Summer is finally here, which calls for outdoor parties and gatherings aplenty. You may be ready to indulge in the fun, but is your deck? Having to constantly face off with Mother Nature, your deck has seen some harsh times, naturally causing it to fade. So before you start planning that quaint, outdoor barbeque or summer extravaganza, your deck may be due for a little rehab.

Image via: Texas Construction Company

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Here are some tips to prep and re-paint your deck before your next outdoor gathering:

Watch the Weather Report:

Before anything, make sure the weather is cooperating. If rain is imminent within the next two days, do not begin your work. Also, working in extreme heat conditions may cause heat blisters to appear within the applied paint itself.

Clean your Deck:

Next, a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning process is mandatory. This calls for any combination of scrubbing, sanding, scraping, or pressure washing, as any loose or peeling paint is unwanted. If mildew has built up, scrubbing with detergent may be your best bet. Also, it is imperative that any loose nails and small holes due to rotting are taken care of. Simply replace the nails and fill in the holes with an epoxy or caulk.

Image via: Elemental Design

Protect:

Utilizing some form of plastic sheeting will be necessary to not get paint in any unwanted areas – for example, the siding of your house. Also, paint may begin to drip after the initial painting, so if you store anything under your deck, make sure it’s covered.

Paint:

Now that your deck has been properly prepped, it is time to paint. A paint sprayer will do the trick, as you will be working with large surface areas. Spray a light coat, and always ensure that you are spraying in the direction that the boards are situated. Rinse and repeat if another coat is desired.

Image via: Paxton Gate

After a few days, your newly painted deck should be looking as beautiful as ever. If you’d rather leave this in the hands of the professionals, contact Bath Painters at 330-896-7744.

For more home painting ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you own a home for long enough, odds are that it will eventually require some type of roof repair, or even roof replacement. Although someone with home improvement or construction skills might choose to give it a shot themselves, the vast majority will hire a roofing company, to ensure that it’s done correctly. However, if you don’t know a thing about roofing, it can be quite difficult to make sense of some of the terms you might come across.

Image via: Johnston Architects

Here’s a list of the major components of a roof, along with a brief description of each one:

Decking or Sheathing

Sheathing (also called decking) is a layer of panels that goes over the rafters, usually made of some type of wood materials. This is the layer that the shingles and other layers will be nailed to, while also providing an additional layer of protection.

Dormer

A dormer is a type of structure that protrudes from a sloped roof. Dormers have a roof of their own and are typically used to surround attic windows, porches and garages. In homes with attics, they can actually add a bit more interior space to an otherwise cramped upstairs room. They can also be used as a means of letting in more natural sunlight and ventilation from above, without the window being at the same angle as the roof.

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Drip Edge

As its name implies, a drip edge is installed early in roof construction to direct water straight off the roof, rather than down the edges. Without one, water that runs down the edges can warp and rot the wood, leading to otherwise unnecessary and expensive repairs. Most drip edges today are made from aluminum, although they can also be made from a wide range of materials, including plastic and vinyl.

Fascia

The fascia is simply a trim piece used to cover the ends of the rafters. It’s installed horizontally below the roofline and is the piece to which the gutters are typically attached. Because it’s visible, the fascia is usually painted to match the rest of the house.

Image via: Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Flashing

Flashing includes pieces of metal that act as molding in areas that are prone to heavy water runoff. The idea is to keep water from penetrating the intersecting areas around protruding objects like chimneys and dormers, as well as any vulnerable joints and valleys.

Gable

A gable is a roof-style where the walls at each end of the house come up in a triangular shape above the main living area, supporting two identical roof surfaces that meet in a ridge at the top. This type of design is typically less-expensive to build and quite popular, however it may require extra bracing at each end, in areas that are prone to high winds.

Hip

A hip is an area where two sloping sections of the roof meet at an outward angle. There are several varieties of hipped roofs that can be created, from simple pyramid-like roofs with equal sides to cross hipped varieties, that resemble two hipped buildings assembled at an angle, as well as some more aesthetically-appealing variations on these designs.

