Posts tagged with "porch repair chicago"

Porch Protection: How to Keep It in Top Form

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Your porch is exposed to the elements on a daily basis and this exposure can lead to the need for constant repairs on your porch. This can be avoided by regular maintenance. Here are a few tips on how you can properly care of your porch:

  • Regularly check for termites. A lot of porches are made of wood, so it can be a tempting meal for termites. This is especially so with the porch being easily accessible. This is why regular checks for termites can be useful so that early treatment can halt the problem in its tracks.

  • Wind damage. Strong winds can ruin a perfectly good porch. After a strong blow, you’ll want to clean up the mess that’s been made. Replace any damaged fixtures and take a look if any damage has been done to the roof or flooring.

  • Do Regular Cleaning. An unwashed deck can invite rot and mildew into the wooden floor. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and can help identify any emerging problems. You can remove debris that’s stuck to the porch’s flooring with a putty knife. Use the appropriate cleaners for the type of flooring you have; wooden floors need standard cleaners, while composite and vinyl decks need some special formulas and applications.

Things to Look Out for when Building a Porch

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Your porch determines the first impression that visitors get about your house, and yes, as the saying goes, it does last, pretty much like how a first handshake can already speak volumes about a person. With this in mind, it’s only prudent that you keep your front porch looking its best at all times. Here are a few things about it that you should keep in mind:

Porch vs Façade

Designing a porch requires you to look at the house façade and to visualize the final outcome. If you visualize the porch area as a transitional space between the house and the garden, and the house is a bit small, you cannot expand the house structure; it might overpower the façade. A window screen will suffice. Continue reading

Choosing the Right Materials for Outdoor Areas

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Outdoor living areas are considered one of the better investments one can make for his or her home. The obvious benefit is how it, when executed properly, can substantially increase the overall curb appeal and monetary value of a property.

From a resident’s standpoint, the presence of an outdoor living space like a porch or deck allows them to comfortably enjoy the outdoors. It serves as a place beyond the living room and kitchen where everyone can come together and bond while doing some recreational activity (e.g. parties, playing card games, etc.). Continue reading

Basic Troubleshooting for a Concrete Porch

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Concrete is one of the sturdiest materials for your porch or deck, but this doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to wear and damage. Concrete commonly cracks, chips, and splits because of weathering or because of overbearing weight and pressure on it over time. If you’re looking to repair simple cracks on your porch, look to these following tips.

Cleaning

Before any repair job, the first step is always to clean up the work surface. Run a vacuum through your porch, especially around the spots with the cracks. Patching up chips or cracks without getting rid of debris first won’t yield as good a result.

Patching

Small cracks about three-eighths of an inch wide should be quite simple to patch up; all you’ll need is a tube of commercial vinyl patching material, a wet rag, and a soft bristled brush. Brush off any remaining debris inside the cracks and apply the patching material, making sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Edge Repair

Sometimes, the edges of your concrete porch might also get chipped or break off. If you can still retrieve the separated portion, apply some epoxy which is formulated for bonding cement (again, following the manufacturer’s instructions). Press it into place and allow to dry before releasing.

Perks of Finishing Your Basement

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When people think about their basements, the word “storage” usually isn’t far off—especially if the basement is unfinished. Indeed, many basements become nothing more than oversized storage areas for old and forgotten possessions.

However, basements are actually one of the most versatile spaces in your home. If you’re willing to remodel it, you can use a basement for both functional or recreation purposes—like a spacious laundry room or maybe a high-tech home theater, for example. Aside from adding more usable space to your home, finishing your basement also offers many other benefits, such as:

Increased Home Value

When it comes to home improvement, people often have kitchen remodeling or landscaping at the top of their list. With regard to return of investment though, few projects are as rewarding as basement remodeling, which provides up to a 150% return on your expenditure.

Additional Income

Want an extra source of income? Then you might want to convert your basement into a rental property. Most basement apartments rent at 75% of your monthly mortgage payment, which means it’ll pay for itself soon enough and help you pay off your house quicker.

Protect Your Health

An unfinished basement is often infested with mold and mildew, both of which can trigger allergic reactions and other health issues. When you finish your basement, you also eliminate the moisture problems that encourage the growth of these intruders.

