Rotting Wood

One of the biggest signs that there is a problem with your decking is if you notice rotting wood whether it be on your floorboards, railings, joists, etc. Any kind of rotting wood can be extremely dangerous and show that there are foundational issues with your deck. Rather than letting the rot and mold spread on the wood, it’s important to get it removed and repaired. The longer you wait, the worse your deck will become, making more areas unstable and eventually unusable.

Wobbly Railings

The railings of your deck are important for keeping your overall safety whenever using or having an event on your deck. If your railings are wobbly or completely torn off then it’s important to find the reasoning. Is it due to rot, mold, or physical damage, or is there something wrong with the structural integrity of your deck? These are important questions to ask yourself in order to tell if your entire railings need to be replaced or if the repair is smaller than originally thought.

Damaged Deck Posts

Keeping your deck posts in great condition is key to having a fully functional deck. Your deck posts directly connect to your concrete footings and help create a strong foundation for the entire deck. If these posts become damaged or even any floorboards around the posts then it’s necessary to get this fixed very quickly. You never want your deck to be a safety hazard and not having your posts in amazing condition can create a huge headache in the near future.

Deck Repair Professionals

For those looking to get their deck repaired or replaced be sure to get in touch with the team at E.M. Snow. They have an extremely talented team of exterior remodeling contractors. They can diagnose any problem and make it simple for you to understand the next steps to get your deck back in working condition. Learn more about their exterior remodeling services today!

Roof Inspection

Inspecting your roofing is vital to ensuring your home stays safe for numerous years to come. Proper roofing and protection can help stop moisture, animals, and more from entering your home. To avoid these possibilities have a look at some key areas to check below.

• Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles.
• Inspect flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
• Clean out any debris that may have accumulated.

Siding and Exterior Walls

Similar to roofing, healthy siding creates a perfect seal that doesn’t allow the harsh elements of the outdoors to enter your home. Siding and roofing are essential to helping your home last for numerous years.

• Inspect siding for cracks, rot, or other damage.
• Clean siding to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.
• Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are perfect to check when looking at siding, they both help to keep your home insulated whilst also helping you save money on your heating bill throughout the colder months.

• Check to weatherstrip and replace if worn.
• Ensure caulking around windows and doors is intact.
• Clean windows to allow more sunlight in during winter.

Gutters and Downspouts

Without proper gutters or downspouts, water will begin to flood the side of your home and cause a tremendous amount of damage over time. Water may seem harmless but can deteriorate all kinds of materials extremely fast, making it essential to control your home’s water displacement.

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent clogging.
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Consider adding gutter guards to minimize future maintenance.

Decks, Patios, and Porches

If you want your deck, porch, or patio to last throughout the winter then it’s important to check all the listed aspects below to ensure no damage is caused to your home.

• Inspect for loose boards, nails, or railings.
• Clean and seal wood decks to protect against moisture damage.
• Remove any leaves or debris that can cause slipping hazards.

Call an Exterior Professional

If you’re still unsure about what areas of your home exterior to check this fall then call a professional exterior team like E.M. Snow! They’ll make sure you’re on the right track and supply you with the best course of action. contact their talented team today!

But is your deck starting to feel a bit ho-hum? Does it look too much like all the other decks in the neighborhood? If so, it’s time to make your deck stand out. Not only will it help you love your outdoor space even more, but it will grow that backyard curb appeal, too.

10 Tips to Improve Your Deck

You might be thinking that your design options are limited when it comes to a deck, especially since you need to plan for the weather. But today, making your deck stand out is easier than ever. There are limitless options out there that are not only weather-friendly but won’t look just like what the neighbor has decided to do next door. 

Here are some of our best suggestions.

1. Add a Pergola or Awning

A pergola or awning not only provides shade but also adds a touch of elegance to your deck. You can decorate it with climbing plants like ivy or wisteria for a more natural, lush look. If a pergola is out of the budget, you may be surprised how affordable retractable awnings can be.

2. Incorporate Built-In Seating

Built-in seating, such as benches with storage, adds functionality and style. It’s a great way to maximize space and keep your deck clutter-free. Ask your contractor about options if your deck is still under construction. And if your deck is pre-existing, this is a relatively easy and affordable project for DIYers and woodworkers.

3. Use Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs can add a pop of color and pattern to your deck, making it feel more like an extension of your indoor living space. They are also easy to clean and can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions.

