By Fiona Vernon
One of the coziest things that many individuals in Nashville, Tennessee, anticipate about fall mornings is enjoying their coffee on their deck while they get ready for the day. Anyone in Raleigh, North Carolina, can imagine sitting on their deck with their eyes closed, taking a deep breath, and opening them to release a disgusted sigh at the sight of the splintered, worn wooden deck. Turn that scenario around and imagine that person opening their eyes, looking around at the brilliant fall leaves, and smiling while they let out a contented sigh. This contentment is a result of their spring project when they transformed their wooden deck to stone deck. They almost panicked at the idea of what needed done to prepare their deck for the winter, then realized that they had chosen a low-maintenance natural stone deck when they improved their outdoor living space with the help of Silca System. Many times, homes from Boise, Idaho, to Fort Worth, Texas, are purchased with a wooden deck already attached, so the owner needs to consider how snow affects their wooden deck; however, if they decide to upgrade to a travertine or slate deck and it is properly installed, they will reduce the necessity of deck cleaning and maintenance dramatically. When they upgrade, they can also consider how snow affects their new stone deck so that they can be the one sitting on the deck next fall letting out a sigh of contentment.
When homeowners from Raleigh to Fort Worth plan on transforming their wooden deck to a stone deck, one of their many considerations involve the amount of deck cleaning and maintenance that will be involved. Many people assume it to be a fact of life that they will always have extensive annual deck maintenance; however, they are thrilled to discover that it doesn’t have to be the case with the installation of a natural stone deck. Many people who have seen the benefits of stone decks also believe that it is out of their realm of possibility, but Silca System makes it so easy and affordable that anyone can install their own low-maintenance deck. With proper installation, a natural stone deck can improve anyone’s outdoor living space, while allowing them to enjoy its benefits without all the work that is necessary with a wooden deck. Homeowners need to consider the differences in how snow affects a wooden deck versus a stone deck. In the fall, wooden decks need power washed, nails pounded back in, stained, and sealed; whereas, natural stone only needs sealed about every five years unless a manufacturer-sealed stone was chosen, making it less frequent (although the specific manufacturer’s directions should be followed).
Deck Transformed with Help from Silca System
When Silca System grates are installed according to their uncomplicated directions, the upkeep is significantly reduced. The simple addition of polymeric sand binds the stones and inhibits the growth of weeds, while preventing insect infestations. Most of the steps involved in preparing a stone deck for winter are the results of weed and mildew accumulation, but with the use of polymeric sand and sealants, this can be prevented. Wooden decks will rot when snow and ice are left on them, while natural stone decks cannot rot. Common sense maintenance will apply to increasing the durability of both wood and natural stone decks with the removal of rotten leaves and debris from the deck before the first snow and using a broom to remove snow if a pathway is necessary. Considering where one resides when choosing a stone paver is also a relevant factor in relation to the amount of maintenance. Some pavers are more porous and may be less durable in snowy and icy environments, like Boise, but will last longer in warmer climates, like Nashville. Referring to manufacturer’s directions and relying on the sage experience of Silca System will allow anyone to realize their dream oasis in their own backyard.
Knowing of what one’s deck is made and the environment in which it is located is essential when preparing a deck for the winter. When any homeowner from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Boise, Idaho, is contemplating transforming their wooden deck to stone deck, the biggest benefit is the reduced amount of deck cleaning and maintenance that will be involved when preparing for how snow affects a wooden or stone deck. With the use of Silca System grates and proper installation of natural stone decks to improve one’s outdoor living space from Nashville, Tennessee, to Fort Worth, Texas, a low-maintenance deck can be a reality for anyone. Instead of being outside power washing, Silca System makes sitting on a beautiful slate deck on a chilly fall morning enjoying autumn hues an affordable reality for everyone.
Silca System
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