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Every season, home design magazines publish consumer guides on how to maximize your outdoor deck and porch. Many homeowners follow these tips only to undo them a few months later .when new seasonal guidelines come into effect. At GTA Decks contractors, we like to do things differently, which is why we devised a full guide on how to prepare your deck for all the seasons. This collection of tips and tricks on how to take care of your porch should help you ensure that your deck will be in optimal...

Every season, home design magazines publish consumer guides on how to maximize your outdoor deck and porch. Many homeowners follow these tips only to undo them a few months later .when new seasonal guidelines come into effect.

At GTA Decks contractors, we like to do things differently, which is why we devised a full guide on how to prepare your deck for all the seasons. This collection of tips and tricks on how to take care of your porch should help you ensure that your deck will be in optimal condition all year round.

Equipping Your Deck for the Cold Season

Autumn is almost over, and the cold, nights of winter are looming on the horizon. You might be wondering about the best way to prepare your deck for the harsh weather to come. Also, you may fear that it’s too late to be equipping your outdoor additions for the cold season.

You will be glad to know that we have a solution for both of your dilemmas.

Let’s start with the most arduous of your fears, and let us assure you that it is not too late to prepare your deck for the cold days to come.

The first thing that you should do is use a top-quality sealer to protect the wood from low temperatures, ice, snow, and sleet. A new coating right before the first snow falls should enhance the deck’s resistance to the harsh weather conditions ahead. Generally, you should apply it in the first weeks of autumn, but it might not be too late, especially if you live in an area where the heavy precipitations don’t start until after Christmas.

Secondly, you should check the deck and its additions for any possible problems. Look for cracks and creases in the wood that you can fill up and seal. Inspect the gutters and the downspouts for potential clogging. Also, if your outdoor porch has windows, check for gaps that might need caulking. Remember to always use caulking or chinking when the outside temperature allows it.

Preparing Your Deck for the Warm Season

Our GTA Decks contractors recommend that you should treat the outdoor deck as a ramification of your interior space in the warm season.

Whether you have a wooden porch or a deck with aluminum railings, your outdoor addition should be the ideal gathering place for your family, friends, and other visitors. By using top-quality materials for sealing, staining, and decoration, you can turn your deck into a welcoming oasis of peace, safety, and entertainment for everyone.

Your deck should spell coziness and relaxation. So, when it comes to the ultimate materials that help you reach that standard, you can have your pick from Cedar, Teak, Mahogany, and a broad selection of composite materials that we can provide via our GTA Docks contractors.

The sealant that you have applied for the cold season should protect the porch against the cold showers in spring. During the hot, summer days, take the opportunity of the rainless days to apply a coating of nutritious oil to your deck. The drought can damage the wood, and without a protective layer, all of its natural oils may evaporate.

Do not be afraid to upgrade your deck to include the latest in outdoor furniture. Sometimes, you might need to overhaul the entire porch, and start again from scratch. However, that’s part of the beauty of owning an outdoor addition and being able to enhance its potential from time to time.

Maintain Your Deck All Year Round

A well-preserved deck is the pride and joy of every hardworking homeowner. When it is this easy to maintain it in optimal shape, it would be a pity not to invest the time, work, and necessary materials.

You can even perform additional steps year-round, like pressure-washing your deck or refinishing surfaces that have visible signs of wear and tear. Inspect your porch regularly and make sure that the gutters are not clogged. Look out for pests, bees, termites, and other insects that may build a nest at one of the joints.

An outdoor deck is a part of your home that requires frequent checkups and maintenance, but it is also the often subject of the most rewarding DIY projects. If you have questions about how to prepare your deck for all the seasons, our team of GTA Decks contractors will provide you with viable solutions and assist you every step of the way. Contact us TODAY for further information.

Original article: Preparing Your Deck for All-Season Use

©2020 Alternative Mindset. All Rights Reserved.

The post Preparing Your Deck for All-Season Use appeared first on Alternative Mindset.

