Damage Caused by Snow and Ice

Leaving snow and ice to accumulate on your deck might seem harmless, but the reality is quite different. The weight of snow alone can put excessive strain on the structure, leading to bending, warping, or even collapsing in extreme cases. Additionally, as the snow melts and refreezes, it can create ice dams, forcing water into the cracks and crevices of the wood. This cycle of freezing and thawing can result in the expansion and contraction of the deck material, causing cracks and compromising its integrity. Over time, untreated ice buildup can lead to rot, decay, and a shortened lifespan for your once beautiful deck.

Safely Removing Ice from Your Deck

Taking care of your deck during the winter is an investment in its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Here are some safe and effective ways to remove ice from your deck:

• Use a Plastic Shovel: When the snow is light and fluffy, a plastic shovel can effectively remove it from your deck. Avoid metal shovels, which can cause scratches and damage to the deck’s surface.

• Apply Ice Melt or Salt: Spread a deck-friendly ice melt or salt on your deck to help melt the ice. Ensure that the product you choose is safe for use on wood and won’t cause corrosion to any metal components. Be cautious with excessive use, as some products may damage the vegetation around your deck as the product runs off.

• Create Channels: When expecting heavy snowfall, consider creating channels or pathways on your deck by shoveling strategically. This can help prevent the buildup of heavy snow and reduce the risk of structural damage.

• Gentle Scraping: In cases where ice has formed, use a plastic scraper to remove it gently. Be careful not to apply excessive force, which can damage the deck’s surface.

• Avoid Chemical Deicers: While effective in melting ice, some chemical deicers can harm your deck’s material. Avoid using substances like calcium chloride, which can accelerate wood decay.

Blue Sky Decks: Your Partner in Deck Care

At Blue Sky Decks, we understand the importance not only of building beautiful and lasting decks but also ensuring their proper care. We encourage homeowners to love and preserve their decks so they can be enjoyed for years to come. If you need advice on deck maintenance or are contemplating a replacement, give us a call or visit our website for valuable information. Let’s ensure your deck withstands the harsh North Idaho winters and continues to be a source of enjoyment for your family.

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But at the same time, building a deck should not take as long as a house remodeling project, either. If you want to build a beautiful new deck and you want it completed by a certain time, Blue Sky Decks will do its utmost to accommodate your timeline as closely as possible. However, we won’t do it at the cost of doing an inferior job. For any deck project to be done right, there is a proper process, and every step of that process should be done to standards that ensure your deck will be safe, sturdy, durable, and pleasing to the eye.

Here’s a breakdown of the streamlined process we follow at Blue Sky Decks to ensure you get the exact deck you want, within your budget, and on schedule.

1. Discovery Call

This call is your opportunity to tell us exactly what you are looking for in terms of deck design, overall budget, and desired timeline for your deck build. We welcome any questions you might have, and we are happy to offer our suggestions and insight about any aspect of your proposed project: size, materials, features, recommendations, and so on. We are also happy to tell you about our experience and expertise, as well as to provide you with references for our work. 

As this conversation draws to a close, you should have a good idea if our methodology will work with your goals, and we will know if this is a project we can take on within the timeframe you set out. If both parties are on board with the deck project, we will book a site visit.

2. Site Visit

Our builder(s) will arrive to inspect your project site at the agreed-upon time. Through careful consultation with you, a design will be digitally sketched out based on your space, ideas, and budget.

We’ll have some further discussions regarding which materials are best based on the intended use of the deck, weather conditions, the look that’s desired, and the overall budget. You will then get an estimate for the work with all the costs laid out in detail.

3. Secure Your Selections

Once you agree to the design, timeline, and estimate you receive, you’ll then pay a deposit and the work will be scheduled to start. Final choices are made regarding the materials to use and any other design options that weren’t agreed upon during the site visit.

Any permits needed for the project will be pulled at this point. We are now ready to gather the materials and supplies needed and get to work building your deck.

