Showing posts with label Azek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Azek. Show all posts

Friday, May 18, 2012

Deck Safey 2012: Preventing Deck Failure

By: Allison Q Guido, CS
As a professional remodeler I find that decks are probably the project we get the most calls about but are the hardest to sell. Why is that? We find that homeowners often think that decks and porches are an easy project that any handyman or part-time carpenter can do and aren’t sometimes aren’t willing to hire a professional.

This often concerns us because decks and porches being built properly is so important to the safety and well-being of you and your family. We want to avoid future problems and potential injuries by building a safe and secure deck that is in line with current Mass building codes. 

Almar Building & CAT Exteriors also recommend that homeowners with existing decks have them inspected regularly to make sure that there aren’t any new safety issues arising from age and wear and tear. Many older decks might have been built prior to the current building codes which were written to protect homeowner’s safety. Decks and porches can fail for a variety of reasons. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association website “especially due to old age, poor maintenance, improper building methods or exceeding load capacity. Heavy snow loads during the winter in northern regions can weaken the deck, necessitating an inspection in the spring before high levels of activity return.”

Craig Guido, CS says “Deck failures can be prevented, homeowner’s just need to understand the importance of having existing decks inspected regularly and the importance of hiring a professional contactor. By providing regular maintenance, inspections and knowing the limits of the structure homeowner’s can be sure to protect their families.”

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building & CAT Exteriors a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Dubury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Monday, May 30, 2011

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

As the official kick off to summer we are all hoping that the weather will cooperate so we can host our friends and families for those famous cookouts. But as you start to migrate outside to use the decks and lawns it's important for you make sure that it is safe and secure. All too often we hear on the new about deck collapses, or hear a friend's foot went thru the old rotted out deck.


When asked what first steps a homeowner should take to check out their deck this year Almar's President Terry Quinn said "A simple, annual inspection doesn't take long or require special tools, but it's a great investment of your time. It can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep your deck a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Especially here in New England where there's a lot of snow and ice, your deck could have developed a trouble spot over the winter." You may or may not know what you look for yourself, but the Almar team can always come over, do and inspection and make some recommendations.

Almar encourages all homeowners to have your deck inspected for safety and comfort issues. When we examine an existing deck we look for and discuss with you the following issues:

Improper Footings - All footings should be 48" deep and should be made of proper concrete.
Missing joists hangers
Missing or improperly installed railings or balusters
Safe and easy to grip handrails.
Splintering Pressure Treated wood.
Rising nail heads.
Rot issues.
Deck accessories that may be hazardous, such as anything that creates heat (grills, fire pits, etc.)

Upgrading Pressure Treated wood to lower maintenance Composite decking.
By keeping your existing deck frame in good working order, you could just recover the frame with a low-maintenance composite material like Azek and extend the life of your deck, while reducing the amount of time and energy you need to spend taking care of it.

What is Azek? Azek is the #1 brand on stain resistant composite decking. We here at Almar like it because we have very few calls back about it because it is:

- Stain resistant

- Scratch resistant

- Split resistant

- Mold and mildew resistant

- Durable and long lasting

- Impervious to moisture and insects

- Limited lifetime warranty

And Azek comes in a wide range of color options

If you haven't had your deck looked at in a while, please give us a call and we can take check it out for you, and handle all your maintenance issues. Almar Building & Remodeling is a full service remodeling company located on Rt. 53 in Hanover.


Give Almar a call at 781-826-2577.
www.AlmarBuilding.com
1130 Washington St. Suite 3
Hanover, Ma 02339