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Month: December 2022

Categories
Backyard Decks Gazebos Outdoor Structures

5 Reasons You Should Get Deck Covers Installed if You Live in Canada

What Are Deck Covers?

Deck covers can take an exposed outside area and provide shade, shelter, protection and style. They can be constructed of various materials, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic, with some being custom-built while others are pre-fabricated. 

You can choose one to fit over a pre-existing deck or to enhance a custom deck you may be constructing along with the help of your designer and deck contractor. 

You may have opted for a wooden deck, or have a composite deck surface, or you may simply have a concrete flat patio area where you are considering adding this feature. The main purpose of installing a deck cover is to prevent water from entering the space between deck boards, which can cause damage to the underlying structure and even cause structural failure. However, deck covers can serve as basic a purpose as providing shade or being an accent piece which is aesthetically pleasing and suits the look and feel you want. 

A deck cover can be an essential piece of equipment for an outdoor space for the simple reason of longevity, preventing damage and reducing maintenance costs over time. In particular, if you have a wooden deck, damage from natural elements is a concern and quite an important consideration, whether you live near the beach or on a country property in Canada. Both scenarios come with their own elemental maintenance concerns. 

Deck covers can offer protection against wind, rain, snow, heat, bugs, and other weather conditions. They also provide privacy, prevent dirt from accumulating, and can provide other opportunities to really make your outdoor space reflect your own personality and tastes. 

However, not every type of deck cover does all of these so consider your reasons for wanting a deck cover installed and consider which type will meet your needs.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should get a deck cover installed if you live in Canada.

1. Protect Your Deck (And You!)

Living in Canada has its pros and cons. While we enjoy those long summer days and can even appreciate those calm rainy days, or a beautiful wintery snowfall, it’s important to protect your deck from not only harsh weather conditions but the cumulative effect of even those milder sunny days over time. 

Whether your deck is exposed to sun, rain, wind, or an abundance of snow, these natural elements can severely damage your deck and other types of outdoor furniture.

This is where deck covers come into play.

A deck cover protects your deck, furniture and guests from harmful UV rays, it can provide shelter from the rain, block out the wind, and keep snow from settling on your deck. They can also provide protection from insects and other pests.

Speaking of protection, MDT also shared 8 essential deck maintenance tips for fall and winter in this blog if you’re interested. 

3. Keep Your Deck Cool (And Your Home!)

Once summertime comes around, odds are you and your family will be spending more and more time outside in fairly hot weather. Canada’s summers can be as warm as the tropics on certain days. On average, the warmest province in Canada is Ontario. 

They get hotter summers than BC, so although the winter days might be colder, their summer days are hotter and, as temperatures rise, so does the need for air conditioning. 

The good news is adding a deck cover can not only protect your deck (and skin) from extreme sunlight and heat, it also results in a cooler deck. Even better, it can provide a structure for you to pop in a ceiling fan or corner fan to further cool down the area. 

The best news is that this cooling effect can actually transfer to your home! By breaking the effect of direct sun on your home’s walls and windows, the temperature inside the house can be moderated somewhat, which means you can save on energy bills. Another saving can come from the fact that if the family is comfortable outside, that means fewer people indoors running fans or the AC. 

3. Improve the Aesthetics of Your Outdoor Living Space (And Get Creative!) 

Not only do covered decks provide protection from natural elements and a cooling effect but they also allow you to transform your backyard into a beautiful outdoor living space. Given the variety of shapes, styles, sizes, and materials you can choose from, you can get really creative and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. 

motorised louvered pergola

Maximise the look of your outdoor space with a motorised louvered pergola. With a touch of a remote, your world will be transformed. The louvered roof allows or blocks the sun, can open completely, allowing full sun and breeze, and keeps out rain or snow when in the closed position. They can be adjusted to meet your exact preferences. Enjoy more views of the outdoors with a stylish, functional design. 

