Structurally Sound Decks

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Decks Charleston SC is a beautiful addition to any home and offers an outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining. Decks are also a way to make your yard more usable.

Many homeowners want room to entertain, so a deck can provide a gathering place for family and friends. Decks can feature dining tables, a grill, and fire pits.

Unlike a patio, a deck is elevated from the ground and often attached to a house. It offers a great way to enjoy a view or expand living space outdoors. Typically constructed from wood, composite materials or a combination of both, a deck can be designed to include a number of amenities to enhance functionality and increase enjoyment.

Creating an effective deck can be a challenge, but it’s worth taking the time to learn from others and practice. For example, you could read through decks of renowned designers and try to understand their structure, organization and storytelling techniques. It’s also worth seeking out feedback from colleagues and incorporating constructive criticism into your own work.

Decks are commonly used for business pitches and presentations, but can also be a useful tool to communicate ideas or showcase a portfolio of your creative work. As such, a good deck should be both compelling and accessible to your audience. It should be clear and concise, with a structured layout that allows the viewer to follow your train of thought. It should also use visual elements, such as graphs and images, strategically to reinforce your message or make complex information easier to understand.

A good deck should include a summary page, which gives an overview of the main points of your presentation. This should be followed by a list of your key projects or skillsets, with examples to illustrate. You should also include a contact page to let people know how to get in touch with you.

For more details about how to create a great deck, see our guide to crafting an impressive portfolio. A lot of the same tips apply to creating a successful deck, but you should also tailor your approach to suit the purpose of your presentation or pitch. For instance, a deck for a client pitch will require a different style to one for a team catch-up.

When it comes to designing your deck, be sure to choose durable, low-maintenance materials. A well-constructed deck should be comfortable to walk on, with surfaces that are smooth and splinter-free. You can also add comfort-enhancing features like a built-in bar, barbecue area or outdoor lighting to extend your deck’s usability into the evening.

Materials

A deck is a flat platform that can be used as a spot to relax with a drink after work, host an al fresco dinner party or watch the sunset. Depending on the materials used, it can also provide a sturdy surface to stand on when exercising or playing outdoor games. When planning your own deck, the material you choose is a major consideration, as it determines how much maintenance and repair will be needed.

Wood is the most common material for decks, and it’s available in a variety of species and styles. The most popular type is pressure treated pine, which undergoes a chemical treatment to make it resistant to rot and mold. A protective sealant is often applied to the surface as well. Pressure-treated wood is less expensive than other types of lumber and can last for years without deteriorating.

Hardwoods are also popular for decks, and include cedar, redwood and ipe. However, commercial logging of these woods is a major cause of environmental concerns, especially as they’re harvested from tropical forests. If you choose to use hardwoods, be sure to purchase certified sustainable wood products.

Composites are an alternative to traditional wood and come in a variety of natural-looking hues and grain patterns. They’re made from a blend of recycled plastic and waste wood fibers, and their surface doesn’t splinter. Composites are heavier than most woods and require regular scrubbing to prevent mildew growth, but they offer the advantage of lasting longer than traditional wood.

Another option is concrete, which can be poured onto a frame to form a raised walkway. This is typically a good choice for ground-level decks and can be shaped and colored to match your home’s exterior. Concrete is heavy, though, and may require additional structural support to prevent sagging over time. It’s also not a good choice for elevated decks, as it can shift and crack under stress. To avoid moisture damage, a flashing system is often used between the ledger board and your home to channel water away from the deck.

Structural Considerations

Decks are a popular feature that can enhance a home’s outdoor living space and provide a place to entertain or relax. However, if not constructed properly, decks can be unsafe and even fail completely. With the number of deck collapses rising, building codes are beginning to specify minimum standards for deck construction. It is therefore essential to consult a structural engineer when planning and constructing a new deck to ensure that all applicable requirements are met.

The anatomy of a deck begins with footings, which are concrete pillars that spread the load of the deck over a larger area. They are poured into holes that you dig in the ground, and in cold climates they may need to be below the frost line to avoid shifting of the concrete during freezing and thawing cycles.