4. Install Unique Lighting

String lights, lanterns, or even built-in LED lights can create a magical ambiance in the evening. Consider solar-powered options to save on energy and make installation easier.

5. Create a Vertical Garden

Vertical gardens or plant walls are a fantastic way to bring greenery to your deck without taking up floor space. They can also act as a natural privacy screen.

6. Incorporate Water Features

A small fountain or water feature can add a soothing element to your deck. The sound of trickling water is calming and can help mask neighborhood noise. Portable fountains can easily be installed in a corner of the deck, creating a lovely focal point.

7. Add a Fire Pit or Fireplace

A fire pit or outdoor fireplace can make your deck a year-round gathering spot. It provides warmth during cooler months and a cozy focal point for socializing. You can find many portable fire pits designed just for decks with a few quick searches online.

8. Introduce Unique Furniture

Invest in unique or custom-made outdoor furniture that reflects your style. Mixing and matching different pieces can create a more eclectic and inviting space. Have some old pieces in the basement? Try giving them some new life on your deck.

9. Use Colorful Accessories

Bright cushions, throws, and other accessories can instantly refresh the look of your deck. Stick to one color theme or go crazy with all the colors of the rainbow—it’s your deck and your style. Choose weather-resistant fabrics to ensure they last through the seasons.

10. Incorporate Art and Decor

Outdoor art, such as metal sculptures or weatherproof paintings, can add a personal touch to your deck. Decorative items like wind chimes or garden statues can change up the overall look.

In Need of a Deck or a Deck Makeover?

If your backyard needs a deck or a deck makeover—new planks or an overhaul to composite decking—it’s time to call in the professionals. In no time, you can have a new deck that is all ready for you to help it stand out and become the outdoor sanctuary you’ve always wanted.

This James Hardie siding project was recently completed by our team in Jamaica Plain, MA. This was a true transformation, as the exterior of the home looks completely new and improved! Our team granted the wish of these homeowners by installing stunning new James Hardie siding – one of the industry’s most tried-and-true materials.

Looking for Siding in Jamaica Plain or Eastern Massachusetts?

E.M. Snow is here to help! We’ve served the greater Boston area with roofing, siding, and window replacement services for over 50 years! If you need the help of a professional team, just get in touch with us by calling (781) 893 – 4546 or by submitting a contact form through our website. 

Siding, Decking & Rail Project in Somerville, MA

Completed earlier this year, the E.M. Snow team took to Somerville, MA to install new siding, decking, and more to what was an already attractive home. Using quality materials from CertainTeed, among other manufacturers, we’d argue that the results look nothing short of amazing and appealing to the eye. The robust yellow siding gives this home a new life, and what home isn’t made better with a deck? We hope that this deck is the center of endless fun, entertainment, and memories for years to come for these homeowners. Better yet, we hope these homeowners are satisfied with the results of this project.

Siding in Melrose, MA

Also completed earlier this year, we did to this home what we do best, and that’s installing new siding! Here at E.M. Snow, we are specialists when it comes to installing or replacing siding, so when these homeowners called on us for great results – we answered! As you can see by the before and after comparisons below, this home almost looks unrecognizable with a new siding job! By replacing the siding on this property, we not only gave it a fresh, new look but also improved its durability and performance in the face of weather and conditions. There’s no doubt their new siding will be able to withstand the New England climate for years to come!

Contact E.M. Snow Today

If you’re ready to service your siding, roof, or gutters this year, our team at E.M. Snow Inc. is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today to get started by calling our team at (781) 893-4546 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your home remodeling needs.

A beautiful addition to what was already a pleasant home, the E.M. Snow team took to Somerville to upgrade this property with new siding, decking, and rails. With the help of quality products like CertainTeed Cedar Impressions siding, this home is sure to be admired by its homeowners – not to mention passersby. We hope these homeowners are satisfied with the great results provided by our team.

Get in Touch with E.M. Snow Today!

If you’re ready to service your siding, roof, or gutters this year, our team at E.M. Snow Inc. is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today to get started by calling our team at (781) 893-4546 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your home remodeling needs.

Decks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Space

Few things beat the feeling of experiencing the great outdoors while still in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Decks provide an unparalleled outdoor living space that is sure to make your home’s exterior shine, particularly in the warmer months of the year. Simply put, decks add more space for all your favorite activities, whether it’s settling down and reading a book, or having a lively family barbeque. It is an ideal way to add square footage to your home, something you may not otherwise be able to do to your interior.

