​Weatherproofing your deck
Decks are second heaven for many people. The deck is usually the place you spend a lot of time in, alone or with family. There, you can do almost anything in summer or and early fall. But weatherproofing your deck is also as vital. You need to protect your precious deck from the elements, especially if you want it to look as good as it did when you built it. Below, we discuss some goof-proof weatherproofing ways to ensure that your deck serves you for as long as your house stands.

Clean your deck thoroughly
After any deck building, you must take the time to clean it. You can start by sweeping the debris off the floor of the deck. You should do it carefully and ensure that any dirt, twigs, and leaves come off.

But the job doesn’t end there. There may still be dirt and or leaves and twig trapped between the spaces of the boards. If and when the leaves rot, your deck will rot away as well. To avoid that, you can use a putty knife to remove them. As much as this will take you some precious time, it is worth it eventually when your deck is as shiny as new.

Scrub the wood itself
Wood decks are prone to have dirt that won’t come off in a sweep. Mildew and algae are the worst enemies of your precious wood decks, and eliminating them is a great idea. But there’s nothing to worry about. You can easily remove them is a good scrub. Cleaning the surface only requires a bucket of water and some bleach.

You need to plunge your scrubbing brush into the solution of water and bleach and start removing the algae. But this only applies to old decks or if you forgot to seal it during construction. For a new and shiny deck, you can skip the scrubbing and jump right off to the staining and or sealing process.

Seal your decks
When you use deck sealant or deck stain on your deck, you give it a chance against the elements. Deck sealant make your deck repel water. Even when it is raining, the water beads up and rolls off the deck quickly. To know whether your deck needs a new sealant, pour some drops of water on it. If the water forms beads, you don't need to seal the deck again as the bond is still relatively intact.

You can use a foam roller with a sealer. It ensures that the sealer covers the boards on your deck sufficiently. But you still need to ensure that you have appropriately gone over the entire surface. And that would mean that your deck is adequately weatherproofed. Deck stain also work as good.

To weatherproof under the decks, you should consider using plastic membranes. These help with the drainage of water and prevents it from pulling up under your decks. When deck building, you can request your deck contractor Cincinnati to put these systems.

Weatherproofing your deck is essential. It would be best if you did it at least once a year or so. If you sealed or stained your deck in the past, you can stand it. A deck contractor Cincinnati, can also do a terrific job repairing creaky, loose, and damaged boards. That is an essential step, especially if you are considering sanding it.

​Adding or replacing a rotten deck can significantly increase the value of your home and add a wow factor to any home. If you are looking to build or replace your current deck there are many different options of decking that you can choose to use. Some of the factors that you must consider when looking for a deck building or deck replacement are cost, maintenance, appeal, durability, and environmental impact. One of the most popular and most sought after materials that you can use for your next deck building or deck replacement is composite decking. Here are the many benefits of using this type of eco friendly decking for your next deck.

#1) Durability
If you are looking for the best deck contractors in Cincinnati you should highly consider Cincinnati Deck and Fence company because they have the professionals to help you pick out and install the perfect decking materials for your deck. Composite decking is one of the best decking materials that you can use because it has maximum durability. This material can last for 25 to 30 years and even longer. It does not fade or get stained, regardless of the area that you live in. This material is also mold resistant and is guaranteed not to rot or crack. It is also insect proof and will not give splinters, like traditional wood decking. Since it has maximum durability it is one of the best materials you can use to build a deck.

#2) Maintenance
This eco friendly decking is ideal because it requires minimal maintenance. Traditional wood decking often requires you to stain or paint the wood each year to improve its strength and appeal. This material does not require any maintenance and can be enjoyed year after year without any added effort.

#3) Environmental Impact
If you are looking for eco friendly decking solutions you have found it here. Composite decking materials are one of the ideal eco friendly decking solutions. Since it is made of wood and plastic you are able to help preserve the environment. The wood is made from wood chips and sawdust, rather than large wood from trees. This type of material is better for the environment and can make you feel better about your decision.

#4) Cost
The Cincinnati Deck and Fence company are one of the best deck contractors in Cincinnati. They provide optimal customer service and installation while offering a competitive price. The average composite decking cost can range anywhere from six to eight dollars per foot. The composite decking cost will typically be more than this because you must also pay for the installation.

