Gutters offer a second line of defense against water damage. By diverting powerful streams of runoff, they protect windowsills, siding, clapboards and paint finishes from deterioration.
They also keep soil from becoming supersaturated, thus reducing the chance of mudslides that could threaten your foundation. They’re available in aluminum and copper.
Gutters
Gutters are one of the most important components of any home, and a gutter system isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. They help keep water away from the foundation of your home, preventing direct damage and latent effects like moisture and mildew. This is why it’s essential to invest in a quality seamless gutter installation.
A gutter’s main purpose is to redirect rainwater runoff from your roof, directing it away from any exterior walls and surfaces that can be affected by driving rainstorms. They protect windowsills, siding, and clapboards from rotting and damage, as well as basements and yards from flooding or erosion.
Gutter systems are made up of a series of pipes and components, which together form a drainage system that carries rainwater away from your home. These elements include downspouts, elbows, end caps, and hangers. Downspouts are vertical pieces of pipe that run from the edges of your roof to the ground, collecting and transporting rainwater. Each downspout has at least one downspout elbow, which is a curved piece that fits at the bottom of the downspout to funnel water down and away from your house.
These pieces cap the ends of your downspouts and provide a finished look for your gutter system. They also help to keep debris out of your gutters, making them less likely to clog. End caps and hangers come in various styles, from simple to elaborate. You can even use them to customize the appearance of your gutters, choosing colors and finishes that match your home’s design.
A splash block is a piece of concrete that sits on the ground beneath a downspout to help direct the flow of rainwater away from your house. They can be used to replace downspout elbows, or you can use them to channel the flow of rainwater into a French drain, rain barrel, or other drainage or irrigation system.
Incorporating your gutters into your outdoor space is an excellent way to create a unique and functional space that can be enjoyed year-round. With a little creativity, you can create a patio cover or a rain garden that adds an artistic element to your landscape and enhances the look of your home.
Patio Covers
Patio covers can transform your backyard into a cozy and livable space. They allow you to sit and relax outside even on cloudy or rainy days. They also keep your furniture and accessories safe from sun damage. Patio covers are available in a range of different styles and materials. They can also be customized to suit your personal taste.
Some of the most popular types of patio covers include awnings, pergolas, and trellis structures. Awnings are a great choice for homeowners who want to cover their patios without spending a lot of money. These covers are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and designs. They can be matched with other outdoor furnishings and accessories to create a cohesive space.
Pergolas are a good option for those who prefer a more traditional look for their patios. These structures offer shade and can be adorned with plants and flowers. They can also be fitted with lighting and seating options. Pergolas can be built from a variety of materials, including wood and metal. They can also be painted to match the color scheme of your home.
Trellis structures are a beautiful and creative way to add structure to your patio. They can be fitted with a canopy to provide shade and can be used as a place for trailing or climbing plants like Jasmine or Wisteria to grow. These structures can also be covered with a canvas tarp for additional weather protection.
If you’re looking for a more modern option, consider installing a glass patio cover. These covers can be fitted to any size and shape patio and are designed to resist rust and water. They can be customised to complement any interior design and can be fitted with lights and seating areas to make the space feel inviting.
A patio can be a great place to entertain friends and family or relax on a sunny day. However, it can be difficult to enjoy the space if you have to retreat inside when the weather turns bad. Patio covers can extend the season when you can use your outdoor space and can help you avoid the need to retreat indoors at any time of year or day.
Concrete Patios
Concrete patios are a great way to add extra outdoor living space without adding to your home’s footprint. They can be poured in place or made from precast slabs and come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors. Homeowners can also make them a beautiful design element of the landscape by using a variety of surface treatments, including staining and scoring.
Unlike pavers, which often need to be set in mortar, concrete patios can be installed on top of existing lawn or dirt, providing more flexibility when it comes to budget and design. A well-designed concrete patio can create a clean and consistent transition from the house to the garden and give the backyard a sense of openness, particularly if you design the paving to lead the eye through attractive plantings, water features or other focal points.
Like other materials for outdoor paving, concrete patios can be surprisingly affordable — even if you choose to use finishes that mimic more expensive patio materials. With the help of stains, stamping and other coloring techniques, it’s possible to achieve nearly any color or pattern that you like. In addition, a poured-in-place concrete patio can be formed into an interesting shape and incorporated into the landscape in ways that would not be practical with other types of paving.
In addition to enhancing the look of your yard, a concrete patio can also serve as a functional component of the home. For example, a homeowner can install a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen and connect them to the house through an easy-to-install concrete path that allows for plumbing, drainage and electricity.
A concrete patio can also be the ideal foundation for a sunken spa. This is a popular option for homeowners who want a comfortable spot to soak in the hot tub, and it’s especially useful in colder climates where patios can be used year-round. Having the spa built into the concrete gives the patio an attractive and integrated look, and it also allows for easier access to water if necessary.
Whether you opt for a simple gray or a decorative finish, a concrete patio can be the perfect centerpiece for your landscape and an excellent investment in your lifestyle. The right landscape professional can ensure that the patio reflects your style and harmonizes with the rest of the outdoor living space, while incorporating elements that will make it a gathering spot for family and friends.
Decks
A deck is a structure built above ground and attached to a home. It can be a simple platform or a complex multi-level deck with stairways and landings. Because decks are elevated off the ground, they can be subject to different code requirements than patios. They may require a permit and annual inspections. Decks can be made from a variety of materials including wood, composite and aluminum. They are often constructed with a ledger board that is anchored to the house and transfers a significant amount of the deck’s weight and live load to the foundation and frame.
This helps prevent the deck from pulling away from the house and potentially causing damage. If the deck isn’t properly connected to the house, a number of problems can arise including rot, damage to the foundation and leaks that may lead to water infiltration. This is why it’s important to have a professional do a proper inspection of your deck on an annual basis.
Decks can be used to create comfortable outdoor spaces for dining, relaxing or entertaining. Creating multiple seating areas with a variety of cozy furnishings can help guests mingle or spread out and enjoy the space. A fire pit is a great addition to a deck that can be used to warm up chilly evenings or provide a focal point in the landscape.
Colorful accent pillows add a pop of personality to the deck. Look for pillows made with all-weather fabrics that can hold up to the sun and rain. Mix and match throw pillows with bright hues and cheery prints to add fun pattern and color to the area.
Decks can also be a great spot for growing vegetables and flowers. A sunny spot on a deck can be the perfect place to set up a potting bench with a shelf and drawer system to store gardening tools. Dress up the potting bench with containers of tropical cannas, fuchsias and coleus for punches of color or fill the space with trailing creeping jenny or begonias for a delicate green backdrop.