Joists, the main beams of a deck, are attached to the footings and span the width of the deck. To keep them from twisting or buckling under the load, you will need to install blocking in a zigzag pattern between joists. This will prevent rot and also ensure that the joists do not pull away from the deck’s foundation over time.

Local building codes and guidelines dictate how high the railings must be on a deck, to protect people from falling off of the structure or becoming injured by the debris that might fall on them. It is also important to consider the spacing of the balusters or pickets in the railing to minimise climbing hazards for children and pets.

Another essential consideration for a safe deck is the stability of its stairs. Stairs are one of the most common areas for accidents, and it is essential to maintain a consistent riser height and tread depth to reduce tripping hazards. Local regulations also dictate the minimum number of handrails and guardrails required on a deck, as well as how they must be constructed to prevent falling or getting stuck.

In some cases, a town will require that the design of a deck is done by a qualified structural engineer prior to granting a permit for its construction. This is because decks can be a significant load bearing part of a house, and if improperly built or maintained, can cause damage to the home.

Maintenance

The addition of a deck to a home provides homeowners with an attractive outdoor living space that can be used for relaxing, entertaining guests, cooking, dining, and working. A well-maintained deck will add beauty and value to the property, but it also requires year-round attention to keep it structurally sound and in good condition.

Wood and composite decks can be damaged by mold, rot, and insect infestation. Proper maintenance can help prevent these problems, keeping the deck in good condition for as long as possible and minimizing repair costs.

Using a soft brush and mild cleaner, clean the surface of the deck regularly to remove dirt, mildew, and debris. Staining the deck with a semi-transparent stain is also recommended, which helps protect the surface from moisture and other contaminants. It’s important to address stains promptly to avoid permanent discoloration of the decking materials. Deck covers are also available for protecting the material from the elements and allowing the owner to customize the color of the decking.

Regular inspections can catch problems before they become serious, saving the deck from costly repairs and extending its lifespan. A basic inspection should include:

Examine the structural boards. Listen for squeaks and feel for soft spots or sagging areas. Search for cracked or rotting boards and protruding nails. Replace any that are found. Check the metal flashing (a water barrier) where the deck connects to your house, and replace it if it is damaged.

Check all handrails and stairs for loose or rotting posts, rails, and steps. Secure any that are loose and replace any that are damaged or rotting. Make sure to check the stair stringers (the saw-tooth notched pieces that support the stairs) for signs of rot. Examine the railings for loose or rusted screws and anchors, and tighten or replace any that are loose or rusty. Ensure that all handrails are secure and safe to use, especially after heavy snow or rain storms. Lastly, sweep the deck of leaves, debris, salt, and other items that can trap moisture, causing mold, mildew, and rot.

Who Killed Natalie Wood?

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One of Hollywood’s greatest mysteries is re-opening, with homicide detectives revealing that they are taking a fresh look at what really happened on the night Natalie Wood drowned. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Who Killed Natalie Wood.

death

Captain Dennis Davern has long claimed that the official account of what happened is a lie, most recently in a Vanity Fair article and in numerous TV interviews.

1. Captain Dennis Davern

In her heyday, Natalie Wood was a movie star who was loved by millions. She starred in movies that ranged from romantic comedies to dramas, and her audiences looked up to her as an icon of beauty and grace. But just like any other person, she had her ups and downs. Her career was not always successful, and her private life seemed rocky. She was often high-strung and neurotic, and she had a particular fear of being alone at night that dated back to childhood.

Then in 1981, at age 43, she died from a mysterious drowning on her boat. The initial investigation ruled it an accident, but bruises were discovered on her body, and some of the circumstances surrounding her death are still murky. Her husband Robert Wagner has long been suspected of involvement, but he maintains his innocence.

Davern, a former navy veteran who had spent his entire life around the sea, was the captain of the yacht from which Wood disappeared. He recently appeared on NBC’s Today, and he claimed that he had been untruthful during the original investigation into her death. He also suggested that Wagner had something to do with her death, and he accused him of lying during his testimony.

