5 Need To Know Decking Tips

Decking is an excellent addition to any home. It’s sure to add a subtle yet powerful look to any property.

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From providing you with a spot to enjoy the summer sun or as a place to indulge in a casual evening with friends, a decking in your backyard can help improve your living space.

Even small courtyard gardens can benefit from well-designed deckings. Outdoor decking can range in size from small timber squares to large decks fitted with pools.

If you’ve decided to install decking, then you might be stuck about where to start. Today we’re going to talk to you about some need-to-know decking tips so you can feel confident when installing your decking.

1. The best decking is composite decking

When choosing your decking, you don’t have to go for timber decking. Instead, you can select a composite decking made with vinyl or, on occasion, a blend of recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, and sawdust.

Composite decking looks like timber but doesn’t need as much maintenance. It can also come with anti-slip properties making it ideal if you’ve got an outdoor pool.

Because composite decking is made with recycled materials, it’s also considered eco-friendly.

One of our favorite composite decking manufacturers is Trex.

Trex composite decking

With Trex decking, you get the eye-catching look of rich wood with the durability of a composite. No matter where you live, Trex composite decking is backed by a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty.

Thanks to Trex decking, you can transform your bare backyard into a stylish living space for your friends and family to enjoy.

Wood decks and railings take a brutal beating from rain and wet conditions. They tend to rot and require so much upkeep that it becomes too much effort with little reward.

This is why so many people choose Trex so they can enjoy their decking nearly maintenance-free for years.

Check out Trex decking for yourself and get in contact with Fitch Construction Inc to talk about installing your decking and improving your outdoor living.

2. You need to create airflow under your decking

Having airflow under your composite decking is essential for it’s longevity. When you have airflow under your deck, it prevents water absorption, your decking swelling and it will improve drainage.

You really don’t want standing water on or under your composite decking. The better you plan out your decking area, the longer your deck will last.

3. Add decking accessories for functionality & style

Adding accessories can take your deck to the next level in both functionality and protection.

For example, you can add a deck railing to make your decking sleeker but also safer.

Don’t just build your deck and leave it how it is! Make the most of your space by adding furniture, lamps, fire pits, and stoves.

4. Make sure everything matches

No matter what finish you go for, make sure you invest in color-matching fascia, L corner trims, or end caps.

Nothing says ‘DIY’ like poor-quality or mis-matched materials. Using colour matching building materials ensure a clean, professional finish to your new decking project.

5. Keep your deck maintained

You should always try to keep your deck as well-maintained as possible so you don’t have to deal with any issues down the line or have to make expensive repairs.

Here are some deck maintenance tips you can follow:

You should clean your decks and stairs yearly to get rid of any dirt, mold, and moss.
Check your timber regularly for any signs of rot or mildew. You can check by pushing a screwdriver into the deck. If it goes over 5mm through the wood, then your deck might be rotting, and you’ll need to replace it.
Check all your timber and the handrails thoroughly for any splintering. You can sand back the decking to smoothen the surfaces.
Regularly use a sealant with UV sunlight protection to maintain the color of the deck.
Check under potted plants every six months to make sure it’s not rotting. You should also get rid of any fungus or mold immediately with hot soapy water and a good scrub brush.

At Fitch Construction, we will work with you to identify the best ways to fund your decking project.

Take a look at our financing section for more information.

We would love an opportunity to sit down and show you how we can turn your dream decking into a reality. Call us in Rochester at (585) 377-3330 or in Buffalo at (716) 919-3330.

The post 5 Need To Know Decking Tips appeared first on Rochester Skylights.

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By: Scott Joseph
Title: 5 Need To Know Decking Tips
Sourced From: www.rochesterskylights.com/5-need-to-know-decking-tips/
Published Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2021 03:54:37 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference of a solar tube versus a Sun tunnel?

Solar tubes and sun tunnels are both used to bring natural light into dark spaces within a home. They may appear similar and serve the exact same purpose, but there are significant differences.

A solar tube consists of two main components: an outer dome, which sits on the roof, as well as an inner tube that runs through your attic to provide the lighting effect. The inner tube has a reflective surface that amplifies the sun’s reflection. It is also often insulated to help keep energy in the house throughout the day. The outer dome connects directly on to shingles. It allows for easy installation without the need for additional framing, or tearing up walls.

