So many of us have decks, flat roofs, balconies and porches that are done like everyone else in the valley. For years a wood plank deck was the thing to do, mainly because it is the least expensive. Soon the excitement of the new deck turns into a annual maintenance and repair headache. The resulting costs and time can be frustrating and replacement is inevitable.
What's the next best thing? You can get the same general appearance of a wood deck by using composite materials. These are easy to come by from name brands or even the local Home Depot and Lowe's for the do it yourself-er. The problem is the same but you have bought some time: the wood supports and trusses are rotting. True the composite materials are waterproof and they will not rot. They will fade, can splinter, stain or discolor and water will leak through them just like the old deck. Again to by some time pressure treated wood can be used or required and the chemicals that are used will add a little time. While those chemicals are being washed into the ground over the years they to will begin to rot and need to be replaced.
Both of these and others may be the "popular" thing but what do they do for the resale value of your home? Do you look at the decks, flat roofs, balconies and patios that are in need of repair as investments for your home? Will the products you choose add value to your home?
Just for a minute think of these areas as outdoor living space, not much different than your living room or family room. Would like to have an area that can provide you with the opportunity to entertain and relax while taking advantage of our awesome Utah views? With the more than twenty Duradek colors and designs any outdoor area can be converted to a long lasting, low maintenance entertaining area. Unlike the previous decks this meets code as a roofing membrane so go ahead and take advantage of the space underneath. Storage? Now you have the space. Place for the hot tub so you don't get cold water dripping on you? Perfect. Get all the stuff out of the garage so you can use it for the car. Great idea. This is where your investment begins to pay off. Now the area underneath become usable space, completely dry and ready for you to take advantage of however you like. By using this process you have made excellent use of your time and money so have some friends and family over and entertain them in your new outdoor living area. While they are wowed with the changes you made you can relax knowing that your annual maintenance will be a with a hose washing of the deck. Don't worry about the snow and freeze thaw; rock salt, ice melt, shovel it, no problem.
Now you are thinking about the cost of something like this. It's OK we think about it too. The old fashion wood deck would be the least expensive and you can do it yourself. The composite materials are more expensive and again if you think your up to it you can do it yourself. The same area done with a membrane which offers you so much more has a material cost that would be less than the do it yourself composite choice! BUT, this is not a do it yourself project. Only professional company trained installers are used. You are no longer simply building a deck area you are investing in your home, most will agree this is not the time to try and cut the initial amount you spend. Doing it the right way the first time will provide you with well over a decade of use and you are saving the annual repair and maintenance cost of wood decks.
When was the last time you walked outside sat down and relaxed with no deck worries?
When was the last time you walked outside sat down and relaxed with no deck worries?
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