On the day of the disappearance, Davern had been sailing with Wood and recent Oscar winner Christopher Walken aboard the Splendour, which belonged to Wagner. Davern recalled that when they arrived in Isthmus Cove, Wood and Walken went to their staterooms for naps while he and Wagner stayed in the main salon. After a few hours, they woke up and began drinking alcohol.

At one point, he claims that Wood and Wagner got into an argument about money. He said that she then left to go back to her stateroom, and he heard them arguing in their room before everything went quiet.

Davern also told TMZ that he had spoken with several other people who witnessed the argument and that they all corroborated his account of what happened that night. He also said that he had passed a polygraph test. He is now a business owner in St. Augustine, Florida.

2. Robert Wagner

Actors and other celebrities often find themselves in the public eye and often find themselves involved with controversies. And that was certainly true in Natalie Wood’s case. The actress was always at the center of gossip and rumors, even after her death.

Wagner married Wood in 1957, divorced her five years later, and remarried her in 1972. They were on a yacht with her co-star Christopher Walken the night she drowned, and according to the captain of the boat they had an explosive argument.

The bruises on her body seemed to indicate that she had been assaulted, and the coroner’s report listed unexplained fresh bruising and scrapes on her. But there never seemed to be enough evidence to hold anyone accountable. The original cause of death was listed as accidental drowning, but in 2012 it was changed to undetermined factors.

Throughout the years, police have tried to interview both Wagner and Walken for more details, but both of them refused. Wagner has published a memoir, Pieces of My Heart, in which he explains that he and Wood were having an argument that evening and she walked off to go sleep while he was still angry. He claims she accidentally slipped off the Zodiac dinghy and fell into the water, but in 2000, Vanity Fair reported that his first interview with police was cut short because he had been crying.

Police have also questioned Wood’s sister, Lana, and found that her story of the night she died has remained consistent. Lana also reveals in her book that she was always very protective of her sister and didn’t like it when Wagner or her Hollywood friends would visit and swim at their house.

In 2018, detectives reopened their investigation and called Wagner a person of interest in Wood’s death, but he has continued to refuse to talk to authorities. Walken, on the other hand, has cooperated with investigators and says he doesn’t think Wagner had anything to do with her murder. But investigators haven’t ruled out that Wagner might know more than he’s letting on.

3. Christopher Walken

In life, Natalie Wood rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite, acting alongside such icons as John Wayne and Gene Kelly. In death, she became one of the biggest mysteries in Tinsel Town, her death a lonely and sordid end for someone who seemed like a solid good-hearted person who had made many classics during her long career.

Her husband, Robert Wagner, and the captain of the boat she was sailing on that fateful weekend have shifted their accounts of what happened, raising suspicions of foul play. However, there has never been any direct evidence against Walken. The actor has maintained an alibi and consistent statements about what happened to his co-star and friend.

Walken was a close friend of Wood’s, and the two were collaborating on MGM’s sci-fi movie Brainstorm at the time of her death. While the film wasn’t a box office smash, it was a well-regarded project that was still in production as of her death. In a 1997 interview with Playboy, Walken opened up a little about what had gone on that night and offered his theory on how Wood ended up in the water.

He said that the couple and the crew of the Splendour had been drinking at a restaurant and on the boat. He said that after they had finished eating dinner, the three of them started to argue over something. He said that he believed that was the last thing he saw of Wood. He said that she went back to her cabin and shut the door.

Then, she slipped out of the cabin and into the water. He said that he didn’t see her resurface and assumed she was drowned. He told Playboy that he thought that Wood hit her head and then just floated away, but this was only his theory. He didn’t say much more about the matter in the years that followed.

4. The Coast Guard

On November 29, 1981, Natalie Wood went out on a yacht with her husband Robert Wagner and his colleague from the movie Brainstorm, Christopher Walken. She had been drinking with both of them on the night before her death.