4. Deck Build

Your deck build will be completed by our knowledgeable, professional crew according to the timeline agreed upon during the site visit. After your deck is finished and you have had a chance to inspect it, we will collect the remaining payment and then go over care instructions, as well as anything else you need to know about how to maintain your new deck.

Blue Sky Decks has built a lot of decks, and we are confident in the tried-and-true processes we use, borne out over years of experience with all sorts of decks, all types of locations, with all kinds of decking materials. We are confident that you will be pleased with our work from the initial phone call right through to the end of your project. We guarantee that, if you choose us to build your deck, you will enjoy it for many years to come. Contact Blue Sky Decks today for your no-obligation call to start the process to make your new dream deck a reality.

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1. Don’t Forget to Get a Permit

Most of the time, decks are considered a part of your home, since they are usually attached to the main structure. As a result, Idaho laws will require that you get a building permit just as you would if you were modifying your existing home in any other way. And while there are a few exceptions to this rule, your best bet is to inquire with your local city government to see what rules may apply and, if a permit is required, make sure you obtain one before you begin. Like any home modification, you will likely have to submit a site plan and deck framing plan as part of the permit application. And if you don’t know how to draft these documents correctly, it is best to seek help from a professional.

2. Don’t Try to DIY

While you might love the idea of a DIY project, building a deck that will look good and will last a long time is a lot more complicated than you might think. You need to comply with strict building codes to ensure that your deck is safe and stable. And even if you already have the right tools and some experience, you had better be sure you know what you are doing, so that the structure is properly built and can pass inspection. If you harbor any doubts or run into issues, hiring a professional deck builder may be the right solution.

3. Don’t Choose the Wrong Materials

What you build your deck with matters. There are numerous materials to choose from, all with various features that may or may not make them the best choice for your deck, depending on your budget, your aesthetic ideals, and even the sort of weather exposure your deck will experience. At Blue Sky Decks, one of the first things we do when we visit your property is to perform what we call a Discovery Call. We listen to your ideas, then we inspect the site to make sure that your ideas will work. Based on our assessment, we will recommend what we believe is the best layout and the most suitable material to make sure your deck keeps you happy for decades to come.

4. Don’t Settle for Less Than the Best

There’s no shortage of contractors in Idaho, but few of them are deck experts; most contractors tend to do a little bit of everything. However, decks are specialized structures that call for experience and expertise. At Blue Sky Decks, we don’t dabble in other work. We build decks and we build them well.

5. Don’t Pay for an Estimate

If a contractor asks you for money before you’ve even met, that’s a huge red flag. A contractor that’s committed to customer service will be happy to schedule a free consultation, confident in the ability to earn your business without having to make you pay for talk. At Blue Sky Decks, customer satisfaction drives us forward, which is why we provide free consultations to anyone with a serious construction inquiry. At Blue Sky Decks, we want to help you turn your outdoor deck vision into relaxation reality. Schedule a discovery call and free consultation with Blue Sky Decks of Idaho and let us show you how to make your dream deck come true.

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The fact is, there is a way to eliminate visible screw lines on your deck to achieve the look you want. When you choose composite decking for your building material, you will automatically eliminate the need for visible screws and can have that seamless, smooth deck that you have always wanted.  What’s more, you will enjoy that deck for years to come.

Why Composite?

Composite decks are made with a material manufactured by using a combination of real wood and plastic.  Because of the unique characteristics of the material, composite decking is purposefully designed to enable builders to create a seamless appearance–thanks to a hidden fastening system.

The installation process involves attaching the boards together, as well as attaching them to the deck’s foundational structure using special fasteners:  no deck screws to create visible screw lines. This process will create a seamless, smooth appearance; you will never see unsightly screws, and never have the problem of rusty screws detracting from the beauty of your deck. Screw heads will not stick up or sink down into the flat surface, marring the smooth look and feel of your deck. 