A sun tunnel, also known by the term tubular skylight is a slightly different approach. The tube is simply one long tube with an acrylic dome attached on one end. The other ends lead into your desired room. After installation is completed successfully, you’ll enjoy an evenly distributed and efficient interior lighting system that doesn’t require any additional wiring or maintenance. This is ideal if homeowners want easy indoor access to sunlight from sunrise through sunset. Sun tunnels are more popular than traditional skylights due to their visual appeal, simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

The main difference between a Sun Tunnel and a Solar Tube is that the former provides more insulation due to its reflective interior surface. While sun tunnels are less expensive, they still provide great natural light indoors. Sun tunnels are also less expensive and require less effort to install than traditional skylights. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want minimal hassle when it comes time to make home improvements.

Are sun tunnels prone to leaking?

Most sun tunnel systems are designed with components that will generally not cause water leakage. Unsuccessful installation can lead to water damage and leakage. In some cases, these leaks may be caused by tiles being put in incorrectly or a lack of flashing to cover joints between components.

For this reason, it is recommended to install a sun tunnel professionally. Professional installers will be able to correctly and precisely seal the skylight panels, flashings, or other parts of your sun tunnel so that water doesn’t get into your home. They can also inspect the components for possible problems such as cracks or defects from manufacturers.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your sun tunnel system in good condition. This will prevent any reported cases of leakage. Sun tunnels should be checked annually for condensation build-up and potential damage at the roof access point. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation problems. To mitigate this risk, add additional exhaust vents below the roof access point to the tunnel.

If the sun tunnel system has been installed properly, there should be no outflow or leaking issues. These problems can be avoided by using the right materials and channels when installing sun tunnel systems.

Do solar tubes need maintenance?

Solar tubes bring natural light into buildings and homes without any need for electricity. How important is maintenance?

To keep solar tubes in good condition and to reap the benefits, regular maintenance is required. Inspections should take place at least once a year and may require cleaning, replacing components, or adjusting the tube’s angle towards sunlight.

Solar tubes should be inspected for dents and broken glass. If the tube is damaged, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible. In some cases, debris may be collected on top of the dome over time – this should be removed promptly so light can still enter through properly.

Furthermore, if there is no evidence of any existing damage to the tube itself, simply adjusting its tilt according to the different seasons can help ensure an even distribution of effectual direct sunshine and maximum efficiency. Lastly, positions must be adjusted more than twice a year due to extreme weather conditions requiring additional moving parts and complex systems. These extra parts will also require their own maintenance procedures, such as spring adjustments or lubrication.

Solar tubes can last many years if they are maintained properly and checked at regular intervals.

Statistics

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This means you’ll get a 26% tax credit on the skylight and installation costs. (billraganroofing.com)

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How To

Sky High Savings: How to use Skylights to Lower Your Energy Bills

Skylights minimize the need for electricity by using the sun’s radiant energy during daytime hours, allowing less artificial light to be used in the home. In winter, skylights that are not properly installed can lose heat due to leaks and gaps. Skylights that are properly installed and maintained can reduce cooling costs in summer months, and provide protection against cold drafts in winter months if placed strategically near other windows.

There are three types of skylights: fixed, venting, or tubular. Tubular skylights work best in small spaces that only require a bit of extra lighting. Venting skylights come with motors that open automatically on sunny day. Fixed skylights, however, have one large window panel that allows views of both inside and outside the home.

Skylights save energy both economically and environmentally. This is because they are designed to catch natural light, which means that homes can use very little electricity even when there’s less daylight. Skylight styles include contemporary and modern designs as well as triangular or triangular options. They can also passively absorb sunlight. Domes with tilt-in mechanisms allow for easy cleaning. Flat glass inswings are great for outdoor living. Copper-framed skylights come with lifetime warranties that are backed up by decades of industry experience.

Using these different models helps control indoor climate conditions passed on through exterior temperatures – keeping you comfortable year-round at an affordable cost all while carefully complementing your home’s decor scheme!

Some utmost precautionary measures should be taken before installing any kind of skylights such as making sure that all mounting surfaces have been correctly prepared according to manufacturer specifications; familiarizing yourself with relevant safety protocols like regularly inspecting your roof every few years; knowing where flashings are located; checking drainage tubes often; replacing worn parts if necessary; utilizing shade screens or blinds when applicable; and hiring professionals who have experience installing skylight systems so potential problems can be avoided before installation begins.

Skylights are beautiful and have the potential to save you money on your monthly energy bills. After installation, ongoing maintenance can help you save hundreds of dollars each year compared with regular lighting costs such as lamps and LED lighting. This is a simple luxury that you can add today, and reap the financial rewards tomorrow.