Or a transparent roof covering to protect against the rain while still being able to view the stars at night? Or a modern sleek design with recessed lighting to enhance the architectural style of your home? Maybe you’re a little more bohemian and would like a pop of colour with an accent wall all strung with fairy lights. 

Creating a covered area to enjoy a meal, have a glass of wine by an outdoor fireplace, or show off your expertise if you’re a Grill Master are all great for social butterflies, while simply designating an area to house your plants and a hammock for the perfect nap may be more your speed. These are only a few ideas of the enhancements that a deck cover can offer, your imagination is all it takes. 

Looking for some backyard inspiration? Here are some other backyard oasis ideas that will transform your outdoor space. 

4. Add Value to Your Home (And Life!) 

Installing a deck cover can definitely allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces more, however, it not only improves your enjoyment and the aesthetics of your outdoor living space, it can also increase the value of your home. 

By customising your deck and the cover for your deck, you can increase your home’s resale potential, giving you good reason beyond your own immediate comfort to install a deck cover as an addition to your house. 

For the same reasons mentioned above, for those looking to buy a home, aesthetic appeal, maintenance costs, and lowered energy bills are all great selling features, as is an outdoor living space in general. 

The main thing to remember is that covers should complement your home’s exterior style which means you should choose a design that complements the architectural character of your home. The best part is that you will get to enjoy it in the meantime while knowing your home has just increased in value with this one addition. 

If you’re not sure what your vision is yet, consulting with expert deck builders can help you to transform your backyard into a functional yet beautiful outdoor living space. 

5. Enjoy Your Deck All Year (Day or Night!)

Enjoying the outdoors can be difficult when you live in a country like Canada. With more than half of the year consisting of unpredictable weather, it’s tempting to stay indoors. So, if you want to enjoy your patio or deck space all year round, consider adding a deck cover to your backyard space.

That way you can truly enjoy spending time in your outdoor oasis relaxing with a book during the evenings, spending quality time with your loved ones, or hosting dinner parties under the stars (and built-in lighting) with the protection of a covered deck, no matter the time of year. 

Just make sure to choose the cover that suits your activities, whether it’s keeping out the bugs in June, keeping warm in winter, or minimizing all those pesky falling leaves in fall that can affect your deck and are a pain to sweep. 

Better yet, discuss features and elements to include in your cover like retractable blinds, cooling fans, heaters, screens and lighting to ensure you can enjoy your deck day or night, no matter the weather or time of year. Whether you’re looking for a simple or custom design, our team can help you choose the perfect cover for your deck. Contact Mississauga Decks & Trim to discuss your project today.

Categories
Deck Building Decks

Pros and Cons of Building a Cedar Deck for Your Home

There are many benefits to building a cedar deck for your home. You can use it as an outdoor patio, or you could use it as the main floor of your home. It’s also a great way to show off your assets and make a statement. 

However, there are some important things you need to consider before beginning this project. 

Key Factors to Consider 

Tips for Building Custom Decks

When building a custom deck, there are a few key things to consider. Your new deck should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:

Read this blog on Things to Consider When Building a Deck for more information. 

Deck Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your custom deck, there are a few key things you don’t want to forget.

For example, decks should be kept clean and free of wet leaves and debris as they can eventually cause mould growth and damage your deck. 

Another deck maintenance tip is to look into deck waterproofing to protect your deck from all types of weather, especially during the colder months of the year.  

Read more about Mississauga Decks & Trim’s 8 essential deck maintenance tips for fall and winter here. 

Now let’s get into the pros and cons of building a cedar deck. 

Pros of Building a Cedar Wood Deck

  1. Naturally beautiful and aesthetically pleasing
  2. Environmentally-friendly 
  3. Lightweight material that is easy to use 
  4. Sound 
  5. Resistant to varying temperatures and weather conditions 
  6. Naturally resistant to insects 
  7. Tends to last longer than most woods as it naturally resists rot/ decay

Cons of Building a Cedar Wood Deck

  1. Can be more expensive than other materials 
  2. Requires regular maintenance 
  3. Can be easily scratched by heavy furniture 

Final Thoughts

Building a versatile and durable cedar deck can be a great way to create a beautiful backyard oasis for you and your family to enjoy.