While the average cost for this material is more expensive than traditional wood planks you save a lot of money over time by using composite material. Your deck will last longer and you will not need to stain or paint the wood over time. This saves you both time and money in the long run.

#5) Appeal
This type of decking makes the entire property look better. This material can significantly increase the value of the home and make it more desirable to potential home buyers. No one wants to put in the work of keeping up with a deck, however, everyone wants to have a deck to sit on and entertain on. That is why this composite material is some of the highest quality and most desirable decking material on the market today. This material can add unique design touches to any part of your home. It will surely set your home apart from all others on the street and give you a one of a kind entertainment area.

​There are many incredible benefits that a fence provides and because of this fencing is an ideal improvement that you can add to your home. Many families seek out homes that have fences because it is an easy way to keep both children and pets inside the property lines. They help create privacy, a good place for entertaining and help increase the overall curb appeal of your home. If you are looking for fencing contractors in Cincinnati you can find great options for fencing. Here are some of the pros and cons of the different types of fence that fencing contractors Cincinnati can provide.

#1) Wood Fence

If you are looking to get a wood fence you may find that it is very affordable compared to other prices of the fence. You can choose the wood you want to use, the type of fence that you want, and the height of the wood. The wood fence is also very durable and is expected to last, however it does require maintenance like annual or semiannual standing to preserve its lifespan. This fence is easy to install. One of the main cons of this fence is that it can rot easily if not properly maintained so it is important to inspect your fence regularly.

#2) Privacy Fencing

Privacy fencing is one of the most popular types of the fence today because it gives families the privacy they want when they are home. You can live close to your neighbors but have optimal privacy with this fence. Privacy fencing helps keep your home more secure and helps reduce the amount of noise that you hear. While there are many benefits to this type of fencing it typically tends to cost more because of the materials that you need. Since this fence is taller than most it requires longer materials, which will increase the price.

#3) Metal Fence

One of the most popular metal fence materials is the aluminum fence. This type of metal fence is incredibly popular because it is low maintenance and often inexpensive. It is expected to last at least a century and looks beautiful the entire time. This fence, however, does not provide as much privacy or noise reduction as other types of fence. It can also be weaker than wood or iron fencing.

#4) Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl fencing is great for adding privacy and security to your home. It requires very low maintenance and you may only need to power wash it to remove the dirt that gets on it. Vinyl fencing does not rot and will not rust when exposed to the elements. While there are many great benefits to this fencing it can be more expensive to purchase and install when compared to other types of fencing.

#5) Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fencing is one of the strongest types of fencing that you can get. It looks great and is guaranteed to last a long time. Its strength helps provide great security to your home. This type of fencing is not readily available and may take time and extra money to purchase. You must also perform maintenance on this type of fence to help prevent rust.

Deciding to have work done on your deck is a big decision. You may have done the research portion like doing an internet search for deck design, Hardwood decks, or something like deck contractos in Cincinnati. This is a good first step but it's important to ask local sources about things like composite decking cost, deck building, and even deck replacement. This is all meant to get a good idea of the price range of deck services. Let's look into some of the things that you should be asking contractors about deck services.

Ask about recent projects

One of the best ways to evaluate a deck builder or contractor is to look at their past work. Ask to speak with past customers or look for reviews online.

If a customer is upset they'll let it known out loud on the internet or even in person. When you do get a hold of a customer of theirs, make sure to ask things like how long the job took, were they priced competitively, and were they satisfied.

Ask about experience in the material that you want

Asking this question should be one of the first that you ask or that you research. A contractor experienced in only hardwood decks might not do well in composite decking.

A composite deck may be similar but the change in the material could throw the contractor for a loop. So make sure they have experience in the exact material that you want your deck in.

Ask about insurance

Ask if the contractor is insured. If you did an internet search for "deck contractos in Cincinnati" but they're not insured in the area, then you might want to look elsewhere. A lot of contractors may work in multiple states so just because you do an area search and find one doesn't mean that they are insured in that state.

Sometimes accidents and mistakes happen. This is why making sure that a contractor is properly insured is so important.

Ask about pricing and options

Price should be the last thing that you ask because it's a sign that you're ready to buy. Before you buy you need to vet and verify. Ask about thigs like down payment, how they charge, and other things like that.

