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Decks Archive

5 Creative Ways to Use Eze Breeze Enclosure Systems

July 15, 2020/in Additions, Decks, Exterior /by Epic Webstaff

Forty years after its introduction, the popularity of PGT Eze Breeze has yet to blow over. This incredibly versatile line of products was spawned from the Progressive Glass Technologies division of VinylTech in the 1980s, first offering vinyl porch enclosures. Later that decade, the Florida-based company began manufacturing Eze Breeze windows, opening up even more design possibilities to homeowners. Just as Eze Breeze helped launch a NYSE-traded company (PGT Innovations), it can still help you launch some truly inspiring home remodeling projects.

What is Eze Breeze?

The fundamental building block of every Eze Breeze product is the impact-resistant vinyl-glazed panel. Despite its lightweight construction, it’s remarkably resilient and durable. The panels can be configured vertically or horizontally, with various venting options to allow for as much or little airflow as you desire. Both panels and frames are available in various colors and tints to comply with your aesthetic and privacy requirements, and can be customized to fit any opening. As an added bonus, the panels easily pop out for cleaning and maintenance.

Whether you’re using them to fully or partially enclose a porch, patio, or sunroom, Eze Breeze panels offer an excellent way to meld indoor and outdoor spaces.

Retrofitting with Eze Breeze

The real appeal of the Eze Breeze vinyl enclosure system is its ability to transform and extend the utility of an existing deck, screen porch, or patio. By retrofitting these spaces, you can create a room you can enjoy nearly all year-round. It capably keeps the elements (and critters) out while letting air and light in, and screens UV radiation to preserve your furniture from fading. The standard vertical 4-track unit can be mounted into an opening from the outside (no interior trim required) or inside and is sealed for weather-tightness. With a little assistance from a portable heater or air conditioner, your enclosed porch or patio can maintain a comfortable temperature whether it’s snowy or sweltering outside.

Better yet, after installation, the enclosed porch or patio is still considered a porch or patio — meaning it won’t alter your home’s assessed tax value in the same way an addition would. With an Eze-Breeze retrofit, you get a lot of the functionality of an addition at a fraction of the cost.

What can you enclose with an Eze Breeze retrofit?

Your Eze Breeze porch enclosure can be implemented in a bounty of creative ways.

1. Enclosed Gazebo

Plan an escape within your own backyard with an enclosed gazebo. Totally detached from the house, these outdoor sanctuaries offer a full 360-degree view of your surrounding landscaping while providing around-the-clock shade and shelter. Enclosing your gazebo with Eze Breeze vinyl-glazed panels is an upgrade over mesh screens alone, allowing you to adjust airflow and keep windblown precipitation out as you read, practice yoga, meditate, or just unwind after a long day.

2. Pool House

Tired of wet feet trudging through the kitchen on a hot summer day? Build an enclosed pool house or cabana stocked with dry towels, refreshments, and toiletries — for a truly luxurious feel, you might even add a bar or lounge seating — and drippy kids and houseguests may never have to venture inside again. When the sun goes down and the air gets cooler, Eze Breeze panels can help keep the heat in and bugs out. The pool party is over when you say it is.

3. Greenhouse

Green thumbs will appreciate Eze Breeze in the context of a greenhouse. Bathe fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in sunlight while regulating UV radiation and precipitation infiltration by simply sliding out or removing vinyl panels. A Eze Breeze greenhouse would make a beautiful home addition, patio feature, or even freestanding structure elsewhere on your property.

4. Sunroom

Wake up and smell the coffee — or the sweet fragrance of spring flowers, fresh-cut grass in the summer, or crisp scent of fallen leaves in the autumn — by incorporating Eze Breeze into a sunroom. And because the panels are UV-resistant, your skin can enjoy all the benefits of sunlight without the sunburn.

5. Garage

Garages aren’t just for cars anymore (or storing your tools/equipment/junk either). With PGT Eze Breeze’s garage side slider, you can aspire for more — a home bar, mancave, game room, gallery, studio, or anything else you can conceive — it’s like pairing the functionality of a finished basement with the breathability of a patio. If you’re content with your car parked outside, you’ll be more than content with exploring the possibilities with Eze Breeze.

At Ayars Complete Home Improvements, we love the Eze Breeze enclosure system and we think you will, too. We’re booked through the current season, but would love to see if your project is a good match for us in the long term. Peruse our project galleries for a glimpse of what we can make happen for you.

