Posts

Showing posts from April, 2013

How to screen a covered deck or patio

Image
While you can create a screened room by using a staple gun to attach window screen mesh from the hardware store to 3 foot wood framed openings, this is not what I am describing. You can hire the company that the builders do and get builder quality materials with posts every 3 feet. If you don’t mind and plan to sell soon or don’t plan to use the space all that much, then it will be fine. If you want to create a top quality screen room, then you’ll want to use Heartlands screen system. Heartlands system not only has a cleaner appearance, but the screens will hold taut for longer and cover much wider openings.   Maintenance involves just a hose or some soap and water. Heartlands uses pool and patio screen mesh which is 20% thicker than standard window screen mesh, so consequently more durable. Screen mesh is available in 100’ rolls up to 9’ wide. Cut a length of screen mesh 3 inches longer and wider than the opening. If you require a railing (check your local building

To Find A Good Contractor Get A Referral

Image
There are so many horror stories about construction projects gone wrong: the low price that mysteriously grew, poor workmanship, unreliability of employees and the feeling of abandonment when things go wrong and nobody will answer your calls. These are the experiences that the Heim family avoided by getting a word of mouth referral before starting their deck and screen room project. Bob and Gretchen Heim were wowed by the new screen room and deck at their friends the Bolands’ home. “We realized that the thing that was missing in our house was the ability to enjoy the outdoors. We were in the midst of all these trees, but when we went outside, acorns would fall on us, the bugs would be biting and the cedar deck and steps were in poor shape.” The Bolands spoke so highly of the experience they had with Heartlands Building Company, that the Heims called for a free estimate. “The steep terrain and complexity of the job scared off a few contractors, but Larry didn’t flinch. He listened t

What is the Right Mesh for Your Screens?

Aluminum positives: strongest     negatives: much higher price, easy to end up with wrinkles if not super careful during installation, individual wires can be bent, creating “holes”, Fiberglass positives: low cost, easy to install, easy to maintain a smooth appearance.   negatives: sun breaks down fabric over long term, locusts in some areas eat fiberglass. Solar positives: blocks varying percentages of the heat and glare from the sun, easy to maintain a smooth appearance. negatives: thicker material and denser weave means less ventilation, more costly than standard fiberglass. Pet or Super screen positives: won’t rip from pet claws, easy to maintain a smooth appearance. negatives: thicker material and denser weave means less ventilation, more costly than standard fiberglass.                                No-seeum positives: tighter weave keeps out smaller insects. negatives: harder to find, tighter weave means less ventilation, more costly than st