You want to know how they are charging so you can take that and compare it to other contractors. The price for things like deck design, composite decking cost, and deck replacement could vary by a bit.

Conclusion

To recap, make sure you search for things like composite decking and deck building to get a good idea of how much you'll be spending. Ask questions about insurance, price, past customers, and experience.

Once you get all your facts and have a few contractors on a shortlist, then you can make a decision. At this point, whoever you choose should an excellent job on build your new deck and adding value to your home.

Composite Decking is a specific type of deck that is made from recycled wood and plastic. This decking can be very environmentally friendly due to the decks created with it being made from recycled wood and plastic. It is sold to consumers in a very nice and comfortable plank form. It is also available in a wide variety of colors for those looking for a unique look for their deck replacement.

There are several different advantages for choosing composite decking for the use of deck replacement or deck building. Composite decks have a tendency to experience the need for maintenance at a far reduced frequency than that of the average and traditional deck. They also aid in helping the environment due to the material that is used in its composition being made up of recycled materials. They are also quite nicely priced and economical in use in the long run due to an increase in the durability of the deck and its materials. This also gives it the benefit of lasting longer than an average deck would. In addition, as well as a direct result of both, the decks do not experience deterioration of any kind. Deck building with composite decks is easier than an average deck when it comes to matching with an already existing design due to the fact that composite decks come in a wide variety of colors and shades compared to the average deck which usually only has different shades of brown.

Any property that uses this decking will experience an increase in the value of the home over a period of years living there just through having the composite deck. Composite decks are also a very easy and effective choice for those suffering from allergies or those that are easily susceptible to disease from molds due to the fact that the materials that make up the decks are naturally resistant to many different kinds of molds and fungi. The last advantage is that of far less trouble with pests such as mice, rats, ants, or termites, all of which composite decks have a natural resistance too.

There are two different types of composite decks that deck contractors in Cincinnati have available for customers to choose from. Each type providing their own benefits thus a difference in composite decking cost. The first type of composite deck is the traditional composite, which is made up of recycled wood and plastics. The average traditional composite decking cost is $35 per square foot of space. The second type of composite decks, which runs at a much cheaper cost of only $8.00 per square foot of space, is PVC decks, which is made up of 100% plastic construction. The overall cost for composite decks can run between $9000.00 all the way to $20,000.00, depending on the size of the deck that’s needed to be created and the type of material needed to create the deck that is used.

Contact us, your local decking experts in Cincinnati Ohio for further information and a free quote! 

Ok, so maybe not exactly a million-dollar question but deciding whether to spend time and money to repair a deck or invest in a new deck is one that many homeowners face at some point during home ownership. We all know that preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring that our homes remain in good working order and provide safety and security to those that live in them but as we all know, life happens and we delay or simply ignore maintenance schedules until we notice a problem such as a loose deck board a wobbly post and it’s time to react.

Where to Look and What to Look For
Hopefully you are following an annual deck inspection schedule, or maybe you decide to inspect because you’ve noticed a loose board. Either way, there are four areas that you will want to inspect in order to fully inspect all components of your deck.

• DECK SURFACE – the first area of the deck to inspect is the surface of the deck. This includes deck boards, railings and handrailings. Even pressure treated wood that is used for the majority of decks across the country is still subject to natural elements. Moisture can and will rot wood, over time. UV rays from the sun can fade the wood stain which leaves wood fibers more exposed to water damage. The surfaces of your deck will receive the most exposure to water and UV light, therefore it is also the most vulnerable part of the deck and is likely going to need to be repaired or replaced before other deck components.
• DECK POSTS – the deck posts are an integral part of the deck’s substructure and serve to hold the deck surface up off the ground. Typically, deck posts do not receive a lot of UV light because they are mostly shielded by the deck boards. Deck posts also shed water quickly because they are vertical rather than horizontal like deck boards. However, there are two areas of the deck posts that should be inspected regularly for water damage – the based of the post where it rests on the footer as well as the area where the beams are attached to the posts. Both of these areas can accumulate water and thus rot becomes a concern, especially given that posts are an integral piece of the structural integrity of the deck.
• BEAMS & BOARDS – The beams and joists are the horizontal pieces of wood underneath the deck that provide support for each of the deck boards. Beams are larger and run between the joists. Like deck boards, beams and joists typically show the first signs of water damage and rot because water and moisture can collect, pool and become trapped on horizontal surfaces. The joints that the beams and joists create can trap water and the deck screws and fasteners serve as a pathway that allows water to penetrate the wood.  
• FASCIA BOARD -  It is important to not forget the fascia board during your deck inspection. The fascia board is the wide thin board that wraps around the perimeter of the deck and connects to the house. The fascia board is not a structural board but rather is used to give the deck a cohesive look. Unfortunately, the fascia board can often trap water and moisture against the beams that butt up against it. To tell if there is rot, look at the fascia boards around the perimeter of your deck and if you notice discoloration on the deck boards that is a sign to inspect further for possible rot damage.

