Winterize Your Deck Composite or Wood

Winterizing Your Composite or Wood DeckIt’s that time of year again where the weather is getting colder and we have to start thinking about winterizing our composite or wood decks. Especially in the harsh Michigan Winters, deck owners have to make sure to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the longest life for composite and wood decking. But what is the best way to winterize your deck?

How To Winterize Your Deck

  • Clean your deck before Winter arrives.

By cleaning your deck before the snow starts accumulating, you can avoid the hassle of removing long-standing dirt and grime from your deck when the snow melts in the Spring. If you leave dirt on your deck, especially wood, for long periods of time then you risk discoloration and stains on the decking.

  • Inspect your deck for any weaknesses.

Make sure that you check your deck for any weaknesses before the first snowfall. If you have loose screws, lifting boards, or any cracks, heavy snows and extra pressure could make the problem much worse. Call Miles Bradley to get a free estimate before the deck sustains real damage.

  • Trim tree branches that hang over your deck. 

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you trim your overhanging tree branches before a bad storm hits, you have no chance of sustaining damage to your deck from a heavy branch cracking and falling on it. This is a simple precaution that could save you lots of money.

  • Consider removing furniture from the deck.

You may want to relocate your furniture to the attic or a shed during the Winter. This will protect the furniture’s quality and keep it in its best condition for the Spring. Also, it will prevent rust spots and mildew from forming on the decking surrounding the furniture.

For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us! As your trusted local deck builder, we are happy to address any concerns that you may have about winterizing your composite or wood deck.

How To Maintain A Trex Deck In The Fall

Maintain a Trex Deck This Fall

Fall is the perfect time to perform deck maintenance. Not only is the weather much cooler than the Summer weather but it is also the perfect time to perform safety checks before the Winter. Trex decking is incredibly low-maintenance and also hassle-free! Caring for Trex decks is extremely easy, especially in the Fall. Only occasionally do you have to perform any maintenance. Here are a few simple tips on how to maintain your Trex deck in the Fall. 

Simple Maintenance Tips To Maintain Your Trex Decking

  • Avoid Standing Water. Standing water can cause the Trex material to fade or even weaken over long periods. Make sure that any excess water is drained or cleaned off before it can cause any lasting damage to your deck.
  • Sweep Regularly. Items left on your deck for long periods can discolor the planks. Especially in the Fall when the leaves are falling constantly. Be sure to sweep regularly or whenever you see stray leaves on your Trex deck.
  • Clean out your gutters. If the gutters get too full, water can drip and overflow onto the deck. Furthermore, you want to make sure that the gutter drain does not flow onto the Trex planks. This can cause color fading and material discoloration over time.

Why Should You Get Trex Decking?

Trex decking is a hassle-free, low-cost, and eco-friendly decking material. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex planks contain special three-sided shell protection. This allows the planks to retain their beautiful look for many years in the color of your choice.

Here at Miles Bradley, our distinguished installers are experienced and certified Trex Platinum Contractors. We know how to install Trex and make it look its best. To get your new deck installed, contact us today and request a free quote. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Can You Put A Fire Pit On Trex Composite Decking?

Can You Put A Fire Pit On Trex Composite Decking?

While enjoying the outdoors on your new Trex Composite Deck, you may think you would like a fire pit on the deck.  So the question becomes, can you put a fire pit on your composite deck? Well, the answer is a little muddy. First, you should never put a fire pit directly on your deck with no protection. The heat alone can warp the decking materials as well as embers can burn the deck as well.

Trex decking can soften at about 176 degrees Fahrenheit so you have to very cautious about the size of your fire. In addition, never install the firepit directly on top of the deck.  A gas type fire pit is a much better option than a wood-burning one

Composite Deck Fire Pit On Trex Safety Steps

If you are determined to add a fire pit to your deck try to keep some of this advice in mind.  Make sure under the firepit you install fire-resistant material for the pit to rest on. Insulated walls of stone or other types of materials are used to prevent heat from escaping. Deck Protect is another product that is used to prevent fire damage to your deck. Also, you can have a new custom-built deck that encompasses the fire pit and does not have the fire pit directly on the deck.

