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Archive for March, 2011

How to Clean Your Deck

Monday, March 28th, 2011

There are several acceptable methods to clean your deck. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. In order to determine the method that works for you, it is best to do some research.

This article outlines everything you need to know when it comes to deck cleaning.

One of the most popular tools for cleaning decks is the power washer. These tools come in many different shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit your needs. The power washers shoot a concentrated beam of water that mechanically agitates the surface of whatever it strikes.

Advantage: Power washers can be used to clean decks much faster than humanly possible when scrubbing. It saves time.

Disadvantage: The beam of water may be so powerful that it damages the wood itself.

One of the less popular, but still very effective forms of deck cleaning is the use of Oxygen Bleach. When you mix this with water, you make a deck-cleaning solution. This non-toxic cleaner soaks into the dry wood and the oxygen ions deep clean the wood by breaking apart dirt, algae and mildew molecules.

Advantage: Oxygen Bleach is safe for the environment. It will not harm any of the surrounding plants or animals.

Disadvantage: Elbow grease. You will exert a lot of energy when using this cleaner, which requires you to constantly be on your hands and knees scrubbing your deck to perfection.

Both are acceptable methods for cleaning your deck, but if you would rather leave this daunting task to the professionals, call TW Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

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Things to Consider When Building a Screened in Porch

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Do you want to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to deal with the hot summer sun, pesky bugs, or the chance of rain? Maybe you should consider installing a screened in porch.

But before you jump at the chance to host your very first cookout in your own outdoor oasis, there are many things to consider. This article outlines what you need to know before you get started.

First of all, what type of screen are you going to use?

Some newer screens allow for much greater visibility than older, thicker screening materials. It is also important to purchase screen that is UV resistant. Some synthetic screens will breakdown in the harsh ultraviolet rays.

The best thing you can do is plan. A poorly planned porch can be too small or may not last very long. Here are some aspects common in many high-quality screened porches:

  • They have vaulted ceilings
  • They are at least 14 feet wide and 17 feet long
  • They have generous overhangs that minimize rain from entering
  • They have indirect lighting that washes the ceiling with a soft glow of light at night
  • There are ample electric outlets for floor lamps, computers and possibly a television

Of course, the final decision is up to you. You are the one who has to be happy with the design and functionality of your porch. So tweak the plans and make this project your own.

For more design ideas or for any of your contracting needs, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-851-8335 or simply click here today!

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Beautify Your Home with a Screened Porch

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Are you trying to spruce up your home? Have you considered a screened porch?

No other room in the house is designed for pure pleasure like the screened porch. Its sole purpose is to capture cool breezes on a warm day while shielding you from the harsh rays of that hot summer sun.

Screened porches allow you to enjoy the outdoors from the privacy of your own home.

This article outlines what you need to know about screened porches before you take the next step in beautifying your home.

Do you like to entertain?

A screened porch is the perfect place to have that party or cookout you have always wanted. You can entertain your guests in this fun room without having to worry about bugs, rain, or heat. Screened porches are traditionally cooler than outside porches.

Best of all, you can get all of this without breaking the bank. A screened porch is great for that person looking for the perfect addition to their house while still adhering to a budget.

If you decide to add a screened porch to your home, the first thing you need to consider is size. How many people do you want to entertain at a time? What sort of furniture will you be putting in your porch?

A great way to get that perfect fit is to measure your space. Try roping off your desired area. Is it big enough or do you need a few more feet of space?

Once you have your size figured out, it is time to focus on design. Most screened porches are add-ons, but you want them to fit in with the overall design of the house.

Consider roof pitch, materials, texture, and color.

Do you want a wooden porch or aluminum or vinyl? It is important to realize that wooden porches require more upkeep.

Once you have designed your screened porch, it is time to start looking at the little details. How many outlets will you need? What sort of lighting will you use? How will your screened porch affect the rest of your house? Your new porch may block some of that natural light you once relied on in your home.

The key to the perfect screened porch is planning. So take your time and make sure you do it right the first time around.

Now all you have to do is get started. It will take an estimated 160 man-hours to build a screened porch.

For more information on how to get started, contact T.W. Ellis General Contractor at 1-800-851-8335 or by clicking here today!

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Tips on Cost Effective Remodeling for the Spring

Friday, March 11th, 2011

With spring just around the corner, homeowners are starting to think about remodeling.  Especially in this economy, they want to do it affordably. As this article states there are some thrifty ways to make some changes to your home.

The piece states, “As the average age of the typical American home reaches 30, homeowners are facing the need to remodel their home but are intimidated by the costs of major remodeling in today’s current market,” said Bob Franco, vice-president, Exterior Systems Business, Owens Corning.  “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spent $143 billion on home maintenance, repairs, renovations and repairs in 1999 (the most recent year available).  This spring, homeowners want to improve their living environment while keeping costs down.”

 

Here are some spring improvement projects that can be done affordably and also save you money:

 

Add a layer of insulation to your attic.  One of the easiest ways to cut energy costs is to insulate your attic. As a general rule, if you have less than 12 inches of insulation then you probably need more.

 

Check winter roof damage.  This winter was very brutal in parts of the country. Be sure to check your roof for tearing or curling. Repair holes or damage that you see. By repairing these things early, you will save money.

 

Check gutter systems for proper drainage. Over the winter your gutters can get clogged with leaves, sticks, ice, water and dirt. Be sure to clean out your gutters. This will help you in the future because it will prevent draining problems for the next coming year.

 

Change your furnace filters.  You will improve your furnace efficiency by regularly changing your filters. It helps your appliances work better and makes your bills lower.

 

For any of your spring renovation needs contact T.W. Ellis General Contractor at 1-800-851-8335 or by clicking here today!

 

 

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Floor Heating Brings Warmth to your Home

Friday, March 4th, 2011

During these frigid winter months there is nothing worse than setting foot onto your cold floor in the morning. According to this article, a floor-heating program can help this never happen in your home. Underfloor heating is quickly gaining popularity for many reasons. It has become efficient and fairly reasonable priced for many homes.

Electric floor heating can be used almost anywhere in your home. Living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms are all spaces that could use the floor heat. Any of your rooms would be improved with floor heating, but they would have no cosmetic changes (since all of the system is underneath the floor).

As the article explains, “This sort of program makes use of electrical pads and cables under the floor. These cables can be heated up as a result of electricity right after installation. There can even be rolls of sheets that can be set up below the floor so that the entire room can be heated up through radiant heat.” Besides saving you space in your rooms, floor heating also saves you money.

The systems are developed with efficiency in mind. Underfloor heat has proven to save energy and thus save you money on your energy bill. Besides all of these benefits, floor heat needs little to no upkeep or maintenance. Once the devices are installed you should not have to touch them or worry about them for years.

For more information on floor heating systems or any of you contracting needs contact T.W. Ellis General Contractor by clicking here or by dialing 1-800-851-8335.

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