by Altitude Fence and Deck | Jan 20, 2020 | Deck Builder, Info Article
As professional deck installers in Northern Colorado, we highly recommend making sure you’re taking necessary steps to protect your decks in the winter. Snow and temperatures below freezing can damage your deck and make using it again in the summer difficult. Fortunately, there are several simple actions you can take to protect your deck during the colder months.
Before we get to our deck protection guide, it’s important to remember that different decks made of different materials need slightly different care. If you have a wooden deck, your primary concern is moisture getting into the boards and causing them to warp or become misaligned, for example. These tips work with all decks, but keep your deck material in mind when you’re preparing for winter.
Avoiding the Need for Springtime Deck Repair
Professional deck installers often repair decks in the spring that have been so warped or had their surfaces so damaged that the work is extensive. Before you get to this expensive point, take these steps to protect your deck:
Clean Your Deck Well
The first step in winterizing your deck and protecting it in the winter is to make sure it is clean. Not only will it leave your deck looking fresh and new, but it will also eliminate many of the contaminants on the surface that can cause more serious problems.
The worst culprits of deck damage can be dirt ground into the surface, sun exposure, and moisture exposure. The sun even during a Northern Colorado winter can cause deck surfaces to fade, while moisture can facilitate mold growth. If you have a wooden deck, use a bleach-free cleaning solution to remove dirt and debris.
Re-Stain or Surface as Necessary
Some decks don’t need to be stained, but wooden decks can lose their protective layer quicker than you think. If you see faded areas or parts of the deck where the stain is flaking or peeling off, strip the finish and re-surface the entire deck. This way, you’ll be sure that no moisture or grit will hurt the wood. Even if you have a deck made from a different material, covering it with the appropriate protection is a good idea.
Clear the Deck
If you did not do so before the start of winter, it’s not too late to go ahead and clear everything off your deck. That means your deck furniture, leaves and debris that tends to pile up during the fall, and even your planters. Potted plants, even if they’re only empty, can create areas where moisture gathers around their bases. You’ll need to completely clear your deck before you re-stain or surface it anyway.
Careful Snow Removal
Professional deck installers in Colorado caution customers to avoid using salt or other chemicals to melt snow on their decks during the winter to avoid damage to the stain or surfacing. Also, when shoveling the snow, use a plastic shovel or always run the shovel lengthwise over the boards to avoid scratching or cutting into the surface.
For more deck protection tips during the winter or to schedule a deck repair, contact Altitude Fence and Deck today.
by Altitude Fence and Deck | Apr 9, 2019 | Deck Builder, Info Article
Spring has come at last and summer is around the corner in Northern Colorado, so the time is ripe to make sure your backyard deck is ready for the warmer months. And if you don’t have a deck, that’s where a Fort Collins deck installation expert team can help you turn your outdoor areas into a prime hangout.
For your existing deck, where should you begin? Getting your deck and outdoor areas “ready” is primarily concerned with making sure your outdoor furniture is undamaged and able to withstand another season, ensuring the deck itself will be durable enough to host guests, and tidying up your outdoor spaces. The overarching theme of deck prep is you and your guests’ comfort. Going over your equipment (i.e. grills, outdoor lighting, fire pits, etc.) will help you make plans for when the weather gets hot and clue you in on which types of events you can host at your home.
Spring Deck Preparation Tips
Whether you plan on hosting large bar-be-ques on your backyard deck or simply want a place to sit and enjoy the sunshine, there are several considerations you should make before summer kicks off in earnest:
Look for signs of rot such as soft spots, discoloration, the splintering of the wood, and loose boards. Do a thorough inspection of your deck surface to find and replace all or part of the wooden boards that are rotten. You can always hire a trusted deck installation company to do necessary updates to maintain your deck’s safety.
If you’re still looking for new deck installation, you won’t have to worry about rot right away. Consider which materials you’re using for your deck. Pressure-treated pine wood, for example, isn’t as susceptible to rot as a natural redwood deck.
- A fun deck is a clean deck
Before you do anything else, clean your backyard deck. Go through whatever clutter you have on your deck and wash the surface. If you have a wooden deck, power wash in cooler months to avoid putting stress on your deck wood. After you’ve washed your wooden surface, consider re-staining the deck if it looks like the protective layer has flaked or been damaged since last summer. If you have a deck made from faux-wood or most other materials, you won’t have to worry about staining. For more deck clean-up steps, click here
Adding a splash of color is a great way to spruce up your deck for a new season. Rather than painting the deck itself, restrict your painting to deck chairs, furniture, etc. A fresh coat of paint on your deck chairs will make them look good as new.