Rafters

These are the individual beams that make up the roof truss. There are various types of rafters with different names such as “common rafters” and “valley rafters.” These terms describe their particular function or location, within the larger framework.

Ridge

The ridge is simply the top edge of a roof, where the two main sloped sides meet, that extends the full length of the structure. Ridges are often ventilated and usually covered with shingles, to protect against any type of buildup that might result in a costly leak.

Roof Truss

This is the skeletal framework around which the roof is constructed. Most roof trusses are made of wood and because there’s so much flexibility in how a truss is put together, a wide variety of roof-shapes can be created from it.

Soffit

While some roofs are constructed with the ends hanging off the edge and uncovered, a horizontal piece called a soffit is used on others, primarily for cosmetic reasons, to cover the open area beneath the overhang. Some soffits are ventilated, which can extend the life of the roof by keeping it cooler in hot weather.

Image via: Simpson Design Group Architects

Starter Strip

A starter strip is made of shingle material in a full row, adhered to the edge of the overhanging

portion of the roof. Its purpose is to keep the underside of the next layer of shingles from being lifted up by a strong gust of wind, which could potentially pull the above layers of shingles up with them.

Underlayment

Also known as tar paper or felt paper, underlayment is applied directly over the sheathing to keep the wood dry, while the rest of the layers are added. Once the shingles are in place, it simply serves as an additional protective layer. The name “tar paper” is used because traditional underlayment (still widely in use today) is basically a paper-like product coated with liquid asphalt, although there are several alternative materials today that are commonly used for the same purpose.

Image via: Paul Moon Design

Valley

A valley is an area where two sloping sections of the roof meet, creating an inward angle. They’re a common area for leakage because of a tendency for branches, leaves and other debris to accumulate there, impeding proper drainage.

Although there are other terms you might encounter when dealing with a roofing company, these are the most important ones, because they give you a better idea of what’s involved in repairing or replacing a roof. It goes without saying that a well-informed customer can make better decisions and avoid paying for something they don’t really need, especially with something that’s already quite involved and expensive.

Michael M. Bazile is a retired roofer who has lots of free time. A passionate blogger, he now loves to help others by sharing his home improvement wisdom on various blog sites. 

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

If there’s one thing about our homes that we don’t tend to give too much thought about, it would have to be our rooves. That is, until we start to notice leaks from the ceiling or shingles falling off of it and by then, sometimes we end up needing to spend money on not just replacing the roof, but other parts of our homes as well.

That is actually the purpose of this article. To point out five clear signs that your roof needs to be replaced so that if you notice any of them, you can have the work done as soon as possible, so that you don’t have to spend more money than is absolutely necessary.

Image via: Simpson Design Group Architects

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1. If your roof is 15-20 years old.

Although roofs are built to last, customarily, it is time to have them replaced between 15-20 years. So, if your roof has been on for that long (or longer), it’s a good idea to have a contractor come out and inspect it just so you can know how much time (if any) you have left before it’s time to get a new one.

2. Roof shingles are in bad shape.

If you’re wondering what you should consider to be a shingle that is in poor condition, if you’ve noticed that many of them appear to be broken, cracked, curled or missing, these are all indications of you needing to get a new roof. Also, if you have shingles that are made out of asphalt and the color of the base of them is black, that’s another sign that it’s time to seriously consider roof replacement.

Image via: David Lamb

3. Roof has mold growing on it.

Due to the fact that mold is a type of fungus that can lead to a myriad of health issues, and also being that the roof is directly connected to the ceiling of your home, if you start to see mold, this is another reason why you should think about getting another roof. Although there are companies that will professionally clean the mold for you, in many cases, if the infestation is covering enough of your roof’s surface, they will still recommend that you get a new roof anyway.

4. Roof is missing granules or has any bare spots.

One thing that a commercial roof repair company will tell you is a clear sign that you need a new roof is if you notice that it has any missing granules or bare spots. When this happens, your roof has a hard time being able to withstand extremely warm temperatures and then it starts to decay the shingles. This, in time, can make it easier for water to seep into your house.

