Decks/Patios

 

Decks/Patios

Question:
If I add a solarium to my home, will I recoup my investment?
Answer:

Many factors have to be considered, including the condition of the home before the renovation, and the value/ condition of homes in the immediate neighborhood. Renovation magazines consistently rate well-built and well-designed sunrooms as having a high rate of return, often on a par with kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Question:
Can I build a sunroom on my existing deck?
Answer:

It has been our experience that most existing decks do not meet local building codes for foundation and structural loading to support a sunroom addition attached to your home or business. However, some existing decks can be modified to meet code very cost effectively. Age of existing deck, height of deck above grade, height of deck in relation to house floor level and roof elevations, size of deck and the flooring to be used in your new sunroom effect the cost, quality and suitability of modify or demolition and new construction.

Question:
We have an old river rock deck that I'd like to paint with epoxy paint. I used epoxy paint to paint the pool inside, I got a little on the deck and it holds well to the river rock. Do you have any info on painting a deck like this?
Answer:

We do not recommend painting river rock. While the pool paint will stick to the river rock, it is difficult to prep the surface. Getting all the dirt and oils out of all the crevices would be next to impossible. If it is not prepared properly, it will peel. River rock also has a tendency to become unglued and fall off if not sealed occasionally. You would not however want to use the Sun-coast Stain. This would not penetrate the rock and would not adhere.

Question:
I currently have a 20 x 20 deck that is exposed to the sun and therefore do not use. Can you give me an idea of what it would cost to put a roof over my deck?
Answer:

The range can vary according to the type of roof and whether you want a finished soffitt on the underside. Also, an important consideration would be if you would be happy with a shed roof or would want a gabled roof tied into your existing roof. Range of $2,000 to $4,000 can be expected for a good quality job.

Question:
We have an upper deck which is above a lower patio. I have researched water proofing the deck with various types of materials (in order to keep the patio area below protected from precipitation). At this point, it appears the only material available in Canada is a membrane application. Comments?
Answer:

As long as the patio is open (not enclosed) there are other options available. Spray or roll on products such as Spandex will provide a waterproof surface to the upper deck. I suggest that you talk to your local hardware store for these products.Waterproof membrane materials are the only approved materials when the area below is enclosed.

Question:
The paint on my wooden deck is about 17 years old. What steps should I take to prepare the deck for a fresh coat of paint?
Answer:

Preparation with a pressure washer may be all that is required. If there are some damaged areas it may require some sanding, the deck should be quite dry before painting with a good quality exterior paint, preferably with a prime coat first.

Question:
I stained my deck last year with a light raincoat stain and I wanted to stain it in a darker color. Is there any way that I can get the old stain off or will another stain go over the deck?
Answer:

If your last application was strictly a stain and not a polyurethane finish, you should be able to stain again providing it is a darker color. We suggest trying a test patch first.

Question:
Can I put carpet on my outside deck?
Answer:

Yes, you can. There is a specific type of carpet (called indoor/outdoor) available for this purpose. It is installed through a glue down application to either a plywood or concrete substrate.

Question:
Does the fence and floor of a deck need to be painted or treated? What about if the fence is cedar?
Answer:

If you have a cedar deck or fence, you do not have to paint or stain it. Cedar contains natural oils that act as a preservative. Some people like the appearance of the grey/brown of exposed cedar.

Question:
I was wondering what kind of paint to use for a outside sun deck. I have tried almost every kind of paint for my deck and almost every year I have to repaint it again. Or what should I do to avoid painting again ever without spending a lot of money. Right now I got white solid white paint over pressure treated wood.
Answer:

Our painters suggest using Flood brand stains and paints. They specialize in exterior products only and if you follow directions for application, you should get a long duration before it requires another refinish.