Your deck used to be the place for an occasional cookout or a few folding chairs on a summer evening. Today, it’s becoming something much bigger. Homeowners are investing more into outdoor living spaces than ever before, turning decks and patios into natural extensions of the home. Whether it’s entertaining guests, creating a relaxing place to unwind, or simply improving curb appeal, modern deck … [Read more...]
Beyond the Backyard BBQ: Smart Summer Remodeling Ideas That Add Real Value to Your Home
Summer-Ready Homes: Smart Remodeling Projects to Make the Most of the Season
There’s something about summer that changes how you use your home. Doors stay open longer. Natural light matters more. Even the way you move through your space feels different, less confined, more connected to what’s happening outside. It’s a season that opens your eyes to what’s working in your home, and what isn’t. For many homeowners in Lancaster County, summer becomes the moment when … [Read more...]
Siding Profiles
Exterior wall coverings are available in various different materials. Some of those materials are available in different siding profiles. Not only does your siding choice affect your home’s curb appeal, it is also the first line of defense against the elements. Along with the roof, your home’s siding provides protection against the sun, rain, and all other types of weather. Siding can also … [Read more...]
Siding 101
The exterior covering is one of the first things that a person will notice when they first see your home. You'll want your siding to make a good impression. Because large sections of the home are covered in siding, choosing the exterior covering is one of the most important decisions you can make as a homeowner. Not only does your siding choice provide exterior curb appeal, it is also the … [Read more...]
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a man-made material. It is made with four ingredients. Those four ingredients are water (dissolves the wood pulp, and activates/hardens cement), wood pulp (for flexibility and resilience), fly ash or sand (acts as a filler), and Portland cement (made up of limestone, clay, and iron—it acts as a binding agent). It can mimic stucco, shingles, masonry, or clapboard. Fiber … [Read more...]
Wood Siding
Wood siding is an environmentally friendly choice because it is biodegradable and does not emit pollutants during the manufacturing process. It is also one of the oldest siding options available. Wood has a natural, traditional, and beautiful look. This siding is typically made from cedar, fir, cypress. pine, spruce, or redwood. Wood can can be left in its natural state, painted, or stained in … [Read more...]
Vinyl Siding
About Vinyl Siding Vinyl siding is made of out polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC. Vinyl is a relatively new building material. In the late 1950s, it was created to be a substitute for aluminum siding. In the early days of vinyl siding, it earned a bad reputation. This is because it would crack, fade, and buckle. Since then, the quality of the product and the manufacturing process … [Read more...]
Stucco Siding
Stucco siding resembles plaster or cement, but is a type of masonry plaster. It is made from a mixture of cement, water, and sand. Traditional stucco siding used lime instead of cement. Stucco is hand-troweled, while wet, onto wood, stone, or brick surfaces. It then hardens to a very dense solid. As well, it can be used on interior walls and ceilings as a decorative coating. It can be used to … [Read more...]
Engineered Wood Siding
Treated engineered wood siding made its debut in the 1990s. It may look like the real thing, but it is really made from woodchips or wood fibers. Using resin, these are bonded together, creating a composite material that is stronger than real wood. It is then embossed with a woodgrain pattern for a more authentic look. Engineered wood is available in pre-primed, ready to paint, or pre-finished … [Read more...]