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exterior design

Difference Between Screened In Patio And Sunrooms

November 10, 2022
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It’s no secret that outdoor living areas have been among the most popular types of home modification in recent years, and this fad shows no signs of abating. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to make the most of their backyards, including relaxing seating options. What, however, of those times when inclement weather makes patios uninviting?

A sunroom or three-season porch enclosure combines the advantages of both indoor and outdoor living. The benefits are going outside without the heat, humidity, and insects. Perfect. Want to know the differences between a screened in patio and a sunroom? Now you have the lowdown.

Screened-in porch vs. Sunroom

The primary distinction between a sunroom and a screened porch is in the materials used in its construction and insulation. However, sunrooms are more like additions to the house than screened porches, which are generally just basic enclosures added on top of an existing patio or porch.

A screened-in porch won’t keep the rain and wind out as well as an open porch would. It’s really just a porch that has been enclosed by walls. There will likely be little insulation and no suitable floor constructed over the foundation.

In addition to screens, many porches also have windows or moveable panels. For this reason, porches with screens are often referred to as “three-season porches.” You may use them as a temporary home throughout the autumn and spring. However, in really chilly winters, screens are still not very practical.

While the added fourth season is the primary selling point of sunrooms over screened porches, there are additional factors to think about before breaking ground. Your selection will be influenced by a number of factors, including the location of your house, the purpose of the space, the cost of permits and utilities, the amount of useful time, and the total cost of construction.

  • Location

Sunrooms may seem like a no-brainer in places with scorching summers, but they aren’t really the norm. A screened porch may be used year-round in climates with moderate winters. A sunroom is appropriate in colder climates, but a screened-in porch may be built for far less money.

  • Intention Of the Area

A screened-in porch may be all you need if you’re only looking for a place to relax out of the sun with loved ones in the warmer months. The porch enclosure isn’t as efficient at regulating temperature as a sunroom, but it performs a decent job and can be improved upon.

Even though they lack heating and cooling, many screened-in porches nevertheless have ceiling fans. Moreover, a little electric space heater is significantly more budget-friendly than an outside patio warmer.

  • Calculating Your Investment’s Return

Think about the return on investment you’ll receive from a sunroom or screened porch. When do you anticipate using it? Is it reasonable to build a sunroom, heat it, and use it as a year-round living space? To what extent will you get to enjoy the sunroom before moving on? Sunrooms— extremely popular in certain parts of the country, but not in others— are they sought after in yours?

The value of a sunroom or screened porch varies from one homeowner to the next in the same way as the value of an above-ground or in-ground pool does. Sunrooms and screened porches aren’t a certain strategy to boost your home’s value any more than a swimming pool is.

  • Spend on Adding a Sunroom or Screened Porch 

Prices for sunroom additions tend to be higher than those for other types of additions. The price of adding a sunroom to your home may range widely based on factors including its size, the quality of its materials, and the design of your existing structure. In all, the cost of building a sunroom that meets building codes in terms of insulation, roofing, and structural support might reach $60,000.

The cost of a screened-in porch may range from considerably less to much more than that of a sunroom. The average range is $3,500 – $7,500.

Conclusion

You might end up with something you didn’t want and a lot of extra grey hair if you go into it blind. Whether you’re interested in a screened-in porch, a sunroom addition or a DIY sunroom kit, a consultation with an expert may help you make the correct choice.

House Cleaning Guide: Tips to Clean House Exterior Like a Pro

October 6, 2022
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Nothing feels more satisfying than coming to an immaculate home after an exhausting day. But are carefully ironed drapes, gleaming floors, and sparkling countertops enough to make your home look well-maintained? What about the exterior? Your house’s exterior speaks volumes about your housekeeping skills. From the leaves sprawled on the balcony to the green slime on your windows, every element in the open passes through strictly vigilant eyes. That’s why, alongside taking care of the interiors, you must also think about ways to make the exteriors of your home look presentable.

But where do you start? What do you need to carry out this task, and how often should you do it? Here are our top tips that will help you take care of the exteriors of your home like a pro.

Clean Your Windows

Do you know what makes homes look unkempt? Windows with water streaks, bird droppings, and grime. Regardless of how often you clean your windows, something always manages to escape your cleaning solutions and leave behind a trail. But you can change that by using the right tools and solutions. Regularly cleaning your windows with a good quality glass cleaner will help eliminate unwanted stains.

Depending on the material of your windows, you can also use vinegar or alcohol to clean them. Ensure to use a soft cloth or sponge so that you don’t end up damaging the glass. If you’ve neglected your windows for long enough to have stubborn stains, you can use a pressure washer, like one from Greenworks, with the right attachment to clean them. Be careful with the pressure setting to avoid damaging the glass.

Maintain the Siding

Due to its low pricing and easy maintenance, vinyl siding is a favorite among homeowners. It’s also loved for its durability as it can last for decades without requiring replacement. But that certainly doesn’t mean you can completely forget about it. You still need to regularly inspect the siding for any cracks or holes and seal them as soon as you spot them. Usually, people prefer hiring a general contractor to do this job, as caulking can be tricky.

If you have loose panels, screw them back in place. You should also regularly wash the siding to eliminate dirt, dust, and other debris. Your garden hose can do the job just fine. Just close the windows and protect your shrubs before you start spraying water all over the place.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Your home’s gutters tend to collect a lot of debris, leaves, and twigs. If you don’t clean them out regularly, this debris can lead to clogs and leaks. That’s one gross and unwanted mess you wouldn’t want ruining your house’s aesthetic appeal. Every few weeks, take some time out to clear the debris from these areas. You can use a garden hose to push out the dirt and then use a broom to sweep it away.

