Building a Deck or Screen Porch: What to Know

Posted in: Decks in Maryland

James Moylan

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Screen in Your Existing Deck: MD & VA Guide

Yes, you can screen in an existing deck—but not always. At Design Builders, we've screened hundreds of decks throughout Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. Success depends entirely on your deck's structural integrity, foundation, and local building codes. We'll walk you through what inspectors look for and when screening isn't feasible.

 Here's everything you need to know about building on existing structures. 

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Where and How Does Trex Do Business?

Posted in: Trex Decking

James Moylan

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

All the way back in the mid-1990s, Trex established itself as an innovative leader in the decking industry by actually inventing the composite decking category. Since that time, the company has grown exponentially. What started as a small company is now available throughout the United States, as well as in approximately forty-five other countries.

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What time of year should you build a rooftop deck ?

Posted in: Deck Care, deck contractors, Trex Decking, rooftop decks, Tile Decks, Zuri decks in Maryland, Zuri decks in Virginia

James Moylan

Monday, January 27, 2020

rooftop deck baltimore maryland

April through October is the ideal window to build a rooftop deck in Maryland and Virginia. For Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA homeowners, these months deliver moderate temperatures, lower rainfall, and extended daylight—all critical for quality construction. While year-round building is possible, spring through fall maximizes work efficiency and weather reliability for your outdoor living project.

What is the Process for Getting Materials up to a Rooftop Deck ?

Posted in: deck boards, decks in Washington, D.C., rooftop decks, Tile Decks, rooftop decks in Washington, DC, building a rooftop deck, historic deck building

James Moylan

Friday, January 24, 2020

low-maintenance rooftop deck design in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland

Getting Materials to Rooftop Decks in Maryland & Virginia

Rooftop deck material delivery requires specialized planning and equipment like cranes or lifts to safely transport heavy loads to your roof. Homeowners in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA often face unique site constraints that demand customized logistics solutions. Understanding this process upfront helps you work effectively with your builder and anticipate project requirements.

Rooftop Deck Design Study

Posted in: rooftop decks, rooftop decks in Washington, DC, Archatrak, rooftop deck design

James Moylan

Friday, January 24, 2020

Rooftop Deck Design: Montgomery County & Fairfax

A rooftop deck combines stunning views with premium outdoor living space—when designed and built correctly. In this Montgomery County project, we replaced a failing roof and installed a modern rooftop deck that maximizes sight lines and durability. If you're considering a rooftop deck in the DC area, this design study shows how proper planning transforms your home's highest level into functional luxury.

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In this project, we encountered something we see a lot. The homeowner had an existing deck installed over a roof, and when that roof started to leak and needed replacing, the existing deck had to be torn up in order to access the roof below. In this case, the roof was at least thirty years old, and the deck was also in need of repair or replacement, so it all worked out well.