 
Regular deck inspections are a wonderful habit to get into, however even the most well maintained decks will eventually need some repair and replacement work done. Typically the deck boards are the first to show signs of rot and water damage and will need to be replaced. Many homeowners decide to replace the deck boards with a composite wood decking material such as Trex. Composite decking material is popular because it has the look of real wood but is designed to resist the elements like water and sun better than wood. The best time to inspect the substructure of your deck is when you remove and replace the deck boards. Without the deck boards in place you will be able to see all angles of the substructure and quickly repair any issues or you may find that the substructure is so damaged that it should also be replaced.
 
When Should I Repair or Replace My Deck?
As a general rule, when the costs of deck repairs gets near the cost of building a new deck it may be time to consider replacing the deck rather than extensive repairs. A decking contractor will be able to provide you with a professional inspection of all parts of your deck to help determine the cost effectiveness of repairs verses replacement. If repairs only include deck boards and/or a few posts replacement it typically make sense to do the repairs rather than replace the whole deck. Deck boards and posts are fairly easy and cost effective to replace. However, if the deck beams have suffered water damage and rot has set in then it is best to tear the deck down and start from scratch. Since replacing a deck means replacing large sections of the deck it often makes more financial sense to build a new deck.

​Still confused and unsure about how to proceed? Give our experts here at Cincinnati Deck & Fence a call. One of our professional deck builders will schedule a time to inspect your deck and give you honest advice and feedback about repairs verses replacement. 

Home improvement projects can be a big investment for homeowners.  A question that is frequently asked when a project is considered is “Will this increase the property value of my home?”  The good news for home owners who are considering adding a custom deck to their outdoor living space is that the answer to that question is Yes.  Any internet search will bring back an overwhelming number of articles on the topic and most will cite multiple industry studies on the topic.  Although the statistics regarding the degree to which the property value is impacted will vary, homeowners can expect their property value to increase between 50% to 80% of the construction costs of the new custom deck.  Although the overall desire is to create a satisfying outdoor living space, the extra bump to your property value makes this project a win-win for the home owner.  There are factors which drive the overall value like geographic market, construction materials, additional amenities to name a few.   

Now that we have established that adding the custom deck to your home will improve your quality of life and your bottom line, lets discuss some of the factors that should be considered when starting the project planning for your new custom deck.  The first thing to consider is the deck building materials.  There are many options including pressure treated pine, composite materials and exotic hardwoods.  Each has it’s own set of attributes, maintenance and cost but are all amazing in their own right.  The return on investment for each of these materials can differ.  Your custom deck builder can help you to evaluate each one to determine the best fit for your project.  The next item to consider is the additional deck options.  There are several to choose from and include accent lighting, roof or pergola shading, custom railings and firepits.  Every one of these items will add a certain charm to your outdoor living space and will bring a certain level of enjoyment to the time that you spending enjoying your new custom deck.  The deck contractor that you choose to complete your project will be able to provide you with a list of upgrades, the cost and potential return on investment for each of the items.  A third aspect to consider is the overall size of the deck.  You have to be careful not to overbuild for the size of the yard that you have.  Finding yourself with more deck than yard can have an impact on the resale price of your home.  Your deck builder should be able to evaluate the size of the yard and design your custom deck to the right proportions for the property.   

Overall a deck is a great investment for your lifestyle alone.  Being able to expand your living space into an outdoor environment is beneficial on so many levels.  The fact that it also improves the property value makes choosing to add on a custom deck a win-win scenario. ​