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Deck Replacement vs. Deck Repair: Which Is Better When?

January 22, 2020/in Decks /by Epic Webstaff

You’ve heard of aging in dog years, but have you heard of aging in deck years? The average medium-sized dog has a lifespan of about 11 years, whereas the typical pressure-treated wooden deck lasts only about a decade with regular maintenance. Parting with an old deck may be difficult, but oftentimes there is no alternative. In addition to being unsightly, rotted or structurally unsound decking can pose a hazard to your family and guests.

However, there are times when you can delay a full deck replacement and get away with deck repairs. The important thing is knowing where — and when — to draw the line.

Decking problem areas

Your deck has two archnemeses — moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Over time, moisture seeps into seams and corners and degrades the deck’s structure. UV rays warp and fade those surfaces most exposed to sunlight. There are a handful of areas that take the greatest beating and these are those that need closely examined and inspected annually for a loss of integrity.

The deck surface — the deck boards take the brunt of the abuse. They are walked on, stamped on, shined on, rained on, and snowed on. Because of this, surface components will need to be swapped out more frequently. Even if the deck’s substructure is still sound at the moment, it won’t be if routine repairs and maintenance are neglected.
Posts — Because deck posts and balusters are vertically standing, they slough away water more efficiently and don’t receive quite as much sun exposure. However, water can collect in places where posts adjoin to other parts of the deck, such as support beams and foundation. Water damage in those joints can cause the post to become loose and wobbly, jeopardizing the safety of those who would lean against them.

Beams and joists — Beams are the main horizontal support structure for the overlying deck surface, with the joists running between them. Be wary of rot at the end where the beams and joists meet one another or the framing; these little crevices are notorious for trapping moisture.
Fascia board — this framing element wraps around the deck’s perimeter for a cleaner appearance. It also can hug moisture tight against the load-bearing boards behind it.
Ledger — this is where the deck attaches to the house; it goes without saying that the deck pulling away or detaching from the house is a telltale sign that a full deck replacement is needed.

Deck repair for localized issues

If damage or wear is confined to a small area and the deck is not too advanced in age, one can usually proceed with a deck repair. Pressure-treated lumber should be sealed and restained at regular intervals; surface boards that are past their prime should be pulled up and replaced. Generally, if an area of rot is the size of a thumb or smaller, it can be scooped away and plugged with a wood preservative to slow further decay. Otherwise, that component should be replaced.

Deck replacement for structural deficiencies

Structural failures should be treated seriously and professionally — deck-related injuries and deaths occur by the hundreds annually. Any load-bearing or anchoring structure should remain solid and secure for the lifespan of deck usage. If not, a deck replacement is likely in order. Probing around adjoining elements and the foundation before enjoying your deck for the season is a must. A professional inspector will be better equipped to spot these issues and advise you on further action.

Deck repair costs vs. deck replacement cost

According to data collected by homeadvisor.com, the national average cost for deck repairs is approximately $1,700, while the average cost of replacing or installing a new deck is around $7,200. Of course, these figures vary widely based on the size of the project (for instance, a deck that is 500 square feet or more averages $24,000), the materials used (you’ll pay more upfront for composite decking materials), the complexity of the design features, and the amount of labor required.

Play with a full deck from Ayars

It’s no surprise that the better the decking materials and installation, the greater its longevity. Whether you’re scrapping and replacing an old deck or starting from scratch with a new deck or porch, Ayars Complete Home Improvements’ quality constructions will set you up to enjoy these extensions of your home for years to come.

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Designing a Winning At-Home Sports Bar

August 21, 2019/in Basements, Decks /by Epic Webstaff

You’re ready for some football, but is your home? Win big with your guests on game day with an optimized entertainment space. Creating an at-home sports bar, either as a patio feature or part of an indoor man cave, is a great way to enjoy time at home and save money on Saturdays and Sundays. Before beginning, however, it pays to have a gameplan.

Indoor or outdoor?

In late summer and into early autumn, you can use an outdoor bar to replicate a bonafide tailgating experience. The elements are always in play in New Jersey, so ensure the bar is covered with a canopy, extended ceiling, roof overhang, or awning. Televisions or monitors should either be of the outdoor variety or shielded with an outdoor covering. Lighting should amply illuminate the primary task areas of the bar (preparation, serving, and clean-up) and assist with navigation as the days grow shorter. A firepit or space heaters might be incorporated into the patio to help stave off the chill at nightfall.

