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Monday, July 29, 2013

What You Need to Know About Pool Enclosures

Some homeowners install pool enclosures to maintain pool cleanliness, add privacy, and also to protect themselves from intemperate weather. One of the most popular types of pool enclosure is a screen enclosure which consists of an aluminum frame that supports a series of mesh screens. The mesh screen keeps the light in the pool area while simultaneously keeping bugs,  falling leaves, and other debris away from the pool.

However, the mesh material alone cannot withstand snow or hail, hence, some homeowners prefer enclosures made of a combination of glass and mesh screens. The addition of glass provides an extra layer of protection since it allows the sun's light in while lessening exposure to its harmful UV rays. If you have a patio or pool furniture, you'd get to enjoy lounging around for a long time without having to worry about sun damage.

If you choose a design that blends well with the overall look of your home, a pool enclosure can even add to your home's curb appeal. Increased curb appeal could also translate to an increase in your home's resale value because plenty of home buyers are always looking for unique features. The advantages of pool enclosures are indeed plenty, but make sure that you work with the right contractors so the end result will satisfy your expectations.




Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Importance of Hurricane Shutters

It is very rare that a hurricane season misses the state of Florida, which gets an average of 17.7 hurricanes per decade. The impact of these cyclones to homes can be very costly, but their potential danger to human lives is even more alarming. This makes preparations for a hurricane very important for residents. Thus, hurricane shutters should be as much a part of Florida homes as the roofing, doors, and windows.

Hurricane shutters protect your windows from the storm's destructive winds. A broken window will let wind inside your home, which could then wreak havoc to the interiors and even cause your roof to fail. The state of Florida has specified building code requirements for hurricane shutters, which should be the minimum standard in your selection.

There are several types of hurricane shutters to match varying home designs and budgets. The most common types are the accordion shutters and the roll-down shutters. Both are permanently affixed to windows, so there is no need to put them up and take them down between storms. They can be made hurricane-ready by a single person, and are easy to set up and operate. Both can also serve as excellent protection against intruders.


Roll-down shutters are the most expensive among the popular shutter types, but they are also very durable, and hides well when not in use. Accordion shutters may be too bulky for some homes, but cost less than roll-down shutters.