If you want to improve your patio space, you might consider adding a porch swing or a glider to the area. Either way, the patio can be a great hangout place for your family and friends. Below is a discussion to help you decide which one to choose between a glider and a porch swing. Read on to help you beautify your patio the best way possible! Outdoor Glider An outdoor glider can either be a chair or a bench that has a horizontal motion when being rocked. This type of seating doesn’t require...

If you want to improve your patio space, you might consider adding a porch swing or a glider to the area. Either way, the patio can be a great hangout place for your family and friends. Below is a discussion to help you decide which one to choose between a glider and a porch swing. Read on to help you beautify your patio the best way possible!

Outdoor Glider

An outdoor glider can either be a chair or a bench that has a horizontal motion when being rocked. This type of seating doesn’t require too much space, and it’s easy to place anywhere, most especially in a roofless area. With glider swings for the patio, you don’t have to allot additional space because their actual size is what they only need to move. 

Another great thing about an outdoor glider is that it doesn’t leave marks on your floor since it has a standard casing wherein it glides. It would not harm your flooring, allowing you to keep it neat at all times. Along with this, outdoor gliders are a safer option since there are minimal chances that you’ll topple over because of the swing speed because they only slide back and forth horizontally. They’ll only stay in their position as you slide them. 

Porch Swing

Usually a crowd favorite, the porch swing allows people to swing with this type of seating. Kids would enjoy sitting on this chair, rocking themselves back and forth. 

Aside from being enjoyable, porch swings are more beautiful to look at and will add value to your patio. They also come in different designs, which means you can purchase one that complements your property’s existing theme.

A porch swing is suspended either by a rope or a chain to your ceiling, allowing the chair or bench to move back and forth in a swinging motion. As much as it’s beautiful to add to your porch, it might require bigger space since you have to consider its swinging capacity. If you want to ensure that it will be safe, especially to kids, you can allot a limited space to restrict the swinging. 

You could even create your porch swing. Just make sure that you hang it real tight and use sturdy materials for maximum safety. 

Main Differences

Listed below are the main difference between an outdoor glider and a porch swing to help you determine which is the best option for you: 

Choosing which one is the perfect choice for your patio depends on your preference and the requirements of your family. Most of the time, kids would prefer a porch swing over an outdoor glider as it’s more enjoyable to sit on. Along with this, it could also enhance the beauty of your porch.

On the other hand, outdoor gliders are the best option for those who are more prone to motion sickness, but would love to get some good motion. They’re also the preferred option among the elderly as they can easily hop on the bench without having to worry about falling over. Plus, the motion is just right and is something they control, allowing them to be more comfortable.

If you want a moving bench but have limited space, an outdoor glider is a perfect option for you as it doesn’t require any additional space. The whole space for the glider is what you all need to be able to move it back and forth. Unlike with a porch swing, you have to consider having a bigger area for better movement.

Buying Guide

When you’ve decided to purchase either an outdoor glider or a porch swing for your home, here are the things that you should consider before purchasing one:

• Materials – Before purchasing anything, you should check what your options are made of. They could be made of softwood, hardwood, aluminum, or HDPE lumber. Your final choice should really depend on your preference of stability and look. If your priority is the safety of everyone, hardwood is the best option for you as it’s the sturdiest among all choices, although it can be expensive. Aluminum, on the one hand, is lightweight and durable, making it a perfect pocket-friendly choice. However, since it’s lightweight, aluminum may not be ideal for windy areas. And, lastly, if you’re open to color variations, the HDPE lumber should work best for you.
• Size – You must check the size if it’ll fit your porch. Some seating options can be smaller than they would look in the catalogue. Always check the accurate size of the seating so you can be sure that it will fit perfectly on your porch.
• Reviews – It’s a must that you read reviews before purchasing something, most especially when buying online. You should check if it has positive reviews, which could indicate that the product is of high-quality.
• Style – Of course, you still have to decide which style would look best on your porch. Make this an open conversation with your family so that everyone’s would get to enjoy the purchase.