For year-round versatility, consider converting an unfinished basement into a finished entertainment area or man cave. The availability of water and electrical lines should be the first consideration when designing a finished basement — altering or adding plumbing or wiring can be costly, so try to work with what you have if you can. Make fellow fans feel at home while providing the best view of the action with comfortable open seating arrangements. Well-positioned speakers and surround sound work wonderfully in basements, in part due to their natural sound-dampening characteristics, but soundproofed materials might be a good idea if not everyone in your house is as into the game as you are.

Dry bar or wet bar?

The difference between a dry bar and a wet bar is the availability of running water. If your bar is going to be easily accessible from or attached to a kitchen, a sink may not be necessary. An integrated refrigeration cabinet or closet allows you to store a wider variety of perishable ingredients, as well as stow beers for quick handoffs rather than long jaunts to the nearest refrigerator. For barkeepers who want to really go the distance, leaving room for a home draft beer system such a kegerator might be a wise move.

What materials will I be using?

For the bar’s framing and structure, construction lumber, oriented stand board sheeting, and plywood provide sturdiness and integrity. Treated lumber or composite materials are advised for outdoor bars to resist moisture and weathering. For aesthetics, trim your bar with hardwood fascia. Countertop workspaces should be resilient and easy to clean — granite, marble, tile, and laminated hardwood or plywood are popular examples.

The best seats in the house

Your bar stools need to:

Complement the decor and be comfortable to sit in for hours at a time
Be positioned to correct height (28 to 33 inches from the floor, with 9 to 12 inches left for leg space under the counter)
Offer clear sightlines to the action — do not place behind obstructions and keep level with the monitor or screen. If the TV is not behind the bar, swiveling bar stools are a must.

Take time to incorporate these design tips into your at-home sports bar plans and you’ll be sure to ring up the score with visitors. And remember, Ayars Complete Home Improvements is always game to help out with your next patio or finished basement project.

Deck Design: 3 Things to Keep in Mind

May 23, 2019/in Decks /by Epic Webstaff

Design a Deck That Tells The Right Story

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard to work with, you’re capable of planning a new deck to go with it. A beautifully designed, sturdily constructed new deck can greatly enhance the value of your home and your enjoyment of the warmer months. Before you build a deck, however, it is vital that the deck’s design frame your property and the surroundings in the best possible light. The features, styles, and materials of the new deck construction will be in part defined by your imagination, and in part defined by the lay of the land and what’s around you. It should be an organic extension of your home that meshes seamlessly with the environment.

At Ayars Complete Home Improvements, we collaborate with you to build a deck that is both beautiful and functional — a bona fide outdoor living space that not just an accent to your home, but a highlight.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your new deck design.

1. Deck Elevation

The elevation changes (or lack thereof) in your yard are the first major consideration when planning your new deck design. For level lots, especially those harboring a single-story home, we recommend a platform deck. Since platform decks are built so close to the ground, waterproofing is mandatory to preserve their look and integrity for years to come. The plastic decking products offered by Ayars are ideal for moisture resistance.

If “flat” doesn’t describe where you’re at, you’ll likely consider a raised or multilevel deck. A first-story raised deck is supported by foundation posts and is usually the solution for yards with steeper grades. Its second-story counterpart will usually require additional bracing and support.

Stairs and railings are not only important deck design elements but safety elements as well.

The multilevel deck is ideal for more gradual slopes, as the various tiers can follow the landscape. Each tier can be specialized according to purpose, making multilevel decks also multifunctional.

Pilesgrove, New Jersey Deck — New Deck – Pilesgrove, New Jersey

2. Purpose

Beyond what the topography of your yard dictates, you’ll also need to consider what you’ll be using your new deck for. If you plan on hosting large cookouts or get-togethers, you’ll want access to the kitchen and ample space to stretch your grillmaster muscle. If you’re planning on using it for meditation or relaxation, a shaded pergola or gazebo integrated with some landscaping may induce just the right mood.

If your new deck is designed with multiple levels, you’ll want to place visual indicators to assert each one’s unique personality and identity.

