3 Tips for Designing Your Own Deck or Patio

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3 Tips for Designing Your Own Deck or Patio
Designing your own deck or patio can be a daunting task, but with the help of industry experts and a few tips, you can custom-design your outdoor transitional space in no time! Here are three tips for getting started:

Gather Ideas

We find that many of our clients gather their ideas from online websites such as Pinterest, TV specials on HGTV, or magazines and other publications. Take some time to figure out what architectural styles you like and don’t like, and what features pop out to you.

This phase is simply meant to gather ideas to focus on a direction for your plan. Jot ideas down as you come across them, cut (or print) out pictures, and make a pros and cons list to identify what’s important to you. You may want to consider creating an inspiration board on a piece of paper board or digitally on a site such as Pinterest. These ideas will help you make faster decisions down the road.

>> Custom Deck Designs in Maryland

Define the Purpose

Believe it or not, this is one of the most crucial steps you need to complete before ever picking up a pencil to design your deck or patio. Take some time to answer: what will your deck or patio be used for? And be specific!

Do you plan to host BBQs for family and friends? You may want to design an outdoor grilling area and seating area large enough to accommodate them. Do you want a backyard oasis and additional privacy to enjoy the weather without neighbors’ prying eyes? You may want to consider a privacy wall, trellis, or other feature of some sort at the edge of your new deck or the property line. How about an intimate setting where you can enjoy family meals or conversational seating around fire pit?

It all comes down to how you want to use this deck or patio and what environment you want to create for yourself and your guests. Once you have the purpose in place, you can then begin the planning process!

Tailor the Design to Your Budget and Backyard

After gathering some ideas and defining the purpose, you then need to get detailed about how the design can meet your budget and fit with your backyard, not the other way around. Let’s face it – not every picture-perfect deck or patio will look as great in your backyard as it does in the media.

If you have a small yard or budget, it’s not realistic to expect a grandiose deck or patio. You also have to consider the architecture of your home to pair a custom deck that is not completely out in left field in terms of design. For example, a log cabin deck will not pair well with a modern, contemporary home.

You also have to evaluate your available space and plan for the traffic areas of the deck or patio accordingly. It may be best in this case to have your outdoor furniture already picked out to know how much space is available and how much deck or patio you need to build.

Other considerations may include:

  • Shape and size of your deck and patio
  • Materials that fit best with your taste and budget (wood, composite, PCV, etc.)
  • Furnishings you already have or plan to get
  • The view you want from the deck or patio and from inside the house
  • Additions, such as pergolas, screened-in decks, privacy walls, fireplaces, fire pits, railing planters, built-in benches, etc.

Work with Maryland’s Premier Deck and Patio Builders

If you’re overwhelmed with the available market options and the logistics of how to design your own deck or patio, contact the professionals at Select Home Exteriors. We will work step-by-step with you to custom design your dream deck!

3 Signs Your Asphalt Shingle Roof Needs Replacing

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Signs Your Asphalt Shingle Roof Needs Replacing

A healthy roof is necessary to protect you, your family, and your assets. Routine care and maintenance can prevent a whole host of emergencies, but even the best-cared-for roof ages and needs replacement eventually. Here are 3 signs it may be time to replace your asphalt shingle roof:

It’s Reaching the End of Its Life Span

When was your roof built or last repaired? Experts agree that an asphalt shingle roof’s lifetime is between 20 and 25 years. Anything beyond that is susceptible to major damage and is due for a replacement. If your roof is more commonly exposed to harsher weather conditions such as hurricanes, tropical storms, blizzards, or ice, that may significantly reduce the lifespan of your roof.

If you’re unsure of the age of your roof, hire a roof inspector or professional roofing contractor. A good inspector will come fully licensed and certified to help identify the age of your roof using technically refined skills from years of experience. Bringing in an expert often is the best way to know when it’s time to replace your roof.

>> Does My Roof Need Replaced?

You See Worn, Broken, or Missing Shingles

Evaluating the health of your shingles is important to understanding how effective your roof is. Shingles are specifically designed to withstand and endure the inclement weather conditions your home faces. They help protect your roof by carrying run-off rainwater and snowmelt away from your roof to keep your underlayer, decking, and rafters dry.

Over time, these shingles wear down. They can show signs of buckling when the roof sheathing moves beneath the shingles due to moisture exposure in the attic. If your attic does not have proper ventilation, moisture can build up in the heat, causing shingles to warp and curl as well. You’ll want to take a hard look at your shingles to check for signs of buckling, curling, or warping in addition to falling apart or even missing shingles.

Be sure to also check your roof valleys for damaged or missing shingles. This area endures the most wear and tear since it collects rainwater and snowfall throughout the year and carries it down to your gutters. If your shingles show signs of these poor conditions, your roof is at risk of major water damage.

You Find Mold or Mildew in the Attic

For a closer look, take a walk upstairs to your attic to inspect the insulation and plywood surfaces for signs of water damage. You may find light or dark colored mold or mildew lurking behind your insulation and on the surfaces of your roof framing and sheathing. Further inspect your trusses for wood rot with a moisture meter that measures elevated moisture content in water stains. Your attic is the perfect place to check for signs of water stains, leaks, or other damage, since it will be the first place on the interior of your home to be impacted by a poor roof.

This is also the time to look for proper insulation and ventilation set-ups. If your attic does not have proper ventilation, warm air rises in your home and gets trapped in the attic. The warm air then condenses, providing yet another opportunity for water to damage your roofing structures. If you see natural light showing through or sagging roof decking inside the attic, it may be time to replace your asphalt shingle roof.

>> Check Your Roofing Health Here

Roof Repair & Replacement Services in Maryland

Is it time to replace your old roof? With over 20 years of experience, Select Home Exteriors provides professional roof repair and replacement throughout Maryland. Contact us today for your free estimate.