Overall, there are way more pros than cons of cedar decking. 

However, you may want to consult a professional deck-building company in Mississauga to help you with your new deck project.

So what are you waiting on? Contact Mississauga Decks & Trim (MDT) to start building the custom deck of your dreams today!

Categories
Decks

When Should You Replace Your Deck? Here are 6 Warning Signs

So you’re noticing some potential issues with your deck and wondering, when should you replace your deck? 

Maybe it’s getting old and rickety or discoloured. There may be cracks in the wood or perhaps your railings are starting to come a little loose. 

Heck, maybe it’s all of the above. 

Unfortunately, no deck lasts forever. The weather is bound to take its toll over time. 

We know that deck replacement can be quite a process, even if the only aesthetic change is to the type of material you’ve chosen to roll with this time around. 

You may even be wondering if you should repair or replace your deck. 

In this blog, we’re going to go through 6 warning signs that it’s time for a brand new custom deck and some key tips on the best ways to get it installed. 

1. Wood rot and degradation

Wood rot on your deck isn’t too hard to spot but it can be one of the most detrimental factors when it comes to the condition of your deck. Wood rot originates from microbes eating up the fibers in wood that provide its rigidity. 

These microbes spread quickly, and the wood rot will come along with it. If you don’t spot it quickly, it can rapidly eat away at your deck. Once it spreads, chances are you’re going to need an entirely new deck installation.

To spot wood rot, check for darker patches, soft and spongy wood, or cracked wood that crumbles when dry. There are plenty of other signs, so make sure to cover all your bases. 

Of course, if you’ve got a PVC or composite deck, you don’t need to worry about that. So you may want to consider replacing your wood deck with a low-maintenance material.

Read more about the difference between PVC vs composite decking here. 

2. Loose railings

Though having loose railings might not always mean that you need to entirely replace your deck, it can coincide with other problems that you should be on the lookout for. For one, safety is always key, so making sure all those loose parts are tightened up is important. 

But loose railings can also be a sign of poor handy work or over-exposure to harsh weather conditions, wearing away at the base of your railing. 

Either way, depending on the scale of the problem, a full-on deck replacement might be required. Loose railings can be the difference between a $20 and a $2000 fix so you want to make sure to inspect them properly. 

3. Bad post conditions

If your posts are made of wood, check them for wood rot the same way you would with your deck boards. 

Your posts are what hold up the majority of the weight of your deck, and provide structural integrity. 

If they’re soft or decaying, the stability of your deck could be on its last legs which is a safety hazard for you and your family. Issues with posts can often lead to needing a completely new deck. 
Click here if you need help finding a high-quality deck builder in Mississauga.

If the posts look like they’re rotting away, we highly recommended that you replace your deck as soon as possible and refrain from using it until a professional deck builder can help you replace it. 

If the issue is less serious, like water pooling around the base of the post, speak to a deck builder about how you can divert water away from the base.

4. Rust on your deck

Another effect the weather can have on your deck is the way that it can rust whatever metal parts you may have used. From nails and screws to larger fixtures beneath your deck, replacing or repairing any rusted fittings will increase the longevity of your deck. 

It’s especially important to check up on any rust if your deck is older, around 15-20 years old.

5. Deck is detaching from your home

One of the more obvious indicators of necessary repair to a deck is on its ledger board. The ledger board is the part that connects your deck to your home. 

The deck may start to detach from your house, in which case a big repair may be in order. Many environmental factors can play a role in the separation of the ledger board from your home, so if you live in a region with heavy snowfall, keep an eye on it. 

6. Your deck is getting old  

The older your deck, the more likely it is that all of the issues we discussed earlier will occur. Wear and degradation happen over time. 

