Get comfortable outside, and stay that way in a custom outdoor room by Archadeck of Central Maryland no matter what the weather

In recent years, the popularity of the “outdoor room” setting has soared. An outdoor room is defined as any outdoor space that can provide a relaxed setting reminiscent of the comforts found within most interior living or family rooms. Covered porches, screened porches, sunrooms, and 3 and 4 season rooms are great examples of sheltered outdoor rooms that extend living spaces and the hours of leisure at home.

What are the benefits of having a comfortable porch or outdoor room and why are they so hot in Central Maryland this season? The pros are endless if you plan well and design your outdoor space to function effortlessly day or night for the way you want to live in outside. For homes in Howard County, Montgomery County and the surrounding areas, outdoor rooms are the perfect solution to enjoy your backyard during rain and inclement weather (of which we have certainly had our fair share of this season), for escaping the humidity and heat and of course nuisance insects of summer, like the mosquito.

Eze Breeze porch enclosure in Potomac, MD, by Archadeck of Central Maryland.

Hectic schedules, rushing around for work and looking after our families, make the additional escape provided by an outdoor room very appealing. With so many covered space options, Archadeck of Central Maryland invites you to explore the benefits of each of these wonderful outdoor structures in order to help you gain better knowledge of which space would best suit your family’s backyard needs.

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  With round columns and a beautifully detailed ceiling design this covered porch has it all

  The Covered Porch – Also referred to as “open porches” because they are protected from sun and unpredictable summer rainstorms, the covered porch offers the benefit of circulating fresh air with the bonus of a roof that provides shelter from the elements.

• The Screened Porch – Giving you all the benefits of a covered porch plus one additional big benefit…protection from bugs! Keeping insects such as mosquitoes out of your outdoor living space is a huge benefit of having a screened porch. Keeping the bugs at bay will enable you to enjoy your porch late into the night without worry of being outside at the same time as mosquitoes.

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  Three season room with cedar ceiling and slate floor.

  The Three-season room – Beefier than your average screened in porch or enclosed deck, a three season room addition is a good option for homeowners who want to enjoy outdoor living in style but don’t need the living space available all year long. For the windows, we use single-pane glass windows or the Eze-Breeze porch enclosure system (the best of both worlds, screen when you want it, or a more enclosed “windowed” room when you want it too) for unfettered use of the space in spring, summer and fall.

• The Sunroom – Sometimes referred to as four season room, all-season or year round room, this option is integrated into the construction of your home, existing roof line and exterior. For ultimate climate control, we install insulated glass windows and insulation in the roof, floors and walls, for use of the room year-round.

Four Season Room Interior in Silver Spring, MD.

No matter which type of covered structure you choose, an outdoor room will maximize the time that you are able to enjoy the space as well as provide added comfort and protection while outdoors. There is no end to the amount of style, versatility and comfort a new outdoor room by Archadeck of Central Maryland can add to your home.

We specialize in custom designed and built decks, patios, sunrooms, pergolas, 3 & 4 season rooms and outdoor living combinations throughout Howard, Montgomery and surrounding counties. Our professional and talented staff members are experts at helping homeowners, like you, get the most out of each season with an outdoor structure custom designed and built for your enjoyment. Contact us today to learn more by calling (301) 926 – 3001 or via email at centralmaryland@archadeck.net.

You may also visit our Porches of Central MD page located on our website for more ideas.

Are the winds of change taking over your outdoor living space expectations?

Are the winds of change taking over your outdoor living space expectations?

As we change, so do our wants and needs. For instance, in the 90s when searching for homes, most buyers just “had to have” a master bath that included a garden tub and a separate enclosed shower. Today we often see those same homeowners upgrading to the larger all glass, enclosed walk-in shower mostly because they offer easier accessibility for everyone. Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County, over the years, has seen the same sort of thing happen with many homeowners’ outdoor living space needs. Similarly, where a large open deck previously served your entertaining needs well for the kids’ birthday parties when they were younger or a backyard barbecue, now your outdoor living needs may be different. Perhaps your children are all grown up and out on their own or maybe you no longer need an open space, but prefer a covered space which provides protection from the elements and insects. With these changing needs in mind, converting your deck into a screened porch, or even your existing screened porch into an outdoor room (such as a 4-season room, or sunroom)  may be the perfect solution and we can help.

• Deck-to-screened porch conversion: Your spacious deck provides an area for outdoor dining, relaxation and entertaining, so choosing to convert that deck into a screened porch simply upgrades that area for the same activities, but without the hassle of pesky insects or the dangers associated with the sun. As an added benefit, during times of inclement weather, a screened porch allows you to continue the fun on your protected porch. Just think about the last time a sudden spring shower dampened your outdoor event on your deck, ultimately driving you all back into the house just in time for the rain to stop. Now imagine that same event continuing while that quick shower comes and goes, without your outdoor party missing a beat because your outdoor living space is now covered and protected!