At Miles Bradley, we custom build low-maintenance composite decks all the time and we can accommodate your needs. While it is not highly recommendable to put a large fire pit on your composite deck. With careful planning and the right type of materials and fire pit, it can be done. Call us today at 248-478-8660 in the Detroit area or 847-920-7601 in the Chicago area. Finally, we can answer any questions you have about Trex composite decks and your options.

In Need Of More Outdoor Storage?

Outdoor Storage and a Dry Place

When it comes to entertaining guests and storing your outdoor equipment, more outdoor storage is a necessity. Between kid’s sports, BBQ equipment, lawn maintenance equipment, and other things storage is at a premium when comes to your backyard. At Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling, we can build you the perfect dry space to store all your belongings.

Outdoor Storage and Dry Space Storage

If you enjoy having friends and family over and entertaining guests then a beautiful composite deck is the answer for you. These beautiful Trex decks, keep their beauty all year long with little to no maintenance. One of the great options for these decks is to have an under-deck storage area built. With this big dry area, you can add outdoor storage or seating areas for guests the options are limitless.

One option people like to do is add a nice outdoor ceiling fan and comfortable patio furniture set. In addition, people like to have their BBQ and tools therefore outdoor cooking even when it is raining. Of course, large storage bins and containers are always useful as well to keep all the kids’ sports equipment in.

Deck Options

When it comes to your under-deck storage and all your deck options, the experts at Miles Bradley can explain them all. No matter if you want a low-maintenance composite Trex deck or a natural wood deck, we can help.  We can help you decide on the look and color of your new deck.  Another great look for your yard is an enclosure or gazebo. Looking for a great place to put your new hot tub? Let Miles Bradley build an enclosure for you so you can enjoy your privacy.

When it comes to deck building, we service all of Michigan and the Chicago area. If you are in Chicago give us a call at 847.920.7601. For the Metro Detroit area call 248.478.8660 or use our easy quote form!

Professional Deck Builders in Farmington Hills

Deck builders in Farmington HillsFarmington Hills is a beautiful and lavish Michigan city with a general population of 80,971. It is also a very family-oriented city. In addition, the schools are top-of-the-line and the area is shrouded in wealth. Also, the average home value is $207,200. The houses are big and beautiful and should be accompanied by gorgeous decks! A nice deck can make or break your home, so why not aim for the best?

Here at Miles Bradley, we build custom composite decks in Farmington Hills. We use Timbertech and Trex composite decking materials for the best quality decks. While our decks are of the highest quality, they are also beautiful. 

Timbertech vs Trex

Both Timbertech and Trex are popular composite decking companies. This means that both companies have similar advantages. Unlike wood, composite decks have desirable factors of durability, longevity, and maintainability. But there are some differences between Timbertech and Trex as well. 

Timbertech

Timbertech decks are generally more expensive than Trex decks. This is because of the slight difference in the board design. Although Timbertech boards are also made of recycled material, they contain a protective polymer shell that protects all four sides of the board. Because of this extra coverage, Timbertech materials are more resistant to harsh weather, an important quality to have in Michigan.

Trex

All of the Trex decking materials are made up of a protective shell and a composite score. The protective shell provides coverage to three sides of the board; the top and both sides. The bottom of the board is left unsealed, allowing the material to respire while also being protected. Furthermore, Trex decking materials tend to have more scratch resistance than Timbertech.

Composite Deck Building In Farmington Hills

Here at Miles Bradley, we construct Timbertech and Trex low-maintenance composite decks. We have served the people in Farmington Hills for over 25 years. With decades of experience and customer satisfaction, we are there to help you make the custom deck of your dreams. For more information, request a free quote! Finally, contact us today to make your deck-building appointment.