With winter on the horizon, many people will begin to put away their deck furniture if they haven’t already. You may be wondering what you are going to do with it or where you are going to put all of your outdoor equipment. Many people are unaware that the under-deck area or dry space can actually be very useful if finished properly!
Patios and decks add a lot of outdoor space, allowing you to expand your living space. However, people forget about the space underneath the deck. The under deck provides a great opportunity to add to your storage options. After all, hauling all your patio furniture and decorations to the garage is not ideal. It is a lot easier just to move these big items into a dry space under your deck.
However, you can put anything into this storage area. Need easier access to winter tools? Put your snowblower or shovel into the under-deck! If you have kids, you can keep your backyard clean and clear of toys by having them stored on the deck when you are done. Having additional storage space is always a bonus but some people are concerned what they store will be susceptible to water damage, bugs, or critters. That is why people need to hire professional construction companies like Miles Bradley!
Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling will ensure your under-deck storage space has a proper seal, drainage system, and insulation leaving no room for damage to your stored items. However, if you don’t want an under deck, why not add a dry space? If you don’t need the additional storage, you can expand your living space even more with dry space underneath your deck.
During the Holiday season, Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling is offering specials to those who wish to get their decks built during the month of December.
Whether you are living in Detroit, Michigan, or Chicago, IL, Miles Bradley is here to make your deck or dry space beautiful!
Decks are a wonderful addition to any home, providing an outdoor living area that you and your guests can enjoy. However, like any living space, the deck runs the risk of being stained. Someone could drop a drink or food. Or someone could get hurt and leave blood behind. Pets laying on the deck and leaving unpleasant stains. Even nature has its ways of staining your deck. All of these events are common and unavoidable. When these incidents happen, it’s important to tackle these stains correctly. Below are common occurrences and some tips on cleaning deck stains.
Do you still have a barbeque stain on your deck from your last party? Food can leave grease and sauce stains if they make contact with your deck. The best way to remove these types of stains is to use grease-cutting dish soap and hot water. Using dish soap, you want to rub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush. Once the stain is loosened, take a wet sponge to mop up the residue. After using the sponge, rinse the area garden hose before the area is dry.
Most people do not realize that leaves can actually stain your deck. However, if your deck is close enough and the conditions are right, it can happen. Also, nearby trees can deposit sap on your deck leaving a nasty, sticky mess. First of all, let’s cover cleaning up leaf stains. All you need to clean these stains is dish detergent and warm water. You combine the dish detergent and water to create a solution that you apply to the stain. After application, let the solution sit for 15 minutes before you scrub and rinse. You also can use an oxygen bleach solution if the stain does not come out.
When trying to remove tree sap, you are going to need a scrub brush, Murphy oil soap, and water. First, you will need to apply the oil soap to soften the sap residue. Let the soap sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing the area with a brush and rinse.
Over time, mildew and mold can stain your deck. Keeping it on your deck is a health hazard, so cleaning these stains are a priority. There are multiple items that you need to clean mildew and mold. These items include:
Before you can remove the stain, you have to clean the surface with the commercial deck cleaner. If you are using a liquid deck cleaner, you can just apply it. However, if you are using powder deck cleaner, you will need to mix the powder with water. Both should be rubbed into the stain with a stiff brush or broom. After you let the solution sets, brush the area before hosing it down with water.
There are plenty of other stains that your deck can suffer. However, the best way to fight against stains is to prevent them. When building your deck, you should choose decking materials that are resistant to stains! This includes composite decking that has inherent stain resistance or woods that are difficult to stain. If you want to build your deck to prevent staining, then you should contact Miles Bradley to see what options you have!
Do you know how heat and humidity affect your deck?
There is nothing more relaxing than being on your deck, enjoying the summer sun. Most homeowners would like to drift away for a nice nap as they sip a nice cool drink. However, the summer heat and humidity can cause distress for your deck. Without heat exposure and humidity can cause damage over time. You might be wondering what type of damage your deck can endure during the summer. Here is how heat and humidity could be damaging your deck!
Here you can see long-term damage that can be done by weather.
Here in the Midwest, we are used to crazy weather patterns that can change at the drop of a hat, but our decks? Not so much. Summer heat and humidity can really do a number on your deck, especially if your deck is untreated or unsealed. Composite decks have their own challenges as well.
We always recommend putting a protective layer on your deck, by staining or sealing it with a weather protective layer. This way your deck will have more longevity and be able to stand up to the elements. Or if you want you can negate the whole process by having a Trex Composite deck.
Damage can be done over time from heat, sun, and rain exposure. When it’s hot out wood will shrink and dry out, which makes it more absorbent to rain and liquids. This will absorb untreated wood and cause swelling and buckling. This cycle of shrinking and swelling will cause wood to warp and buckle and can pull nails out from joints.
To prevent this we recommend putting a sealant on your deck every 1-2 years for the best result. This will help keep wood exposed to the elements dry and will minimize the warping.
While having a composite deck has many benefits, there are a few humidity issues that it is susceptible to. One of these humidity issues is your deck’s surface becoming slick. Due to composite decks’ resistance to moisture, it is not absorbed. As a result, the moisture accumulates on the surface, making the deck slick. This problem also occurs with decks that are treated with sealant. That means that you need to be extra careful to avoid slipping and falling.
