Nearly every part of Maryland receives approximately four inches of rain per month, while the annual rainfall in our state ranges from 35 to 45 inches. The average winter snowfall for our area exceeds 20 inches. If you’re a Maryland resident, this isn’t news to you – our state is one of the wettest.

All of this precipitation can lead to calamities of nature that damage your home. Not to mention it can be downright depressing to be cooped up in your house day after day while rain and snow take their toll and hamper your ability to breathe in some fresh air.

We received an email from a potential customer yesterday who needed to have an estimate for replacing their screen room because their existing porch had fallen during the DC earthquake of 2011.  The remarkable thing is that only the floor and structure fell while the roof, railings, and post remained suspended in the air.  Luckily the home owners were on vacation and no one was hurt. 

Recommendations for Building a Green Deck

If your goal is to minimize your carbon footprint but maximize your outdoor living space, there are environmentally friendly decking materials that will allow you to enjoy your deck while also protecting the earth.

Decks fail for two reason: they are not flashed properly and they are not free standing. A freestanding deck is a separate structure that only attaches to the house superficially and to help with lateral movement. Free standing decks do no put any additional weight on the house. Builders for years have been trying to find ways to cut cost, and they do this while sacrificing the longevity and safety of their products. It is imperative to have a free standing structure for a variety of reasons.

Flashing: The Most Important Detail

• Why decks fail
• Proper flashing install
• Types of material to use for flashing