What Porch Repair Experts Do

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Disaster can strike your home at any moment and unexpected weather changes can deteriorate and destroy your porch. Luckily, there are companies that specialize in porch repair and remodeling.

Here are the things to expect when you hire a professional to repair your porch’s flooring:

1. The builder is going to prep the area by removing all the pre-existing tongue and groove boards.

2. Next, a sand and mortar mixture will be made to match the existing foundation.

3. A stainless steel mesh will be added to allow air to circulate properly.

4. A proper pitch will be constructed as a support for the new porch flooring.

5. A subfloor will be laid perpendicular to the joist.

6. After the pitch is placed, the tongue and groove composite planks will be added.

7. A temporary straight edge will be tacked down to serve as a guide for the saw.

8. Once everything is set, the new floor will be painted according to the color of your choice.

Porches are the first visible structure that people notice when taking a look at your home from the outside, so it’s only natural for you to want to hire someone who’s experienced in porch repair. Don’t forget that regular maintenance is also necessary to keep your porch in excellent condition.

The Importance of Porch Repair in Chicago

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Common among American homes, the porch has come a long way from being an area to just sit and view the front or backyard of a property. With more and more people looking to spend a lot of time outdoors, the modern rendition of the famed outdoor space has now become more regulated than ever. This is due to the different ways people have wanted their porches to be designed, with some even having it equipped with a variety of amenities.

 

Ensuring complete safety and environmental compliance, most states have particular regulations for porches. This often covers the type of materials being utilized, associated warranties, and taking into account the part of the home and the ground that it will be built on.

 

At present, a porch build earlier than 2006 may not be up to date with the latest code and standards, a reason for property owners to contact a professional provider of porch repair in Chicago. By doing so, they are able to not only ensure complete comfort and safety for all occupants, but also increase the value of the property and make it compliant with state building requirements. Moreover, a professional contractor can design a durable and aesthetic porch that’s built with all the amenities homeowners need to maximize convenience and enjoyment.

Sound Underground: Finishing Your Basement

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There’s charm to having a basement—an effective living space—beneath your house. Basement spaces are quite versatile and can be designed as storage rooms, home theaters, and even personalized “man caves.” However, constructing a basement, much less renovating one, presents the homeowner a unique set of building challenges.

 

No basement is ever considered complete without addressing its major requirements. Due to its position underground, the room needs adequate insulation to balance its temperature. Additionally, the basement needs to be waterproofed to prevent leakage during periods of heavy rain. Moreover, the room needs to be designed to handle moisture from the atmosphere for humidity control.

 

Homeowners should always prioritize completing the basic structure of their basements before the actual interior design. While it’s tempting to cut corners, homeowners shouldn’t settle for shoddy construction work unless they plan on dealing with a lifetime of flooding problems and toxic mold growth, among other troubles.

 

To ensure that the space has all the basics, homeowners should hire a professional contractor. Contractors can sufficiently assess what a basement needs to provide residents optimal comfort and enjoyment for years to come. With their help, homeowners can freely and easily achieve their design ideas and transform the room into a worthwhile space that’s suited to their lifestyle.

Signs You Have a Termite Infestation in Your Home

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So long as your home has parts made of wood, it will always be under the threat of a termite infestation—and these insects don’t need a lot of time to reduce your home to an empty shell. Fortunately, these tiny terrors do leave behind clues of their presence, enabling you to get rid of them. That said, be on the lookout for the following signs:
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Things to Consider Before a Porch Makeover

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If your front porch looks like that stereotypical, country-set, old, and decrepit one with the rocking chair looking out to the wilderness, it needs a total overhaul – literally. A front porch is supposed to be the first beautiful thing you and your guests will see. A lovely porch can become an ideal place to unwind and chat with loved ones over a nice cup of coffee.

Before anything else, however, consider these factors: when and how you use your porch. The “when” of using a porch depends on your area’s climate. For instance, if you experience a lot of cold days annually, you might want to consider adding a small fireplace and warm, comfy furniture for you and your guests. Continue reading