Image via: Gelotte Hommas Architecture

5. If your walls appear to be damaged.

Another telling sign that you are in need of having your roof replaced is if the walls in the corner of your roof start to look old and worn. By this we mean if the paint is starting to peel or if you see water marks or other signs of water damage. Remember that one of the main purposes of a roof is to protect the interior of your home, so if your ceilings are beginning to look compromised in any way, contact a housing contractor as soon as possible so that they can perform a thorough inspection.

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Whether you need repairs done on your roof or it’s time to replace the hat on your house, you will likely find yourself searching for a roofing contractor that can get the job done for an affordable price. The problem is that anything having to do with your roof is bound to cost a pretty penny, and when you cheap out you get what you pay for. On the other hand, those who know little to nothing about roofing could end up paying an arm and a leg for subpar materials and labor without being the wiser until the roof is falling in on them. So if you are relatively new to the trials of homeownership, or you’ve simply never had to deal with roofing issues before, here are a few tips to help you find the right roofing contractor for your job.

Image via: Bernard André

1. Get referrals.

The best place to start when it comes to home repairs of any type, roofing included, is with trusted referrals from family, friends, and coworkers. These people generally have your best interests at heart and they will not hesitate to recommend a contractor that has served them well in the past (or lambast one that defrauded them). Of course, your situation may be different from theirs; you might need a whole new roof whereas they merely had some minor repairs done, for example. So you’ll want to get several bids before you decide on a contractor. But referrals can give you a better starting point than flipping through the yellow pages.

2. Look for longevity.

A contractor that has lasted a long time in the business is likely doing something right. If he was delivering low quality products or services, you might expect that people would have sued him, effectively putting him out of business. If, on the other hand, he provides good services at competitive prices and leaves a trail of happy customers in his wake, he’s likely to enjoy a long and fruitful career.

3. Check with the BBB.

It is the job of the Better Business Bureau to field complaints from consumers who are, for one reason or another, unsatisfied with the products or services they have received. As a consumer yourself, it’s a good idea to check in with the BBB before you hire a contractor to see if there are any reviews or complaints that can help you to make your decision. If there are a lot of complaints about the roofers you’re considering, you might want to keep looking.

Image via: Ron Brenner Architects

4. Get bids.

Once you’ve gotten some referrals and checked with the BBB, it’s time to start getting bids, and this means having roofers come to your house, inspect your roof, and tell you what needs to be done to get it in ship shape. They should also give you estimates on the cost of the project as well as how long it’s going to take.

5. Go with your gut, but be informed.

Whether you’re looking for roofing in Dallas, Des Moines, or Detroit, you’re bound to come across contractors that you simply don’t like for one reason or another. Of course you need to hire a roofer that you’re comfortable with, but it might be more important to pick someone who knows what he’s doing. So take the time to do some research so that you are familiar with roofing lingo and standard pricing. Then you’ll at least know who’s on the up-and-up and from there you can choose someone that you feel confident and comfortable hiring.

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Keeping a roof over your head isn’t just a matter of paying the bills. Home owners need to be proactive in home maintenance in order to make sure problems don’t arise. Roofing problems can lead to leaks and water damage, among other things, which quickly destroy roofs and lead to expensive repairs. To ensure a long life for your home’s roof, follow these maintenance tips and nip potential problems before they start.

Image via: Rob Karosis Photography

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Don’t Neglect Your Gutters

Clean gutters are the key to a healthy roof. Gutters are designed to direct the flow of precipitation off your roof and away from your home, but they only work when they’re clean. A clogged gutter quickly turns into a heavy tube of soaking debris that blocks water flow and puts additional strain on your roof. Leaks are more likely to develop in your roof’s weak spots if your gutters are clogged, especially during winter when snow and ice can pile up for several days.