Mullica Hill, New Jersey Deck — New Deck – Mullica Hill, New Jersey

3. Climate and Lighting

A beautiful design and sturdy construction mean nothing if your new deck is not a safe and comfortable outdoor living space for you to be in. Be aware of your deck’s positioning in relation to the sun — a covering may be needed to provide proper shading (as well as extend use for rainy days).

If you intend to host many late gatherings and soirees, well-lit stairs, railings, and pathways can keep the party going deep into the night.

Free Deck Estimate from Ayars

If you’re interested in expanding your outdoor living space, contact the Ayars team to get started with a free deck construction estimate. We can help fix up or rebuild existing decks or completely design and build a brand new deck for your home.

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Deck Remodel

October 7, 2016/in Decks, Exterior /by AyarsAdmin

Deck Remodel:

We at Ayars take remodeling decks seriously. And when I say deck remodeling, I mean tearing down old decks and building new, not even keeping the original frame or footings. While it’s obvious that a deck remodel would probably include replacing the railing and decking, many people expect that the structural bits can stay. The fact is that it’s rare for much of an old deck to be salvageable.

As you can see from the picture that we provided of the old deck,

It was connected to the house. Many older decks aren’t adequately bolted to the house, and many more are poorly flashed to keep out water. While it’s easy enough to add more bolts to the deck ledger, it’s nearly impossible to be sure that the original flashing was done correctly and that there’s no rot due to bad flashing.

(As you can see from this picture provided, there was a lot of rot)
The only sensible thing to do here was to remove the old frame completely. I mean, at that point it makes the most sense to replace the framing because even treated lumber has a finite lifespan. Why would you install new decking and railing on an old frame that might not outlast them?

I know what you’re thinking, “The old footings are still good. If they were good originally, they probably still are. Not much happens to concrete below the ground.” Well, the old deck had no footings. I’m sure your next question is; “How did it pass inspection?” Well, your guess is as good as ours. However, they may have been lucky and the inspector either overlooked it, or passed it based on the codes for that era and time that that deck was built.

However, codes have changed. Lumber isn’t what it once was, and the spans allowed for joists and beams are shorter than they were even ten years ago. So, the old footings may not be spaced for the joist and beam spans allowed today. We installed the new footings, concrete, and joists. Everything is up to code and passed inspection with flying colors.

The last picture provided is of our beautifully remodeled deck that was properly installed. Our customer is extremely satisfied and so were the inspectors.

**Side note: Experience has taught many jurisdictions to require deck footings to be sized to carry not only the load of the deck as planned, but to be larger to accommodate the load from a roof that might be added later on.

Increase Your Home Value with 8 Home Remodeling Ideas

October 6, 2016/in Additions, Bathroom, Decks, Exterior, Flooring, Interior, Kitchen /by AyarsAdmin

Increase Your Home Value with 8 Home Remodeling Ideas

Did any of your home upgrades pay off when it came time to sell? There are many things you can change and remodel in your home, but these 7 key home improvements are guaranteed to increase the value of your home.

Remodeling the Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the first room in the house that needs updating. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home. I’m not sure about you guys, but the hang out spot at my house is usually the kitchen. Remodeling continues to have the highest budget allocation.

For many families (mine included), this room is where everyone gathers around or entertains their guests. Holidays, birthdays, a little family get together; this room is definitely utilized the most in a home. For this reason, you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of investments from remodeling a kitchen, as long as you stay within your budget.

Adding a Bathroom

You can never go wrong with having more than one restroom in your home. This is why you can recoup 80%-130% of investments from adding another bathroom. Most homebuyers will use any room with underutilized space or take an extra room to upgrade it into a master bathroom.

Reinventing a Room

This home improvement can be the most expensive upgrade to a house. Adding more square footage to your home can easily accumulate costs but it can bring you a 50%-83% return on investment.

Adding Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient home improvements not only recoups 60%-90% of investments cost, but it can also reduce energy taxes as well! When you replace your windows or doors with energy efficient models, you can receive a tax credit and 10% of costs, up to $200.00 per window.

Adding a Deck

Outdoor living spaces, otherwise known as staycations, can significantly increase the value of your home. As more homeowners are adding decks and patios to their backyards, it instantly becomes more appealing to prospective buyers when the house is for sale.

Energy-Efficient Insulation

It’s about that time everyone has basic insulation installed, otherwise the cost to live in and maintain an unmodified home can be a burden. Most potential buyers make sure to include this home improvement into their reports.