Conclusion

Whichever outdoor furniture you wish to have, make sure that you’re completely comfortable with your choice and that it suits everyone in your household. Not only that it should be the preferred choice of the majority in your household, but you also have to make sure that it could match your property’s outdoor design so that it won’t appear out of place. You could even match it with your theme when you’re decorating for fall or wintertime. 

You just have to take note of any safety hazards and have the porch swing or glider installed perfectly to avoid accidents and injuries. When purchasing either an outdoor glider or porch swing, double-check the materials used and if it’s something that will last you a long time. 

Original article: Outdoor Glider Vs Porch Swing: What Are The Main Differences?

©2020 Alternative Mindset. All Rights Reserved.

The post Outdoor Glider Vs Porch Swing: What Are The Main Differences? appeared first on Alternative Mindset.

A need to change a window glass appears not really often.  This specific skill might be requested if you experience a glass move in the frame or its damage.  You must be very careful and follow all safety precautions while performing window replacement work, since any carelessness may lead to dangerous cuts.  Moreover, glass is a very fragile material, so you are to be very attentive not to crack it. For safety reasons, please, wear thick gloves, and cover your window sill and floor with,...

A need to change a window glass appears not really often.  This specific skill might be requested if you experience a glass move in the frame or its damage.  You must be very careful and follow all safety precautions while performing window replacement work, since any carelessness may lead to dangerous cuts.  Moreover, glass is a very fragile material, so you are to be very attentive not to crack it.

For safety reasons, please, wear thick gloves, and cover your window sill and floor with, for example, cardboard layer.  They will protect the surfaces from possible scratches. 

For wooden frames before the start, be ready to have with you:

• new glass sheet;
• glass cutter;
• small hammer and nails;
• sealant;
• putty knife;
• scotch and tape measure;
• rags for cleaning.

The following steps complete the change project.

Old glass removal

If the glass is broken, you must first remove all the pieces, and fix the remaining ones with tape in the frame.  Then remove glazing beads and nails.  You might want to use the glazing beads the second time, so do all the work carefully in order not to damage them.  Please, take away remains of old sealant and clean all the dust and debris. 

How to perform correct dimensions taking and cutting process

Here you may consider the best two options:  either to prepare a regular cardboard template of the piece of glass you need or use a measurement tape to apply the needed dimensions directly on a canvas.  A template must be on few millimeters less from each side than the frame size.  Then you will need to transfer these dimensions to a new sheet.  Naturally, a horizontal surface is needed to cut the glass sheet.  You may cover it with any soft material for your convenience.

There are few types of glass-cutter you can use:

• roller:  the easiest, inexpensive, therefore popular.  The roller is manufactured from hard alloy to leave a mark on the glazing part, once moved on;
• diamond is mainly used by professionals.  This material is positioned on the top of the device to leave a scratch on a glass.  This is the handiest type.

Finally, make sure that you are feeling good, hands do not tremble and are able to draw a line with cutter through the whole glass sheet with slight pressure on it.  The most important in here is to do the whole procedure at a one line, neither tear it nor do the second above.  Otherwise, you can ruin everything.

The pieces won’t separate themselves, you need to break them apart.  For this, take the whole sheet to the edge of the table, and with gentle but strong move push on the piece you want to separate.  The better you do this, the less problems you will have with fixing the defects. 

New glass installation

Avoid any empties and holes between the glazing unit and its frame.  Apply the sealant on the frame before installing a new glass in it.  This will also allow the glass to expand once heated and to keep constructions tightness.  The sheet is fixed by glazing beads with the frame.

As we see, it is not a big deal to glaze single pane window.  The main steps to remember are: 

• follow safety precautions;
• treat fragile material correctly;
• take right dimensions;
• be careful and precise in cutting process. 

It is absolutely a different procedure to reglaze double glazed windows.  It is obvious that you will need to replace glazing unit in full, since it consists of two pieces of glass and a chamber in between, usually filled in with special gas for sound isolation and heat insulation reasons.

