SPECIAL SECTION : HOME & GARDEN RENOVATION GUIDE
your deck for cleaning , with frequency depending on location . If the deck is adjacent to trees and shrubbery , leaves and pollen will settle on the frame , so washing is required to keep it looking sharp .
If your home is made of stone , you may opt for a patio that is a continuation of the stone look , but this also works well with a wood frame or brick home . Patios work best in yards that are level , while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere , including a hilly or uneven lawn .
Homeowners are especially keen to add a fire feature to their outdoor area , functioning as a gathering point for both family and guests . Traditional woodburning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty , but emotional warmth as well . Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear gas fireplaces , with smooth , clean lines to mirror the style of their home .
For those who don ’ t have the space for a fireplace , fire pits or fire tables make a great feature , with some creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock . Tables are available in three different heights , with a lower coffee-table height , dining table , and bar height . Homeowners also have the option of selecting wood- or gasburning fire pits .
The Great Outdoors
When the summer heats up , the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know it ’ s going to heat up your house and drive up your air-conditioning bill . Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors to maintain a cool house . This simple idea can really help keep your home comfortable during the dog days of summer , while saving you money on energy costs .
With an outdoor oven and grill , barbeques can be a spontaneous dinner idea rather than a major event that must be planned days in advance . The grilling process gives steaks , chicken , fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor , while reducing the overall fat content .
And it ’ s not just meats that can benefit from grilling . Bell peppers , onions , zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil , wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill .
With an outdoor kitchen , grilling is not just for summer either . Having a cover for rainy days and outdoor heating available , it can be done virtually year-round . Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live , a sink with running water and a fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient .
HIT THE ROOF
A new roof can mean many different things to many different people . Some get a new roof out of necessity — the roof is damaged and old and simply needs replacement . Others are looking for an aesthetic update to the exterior of their home : think cool metal roof . No matter the reason , spring is the perfect time to “ raise the roof ” and bring in something new .
Replacing your roof has several benefits other than the obvious curb appeal . A new roof improves your home ’ s efficiency , providing savings on heating and cooling costs . There are even special coatings that are Energy Star certified to reflect more of the sun ’ s rays and lower the amount of energy needed to cool your home .
Whatever shape your roof is in , it ’ s good to have an inspection done by professionals each year . They can also do routine maintenance to extend the life of your roof and make repairs if there are loose or missing shingles . Depending on the quality of materials , roofs typically last anywhere from 10 to 50 years , so find a local roofing company you can get to know and trust to help you maintain the literal roof over your head !
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