About Me

Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.

Tags

Latest Posts

Search

Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

3 Great Alternatives to Traditional Wooden Decks

by Jacob Reed

Do you love the idea of having a deck attached to your home but hate the idea of spending your leisure time performing household maintenance tasks? Keeping up a traditional wooden deck involves a significant investment in both time and energy because they need to be sanded and stained on a regular basis in order to keep the wood from eroding. Fortunately, there are several new decking materials that don't involve heavy maintenance routines. Below are just three ideas that you can consider.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood products and is considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to wooden decking. It's fairly stain-resistant and does not splinter easily, making it an excellent choice for households containing active children. Maintaining a composite deck is a fairly simple process. Here's what you need to do in order to keep composite decking material looking its best:

  • Although it's stain-resistant, removing stains as quickly as possible after they occur will help keep your composite decking looking new.
  • Keep your composite decking swept clear of fallen leaves and other debris.
  • Hose your composite decking off when necessary, particularly if it's situated near trees where bird droppings can be an issue.
  • Scrub it down twice per year with warm, soapy water and a soft mop. Plain dish washing liquid is fine.

Other composite decking care basics will depend on the climate conditions specific to where you live. If regular snowfall occurs during the winter, placing a canopy over your deck strong enough to hold heavy snow is recommended.

Vinyl Decking

Vinyl decking is another excellent choice for those who want an attractive deck but would rather avoid the high maintenance tasks involved with wooden decking materials. As with composite decking, vinyl decking only requires a minimal amount of care to keep it looking good. Special cleaning products can be purchased from home and garden retailers that will efficiently clean mold and mildew off of vinyl decking. here are several other tips for those who are considering having a deck installed using vinyl materials:

  • Because vinyl surfaces can be slick when it gets wet, purchase textured planks rather than smooth ones—particularly if you've got active children, senior citizens, or others in your household who might be prone to slip and fall on slippery surfaces.
  • If you live in an area where the summer sun is strong and hot, you should purchase vinyl decking that has been treated to resist fading caused by UV rays. Otherwise, placing a shaded canopy over your deck may help keep it from fading.
  • Check with municipal and county building codes before installing vinyl decking—some communities may have restrictions on them.

Vinyl is an excellent decking choice for most homeowners because it lasts significantly longer than wood, and it also comes in a huge variety of colors and sizes.

Aluminum Railing

No matter what type of construction materials you choose for your deck, aluminum railing is a wise choice for railing. Unlike railings made from wood, aluminum railing won't rot and does not need to be sanded and painted on a regular basis. It also doesn't splinter, making it a safer railing material option for those who need to use handrails as balancing aids.

Like the other materials listed, it also lasts longer and only requires very little upkeep. Purchasing aluminum railing that has a powder-coat finish will ensure that the railings remain free of rust and corrosion. Many home and business owners also prefer textured aluminum for use in steps because it provides a durable, nonslip surface that cuts down on accidents.

If you have further questions, talk to local contractors to talk about options as well as pricing.

Share