A general rule of thumb is to get your deck professionally inspected after about 5-6 years. If you live in a place like Canada with extremely cold temperatures, checking it more frequently is recommended. 

We at Mississauga Decks & Trim offer a 10-year workmanship warranty on all of our decks so you can feel secure knowing that your structure is safe and sound.

Things to consider when replacing your deck

Although it can be more costly, PVC or composite decks tend to last longer than natural wood decks. 

Mississauga Decks and Trim offers low-maintenance materials that come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 25 years to a lifetime. The main benefit is that you don’t have to worry about water, bugs, and other external issues potentially damaging your deck.

If you still want a wood deck, consider heat-treated Ash, or exotic hardwoods like Ipe, Garapa, and Cumara. Ipe especially is known for its durability and can last for over 75 years without rotting.

So when should you replace your deck? When there’s wood rot and degradation, loose railings, bad post conditions, rust on your deck, your deck is detaching from your home, or when your deck is getting old.

Now that you know the 6 warning signs that it’s time for a new deck, you may want to schedule a consultation with an expert deck builder in Mississauga. 
Contact Mississauga Decks & Trim (MDT) today to find out how we can help you either repair or replace your deck!

Categories
Backyard

5 Benefits of Using Helical Pile Posts

If you’re wondering whether you should use helical pile posts for your deck, fence, or some other structure, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this article, we’re going to go through what helical piles are, their benefits, and how we at MDT use them to build various outdoor structures. 

What are Helical Piles?

Helical piles, also known as screw anchors or screw piles are empty tubes of steel that anchor deep down into the ground and help structures stay balanced.

Their main purpose is to provide foundational support for all types of structures, regardless of their shape, size, and weight. 

Helical piles have been used for over 100 years in heavy-duty construction projects around the world, including open sea structures, large dams, interstate highway systems, power plants, aqueducts, and massive cross-continental electrical transmission systems. 

This method of building was first witnessed in 1830 and has been used in a variety of industries including oil, gas, mining, and renewable energy enterprises.

With the introduction of this lighter, environmentally friendly, and more durable material used for commercial and industrial structures, it was only a matter of time before the helical pile became available to the individual homeowner for residential structures. 

Given their various advantages, screw anchors have revolutionized the decking industry in particular when building outdoor structures like decks, patios, and fences.

Let’s dive into what those advantages are.

Benefits of Using Helical Pile Posts

1. Fast and Easy Installation

One significant advantage of using helical piles in the decking industry is the ease and speed of installation. 

Scew piles are installed using a hydraulic machine that torques the pile into the ground so there is little to no mess, and installation time is shorter compared to other anchoring and foundation methods.

While concrete requires hardening, you can load screw piles immediately after installation and you don’t have to wait for city inspectors to complete on-site reviews. Engineered reports can be provided easily via torque readouts recorded on-site by the machine.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Another advantage of techno posts helical piles is their environmental friendliness. Given they are not easily damaged by harsh environmental factors, they can last for several decades. 

Since the installation process is simple and doesn’t require heavy-duty equipment, there is no concern about vibration. 

Helical piles leave no impact on the site as they can easily be removed and reused in other applications. Plus, they do not require any upkeep or cleanup which eliminates long-term costs.

3. Large Load-Bearing Capacity

A common misconception about helical piles is that they have low load-bearing capacities and can’t bear large loads compared to concrete and other anchoring methods used in decking. This is absolutely not true.

Helical pile techno posts are strong and have high load-bearing capacities, depending on application specifications. This capacity can also be increased by installing larger helical plates.

4. Not Weather-Specific

Most anchoring methods are weather-dependent, but screw piles can be installed in any type of weather. This is a big advantage for site engineers, as they don’t have to wait until certain temperatures are reached to start construction. 

There’s also no need to worry about frost heaving as most building companies like MDT use heavy-duty polyethylene sleeves specially designed to prevent posts from being affected by ground movement.

