Home

If you don’t know the age of your wood deck, particularly if it’s a second story deck, check for these signs to your deck needs replacing.

If you live in Southeast Michigan, please give us a call. We would be honored to help with your new deck.

Call today

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At Renovations Roofing & Remodeling, Inc., we pride ourselves in offering and providing quality home exterior services. With over 20 years of experience, our continued goal is to be number one in service and customer satisfaction.

Our services range from shingles to a whole new roofline; from new windows and new siding, to wood decks, masonry services and repairs. 

That is why we say there are some things you can confidently learn to do yourself as a homeowner. There are also things you shouldn’t try on your own.

Read on to see our list of top home exterior DIY do’s and don’ts.

Home Exterior – Do It Yourself

Maintaining Your Wood Deck

Having a deck is a perk. The summer months don’t feel complete without an outdoor meal every once-in-awhile. A deck makes an excellent place to store your grill.

However, a wood deck is a perk that comes with maintenance. Wood decks need plenty of maintenance over the years. They are prone to:

Fortunately, these fixes are within the skill of an average homeowner.

Maintaining Your Doors

Replacing, fixing or repainting a dated or broken front door is something you can do yourself. Your front door can lose its weatherstripping, sag, stick or become faded over time, and refreshing it is one of the best ways to update the look of your house.

Most homeowners should be able to hang a new door with a partner easily, replace the weatherstripping for drafts, or replace the hardware.

Adding a coat of paint in a bright color is within the skill level of almost anyone.

Landscaping

From planting a window box or arranging a planter to moving big loads of soil, mulch or landscaping stone, most landscaping is grunt work.

If you have a good eye and a sense of what makes a garden look balanced, you can save big money by doing this exterior job yourself.

Cleaning Gutters

Not only can you clean your gutters yourself, but you should also clean them twice a year.

Once in the spring and once in the fall is the cleaning schedule you need to stick to. Cleaning gutters makes sure your roof doesn’t suffer.

Make sure to lean your ladder against your house and not the gutters themselves. Use your hands or a hose attachment made for the job and remove the accumulated debris. Use the hose to check for blocked downspouts.

If you suspect a blockage, remove that section and clear it out before reattaching. Now is an excellent time to have any parts of gutter or downspout that have come disjoined or loose from your house repaired.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure how to repair your gutters or downspouts, call a professional.

Washing the Exterior of Your Home

Wood, vinyl, brick, stone, and composite siding materials can all benefit from a power wash in the spring.

Make sure you follow instructions for your power washer and be careful not to remove paint unless you’re planning to repaint your house.

Pro Tip: Never power wash your roof.

What to Leave to the Pros

Masonry Repairs

Unless you know what you’re doing, and I mean really know what you’re doing, you could do irreversible damage to your bricks by attempting to repoint your masonry yourself.

This is especially true if you have an old house. If your chimney or other exterior masonry needs repair, it’s best to call in the pros. You may not enjoy the expense, but it is best to have it done right.

Replacing Siding

Replacing your siding isn’t advised for the average homeowner.

For the professionals, it may take several weeks working full-time depending on the size of the house. It would take you a lot longer.

It’s not a task for a beginner DIYer either. It may look easy enough to slap siding on an exterior wall. However, the hard parts come when you have to fit those siding panels around your house’s soffits and fascia and make it all look effortless.

The last thing you want is a home exterior that looks like an amateur did it.

Roofing

As we always recommend, it’s not safe for homeowners to get up on their roofs. However, this isn’t the only reason we would say to leave the roofing to us.

Much like applying siding, applying a new roof requires special tools, skill, and a whole crew to get it done in a timely fashion. It also takes an experienced eye to catch any problems before they arise and to install everything correctly so as not to void the product warranties.

Bringing it Home

There are a number of home exterior projects you can do yourself and be proud about how well they turned out.

A few of these – like masonry, siding, windows, and roofing are better left to professionals. It will ensure that you do no damage to your home and that it looks great when it’s finished!

Do you live in Southeast Michigan and need a professional? Please give us a call. We are here whenever you need us!

Call today

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