Increased Living Space = Increased Value

Decks can be distinguished for the impressive amount of growth and gain that they bring to the table. This is not just in a literal sense, as they can increase the square footage of your home, but in an economic sense as well, as decks can help increase the overall value of your property. Like many other home improvement projects, a deck can instantly make your home a more desirable place to live, and therefore make it more financially valuable as well. Outdoor living spaces are almost guaranteed to make your home increase in value – not to mention the increase in curb appeal.

Decks Are What You Make It

As mentioned, decks are an ideal way to simply add more space to your home, allowing you to do your favorite activities, and we would argue that this is an inherent benefit of decking in and of itself. One simply can’t put a price on the quality time that can be spent on a deck, whether it’s by yourself or with friends and family, including graduation parties, cookouts, birthdays, and the likes. Decks can be the foundation of endless memories and special events throughout your lifetime – they are truly what you make of them.

Looking For A Deck? Look No Further Than E.M. Snow!

With the help of Azek Decking, our team at E.M. Snow is sure to give you the deck of your dreams. If you’re a homeowner in the greater Boston area and are interesting in taking your exterior to the next level – consider us at E.M. Snow! We have completed countless projects throughout the greater Boston area. Get in touch with us by giving us a call at 781-893-4546. We look forward to hearing from you and getting started on your project!

In today’s blog, we’ll be focusing on Azek Decking, including the background of this manufacturer, and why we continue to work with them. If that sounds interesting, keep reading below for more!

Introduction to Azek

Azek Decking is currently headquartered in the Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, though its influence spreads across the nation, including here in New England. As it stands, Azek is one of the most well-known names in the nation when it comes to manufacturing home improvement materials, and they are destined to get only bigger. They boast facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, and recently announced that they will be opening a new location in Boise, Idaho.

Azek’s Past & Core Values

Though not necessarily long in the traditional sense, the history of Azek Decking has been chock-full of innovation and improvement. The establishment of Azek Decking brings us back to 1983, when the company founded itself on a distinct set of core values which it continues to uphold today. These values include:

1. Always Doing the Right Thing
2. It Starts and Ends with the Customer
3. Value Every Individual
4. Lead Through Innovation
5. The Best Team Wins
6. Better Today Than Yesterday

To learn more about each of these individual core values, head over to their website by clicking here.

A Promising Look Toward the Future

In the modern-day, Azek Decking continues to be distinguished for its positive and forward-thinking business approach. In fact, they have committed themselves to achieve ambitious goals in the near future – such as using one billion pounds of recycled material annually by the end of 2026. As mentioned, the company is expected to grow in size, but refuses to forfeit ingenuity and sustainability in the process. Azek is a company that is guaranteed to stand the test of time – and that’s why we continue to work with them!

You can learn more about the Azek company through their website here.

Considering a Decking Project with Azek Materials? Contact E.M. Snow!

With the help of Azek Decking, our team at E.M. Snow is sure to give you the deck of your dreams. If you’re a homeowner in the greater Boston area and are interesting in taking your exterior to the next level – consider us at E.M. Snow! We have completed countless projects throughout the greater Boston area. Get in touch with us by giving us a call at 781-893-4546. We look forward to hearing from you and getting started on your project!

We first had to remove the existing stairs to prepare the property for the replacement. Our team carefully dismantled the existing stairs and railings and got to work on installing the replacements. We installed the new Timbertech decking in its place, which transformed the home’s front walkway, but we still had more to add.

After installing the steps themselves, we added the new railings. While the old railings were iron, these new railings are beautiful, white PVC, which matches the rest of the front steps, as well as the entry door.

Lastly, to finish off the project, our team added a beautiful lattice to the bottom of the steps to ensure the project was fully completed! The homeowners were thrilled with the finished product, and we couldn’t be happier to hear that they’re happy with their home’s new front steps.

If you’re interested in seeing the transformation that took place, check out the before & after photo’s below:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4394″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Before

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After

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Decking Manufacturer: Timbertech Decking

Additional Details: Timbertech Railings, PVC Trim, & Lattice[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1563478157865{margin-top: -40px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

Would you like to learn more about our team’s decking installation services, or other exterior remodeling services? Our team at E.M. Snow Inc. is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (781) 893-4546 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your remodeling needs![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]