If you have a lot of trees in your backyard, you might need to do this more often to prevent the gutters from getting clogged. Installing gutter guards is one fail-proof method of keeping critters and debris from clogging your gutters. These mesh screens fit over your gutters and prevent leaves and twigs from clogging them.

Inspect Your Roof Often

Homeowners tend to neglect this valuable asset of their homes unless there’s an obvious problem. Since your roof is most exposed to the elements, it requires the most attention. Spring and fall are ideal times to inspect your roof and clear away any debris that might have accumulated over the seasons. A leaf blower is your best bet here. Also, look for cracked or missing shingles and replace them as soon as possible. If you spot any leaks, patch them up immediately. You can use a sealant or roofing cement for this purpose.

And lastly, don’t forget to clear the gutters and downspouts on your roof. Clogged gutters allow water to seep into your home and damage the roof. If this happens, you’ll have a bigger home improvement project to tackle. Roof replacements and repairs are not cheap.

Take Care of Your Porch and Deck

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors on your porch or deck? Whether hosting a barbecue or just relaxing with a book, your porch and deck help create lasting memories. But these areas can also get dirty pretty fast. Warped floors, loose boards, and cracked paint are just some of the problems you might face if you don’t take care of your porch or deck. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect these areas for any damage and make repairs as soon as you spot them.

Some handy tips are:

  • Protect your flooring with a sealant to prevent warping
  • Tighten any loose boards or replace them if necessary
  • Repaint the railing and furniture to brighten up the area
  • Use soft, non-abrasive cloths to clean the surfaces
  • Cover the furniture when it’s not in use to prolong its life

Invest in Hardscaping

Hardscaping refers to the paved areas around your home, like your driveway, sidewalk, or patio. These areas can take a beating from the elements and foot traffic. That’s why investing in good quality materials that can withstand the test of time is important. Concrete is a popular and reliable choice for driveways and sidewalks because it’s durable and low maintenance. But you must sweep it clean and hose it down now and then. Asphalt is another good option for driveways since it’s less expensive than concrete.

When choosing materials for your patio, ensure to pick ones that are non-slip and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Brick pavers are a good choice as they’re both durable and stylish. But it doesn’t end at installation. You also must regularly maintain these areas to prevent them from cracking or deteriorating. For instance, oil stains from your car can damage your driveway if not removed immediately. So, ensure to clean up any spills as soon as they happen.

Conclusion

Cleaning your house’s exterior can take a lot of time and energy. Scrubbing the siding, sweeping the porch, and power washing the deck can physically and mentally drain you. But if you keep up with it and establish a routine, it’ll become second nature in no time. Plus, you’ll enjoy your home’s curb appeal for years to come. So, what are you waiting for then? Get out there and let the cleansing begin.

Living in a house with a backyard is one of the most enjoyable and beautiful things in the world! And if you’re one of those people who live in a house with some exterior space, you probably know how fortunate you are.  However, not just any outdoor space will do, and you need to make sure your backyard is actually functional and purposeful. This means investing some time and effort into spicing it up from time to time and maintaining it regularly.  But, if you manage to give your backyard all the love and care it deserves, you’ll make it look nicer and more special than ever. If that’s something you’d like to do as well, here are a few ideas you might want to look into. 

Build a swimming pool

This might be one of the most difficult backyard projects in the world, but it’s one of those ideas that go a long way too. That’s why investing your time and energy into building a pool makes a ton of sense and is something you should do as well. You can always try doing that on your own, of course, and create a pool that will fit every member of your family. Dedicate some time to learning a few basic things first, though, and only then should you start with the actual process. Alternatively, you can hire experts who can build you a pool in a matter of weeks and make it more beautiful than you ever could. This is a serious investment, so define your budget and your plans first, and try to do everything right.

Spice up your patio

patio
If your backyard has a patio, this is where you probably spend a ton of your time. Unfortunately, not just any patio is good enough for you and your family, which is why you need to spice it up every now and then. Start by decluttering this space and removing absolutely everything you don’t need in there. This will create more space and give you a chance to enjoy your patio even more than before. After that, dedicate some time to your patio furniture – repaint and reupholster it, or simply buy some second-hand furniture from your local thrift shop. Finally, add a few finishing touches – blankets, cushions, and flowers are something most homeowners do, but you can go a step further. Be sure to explore those beautiful plantation shutters that will make your patio look wonderful and add some style to your interior space as well. 

Get some protection

Most backyards have a deck or a patio, which is why lots of people love spending their free time there. Whether you’re hanging out with your friends, spending quality time with your family, or doing something on your own, being in the open is always better. This is particularly true for people living in hot areas with lots of sunny days. However, if it’s too hot, you’re going to have to protect your outdoor hangout spot, especially if your kids are spending hours there as well. Doing this is rather easy, though, and you can use protective pergolas and gazebos that aren’t just effective against too much sunshine, but also look quite amazing. This way, your outdoor area will be nicer and safer than ever.

Maintain your lawn

backyard
Some people aren’t fans of spending time in the open, but that doesn’t mean their backyard deserves no love at all. On the contrary, these are the people who need an amazing lawn more than anybody else. To maintain your lawn might not look easy, but it’s actually quite doable as long as you get organized. Remove your weeds, aerate the lawn, apply some new seeds, water the lawn regularly, and don’t forget to mow it at least once a week. That way, your lawn will remain healthy, and your backyard will look fantastic. According to London-based lawn care professional Pol Bishop, a neat and tidy backyard will also inspire all your neighbors to do the same. Good-looking landscape can dramatically change how a neighborhood looks and feels like,

Final remarks

Giving your backyard love, care, and attention isn’t always easy, but it’s something you just have to do. Keep the end result in mind and find ideas that go a long way, and you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard in the decades to come as well.