What is the best time to have a deck built? Peering out your window into the backyard and seeing all that snow and ice probably doesn’t make you think about the spring and summertime…but it should! Just imagine lounging on your beautiful, custom-made deck this summer. Now imagine lounging on it with a bunch of extra cash! Because you can save by thinking ahead and getting your low-maintenance deck built!
One of the best times to build a deck is during the winter. There are many benefits to building a deck during the offseason. First of all, there is less demand for contractors during the winter months. As a result, you can get your deck built faster without waiting for openings. Furthermore, the damage to your landscape is reduced because the ground is frozen. The stable ground provides the best conditions for building a new deck!
By beating the spring and summer rush, you can save big in the decking offseason with Miles Bradley! We are a certified Trex Platinum Contractor, which means you’ll be setting yourself up with a deck made out of the industry’s leader in high-performance composite decking!
In addition to our expertise in building rectangle, multi-level or two-board-border decks we specialize in building:
And more! Think about it! By waiting to decide whether you want a deck built in Michigan, your project can be put on a waiting list. Our decking professionals aren’t as busy, you can have your deck built quicker than usual. You’ll also save money doing it and can now take advantage of the great special we’re running!
The best time to have a deck built is winter! That is why you should use the professional deck builders at Miles Bradley. You might not be in a summer state of mind right now. However, building a deck now can save you money! That way you can enjoy your deck as soon as the sun peeks out this spring; it’s a win-win! So, get an estimate for your project today!
The recent Michigan snowfall has stirred up concerns for new deck owners on how to properly maintain their decks during the winter months. We often get questions about removing the snow on your deck in the winter. As your trusted deck-building company, we are happy to address any concerns that you may have about maintaining your deck in the winter.
You do not have to remove the snow from the deck. Also, we only recommend that you clear a path if the deck is connected to your house to avoid accidents.
Your deck will not collapse from the added weight of the snow. Miles Bradley builds high-quality low-maintenance decks that are built to withstand the Michigan winter. When you mix Trex decking with our great workmanship, you get a strong deck that can handle the weight of people, furniture, or snow.
Will I mess up the deck by shoveling it?
If you plan to shovel the snow off of your deck, we recommend that you use a rubber shovel. Metal shovels can possibly scratch up your deck. When shoveling, we also recommend that you use one big stroke and run the shovel down the length of the boards.
What products are recommended to remove snow and ice?
To remove snow and ice, we recommend that you use rock salt or calcium chloride.
Finally, thanks for being a valued customer of Miles Bradley. We look forward to another great year with you. If you are in need of deck repairs or a new deck this fall or winter call 248-478-8660. In addition, you can request a quote right now!
Are you worried about cleaning your composite deck before winter? Don’t, it’s easy! Although composite decking is very low maintenance, cleaning is important. An exterior deck does require a basic deck cleaning for composite decks. Ideal times to clean your composite deck are after installation and in the fall or spring. You may purchase a composite deck cleaner at your local hardware shop. If you prefer, you may use a combination of hot water and a soft-bristle brush.
Dirt and grime can build up over the spring and summer months. As a result, it is important to clean your deck before heavy rain and snow set in. This will prevent your deck from deteriorating over the winter. If you leave dirt and grime on your deck, it can accumulate and allow moisture to get locked in. As a result, your deck can suffer from structural and integral damages.
For Dirt and Debris, your deck should be sprayed with a hose to remove dirt from the surface. After you remove the loose dirt and debris from your composite deck use warm, soapy water and scrub with a soft bristle brush. This will allow you to remove the dirt and debris from the crevices of the embossing pattern. A thorough cleaning will allow your deck to be able to drain and ventilate moisture, preventing buildup.
It’s important to be careful when using Chalk Lines on your deck. You must make sure you are using the right type of chalk. High-performance chalk lines are likely to discolor a composite or PVC deck, we recommend using a dust-off marking chalk-like Irwin brand in purple you can find this at www.Irwin.com. If you accidentally snap a chalk line with permanent or bright chalk immediately scrub the line with soap and hot water to remove it.
Just like with dirt and debris, it is important to remove oil, grease, mold, or mildew from your deck. Treating your deck will prevent the accumulation of these residues, protecting your deck from permanent staining and damage.
You definitely want to try to remove any Oil, Grease, or Food stains on your composite deck before the winter comes. To remove these stains spray them off with a hose and use warm soapy water with a soft bristle brush.