Another addition that is sure to bring any backyard deck party to life is outdoor lighting. Depending on your property, bringing lights to your deck could be as easy as running an extension cord outside. For more elaborate light set-ups, you’ll need to install power outlets or lines to your deck. For more on color and lighting, click here.
Summers in Northern Colorado can be hot, and the sun is intense at this elevation. Consider where and how to place shady areas throughout your outdoor areas. There are, of course, infinite ways to create shade, but the most popular are wide umbrellas (which can be moved and placed in other sunny spots as needed), canopies, or curtains. Curtains work well on roofed patios to keep the inside cooler and the insects out.
For a more permanent option, consider having your deck installers add on a shaded area to your deck.
Another consideration that might be difficult to visualize in winter is the use of plants to add decoration and function to your outdoor gatherings. Planting fragrant and colorful flowers is sure to wow your guests and add a sense of comfort to your cookout. Plants can also be used to repel pesky insects like mosquitoes. The best plants to keep mosquitoes away are marigolds, lavender, and catnip (although you might replace your mosquito problem with a cat problem).
Adding a Backyard Deck
Cleaning, repairing, and setting up your deck will ensure that your outdoor parties have the perfect setting all summer. Adding a deck is an investment that pays for itself in entertainment and outdoor comfort for years to come. If you’re thinking of adding a brand-new deck to your home, consider contacting Altitude Fence and Deck, Fort Collins deck installation experts who have improved home outdoor areas in Northern Colorado for years.
by Altitude Fence and Deck | Sep 29, 2016 | Deck Builder
Owning a home is a fulfilling achievement for any individual. You suddenly become the owner of your own plot of land that is yours to use and express yourself. The front yard and back yard are more like a canvas waiting for you to get on a creative streak and make your house a home. Taking advantage of this new land is as easy as hiring a deck builder or pool man to show you how to mold the land.
The backyard is especially important. It is your private space where you can enjoy yourself or spend time with your family. You can choose to grow plants, build storage, or just lounge and experience the outdoors. The following are some ways you might take advantage of your backyard.
Gardening
Gardening is an age-old pastime for many people. While gardening can be done anywhere, a backyard is probably the perfect place to use your land to create life where there was previously nothing. The best part is that gardening is a hobby that is both entertaining and useful.
While gardening, you can either set up a plot of land or try to make yourself into a landscaper. This means turning up soil and setting out pathways to strategize the location of your plants. Deciding on your plants is another great way to enjoy gardening, as each plant has different maintenance demands. Finally, you can start growing your own food to take your gardening straight to the dinner table.
Architecture
Maybe the best way to enjoy your backyard is to take a part of your house and extend it to create an outdoor space that isn’t directly on the ground by installing a deck. Hiring a deck builder to create this space can help you establish a sturdy area for your furniture, grill, and other backyard items.
A deck is also great for sitting out and relaxing on a quiet day. You can even have it built with an awning or roof to give you some shade and shelter you from the sun during the summertime. It will definitely be a construction project that you will not regret.
Most decks are built as an extension of the house and are raised from the ground. They are typically made of wood and often include railings surrounding the perimeter to prevent falls. The wood is treated against the elements and can last years before there is any sign of wear.
The backyard is a place for family events and gatherings. It is the place where you can undertake big projects or sit out and enjoy the outdoors. There is a wide variety of ways to take advantage of your house’s back yard, and it doesn’t have to result in a lot of effort on your part.
If you decide to undertake a project, you can always opt for professional help. These professionals can make it so your project is personalized and made to last. Hiring a deck builder or landscaper will help you realize the full potential of your home and give you more enjoyment from your backyard.
by Altitude Fence and Deck | May 23, 2016 | Deck Builder
Updated August 17, 2020
Enhancing Your Home’s Appearance and Functionality
A deck is a great addition to a home that enhances the appearance and functionality of your home. It connects your private space to the great outdoors and offers a fun place for entertaining guests. Adding a deck can be a fun home improvement idea for your family, as there simply are plenty of ways to upgrade and customize it. Here are some of your options to help you design your dream deck.