The circumstances surrounding her death were a mystery. The only evidence was her body, found hours later floating in a cove on Catalina Island dressed in a nightgown, socks and a parka. She had a dozen bruises on her arms, knee and neck. It’s believed that those bruises happened before she fell into the water.

As the years passed, many conspiracy theories emerged. Some alleged that Wagner had murdered his wife. Others speculated that she had been the victim of a brutal assault. Regardless of who killed her, one thing was clear: She had no friends or family to turn to for help. She had been abused and exploited by directors, studio executives and men who she trusted. She had also been abandoned by her daughter from her first marriage and the two daughters she had with Wagner.

In 2011, after 30 years, Los Angeles county sheriff’s officials reopened their investigation into her death. In 2012, county coroner’s officials changed her cause of death from accidental drowning to undetermined factors. The reason, investigators were told, was that they couldn’t rule out assault as the cause of those two dozen bruises on her body.

During the reopened investigation, new witnesses came forward to say that Wagner and Wood had a blazing argument on the boat before she disappeared. A CBS 48 Hours special aired last weekend claimed that police had new information that Wagner was considered a person of interest (although he was not a suspect) because two people who knew them could vouch that the pair had an argument.

Whether or not those new details prove anything, it’s unlikely that anyone will be charged in her death. The statutes of limitations have long expired on all possible charges, including murder. The documentary focuses on the personal side of her life, with her daughters speaking passionately about how much they loved their mother/stepmother and the pernicious way her private funeral was interrupted by the media.

“Exploring the Responsibilities of Landscapers: A Comprehensive Overview”

by Posted in Landscaping Tagged , , , , ,

A well-designed landscape can encourage kids to spend time outdoors, make family gatherings more enjoyable and increase a home’s value when it comes time to sell. The career involves physical work and the handling of potentially dangerous chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. It can also involve exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Landscapers

Landscapers Baltimore who focuses on hardscaping is concerned with non-living elements of the yard. These include pavers, rock, wood, concrete and other materials that don’t require the same level of attention as trees, flowers and grass. Hardscapes create pathways, patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls and other features that serve a functional purpose in your landscaping.

The right balance of hard and soft landscapes is essential for the health and longevity of your property. For example, incorporating hardscape features like a pergola can help block harsh sun from your backyard during the day and add some needed shade to your garden area. Similarly, the placement of a stone staircase or walkway can help mitigate erosion issues by preventing rainwater from washing away soil. And, by adding a water feature to your back or front yard, you can create a focal point that is both visually appealing and soothing for the senses.

Hardscapes can also be a great way to solve other landscaping problems. For example, if one section of your yard does not receive much sun throughout the day, planting a tree there may be difficult or impossible. But, with the addition of a hardscape element like a retaining wall or stone staircase, that portion of your yard can become an outdoor living space where you can enjoy relaxing with a book or entertaining guests.

While hardscaping offers a variety of practical benefits, it can be challenging for a beginner to get started. It is crucial to work with an experienced contractor who can provide a realistic timeline of how long it will take to complete your project and who can advise you on the best options for your specific needs and budget.

The time frame for a hardscaping project will vary depending on its size and complexity, as well as the availability of materials in your local marketplace. A simple walkway or patio might take just a few days to a week to construct, while a more complex project like an outdoor kitchen or retaining wall could take several weeks or even months.

Plantings

Many people are drawn to the field of landscaping because they have an interest in nature and plants. The work is incredibly labor intensive and requires a lot of physical activity. It also involves a lot of driving and the use of heavy machinery. Some of the tasks include clearing and preparing the site for planting; installing trees, shrubs, and ground covers; establishing grading contours; and creating soil conditions that promote proper drainage. Landscapers are also responsible for installing and maintaining fences, decks, walkways, patios, and other features in the landscape.

Plantings help create the aesthetic of a property and are a key part of a comprehensive design. Plants provide shade from direct sunlight, provide texture and color in the composition, and serve a number of functional purposes. They can serve as barriers between spaces, block objectionable views on or off the property, and help establish a sense of place in the area. They can also act as a filter for runoff from fertilizers and pesticides, helping to reduce the amount of pollution entering water bodies.