You need to dismantle an old unit firstly.  For this use putty knife, and gently place it under the glazing bead and try to move it slightly.  You will hear a specific click once done.  Remove the side beads first, then lower one and the last – the upper.  Take dimensions and order double glazing service at experienced company – Apex Window Werks.  Once the unit is ready, our technicians will deliver it to your residence and do installation works for you.  For safety reasons, it is recommended to perform installation works at least with one assistant.

To summarize, it is really nice to be a handy man, be able to help yourself and be aware of all the processes.  However, it is much better sometimes to trust the work with fragile materials to professionals.  Call Apex Window Werks now and order the service you need.  Be sure to receive the best service at a least time and at affordable cost.

Original article: How to Glaze Single Pane Window: Step by Step Guide

©2020 Alternative Mindset. All Rights Reserved.

The post How to Glaze Single Pane Window: Step by Step Guide appeared first on Alternative Mindset.

Rugs are one of the fashionable and pretty items in our homes. It is necessary to keep them in proper and clean state because it takes up so much space in our living rooms, that more often than not, it determines how the room looks. Therefore, it is necessary to take good care of them as well as keep them away from things, which can make them dirty very easily. In cases like rugs that are used very often and is practically impossible to clean them thoroughly every day, it is better to take care...

Rugs are one of the fashionable and pretty items in our homes. It is necessary to keep them in proper and clean state because it takes up so much space in our living rooms, that more often than not, it determines how the room looks.

Therefore, it is necessary to take good care of them as well as keep them away from things, which can make them dirty very easily. In cases like rugs that are used very often and is practically impossible to clean them thoroughly every day, it is better to take care not to let it get dirty.

Some of the things that make rugs dirty fast, and should be taken care of when considering clean and good-looking carpets are given below.

• Moisture and water: prolonged exposure to moist climate and or water is very bad for rugs, as it is for anything that is made of fibers. Therefore, if you live in an area that is climatically humid, it is better to dehumidify the rug regularly, as it is more practical and good for the life of rug rather than cleaning it occasionally.
• Moisture is also bad for the rug as wet and moist fibers are a good place for insects to make their nest and can cause health concerns if not taken care of immediately. They also multiply very rapidly and before you know it, they will be everywhere in your house.
•  It is very common in households to spread the rug once, and then leave it as it is. However, occasional vacuuming can help in keeping the upper layer of the rug clean, it is better to take out the rug completely and then rotate it under your furniture.
•  Another very dangerous threat to the rugs are pets. Cats and dogs have sharp claws and do different things that can harm the rug. Puppies tend to chew anything they get during their teething period. Rugs are a victim during that time as they are easily available and reaching to puppies.
• Cats on the other hand, can damage a rug beyond repair by heavy scratching with their sharp claws. It is very important to teach your pets not to get on the rug, if you do not wish to change your rug once every month.
• Other than these problems, pet urine, vomit and feces can cause devastating damage to the rug, and even if the stain is removed, the stench will never leave your room.

The above points are steps to avoid rug damage, and increase the life span of the rug. It is very likely that there will be mishaps even while taking the utmost care. So what to do when rugs do get dirty.

• Vacuum: vacuuming your rug weekly will prevent dirt build-up and pick up particles like dirt, dust and debris. Which are not visible to the eye, but will cause damage to the rug in due time.
• Immediate cleaning: Stains are very common, and it might so happen that you dirty the rug at one point. It is very important to clean the stain immediately; it will not only remove the visual stain but also help in removing the smell.
• There are many professional and homemade remedies and rug protector for stain cleaning available. Most of the times, it is easier to buy a cleaner from store as they are specialized in cleaning stains on rugs. But, if it is not in hand at the moment, an equal part mixture of vinegar, washing liquid and warm water should do the job.
• There are variety of rugs available in the market, and some of the new kind are washable. Try those the next time you are browsing a catalogue of rugs on your phone, or in the store ask for a washable one. They are made with detergent friendly fabric, and can make the cleaning of rug as easy as doing a load of laundry.

