The Harrell Care and Repair Experts (C.A.R.E.) division will specialize in projects that require minimal design and will simplify the decision-making process by offering a variety of standardized finishes and fixtures. This approach will also speed up the entire remodeling process.

“Our goal is to provide our clients with the top-notch quality and service they are used to, yet make the process more streamlined and easier for them” says Ciro Giammona, General Manager. “Some folks are happy with the size and shape of their home, but are dissatisfied with the condition of the aging finishes, fixtures and components. Those are the people this new division will appeal to” Giammona continues.

Typical projects for the C.A.R.E. division will be bathroom and kitchen remodels, laundry rooms, window, door and skylight replacements, and deck installation and repair.

Some decks get a lot more weather (both sun and rain) than others and will need maintenance more often due to their exposure to the elements. If you talk to a deck maintenance company, they will probably suggest as a rule you hire them every couple of years. If you are planning on doing your own maintenance, you need to be sure to use appropriate techniques and products.

In my two decades of designing, building, and repairing decks I have seen so many mistakes committed by deck designers, deck builders and homeowners, who either tried to maintain their own decks or totally ignore their decks until finally it has a catastrophic collapse.

Here are my guidelines for maintaining your deck so you get years of enjoyment and usage from it:

• Hire a professional to maintain your deck.
• Do not stain or paint your deck boards a color – have them be natural so peeling does not occur.
• If your deck boards need to be replaced, consider
• Putting a protective flashing on top of the framing below to prevent dry rot in the future.
• Choose a different product for deck boards (Trex, FSC certified mahogany). Also remember that structural spacing may need to be added when changing materials.
• Purchase higher-grade redwood that is installed with deck clips, not nails or fasteners.
• If your entire deck and structure needs to be replaced due to dry rot, replace the sub-structure with a pressure treated wood and flash the tops of these joists so wet deck boards in the shade will not be able to rot the structure below.
• The ledger installed against the house that holds the deck boards needs to be offset with a nut so water can fall behind the ledger during a rainfall. Make sure the deck boards have a ½-inch to ¾ gap from the house’s siding so rain can pour through easily.
• Never refinish your deck with a urethane product – it peels after only one season and looks horrible.
• And most important of all, use your deck more often and enjoy the beautiful weather we are blessed with!

Iris Harrell is owner and president of Harrell Remodeling, Inc.