5. High-Quality Material

In an era where many companies choose to use low-quality raw materials to reduce costs, it’s important to ask your building contractor where their raw materials are coming from.

At MDT, our helical piles are characterized by their high-quality steel. They are manufactured using structural steel according to ASTM A500 grade C, CAN/CSA-G40.21-98, and CSA W47.1 standards. 

Their design allows for maximum use of soil capacity. They have been load tested according to ASTM-D1143 and ASTM-D3689 standards in several types of soils around the world.

MDT builds always exceed building code requirements, so even with the sound incorporation of helical posts, our posts include a heavy-duty polyethylene sleeve to combat frost heaving in the depths of winter and each unit comes with a 75-year warranty.

MDT’s customized approach includes utilizing premium materials for every project. We use helical piles to guarantee the overall longevity of our custom decks and any additional features we build for your outdoor living space.  

Now that you know exactly what helical pile posts are and their benefits, it’s time to find a building contractor to create your outdoor structure using the best materials. Reach out to Mississauga Decks & Trim today to learn more about the services we offer.

Categories
Decks Railings

Top 7 Privacy Screens For Deck Railing Ideas

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These top 7 privacy screens for deck railing ideas will ensure you get the freedom to truly enjoy your home to the fullest, after all, you built that new deck, pool, or pergola to maximize the use of your outdoor spaces.

Deck railings are essential elements of outdoor decks. They provide safety and security to the area around the deck as well as creating a pleasing aesthetic as a finishing touch to the area. 

Homeowners should definitely focus on features like railings as an integral part of their overall design right from the get-go. 

A feature many should consider when factoring in which railing to choose to enhance their design is a privacy screen. A deck even a few feet above the ground or a raised swimming pool area can make a difference between your activities being visible by those on the road by your home or your neighbours. 

Screening a section of your outdoor area can serve other functions as well from minimizing street noise to creating a section as a stand-alone feature which can frame a barbecue, a small sitting area or even a mini garden. 

An additional bonus is that a privacy screen in certain materials can be utilized to minimize the impact of the sun at certain points of the day and even act as a windbreak. 

Privacy screens can easily be incorporated into many types of deck railings available on the market today. The type of material you choose depends on the purpose of the deck railings,  some of which include wood, aluminum, steel, and composite materials. 

You can easily work with your designer to choose which privacy screen will suit you best and how it will work with any of these materials. 

1. Tall Horizontal Privacy Screen for Maximum Coverage

For maximum privacy, a long, tall privacy screen is preferred by some homeowners, allowing them to use their deck whenever they like. A big horizontal screen like this is a great option for them to have to maximize the use of their space for any purpose.

You can use this addition to hide your deck from nearby neighbors and passersby. It won’t inhibit airflow and will allow for some light to get through.

This painted screen exemplifies how a bold color can elevate your backyard and become an accent piece for your outdoor deck. The predominant use of grey lends a sleek, modern look to the entire deck in this particular layout.

The rail and the privacy screen appear to be one uninterrupted element, as seen from behind because the whole thing is designed to work together seamlessly.

2. Framed Lattice Privacy Screen with Plant Trellis or Potted Plants for a Private Oasis

A framed lattice is a great addition to the design of a privacy screen when you are looking for a lighter touch with great airflow. It’s a cheap and fairly easy way to make the area look better overall. Aside from that, it may also be installed on or beneath the deck railing without requiring major construction.

A framed lattice is a great addition to the design of a privacy screen when you are looking for a lighter touch with great airflow. It’s a cheap and fairly easy way to make the area look better overall. Aside from that, it may also be installed on or beneath the deck railing without requiring major construction.

Some framed lattices can act as a trellis to support either creeping plants (real or fake!) or hanging potted plants to soften the feel and create additional privacy without restricting a pleasant breeze. place some more potted plants on the floor or on stands and you end up with an inexpensive mini oasis. 