Original article: How should you protect your rugs?

©2020 Alternative Mindset. All Rights Reserved.

The post How should you protect your rugs? appeared first on Alternative Mindset.

Outdoor LED flood lights are designed explicitly for outdoors/exteriors of places that require an extra layer of security and safety at night. These places are backyards, front yards, fields, gardens, streetlights. In such areas, visibility and ambience are crucial, especially when the exterior is of some critical architecture piece. Outdoor LED floodlights to help with facade lighting, general lighting and searchlights. A flood light is a broad-beamed powerful light fixture to flood the area...

Outdoor LED flood lights are designed explicitly for outdoors/exteriors of places that require an extra layer of security and safety at night. These places are backyards, front yards, fields, gardens, streetlights. In such areas, visibility and ambience are crucial, especially when the exterior is of some critical architecture piece.

Outdoor LED floodlights to help with facade lighting, general lighting and searchlights.

A flood light is a broad-beamed powerful light fixture to flood the area with uniform bright light. The beam spread of flood  light is adjustable between 45 degrees to 120 degrees.

Factors to consider when choosing an outdoor floodlight fixture

For choosing a particular outdoor floodlight, a few specifications are taken into account:

Lumen output:

The brightness is measured in lumens. A minimum of 800 lumens is considered the standard brightness for the outdoor floodlight.

Climate:

 An IP64 rating works in mild climates. For extreme weather conditions, a higher rating of IP65 and IP66 works best.

Cost:

The cost of LED flood lights depends on the type of bulb used. LEDs are recommended for high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Mounting options

Electrical flood lights have hard-wired outlets, and they can be mounted on poles and walls by mounting brackets, which allow them to rotate about their axis.

Solar Powered: work best in places where sunlight is abundant to charge during the day and power throughout the night.

Battery-Operated: These flood lights are quite adaptable and, in most cases, portable, which means they can be mounted or used as searchlights. They have many applications other than just outdoor lighting due to this option.

Installation:

Floodlights usually come with specification and installation guides, which help save on labour cost and man other technicalities

Types of outdoor flood lights

Outdoor floodlights have various specifications that enable them to be used in cases where exterior or supplemental lighting is necessary. They can be categorized according to their design and multiple functions.

1. Security:

Security floodlights help ward off intruders, and they are equipped with features like a camera. Their lumen output is comparatively brighter for precise and efficient results.

2. Decorative

Decorative outdoor lights tend to have a sleek and modern touch to their structure; their design is premium and stylish to complement the aesthetics. They are just as efficient and available in varying lumen outputs. Despite the decorative flare, they are safety listed according to outdoor conditions.

3. Solar panel

Solar panel lights are charged through sunlight; they are super feasible to work in places where they are directly exposed to the heat and sunlight. They charge through solar energy during the day and light up at night. They are an efficient and very cost-effective choice of the fixture.

4. High tech

High tech lights have various integrative features which make the fixture even more compatible and functional to be used in outdoor settings. High tech refers to several LED flood lights that have enhanced functional features and are just as durable as security flood lights. They have integrated cameras, recording options, high lumen output and motion sensor integration. Some high tech lights also have RGB colours for setting mood and aesthetics.

5. Heavy duty

Heavy-duty flood light fixtures are compatible in harsh surroundings. They can withstand any weather condition. The lights have aluminum die-cast housing, which is scratch-free and corrosion-resistant. They have a glass lens, which is highly resistant and protects the lamp.

6. Portable

Portable flood lights are easy to carry around; they function as search lights and can be unmounted and taken anywhere when needed. They have rechargeable batteries, which are also replaceable. These lights serve best in outdoor events.

Conclusion:

Outdoor flood lights are designed specifically keeping in mind the compatibility requirements. These are highly resistant, durable fixtures suited for extreme weather conditions. Several options and their versatility enable the customer to choose from a wide range of reliable and just as efficient fixtures. Floodlights, in most cases, are a long term investment which needs consideration beforehand.