In the Midwest, our humidity levels can get overwhelming, and this can affect your deck. Mold and mildew spores are constantly in the air and normally aren’t too much of a problem. When rain and high humidity get into the mix, this creates the perfect conditions for them to grow in the nooks and crannies of your deck. When this growth happens you will typically see it as discolorations or stains on your deck. These stains generally look black, brown, or green and can spread and grow in the right conditions. This causes what is commonly referred to as mildew staining.
Once the stain has set into your deck you will have to either use a fungicide that is specially formulated for decks or use a 1:3 ratio Bleach to water solution (vinegar can also be substituted for the bleach if chemicals are a concern) to clean your deck. Follow this wash by sanding and sealing your deck after it has had a good week to dry out in the sun.
If your deck has seen better days or could use a touch up we can help. We work with clients who have decks that have been damaged by the wear and tear of these Midwest weather patterns. We’ll even give you a free estimate. Click here to get yours.
Do you need to repair or replace your deck?
This a question that every homeowner has to answer eventually. Time always takes a toll on a deck. Sometimes it’s the natural deterioration of the deck. Other times, it can be the result of a guest or yourself being less than careful. Most people can probably account for the number of times when people have been less than gentle with your outdoor space.
Regardless, there will be a point where you have to fix these problems. However, the way you tackle these damages will vary depending on certain factors. Sometimes, a little repair job will do the trick. But sometimes circumstances call for more drastic action. So, when should you repair or replace your deck? Here are a few things to consider before deciding!
First of all, how old is your deck? Over time, your deck will take a beating from the weather and aging. Common issues will pop up, including:
If your deck is newer, repairing these issues as they come is typically better. Fixing problems as they occur will help the longevity of your deck. However, if your deck is older, these issues will often compound with age. Furthermore, older decks can be outdated making them less structurally sound. If your deck is almost fifteen years old, replacing is often the best option.
Another important factor is safety. Is your deck safe? Before considering what is the best option for a deck, you should fully inspect your outdoor space’s condition. To ensure your deck is structurally sound and safe, you should look at:
All of these areas play a role in the overall stability of your deck. Inspecting them will help you catch any problems early, allowing you to repair them. However, if components like the ledger board are pulling away, your deck will need more than a repair job. It. is a good idea to get your deck inspected if it’s older than 10 years old.
If you are not confident inspecting your own deck, Miles Bradley offers deck inspections!
Finally, there is the price tag. How much is going to cost to repair or replace your deck? A good rule of thumb to go by is that if the repairs cost more than a deck, then you should replace it. After all, what is the point of repairing your old deck when you can buy a new one for cheaper? The best way to know the cost of your deck’s repair or replacement is to get a quote from a construction company. If you want the best deck builders, then you should contact Miles Bradley.
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Are you looking to add features to your deck? Whether you are looking to spruce up your old deck or add to your new one, there are many features that can make your outdoor space shine. At Miles Bradley, we have many deck accessories that can only improve your deck. However, what are the best features to add to your outdoor living area?
Deck lighting should always be the first feature to add to your deck. First of all, lighting adds some extra safety for your household and guests during the night. However, it can also add a special touch to your backyard. Depending on the lighting to install, you can set the ambiance of your deck at night. You can even add special bulbs to change the color of the light that is emitted. There is a variety of lights that you can add to your deck including:
When winter hits, many people have to forgo hanging out on their decks. After all, there is a limit to what you can do when your outdoor space is covered in snow. However, if you own a screened enclosure, you don’t have to wait! Adding one of these enclosures allows you to expand your living area with a deck space shielded from the elements. You can drink hot chocolate inside your screened enclosure without feeling the bitter cold of winter. You can also take advantage of this space during the summer, protecting yourself from the shade. Miles Bradley specializes in constructing three and four-season enclosures.
Without a doubt, gazebos are always a charming addition to any outdoor area. In addition to adding another structure to provide shelter from sunlight, it is a natural place for people to interact in. You could have a small gathering under the shade or have a romantic moment with someone special. Our company builds custom decks with gazebo additions. Gazebos can be built with screen and storm windows, adding an extra layer of protection. These structures add value to your yard, so they are always a feature you should consider.
One of the disadvantages of certain decks is the lack of storage space. The majority of the time, people have to buy additional furnishing to help with storage problems or relegate items to the garage or basement. However, investing in your under deck or a dry space is a perfect solution! Walk-out basements provide the perfect opportunity to transform your under-deck area. Your under-deck can be a natural gathering place for outdoor activities. Adding some proper lighting and other items can make your under-deck a welcome addition to your outdoor space.
However, you can easily repurpose this space for dry storage. For those with a walk-out basement, adding a dry space can be the perfect solution to any storage problems. This additional storage can be the perfect place to relocate your outdoor furniture for the winter months. Furthermore, it can free up storage in other areas in your garage by placing your yard gear under your deck.
There are plenty of additions that you can use to enhance your outdoor space, including:
However, finding a company that you can trust is a different story. After all, you want professionals handling your deck. Fortunately, Miles Bradley is capable of building all of these structures. Since 1991, our company has been trusted to construct custom-built decks and other structures throughout Michigan and Illinois. With our experts, your yard will be in capable hands. Talk to one of our staff members today to see about adding features to your deck.