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  Three season room with cedar ceiling and slate floor.

  Screened porch-to-sunroom conversion: Your existing screened porch protects your outdoor events, but if you completely enclose that same space with glass windows and add a heating and/or air conditioning source, you will extend the livable area of your home as well as have an excellent space for entertaining.  When you get down to the logistics of it, a sunroom, or interior room addition is like having a screened porch with walls and windows which can be used year-round after all!

Just as we have done for many other homeowners in the Howard and Montgomery county areas, Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County can custom design and construct the conversion of your existing outdoor living space. We have extensive experience transforming decks-to-screened porches, creating an outdoor living area which allows you to enjoy the fresh air and wonderful view of your beautiful backyard while being shielded from the elements. Additionally, we specialize in screened porch-to-sunroom conversions, producing outdoor room additions which blend seamlessly with your home and landscape to meet or exceed your outdoor living needs.

Vaulted ceilings and Velux skylights open up this gorgeous bright and airy screened porch in Rockville,MD.

Though deck-to-screened-porch conversion or screened porch-to-sunroom conversions may seem like difficult projects, in many cases they are not. Prior to beginning either of these projects, we begin with an evaluation of the structural components of your existing deck or screened porch. A good majority of these existing structures, if not built by Archadeck, may not have been constructed to support the weight of a roof. Other elements we inspect and take note of during the onsite evaluation include: the method in which the deck or screened porch was originally built and the type of foundation and joists the structure has. Full knowledge of these items are part of the criteria that must be met to ensure your existing deck or screened porch can support the added weight of a roof and the additional standards required in making the conversion. In most cases, conversions are possible, but it is crucial to hire an outdoor structure professional with extensive knowledge about decks and outdoor structures. Hiring a professional ensures the safety and success of your intended conversion.

Versatile screened porch and deck combination in Central MD.

As your outdoor structure professional, we highly recommend reinforcing any existing structure’s foundation when converting it to a roofed structure. We can retrofit most existing structures by installing new footers (as long as we can get underneath the structure to reinforce it), which reach all the way to the corners of the structure, to support the new weight of a roof.

If you are considering a conversion or upgrade for your existing outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County today. We’ll not only inspect the structural soundness of your existing deck or screened porch and determine if it’s a candidate for an upgrade, we’ll also custom design and build your new converted structure to bring added function and beauty to your backyard and lifestyle. Call us for a free design consultation, or to schedule a deck inspection today at (301) 926 – 3001 or via email at centralmaryland@archadeck.net.

Baby it’s cold outside; versatile heating options to keep your Central MD outdoor room warm this winter!

Is this what your screened porch or 3-season room feels like during the winter months?

Do you yearn to spend time with friends and family on your porch this winter? Too often it is assumed screened porches are not conducive for use in the winter months…not so! As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention and homeowner’s need to enjoy their outdoor living space year-round, the development of a convertible porch or 3 season room along with a host of options for keeping the nip of winter at bay has been serendipitous.

Extending the use of your existing 3-season room or porch with the addition of heating devices, not only increases your enjoyment of the space, but also brings more value to your investment. The winter months in Montgomery and Howard counties are full of wonderful winter and holiday activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy. What better way to carry on the fun, or unwind after, than by gathering in your favorite space to share the events of the day. Imagine coming home from an afternoon of ice skating or an evening tour of the holiday lights to share hot cocoa and muffins or a dinner and hot toddies. With your incorporation of heating, your convertible porch or 3-season room can magically morph into your own cozy lodge.  Listed below are some of the innovative warming options you might consider to keep your space warm:

• Radiant Heat Panels – These flush or recessed mounted ceiling panels provide non-drying, non-allergenic, sun like warmth via safe, infrared radiant energy that travels through the air with the speed of light warming objects in its path, including the floor.  Heat is zone controlled so you stop paying for heat in unoccupied areas. Additional benefits of this “green” product include quiet operation, life of building longevity (meaning they never need maintenance), availability in various sizes, voltages and wattages and can be painted with latex-based paint to match any décor. They have no odor and since they do not circulate air like convective systems, there is no dust.

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  Yes, this is actually an outdoor heater that looks like an elegant upscale floor lamp! This one is made by Northgate.

  Modern Electric Tabletop and Floor “Lamps” – With the look of a lamp, these electric heaters have taken design and décor into greater consideration. A popular example is the Northgate Floor Lamp. They are designed to blend into the outdoor living space environment, yet still provide the same function of the traditional electric space heater. These are available in a wide selection of styles, varying in size and price range to make “cozy” affordable to all porch owners.

• Wall or ceiling-mounted electric heaters – In recent years smaller versions of this typically commercial space type heater, have been designed for residential use on patios. The use of infrared elements or halogen bulbs in this heating technology produces invisible rays of light that only heat objects and people, not the air. This makes such a heater a sound, economical choice because you pay only for heating the things you want to warm, rather than heating air that is quickly blown off the porch!