Trim Intruding Tree Branches

Trees are beautiful, but they hold in their branches the power to wreak havoc on your home. Naturally falling debris such as leaves, twigs and seeds can quickly pile up on your roof, clogging gutters and requiring frequent clean-up jobs. This, however, is the least of your concerns. A heavy storm could send much larger and more threatening pieces of debris hurling down onto your roof and causing serious damage. Don’t let problems like this take you by surprise. Keep tree branches away from your roof to minimize your maintenance concerns and keep the possibility of dangerous accidents to a minimum.

Make Regular Inspections

Most roofing problems don’t spring up overnight, although it may appear that they do. A leak that you notice in your roof today is likely the result of damage that grew over months of neglect. Nip those problems in the bud by giving your roof at least two good inspections every year. Check once as fall begins to set in, and once again when spring comes around. This will help you identify any possible problems before and after winter, the season that puts roofs everywhere to the ultimate test.

Image via: Darwin Webb Landscape Architects

Prepare for the Worst

Your roofing concerns may vary depending on your climate, but always plan for the worst case scenario. Home owners everywhere should look into fortified roofing options if they are concerned about their roofs’ lifespans. Spending a little extra to make sure your roof is set up strong from the start will make a big difference down the road. Don’t be careless with your roof–plan for the worst and set up a strong shield from the very beginning.

Don’t Cover Up Problems

If you’re like many home owners and have a shingled roof over your head, don’t paint it. Cover-up jobs only hide underlying problems, allowing them to fester and grow over time. When you paint over your shingles, weak spots and potential leaks only become more difficult to identify. When your roof is in poor enough condition to warrant a paint job, it’s probably time for a more thorough home improvement project.

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

The part of the house that most of the homeowners neglect and overlook during renovation time is roof. People do not pay attention to roof until it is seriously damaged. So, it is obvious that a roof renovation will need a lot of money.

Image via: Fusch Architects

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While you cannot avoid the repair job, you can save the renovation cost by adopting some tricks:

Make Regular Inspections

As you know that prevention is better than cure, try to inspect your roof regularly before it starts leaking or creating other problems. Make a thorough check-up of the roof at least once a year. The main reason of most of the roof problems is that people are too lazy to go up to their roofs even once a year. If possible, you should also take some pain to keep it clean and fix little problems as soon as possible. Doing these things regularly will keep your roof in good condition for a long term. Some people think that they can cut costs by delaying minor repairs but it only makes the condition worse and sometimes leads to the complete dilapidation of the roof.

Use High Quality Roof or Materials

It may sound contrastive but spending more on a high quality roof will be beneficial in the long run. You have to pay more for a high quality, new roof but you will recover a part of that expense through lower utility bills. For example, a good quality metal roof will lower the cooling and heating bills.

Image via: Roofing Store

Contact Roofers at Off-Peak Season

The roofers usually pass the busiest time from late summer to the fall. People either fix or install new roofs this time as they take preparation for winter. You have to pay premium charge if you contact roofers this time. However, you can save cost if you employ roofing contractors at the less busy time like early summer, spring, or during the winter. The dry and cold winter weather is suitable for roof replacement though the wet, snowy shingles can affect the quality of the finished product. In that case, the roofers need to take some extra precautions for installing the roof.

Buy Roofing Materials at Right Time

The roofing materials’ manufacturers usually set the products’ price once in a year, especially at late spring. Considering the last few years’ gradual increment of prices, you can purchase the necessary materials before the price rises again. You can also look for special deals and coupons. Many roofers offer lower prices or special deals for the slow season. Keep an eye on the local papers for any such opportunity.

Image via: Brigley

Regular maintenance and making deals at the right time are the keys to cut expense of roof renovation.

For more home maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

When you think of Spanish style homes, what are some of the design elements that immediately come to mind? Tile floors? Dark wood? Crosses hanging on the walls? Indeed, when it comes to the traditional elements of Spanish décor, a lot of it is directly influenced by the Roman era, including Catholicism and the architectural approach to designing that many Catholic churches have displayed throughout the years.

Image via: Ron Rosenzweig

Are you thinking about bringing some “Spanish flavor” into your own home?

