Long Fence University

Issue – 8.2009

Monthly Topic

Five Ideas for Remodeling Your Deck

To ensure that you can spend many long hours relaxing on your deck, consider remodeling projects that will improve the aesthetics, safety and durability of your outdoor space.
 
Resurface Your Wood
The easiest way to update your wood deck is to thoroughly clean it of dirt and debris. Scrub rust marks, stains and dry rot from the surface, and sand down any visible imperfections in the wood. Stain and seal your fresh wood surface to protect it from moisture and other harmful elements. This waterproofing will help restore your deck's original luster.
 
Hide the Damage
Perhaps your deck is very old and has weathered too much damage. One solution that homeowners often consider is to remove the wood boards and flip them over, exposing their underside surfaces. However, this idea is not always the most economical in the long run, especially if the wood boards are too badly damaged. A better solution may be to replace them with a composite deck material, or with pressure-treated wood designed to fight rot and termites. While these options are more costly, the results will last many years. Once replaced, protect your investment with a water-repellent deck sealer.
 
Grill Outdoors
Make your backyard one of the primary entertainment centers of your home. Elaborate your deck with special features and luxury items, like a built-in grill. Custom grill enclosures offer wide preparation counters as well as easy storage for utensils and other grilling accessories, and some even add space for a small refrigerator. These enclosures are also designed to protect the grill from the weather, while maintaining a neat and tidy appearance.
 
Light Up the Night
Extend the hours that you can comfortably and safely use your deck by including outdoor lighting. Decide what type of mood you want to create. For a more intimate environment, choose soft lights, like low lamps or tall torches widely spaced around the deck. For a party-type atmosphere, install bright flood lights on the side of your house. Look for popular solar-powered outdoor lights for eco-friendly savings.
 
Go Bigger!
Choose a floor plan that allows you to construct a larger deck that won't overpower the look of your home. Popular options include built-in seating that offers more sitting space while creating a sleek, streamlined look that showcases your unique style more than any patio furniture will. Built-in seats will also eliminate the need for movable, abrasive furniture that can damage your wood and, will in turn, extend the life of your deck for many years.

Source: www.doityourself.com

  
Tips and Ideas
 

Patio Umbrella Repair

Patio umbrellas take a beating from the sun, wind and rain so it’s not unusual to encounter some damage. A tear in your patio umbrella doesn’t mean it’s time for a trip to the store for a new one. Save money and landfill space by extending the useful life of your umbrella in a few steps.
 
If damage occurs to you patio umbrella, it is most likely to be either a tear in the fabric along the ribs of the extension mechanism, a hole punched through by accident or hail, or fraying along the edges.
 
To repair a hole or tear, you will need:
Heavy-duty scissors
Heavy-gauge thread (preferably in a color to match your umbrella fabric)
Needle
Fabric glue
Heavy object to weigh down glued fabric
If the fabric has a hole, you will also need a piece of compatible material for your patch.
 
To prepare your umbrella to be repaired:
Remove the umbrella fabric from the extension mechanism.
Spread the umbrella fabric on a flat surface.
Clean around the damaged area, removing any dirt or twigs.
Using scissors, snip away any loose threads.
 
Repairing a tear:
Bring the torn edges together, allowing them to slightly overlap.
Apply fabric glue to the facing surfaces keeping the fabric flat and still.
Place weight on the overlapped fabric to allow the fabric glue to bond.
When the glue is set, stitch to reinforce. For a small tear where the edges can be brought together, adhesive is usually not necessary. Simply stitch the tear closed.
 
Repairing a hole:
Prepare the umbrella for repair.
Cut a fabric patch approximately ½ inch wider than the hole.
Apply glue to facing surfaces.
Be sure patch is on outside of umbrella to prevent water from tracking through the patch onto protected surfaces.
Stitch the edges of the hole to the patch.
 
Repairing frayed edges:
If a portion of your umbrella has begun to fray, address it early and you will save more work later. After cleaning up the frayed edge with a scissors, simply stitch along the new edge.
 
Avoid the damage:
The simplest way to deal with damage to your umbrella is to prevent it from happening. During the months the umbrella in not in use, keep it folded and stored. Be sure to store it dry to avoid mildew. During the high-use season, close your patio umbrella when it’s not being used. This will save daily sun damage, avoid rain, and protect your umbrella from sudden winds.

Source: www.doityourself.com

  
Question of the Month
  Q: Does a deck require staining or sealing after power washing?

  
  A:
Staining or sealing a wood deck after power washing is an important step in preserving the life and beauty of your deck. Proper preparation of the wood deck is crucial for the stain to last its designed lifetime, so a clean, sound surface is your first priority. All damaged or rotten wood needs to be replaced.

A deck stain needs to resist abrasion, UV light, heat from the sun and water. Each of these represents a particular challenge that must be met in order for the deck stain to last as long as possible.

UV light and water are the main reasons for all exterior coating failures. Most decks are on a sunny side that receive 6 or more hours of intense sunlight. Any lightly pigmented stain will degrade quickly with this exposure. The main defense against excessive sunlight is the pigments. The more color a deck stain has the longer it will last.

Water is also a primary concern. Rain and snow, as well as the formation of dew, will cause some damage over time. All wood species used in deck construction will develop splits and cracks, allowing water to soak into the wood.

A stain must resist the pressures caused by this water and allow the wood to fully dry without being harmed. Choose the best deck stain that you can afford and properly apply the deck stain for lasting results.

Source: www.house-painting-info.com
 
  

 

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