Custom ceiling mounted infrared heaters keeps this outdoor space toasty warm in spite of winter’s chill!

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  Gas tabletop heaters work great in both covered and open outdoor settings.

  Gas tabletop heaters – These smaller gas patio heaters use camp stove-type fuel canisters and can prove useful for warming guests seated around a table. Safety reminder: when dealing with any type of fuel-powered heater it is vital to make sure the model you choose is approved for use in a covered area, such as a porch or screened porch, and the proper clearance is provided to ensure the unit is safely operable.

Fireplaces…not to be forgotten

While the aforementioned heating units are typically the options for existing outdoor living spaces, if you are adding or remodeling your Central Maryland outdoor living space, you have the benefit of integrating a wood burning or gas fireplace right into the design. Please do not misunderstand…adding a custom fire feature is, of course, possible for an existing porch, but it is more economical to include as part of your outdoor living design from the start due to the dynamics involved.

Montgomery County, MD, cedar ceiling porch with stunning outdoor fireplace integration.

Fireplace – A fireplace provides ambiance and a focal point of rustic beauty for your outdoor room, all while keeping the space toasty warm and comfortable throughout the cold winter months. When used in conjunction with a ceiling fan(s), your porch will be warm enough to enjoy almost year-round.

Archadeck of Central Maryland & Montgomery has designed and constructed many outdoor living spaces to the rave reviews of our clients! We can provide more ideas on utilizing your screened porch or 3-season room year-round, or if you are ready to update your current outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Central Maryland & Montgomery today at (301) 926 – 3001 or via email at centralmaryland@archadeck.net. Our expert team has many options available to suit your needs, budget and keep you loving outdoor living season after season!

 

Archadeck of Central Maryland explores the versatility and freedom of a convertible porch

Is a convertible right for you?

What is the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word convertible? For many, it may take you back to a time in your youth cruising in a drop-top under a clear blue sky when you hadn’t a care in the world, or the enchanting pitter patter of rain on the ragtop as you stole that goodnight kiss in the front seat of your 69′ Mustang.  No matter where your imagination takes you, the convertible is synonymous with versatility and freedom. Versatility is always a driving force when making selections or purchases geared toward enhancing enjoyment. Such is the case when buying a car, building or purchasing a home and even adding an outdoor living space. One of the best ways to expand your outdoor living enjoyment is with the addition of a convertible porch, sometimes referred to as a three season room or porch.

You can extend the function and versatility of your new or existing screened porch by converting it into a 3-season room through the use of a convertible panel system, such as an Eze-Breeze porch enclosure system from PGT Industries. These systems can be integrated into the initial design of a new porch addition, or as an enhancement/upgrade for an existing porch.

Eze Breeze porch enclosure in Potomac, MD, by Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County.

Eze-Breeze porch enclosure systems are versatile, attractive, strong and easy to operate. The panels are made using 10-mil vinyl glazing. This type of construction gives the benefit and transparency of glass without the cost or the weight. The panels are also less susceptible to cracking or breaking. Unlike traditional windows, they don’t require a traditional window frame. The window panels are custom-sized to fit your existing openings without re-framing, which is a cost saving alternative to a traditional screened porch to sunroom conversion. In addition the vertical 4-track unit  gives you the capability of opening the windows up to 75% of the window area, which is well over the 50% offered by traditional glass products. This feature allows you to maintain the features and view you love about your screened porch by simply opening the windows when you like. If accidentally pushed or distorted, (like those accidental “pop flies” that may occur during a backyard baseball game), the tough 10-mil vinyl will return to its original shape within minutes — no worries.

Eze-Breeze is strong and durable.

Our convertible porches are designed to make your screened porches more utilized places. We offer custom made-to-order components allow you to have fun designing an outdoor space that’s just right for you. You can use them to replace existing screen enclosures or if you’re adding a new one. These porch enclosure systems deliver the best of both worlds, screen when you want it, or a more enclosed “windowed” room when you want it too!

One of Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County’s most recent convertible porch projects took place in Potomac. In this circumstance, we added a three-season room using Eze-Breeze over an existing slate patio. The completed project exemplifies freedom and versatility, take a look…

As you can clearly see from the images showing the room’s interior, the space delivers a multi-functional outdoor room for all seasons. By simply clicking the panels in, or out, of a fixed position on their effortless four-track you can let Mother Nature in, or keep Old Man Winter out! The choice is yours!

The benefits and freedom a convertible porch can bring to your outdoor living environment are endless. Contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County today about this wonderful product and learn more about transforming your screened porch into a room for all seasons! You may contact us by phone at (301) 926 – 3001 or via email at centralmaryland@archadeck.net