The contrasting aesthetic isn’t limited to the screen, either. The deck as a whole can benefit from a screen’s presence in the railing design. By pairing it with the flooring tone in a complimentary but different hue,  it can also create an interesting visual highlight and draw the eye to designated featured elements creating a look and feel of a shady welcoming area on a sunny deck.

3. Composite Materials Privacy Screen for Low Maintenance 

Vinyl, composite and PVC materials can be used beyond the scope of decking and stairs. They are used for railings and other features as well such as privacy screens for the same reason you may choose them for the rest of your deck build. They are hard-wearing, long-lasting and low-maintenance and many come with excellent warranties.

If you aren’t told it may be understandable why you may even mistake these privacy screens for a natural wood deck feel and finish giving those who have always dreamed of a luxurious wooden deck the best of both worlds. 

4. Privacy Screen with Built-in Flower Beds

A screen can be custom-built out of various materials to incorporate built-in elements, one of these is flower beds. As a way to edge an outdoor area while creating delineated spaces, a privacy screen can be erected and constructed with built-in flower boxes to contain plants. Plants can both enhance an area by softening lines, create a green space which is known to enhance our health both mentally and physically, or simply add a pop of colour to an area with more muted colours. 

You can create low flower beds with perennials for a soft frame or even plant shrubbery which can grow a few feet higher and create the feel of a living green wall edged by the privacy screen. 

In spite of the fact that these plants can perform the job of a privacy screen, the privacy screen creates a controllable framework that ensures there are no gaps and you can even further enhance the aesthetic appeal by adding decorative stones and lighting, which a constructed privacy screen will allow. 

5. Exotic Hardwood Privacy Screen for Individual Design and Value

There’s more to this material than just its beautiful aesthetic. Quality and longevity are further benefits to going with durable exotic hardwood. It can be more expensive to install but provides excellent value over other natural wood choices.

If your design for your privacy screen or space is particular or the area you are installing it in has unique attributes, working with wood allows for a fantastic custom-built environment.

If you use an exotic wood for the privacy screen, incorporating it into your deck railing for a seamless look and feel will enhance your outdoor area.

An intriguing design can be created and customized including other featured elements, such as this divider made of reed panels that you can set up along your deck railing for extra seclusion, while the contrast highlights the beauty of the exotic hardwood

The look and feel of real wood, especially and exotic one, together with the option for staining to bring out the rich grain, create an excellent option for adding a natural and tropical feel to your deck.

6. Privacy Screen with Built-in Wooden Bench to Maximize your Outdoor Space

Another feature that can be installed and built into a privacy screen is seating. This design element can add various benefits to your use of the area. Adding seating of course first and foremost can maximize the use of the space by allowing more seating to accommodate more people in an area where too many chairs could look cluttered. 

Built-in benches and seating can also make a privacy screen simply more aesthetically pleasing and can be built in along with other elements like fold-down mini tables or planter boxes. 

However, the design of the seating itself can serve yet another purpose by having the seats be boxes with lids which can be raised to provide additional outdoor storage space for items like gardening tools, items for a barbecue or grill or even just storage for the cushions for the seats themselves. 

7. Privacy Screen with Covered Area for Comfort and Enjoyment All Year

After investing so much time, effort and money into your outdoor deck it would be nice to be able to make use of it as much as possible. While a privacy screen can be one stand-alone element, several of them can be incorporated to section off a part of your outdoor space and even incorporate an awning or covered pergola element. 

It can be very minimal or more elaborate to create a covered area with protection from the sun, wind, rain or even the cold with a heating lamp throughout the year. 

Now that you’ve gone through our top 7 privacy screens for deck railing ideas, you may have a better sense of what you’re looking for. So contact Mississauga Decks & Trim to discuss how we can build the ideal privacy screen for your deck railing! 

If you’re still not sure what you’re looking for, check out our website for more information or contact us to discuss these and other ideas. 

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