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If so, we have included five signature style elements that will definitely leave quite the impression:

Stucco walls.

There’s a pretty good chance that when people think of a Spanish home, the first thing that will come to their mind is the stucco walls. It’s basically a fine kind of plaster that is used to cover walls. Once it dries, it is then painted over with a neutral color such as off-white or beige. Aside from being used on walls, you can also find it on kitchen hoods and even as the border for fireplaces.

Tile.

Whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom or even the hallways leading to various rooms in the home, one beautiful thing about the Spanish style of tile is that it tends to look very decorative. Although you can certainly go with a solid color, it is more traditional to opt for a pattern such as a Garbo, Moroccan or Syrian kind of look.

Image: Geoff Captain Studios

Arches.

What’s one of the things that Catholic churches are known for? Their really high arches, right? The same thing applies to the structure of a Spanish style home. If you don’t want to totally reconstruct your house, you might want to speak with a contractor about how you can create the appearance of a high arch in one of the doorways in your home, or even some of the windows in a particular room.

“Hideaway alcoves”.

If you’re not familiar with what an alcove is, it’s basically a lot like a breakfast nook that can be placed into any part of your home. They’re really ideal in a wall that is connected to a wide open space (like maybe a living room or bonus room). So, if you want to sneak away (but not too far away) to listen to someone of your favorite music or to do some journaling while contemplating big life questions such as “What is God?”, a hideaway cove is an ideal place to do it.

Dark wood and rich fabrics.

Do you want to simply add a couple of Spanish style elements to your home without doing anything too drastic? If so, another classic look is to purchase dark wood furniture (such as pieces made out of cherry, walnut or rosewood) for your kitchen table or beds. You can also opt for a sofa or set of chairs made from the same dark wood; just make sure that it’s upholstered with really rich fabrics such as woven brocade or deep-colored velvet. It won’t be an inexpensive addition, but the quality of this kind of furniture is definitely a wise investment that can be passed down to generations for years to come.

For more architectural ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Roofing is no simple matter. This is the only line of defense between you and the elements, and a well constructed and maintained roof can mean the difference between a safe comfortable house, and a domicile that feels like a shack in the woods. Of course there is no single solution to the roofing problem, no perfect roof for everyone. The type of roof you choose will depend on several factors such as your home’s architecture, materials that fall within your price range, and perhaps most importantly–your local climate. The environment and weather in your area should be given serious consideration before you set out on your roofing plan.

Image via

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The benefits of choosing the right roofing

The right roofing choice can make a hot house cooler, a cold house warmer, and can keep your home safe from the elements. You don’t want to live in an oven or an ice box, so research the roofing options available to you. Slate tiling is a traditional and beautiful roofing technique that has been used for centuries, and it can do a very good job of keeping excessive heat out of the house. Unfortunately, this option has become very expensive in recent years. Some newer options are elastomeric sealants which set a kind of reflective coating over your roof that repels ultraviolet rays. Clay roofing has been used for a very long time in hot climates as well. These are options to consider for those living in warm, sunny climates.

Choose roofing per your climate

Shingles are a valid option, used on houses all over the United States and beyond. They do a good job of keeping water from entering the roof, and are less prone to rot than similar wood options, which is ideal for rainy regions such as the Pacific Northwest. However, one of the downsides of shingle roofing is that it can be easily damaged by strong winds, so areas prone to tropical storms or hurricanes would be well advised to look elsewhere. This is also one of the dangers of metal roofing–it is more easily dented and damaged by debris.

Image via

Those residing in colder climates will naturally want a roof that is well insulated to keep warmth inside during the frigid winter months. Shingle roofs are a common choice, though they can be difficult to install and often require the use of a roofing cement or nail gun. The shingles will, however, help to keep warmth in and moisture out which is good for colder climates where snow and ice can pile up. Insulation underneath the shingled surface will make this a very reliable and warm roof.