Front or Back
You can either add a deck in the front or at the back of your home, or even both, as long as you have the space and budget for it. But a backyard deck is more ideal, especially if you’re fond of spending some time gardening or dining in your backyard. Having a front yard deck would be nice too, but only if your street is not too busy or if you have landscaping to hide traffic.
Design Process
Your deck must blend perfectly well with your home’s architecture. The key to having a beautiful and functional deck is choosing the right materials. The components of your deck will be exposed to the elements day in and day out, so be sure to choose materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Stained and weatherproofed hardwood is the superior choice, as it is low-maintenance and easily blends well with the surroundings. To make sure that your deck project meets your vision and needs, choose a deck builder in Greeley who will collaborate with you throughout the design process and construction.
Furniture
To make your deck usable, add built-in benches with waterproof upholstery and a small stylish table. If you wish to have a small dining area, play with other materials for the dining set. Wrought iron and wrought aluminum are great alternatives to wood. It will add variety to your deck’s design. Cover the seats with comfy cushions to enhance the level of comfort and style. Spice it up with eclectic fixtures or accent lighting to enhance its nocturnal setting.
Accessories
Once you build a deck that fits your structure and suits your needs, it’s time to add a few accessories to personalize your outdoor living space. Add drama to wood panels by throwing in a rug made of outdoor fabric. Hang planters or bird feeders over your deck roof overhang and place potted ornamental plants against the railing or wall to enliven your deck. Having natural foliage in your deck can make it more comfortable and inviting. A pergola also accentuates the beauty and comfort of your deck and provides additional shading.
When designing and adding a deck to your home, many options are available with the help of a deck and fence company. You should take your time and research before you begin with construction to avoid making costly mistakes and redoing the layout. Once the project is complete and your vision realized, you can have the outdoor living you’ve always dreamed of.
Sources:
Do’s and don’ts on decks, enquirer.com
The Best Outdoor Furniture, realsimple.com
3 Tips for Building a New Deck
A deck is an important part of the backyard because it is the landing point from which you get to show off the rest of the yard. When you start planning the construction of your deck, you should consider all the aspects that go into building it. The following are three tips to take into account when thinking about a new custom deck in Northern Colorado.
1. Materials
There are two major options for materials for your deck: wood or composite wood. Both of these materials have different qualities that can be benefits or drawbacks. The differences are summed up below.
Wood
• Natural look with many options for types of wood
• Higher maintenance and doesn’t last as long
• Cheaper to replace if damaged but needs to be replaced more often
Composite Wood
• Can be made to look like natural wood
• Low maintenance and lasts a long time
• More expensive to replace but needs to be replaced less often
Between these two materials, there is very little to consider. The basic conclusion is to go for wood if you are able to keep up with maintaining the deck or to go with composite if you want something that is low maintenance with the drawback of looking less natural.
2. Check Local Building Codes
If you are part of a homeowner’s association, you should check with the association to make sure building a deck is permitted. This is especially important if your deck will be visible to your neighbors. Building against the homeowner’s association could risk incurring fines.
Another consideration is regarding city or county building codes. Many codes might have specific building limitations such as the height or size of the deck. Checking on these codes will save you the hassle of dealing with reconstruction later.
If you are in doubt about the specifics of your town’s codes, your contractor might have that information on hand. Other limitations might involve the type of materials used or the land on which you are building. When planning custom decks, even more specifications might need to be taken into account.
3. Location
Many times, it might not be safe or convenient to build a deck on your specific land, regardless of building codes or homeowner association regulations. Your contractor will be able to help you build the deck you want while also taking the location into consideration. When push comes to shove, you might not get what you first wanted, but you will be happy with what you end up with.
A deck is a perfect way to enjoy the vista of the landscaping in your backyard. It is the best place to sit back and enjoy the weather on a great summer day. Most of all, a deck is important for the overall completeness of your house.
Custom decks will be catered to your specific needs. Your Northern Colorado contractor will be able to help you with the location and other specifications such as materials. Eventually, you will end up with a deck you love.
If you are part of a homeowner’s association, you should check with the association to make sure building a deck is permitted. This is especially important if your deck will be visible to your neighbors. Building against the homeowner’s association could risk incurring fines.