Mold and Mildew are always possible. Due to it feeding on biofilm you want to remove it as soon as you see it forming. Leaving mold and mildew untreated will lead to additional deck damage by the end of winter. Owners can use simple solutions on their deck to remove mildew from your deck. Just allow the solutions to set before rinsing it off. If you happen to find mildew stains, you can use a soft bristle brush to remove them.
It is not unusual to experience snow before winter even starts, especially in Michigan. So, when you need to remove Ice and Snow from your composite deck early, you should take some extra care. If you are shoveling your deck, use a plastic snow shovel. Plastic shovels reduce the risk of damaging the surface of the deck when removing hardened snow and ice. It’s safe to use rock salt or calcium chloride to melt the snow and ice from the deck surface.
While cleaning your deck, it is the perfect time to check for rot and decay. Regardless of how much you winterized and sealed, decks age with time. Even if you have low-maintenance composite decking, looking for potential problems will save you in the long run. Some things that you should be looking for are:
Outside of visually inspecting your deck, you can run a few simple tests that expose if your deck needs maintenance. For example, if you walk the entire length deck, you will be able to feel if any boards are bouncy or creaky. In addition, you should check underneath the deck. Looking under the deck can expose any mold, mildew, wood rot, and other damage.
Cleaning your deck should be a high priority this fall!
If you need help or have any questions about cleaning your deck call us at 248-478-8660.
When you live on the lake, home decks can be a wonderful addition to your home. Living on any shorefront, you want to experience the full view of the lake and more. So, you need to have a place to embrace the full wonders of living on the lake. Just like with other decks, the deck can add something special to your home. Furthermore, it can increase your quality of life!
Many of the reasons to have a deck on the lake is the same as getting any other deck. Decks can be an amazing investment by adding value to your home. It can provide additional living space and a new area to relax. Furthermore, it allows you to spend more time outdoors. This is especially important when you live on the lake. After all, you are not able to get full use of your property. Most of all, it gives you an area to enjoy quality time with friends and family. You can enjoy the full view of the lake alongside your friends and family.
So, what types of decks and docks can be built at the lake? First of all, let’s talk about the materials that can be used in conjunction with a dock. Out of all the materials used, cedarwood and PCV wood is popular. Just like regular decks, these materials give the natural feeling of wood. All the while, they also have different pros and cons. At Miles Bradley, we build wood and composite decks made out of the same material. As for dock options, there is a large number of designs. These designs include:
If you are looking for lake home decks, then contact the professionals at Miles Bradley! Our company has full-service custom design and building deck builders, who can help you create your dream deck. If you need a custom deck to match your dock or a replacement, then you can rely on our professionals. We are licensed and insured, meaning you do not have to worry during the entire building progress.
Getting a deck built is a big decision to make. Consider these 2 things before getting your deck built.
Did you just want to create a snug spot in the backyard for you and your family? Design your deck to accommodate lounge chairs and a patio set based on how many people are in your family. Also, try to plan ahead for sunny spots by building a shade with greenery or build a shade.
Most decks are designed to support up to 60 pounds per square foot including the weight of the deck. Overloading it could be very dangerous. If you plan to have huge parties or heavy furniture, you may want to have a stronger supporting structure built. You also want to make sure that your deck is large enough to fit a lot of people, furniture, and appliances.
There is a wide variety of materials that you can choose to have your deck built from as well as many benefits that go along with each type of material.
Pressure- Treated Wood: This type of wood takes stains and waterproofing easily. It is also cheaper than many of the other options for deck building in Michigan or Chicago
Composite Decking: This wood-look alternative is known for its long-lasting nature and durability. You can get composite decking in a variety of colors or textures. Composite decking doesn’t splinter, crack, warp, or rot significantly reduced the need for maintenance.
PVC Cellular Decking: PVC is easy to clean and not prone to rot or termites which makes it stand out over wood. Having a cellular PVC deck built can be beneficial as it is moisture resistant and will not swell or shrink with temperature changes.
Cedar: Used for decks has a natural insect resistance which can help eliminate termite problems that often arise in regular wood decks. Cedar decking is very easy to work with during installation and can be easily stained.
After selecting the material that you wish to have your deck built you then need to decide where do you want your deck or patio to be built? Can you accommodate the lifestyle that you want to live on your deck or patio? Based on this, plan how you want to build your deck in Michigan or Chicago.
Finally, contact Miles Bradley to get started on building your dream deck today!