*One way to ensure your house is well insulated is with the right masonry.

Basic Updates

Making basic updates to your home is a no-brainer. Making small improvements such as fixing a leaking roof, replacing rotting wood and keeping paint fresh will always add the most value to your home. A solid and safe home is always appealing to homebuyers.

So if you plan to remodel or make improvements to your home, remember that even the smallest of projects can make a big difference to the value of your home. Also, focus on making your home safe and energy-efficient because it guarantees lower energy costs in the future.

Flooring

Take a look at your home’s soft flooring. Are your carpets and area rugs stained or worn? Ideally, you may want to replace them all, but if a limited budget puts a snag in that plan, start by replacing the carpet in the room that shows the most wear and tear and replace the others as your finances allow. Hardwood flooring is also an upsell. Visually it’s beautiful, and gives such a natural feel to your home.

front porch construction mullica hill nj

Porch Remodels Start With the Foundation

May 2, 2016/in Decks, Exterior /by AyarsAdmin

Porch remodels are fairly straightforward; however, it pays to understand how the different components are installed and the many options you have.

Porch foundations aren’t that much different than foundations for homes. A foundation has to safely bear not only the weight of the porch substructure but also the roof, railings, columns, and more.

Before building your front porch, consider the following:

Geography: Where do you live? Unstable water or soil conditions may require deeper porch footings, thicker walls, or reinforced concrete. (Silty-clay soils, as an example, have an extremely poor load-bearing capacity). In addition, if you live in areas with prominent frost heaves (which have tremendous force) footings must be placed below the frost line.
Weight: How much does your porch structure weigh? The foundation must be strong enough to support its weight and the weight of your furniture and guests. We’ve all heard of accidents where a deck gave out because there were too many people on it.
Slopes: Foundation construction is also determined by the slope of the area. Flat areas or very slightly sloped areas still need a good foundation. Even if you have a patio porch, the slab still needs to be stable. Any shifting of the roof can cause considerable damage to the home.

In addition, regardless of the slope, always build to ensure water runs away from the structure. Soil composition is also important and will dictate how deep your footings need to be. For steep slopes, you will need piers — columns of reinforced concrete that sit on concrete slabs deep within the ground — or perhaps even an engineered foundation.

Anatomy of Footings and Pier Foundations

Most porch foundations consist of short columns of either concrete block or poured concrete (piers) that rest on concrete pads called footings. Often these are poured as one unit. Typically, wood posts are then anchored to the pier,s which in turn support beams that are attached to the posts.

Footings

Footings carry the weight of the porch directly onto the soil. Depending on your specific geographical location, footings must be a minimum distance below grade to extend beyond the frost line and be sufficient in size to spread the load. The load includes the weight of your structure (known as the dead load) and people, furniture, and snow (known as the live load).

When building footings, consider the total weight they will carry. If you are planning to install heavy objects like hot tubs, stone fireplaces, etc., be sure to address this with your codes department or a construction engineer before you pour your footings.

Piers

Like decks, piers are an essential part of porch foundations. Piers are short concrete columns on top of footings that support posts. Piers, which are normally below grade, are meant to transfer porch loads to the footings. In the photo below, footings and piers are poured simultaneously. A piece of Sonotube — a form constructed from a heavy-duty cardboard material — is used to create a compact, smooth-sided column for the pier.

Posts

Typically, posts are usually treated 4x4s, 4x6s, or 6x6s. As a general rule, concrete and wood don’t mix so I almost always try to avoid mixing the two, i.e., placing my posts directly into or onto concrete.
In this diagram, an additional beam is shown to depict situations where the joist span is too long for the length of the joist. In those cases, installing additional beams adds stability to your porch. No matter which structure you choose, space your joists 16 inches on center (o.c.). Measure from the center point of one joist to the center of the next.

You could also choose to space them 12 or 24 inches apart. (If you space them 24 inches apart you may need to add bridging to keep the platform from swaying). The closer together, the more stable your platform. Check with your local codes department to determine specific requirements for your area.

Deck and Porch Construction with Ayars

Laying the proper groundwork for a porch or deck requires doing your homework — from knowing your local building codes to choosing the right materials, not to mention planning and design. If that sounds like too much for you, don’t despair — the team at Ayars Complete Home Improvements is well-versed in all the ins and outs of creating the ultimate outdoor living space. Contact us to see if we’re the right fit for one another.

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