Deck Drainage Systems

To expand useable outdoor space, if you have clearance under your deck, you might want to take advantage of an underdeck drainage system. Installed beneath the decking material, these waterproofing systems keep the space beneath the deck dry, making it available for storage or, if there’s enough height, for a shaded patio or screened porch.

The RainEscape Deck Drainage System uses a series of troughs concealed under the decking to catch rainwater and funnel it into downspouts. The system fits both 12-inch and 16-inch joist spacing and can be modified to fit 24-inch joist spacing. It can be retrofitted to existing decks, and can be installed with a pair of scissors and a staple gun in a matter of hours. For more information: 877-348-1385 or www.rainescape.com.

The American Dry Deck system consists of a watertight underdeck ceiling that appears as a multi-paneled cathedral-style surface when viewed from below. It’s essentially a “drop” ceiling that consists of snap-interlocking modular sections, and can withstand heavy snow, ice and high wind loads. The ceiling system is maintenance free, but you will have to flush out the debris in the gutters once a year. For more information: 800-272-8086 or www.americandrydeck.com.

The Dry-B-Lo Designer Deck Drain System is also an underdeck ceiling installation that consists of curved channels, which helps flush out debris. It includes a full perimeter of gutters with downspouts, installs in one to three days (depending on the size of the deck) and can support heavy ice and snow loads. For more information: 706-864-0049 or www.dry-b-lo.com.

Give Your Roof a Checkup

Damage to or deterioration of a home’s roof can be difficult to spot from ground level, so homeowners should conduct a simple roof checkup twice a year, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, located in Rosemont, Ill. Using a ladder that extends at least three feet beyond the gutter (for safety reasons), homeowners should look for the following signs that a roof might need repair or replacement:

• Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering, which can indicate the end of their life expectancy
• Loose material or wear around chimneys and penetrations for pipes, vents and the like
• Excessive amounts of shingle granules in the gutters, which can indicate worn shingles that are past their effectiveness in protecting the roof.

In addition, check the inside of your home, including interior walls and ceilings, for water damage. The Association also suggests cleaning gutters and downspouts once or twice a year, since clogged gutters can overflow and damage fascia boards on the roof, and cause structural damage to the foundation over time. For more information or to request a free copy of the Association’s Roof Checkup Guide, visit www.ncra.net or call 847-299-9070.

Drink to Your Health

Water quality has become an important issue for many homeowners, given recent reports about the quality of tap and bottled water. According to the National Tap Water Quality Database (www.ewg.org/tapwater), 260 contaminants have been found across the nation in residential tap water, and for more than half (141) of these contaminants, there are no enforceable safety standards. Nearly 200 million people are drinking these contaminants in their water.

A number of companies produce home filtration systems that can improve water quality. Pureez, for instance, recently introduced a countertop water purifier that uses an 11-watt ultraviolet (UV) lamp, as well as a double-active carbon filter and a 0.6 micron filter, to kill microbes in tap water. (UV technology is a cost-effective way to disinfect drinking water, according to the company.) The system reduces particulates in water by 99.9 percent, reduces chloroform by 95 percent and reduces chlorine by 75 percent.

The Pureez water filter can produce water at a variety of temperatures, from chilled to boiling, and it has a programmable volume control, so it can expend varying amounts of water, from a small cup to a large cup. It comes with a self-installation kit for easy set-up next to a sink or refrigerator, or it can be professionally installed. The Pureez water filter retails for $999, with a number of payment plans available, and comes in six colors. For more information: www.pureez.com or 866-939-7873.

5 Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Planning a bathroom remodeling project this summer? It’s one of the best investments you can make in your home, according to real estate experts. Should you ever consider selling your home, the condition and amenities of the bathrooms “can really make or break a sale,” says Silas Deane, president of Baden Bath, located in Nashville, Tenn. He offers the following tips for homeowners embarking on a bathroom remodeling project.

• Design for functionality. Most bathrooms are used by more than one person, so keep that in mind when designing your new bathroom. If possible, separate toilets from the rest of the bathroom, and consider installing double sinks.

• Let there be light. Even if your bathroom is small, you can make it appear larger by lightening it up with either natural light or lighting fixtures.

• Feel free to vent. Proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew, two common problems in bathrooms. Many energy-efficient venting systems are available that can help control moisture and improve indoor air quality as well.

• Go tankless. Customized shower systems and tubs often require a greater volume of water. But rather than rely on an inefficient tank-style water heater, consider a tankless, on-demand water heater, which heats water as it flows through the heater and helps control energy costs.

• Expect the unexpected. With bathroom plumbing, unexpected problems can arise, resulting in unexpected costs. Set aside roughly 10 percent of the cost of labor for a cushion.