The best course to take in deciding on your ideal roof material may be to call a local roofing company. They will have the most up to date information on all of the latest roofing trends, and will be able to advise you toward the best solutions for your home. This will likely be a bit too complicated for a solo project anyway, so enlisting the help of professionals will make sure you get the best results.

For more ideas to help you choose house materials on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Design the Ideal Home in Hot and Dry Climates 

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Building Materials for Hot and Dry Climates:

First off, consider the building materials you are going to use. A hot and dry climate will require thick walls to keep the temperature out. Adobe is a great option that has been used for as long as humans have been constructing dwellings, specifically for its thermal properties. It’s incredibly environmentally friendly, but will also keep the heat out, and retain heat in the winter or the cold nights often found in those climates.

Next, think about your windows and doors. You’ll want all of the construction to be as air-tight as possible, since the residents will be using air conditioning for significant stretches, and you don’t want to waste that energy with cool air escaping through improper seals. Any exterior doors should be as thick as the walls, and if you take it a step further and insulate them, they’ll keep out additional heat. Any windows will stay cooler if they are inset in the walls. If that’s not possible, design them with awnings, to keep off the worst of the sun. If you have the budget for it, go with double-panes, for added insulation. And you can take it a step further and treat the glass with UV-resistant chemicals, which will certainly help cool the house.

Learn more about hot dry climate home design with these resources:

Home Design for Desert Architecture

Hot and Dry Climate Architecture

Hot Dry Climate: Considering Air Flow House Design:

How the air flows through the home will also be a serious consideration. Floor plans in hot and dry climates should always be open, for maximum air flow from room to room. If you can design it with windows at each end of the house, the residents could take advantage of a great cross breeze if they want to shut down the air conditioning for a while. Adding a vaulted ceiling will give the hot air somewhere to escape well away from the people. And certainly add in windows on both the south and north sides of the home, for a great cross breeze in the evening.

Building Orientation for House Design in a Hot Dry Climate:

The way the home is positioned can also have a real impact on the everyday feel inside the home. Check out the property and position the construction so that it gets the least amount of sun. You should also create a floor plan that isn’t as wide as it is long. You can position the home so the shorter side faces the sunniest directions, and then plant trees on those sides to cut down the sun even further. Consider an interior courtyard instead of extensive exterior grounds, but if you are going to plant outside, make sure there is plenty of shade. The Constructor has some good tips for choosing the building orientation for your home design.

Finally, think about green building options. Do a search for alternative energy. Including solar panels and gray water systems will save energy and resources, which is hugely important in any hot and dry climate.

For more architecture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Have you ever walked up the walkway of a home that was unkept and had unruly plants and debris. Remember the feeling of once you got to the front door? Your walkway and how guests approach your home will make all the difference of how your home is perceived.  Ornamental plants are a great way to make the experience to your front door an enjoyable trip. Here are tips to create beautiful curb appeal with the addition of beautiful ornamental foliage.

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How to choose the ideal plants:  

When choosing plants look at the width of your walkway, how much space you have for foliage, and how tall the plants are that you are considering planting. For narrow walkways, stay away from ornamental plants that grow extremely high and have cover wide portions of the ground.  Instead opt for plants that stay contained and grow slowly. Conversely if you have a lot of space, use plants that can show off your wide open walkway and entry to your home.

Maintenance of a well kept walkway:  

While you may have good intentions of keeping your walkways tidy, plants can become unruly if not maintained periodically. When buying foliage ask a nursery professional their advice for maintenance. If you are a seasoned gardener then you may be able to tend to a finicky rose bush. While if you just want to lay back and let nature grow, ask for minimal upkeep plants such as ornamental grasses.  When cutting your lawn ensure you take care to keep walkways up with mulch, gravel and free of weeds.

Your walkways can be a welcome addition to your outdoor home if you plan out the end result and how you will maintain it. For many homeowners, hiring a gardener or landscaping company may be the answer to keeping your walkways beautiful. Whether you choose to keep it up yourself or hire a professional, the curb appeal that you and your neighbors will enjoy is invaluable.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.