Compared to many other materials used for building decks, composite decking boards are extremely durable. They aren’t easily damaged or destroyed by impacts, and are not as subject to changes in color or texture due to weather.  The normal wear and tear of years of use–dropping tools, kids riding bikes, furniture sitting on the deck or being moved around–will have very little effect on composite decking compared to many softer materials, including many types of wood.  You will have a beautiful deck that will stay beautiful for decades, and you will enjoy it without having to repair or maintain it like a traditional wood deck.

Composite Decking Comes Ready To Install and Enjoy

Another benefit of composite decking is that it is low-maintenance from the get-go. You simply pick your preferred finish, place the order, and wait for it to arrive and to be installed. The boards do not need to be pre-drilled, stained, painted, sealed, or re-sealed.  After installation, your composite decking boards are ready to walk on and use, and your composite decking will maintain its color and quality for years to come.

Composite Decking is Easy on Your Feet

While many wood decking materials may warp or splinter over time, composite decking boards will not. That means that you don’t have to worry about little children’s bare feet getting slivers or splinters.  Without screws sticking up, little feet won’t get poked or cut.  Composite material will maintain its smooth, flawless finish long-term.

Add Luxury to Your Outdoor Space

Aside from the aesthetic benefits of having no visible screw lines, of having your deck in ready-to-use condition in a shorter time, and of eliminating some of the head-ache of deck maintenance, composite deck boards have become a popular go-to for homeowners who want to give their outdoor space a luxurious feel. For people who want a picture-perfect deck, composite decking is the way to go.

Choose the Right Deck Builders

Composite decking is the perfect option if you want a beautiful, flawless deck without any visible screw lines. When you choose this building material, you’ll get all the aesthetic benefits plus durability and functionality. If you want to build a deck or rebuild an existing structure to improve its appearance and function, we can help. Visit us today at Blue Sky Decks to learn how we can help you build your dream deck.

The post Building a Deck With No Visible Screw Lines appeared first on Blue Sky Decks.

• your building plans 
• Your deck is attached to your home
• Your deck is over a certain square footage
• Your deck’s height off the ground
• etc.

You don’t want to end up getting fined by the city or, even worse, causing your entire project to get derailed.

Since adding or removing a deck from your home qualifies as altering the structure of your home, permits and inspections are important things to prepare for now. Many people choose to throw caution to the wind and forgo this process, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and take the necessary steps to obtain a permit.

Getting a Permit

Getting the correct city permit takes time and knowledge, and if it’s something that you’d rather not deal with, you don’t have to. When you hire professional deck builders to design and build your deck, you won’t have to handle the permit process. You’ll be able to trust your builder’s expertise and know that they’ll obtain the permits you need to make the project legal.

Obtaining Your Permit From the State

In the state of Idaho, you must apply for your permit, pay the required fee, and then, once your application is approved, you’ll be cleared to begin the work. 

Once the work has been completed, and often throughout the process, the work will need to be inspected. Your deck build will be officially complete when the work has passed final inspection with the city.

To DIY or Not to DIY

It may be tempting to consider DIY-ing your deck project. However, there is much that goes into becoming a qualified master builder.  DIYers often reach the design process and planning stage, but quickly realize they have gotten in over their heads.

You can avoid this by beginning the process with a company you can trust: someone who can handle every aspect of the process for you so that you can focus on choosing materials and colors, and then work with expert designers to create your dream deck.

The Process Beyond the Permit

Once you determine that you don’t want to trust the deck-building process to yourself, you can breathe a sigh of relief and walk through the process with experts who handle everything for you. From the design to the measurements to the permitting process to finding and obtaining the raw materials, this is a project that many delegate to the experts. Should you do the same, not only can you enjoy the process, but you can enjoy your new deck, as well.

Building a deck doesn’t have to be a complicated or painful process. If you want to add outdoor living space to your backyard, demo an existing and structurally unsound deck and replace it with nothing short of a work of art, our experts can help. Contact us today at Blue Sky Decks to learn more about the services we offer and schedule a consultation with an expert who can help you with the deck-building process, from start to finish.

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