Original article: Outdoor LED floodlights to handle extreme weather conditions

©2020 Alternative Mindset. All Rights Reserved.

The post Outdoor LED floodlights to handle extreme weather conditions appeared first on Alternative Mindset.

Windows are not only an essential part of home aesthetics but have a practical use too. Deciding the right type of residential windows is critical for any homeowner. Identifying the design of the suitable window requires you to have basic knowledge about the common designs available in the market. Ecochoice windows can offer professional consultation about the selection of the right type. We are experienced door and window replacement service, providers. Our proven experience allows us to serve...

Windows are not only an essential part of home aesthetics but have a practical use too. Deciding the right type of residential windows is critical for any homeowner. Identifying the design of the suitable window requires you to have basic knowledge about the common designs available in the market. Ecochoice windows can offer professional consultation about the selection of the right type. We are experienced door and window replacement service, providers. Our proven experience allows us to serve our audience with the best installation and replacement services. 

Beyond the basic functions of providing ventilation and letting in the light, the right design of the window also adds value to your property. Some window types offer a broader view, while some are easy to open. So, here are some common types of residential windows available in the market. If you need installation and replacement services for any type of window, Eco Choice Windows specialists can offer you the desired results.

1. Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows

Two sashes are major components of this window type that move up and down vertically. You can open this window either from the bottom of the top. In both options, sashes remain inside the frame and don’t require any more space than the frame.

In single-hung windows, the top part of the window is fixed, and only the bottom part moves. Single-hung windows look similar to the double-hung window design but operate differently.

2. Casement Windows

If you need windows for your kitchen, then casement windows are the best options for your house. You can operate casement windows by the turn of a crank. There are simply opening and closing mechanisms used in casement windows, and you best-suitable for ventilation in the kitchen. This design was used in older construction projects, too but operating these windows was tough. With better material and a newer opening and closing mechanism, you can easily operate the new installations.

Casement windows are bigger in size and offer better ventilation and airflow. When you need plenty of natural light or sunshine in your space, a casement window is the best option.

3. Awning Windows

Awning windows are generally hinged at the top, and the outward opening mechanism allows the airflow from right, left, and bottom. The best way to install awning windows is to use with picture windows. Suppose you are thinking about installing awning windows over double-hung windows that are also a good idea. This window type is a great option for improved ventilation and adds more grace to your residential property. Installing awning windows require knowledge of certain techniques and experience. At Eco Choice Windows, we have experienced staff equipped with the right tools for the awning windows installation.

4. Picture Windows

When you need to enjoy the broader window and maximum natural light in your space, we highly recommend picture windows for such arrangements. These windows are more suitable for hilly areas with a great view where you want to bring outdoor, inside. You must know that picture windows don’t operate under any opening or closing mechanism as these are stationary widows. You cannot open or close picture windows. Any window that is larger in size can be considered as a picture window, but the most common type is a floor-to-ceiling window.

5. Transom Windows

This type of window can be stationary or operable and generally installed over the doors. The basic idea follows the design of awning windows.  Transom windows are installed in rooms and spaces where you need additional light. When architectural appeal and aesthetic values are needed, transom windows always serve the best.

6. Slider Windows

Slider windows are the most commonly used window type in residential projects. The opening and closing mechanisms are straightforward, where at least one operating window glides along a track. Modern house design engineers generally recommend slider windows for a modern feel. You can open windows to the right or left of the track.

7. Bay Windows

Bay windows are also known as bow windows. When you need more exterior space, bay windows are highly practical because they protrude out from the exterior. These windows have more to do with the construction of the house and the exterior design. If you want to install bay windows, make sure to get it done at the time of construction.

Original article: 7 Common Types and Designs for Residential Windows

©2020 Alternative Mindset. All Rights Reserved.

The post 7 Common Types and Designs for Residential Windows appeared first on Alternative Mindset.

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