One of the biggest challenges that landscapers face is the changing climate and how it affects plants. Higher temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have caused flowers to bloom earlier, which can affect the quality of the landscaping and increase maintenance costs. Also, pests are becoming more adaptable and able to survive in new environments. This can lead to increased problems with weeds, and landscapers may need to use more chemicals to keep them under control.

In addition to reducing the amount of pollution that enters water bodies, Sustainable Landscaping can save resources by using less water and fertilizers. It can also eliminate the need for gas-powered equipment and instead use propane-powered mowers, which release far fewer greenhouse gases. In addition, this type of landscaping can be more cost-effective since it often includes little or no turf that needs mowing.

Native landscaping can be more expensive than conventional landscaping because the plants are harder to find at nurseries and can be more costly. They can also be more time-consuming to maintain because they need to be mowed regularly and can look wild and unruly when they’re not in bloom. It’s important for landscapers to find ways to balance the advantages of these native plants with their disadvantages in order to achieve the best results.

Maintenance

When homeowners enlist the help of a landscaper, they can be certain that their yards will look fantastic. They will have someone to check on the plants for health and vigor, make sure the trees are properly pruned, and even help them keep track of their watering schedules. Landscapers are also experts in lawn care, and they can offer advice on the best types of grass to grow and how to get the most out of your green space.

Landscapers often work on residential properties, but they can also be found working on commercial spaces, such as office parks and shopping centers. They may be hired by these companies to create outdoor seating areas and install or maintain irrigation systems. In addition, they can be employed by government agencies to maintain the landscaping in public spaces and parks.

A well-maintained yard is not only pleasing to the eye, but it can increase the value of a property. Having your property maintained by professional landscaping contractors can also save you money in the long run, as regular maintenance can prevent expensive problems down the road.

Another benefit of using a landscaping service is that they can help you plan and execute any special projects that you may want to do, such as installing lighting for a backyard barbecue area or adding a walkway to the front of your house. These are projects that you would not have the time or experience to do on your own, but they can be done by a landscape contractor and are a great way to add curb appeal to your home.

When hiring a landscaping company, be sure to inquire about the services that they provide and any additional charges or fees that you might need to pay. For example, many landscapers require a 20% deposit upfront and will not begin the project until they have received payment. You should also ask about their policies regarding the refund and cancellation of services. Additionally, all repair, maintenance, and installation services are taxable unless the customer provides the landscaper with a properly completed exemption document.

Design

If you’re planning to build a deck or any other outdoor structure, landscapers can help with design and construction. They have extensive experience in working with different outdoor materials, from natural stone to timber, and can recommend the best options based on your location, climate and aesthetic preferences. They also understand how different materials respond to various weather conditions, making them better equipped to construct structures that can withstand the elements.

Before beginning the design process, landscapers will take detailed measurements of your space and inspect it for any potential issues. For example, they might check for buried utility lines or tree roots. They’ll also look at your soil’s condition, and take note of sun and shade patterns throughout the day.

Once they’ve inspected your site, they’ll use this information to create a plan of action. They’ll start by conducting a site inventory and analysis, then create functional diagrams and conceptual design plans. They’ll also develop a list of needs and wants, so that you can be clear about what you want in your landscape.

A good landscaping company will be able to advise you about the most suitable plant species for your space. They’ll also be able to suggest ways of enhancing your garden’s natural features, such as creating a water feature or installing a pergola. The final landscape plan will include a list of specific plant species, quantities and spacing dimensions. It will also specify any other necessary details for the construction of your project.

When you’re looking for a landscaper to design and build your garden, be sure to ask about their work history and what types of projects they’ve worked on in the past. Look for a landscaper that has demonstrated success in the industry and has a reputation for excellent customer service.

Landscaping is a crucial part of any construction project and can add value to your property. By hiring a professional, you can ensure that the final result is visually appealing and meets all your construction requirements. Landscapers will also be able to give you an accurate quote for the cost of the project and provide you with advice on any potential problems that may arise during the construction process.