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Stephen Alberts

5 Simple Ways to Transform your Outdoor Space

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It’s no secret that an inviting outdoor space is an excellent way to bring family and friends together. With summer in progress and football season quickly approaching, why not bring the entertainment of your home outdoors? However, before you can host your perfect event and enjoy the warm weather, you probably need to spruce up your backyard from the rough winter months. Here are a few ideas to easily rejuvenate your backyard.

Switch up the lighting.

Lighting is a key factor to consider when updating, especially if you plan to enjoy your space during the evenings. The proper lighting can provide a relaxing atmosphere and have a big impact on the ambiance. We recommend adding downward facing lights. A downward glow is softer and more flattering than an upward-facing bulb. Adding some sparkling string lights is never a bad idea—plus, it’s so easy! Hang them across your patio or above your porch to create an enchanting oasis. You can also simply drape them across plants or wrap them around trees. Bottom line—there are plenty of ways to enhance your backyard by utilizing lights.

Degunk your deck.

Winter can really do some damage to your deck. If you want your outdoor area to be an inviting and safe space, then doing some deck maintenance is almost inevitable. Replacing rotten wood and sanding your deck will help to avoid splinters and increase appearance. Get rid of unwanted dirt and moldy leaves by pressure washing the area. While fixing your deck may seem like a daunting task, it is a rather important one. For more on deck maintenance, click here.

Touch up your paint.

Whether it’s touching up chipped areas on your fence or completely repainting a table and chairs, updating your paint is a great way to refresh your background for the summer and fall seasons. For a minimal change, just touch up any areas on your fence or windows that appear worn or chipped. To really make your space stand out, consider adding a splash of color. One of the cheapest ways to update your tired patio furniture is to give it a fresh new look with a paint job.

Hang a porch swing.

What better way to kick back and cherish an evening under the stars than with a porch swing? Porch swings are enjoyable for both children and adults alike. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with adding some additional seating.

Install an outdoor TV.

Let’s be honest—having a TV on your patio should basically be a requirement. Before you host your tailgate party, be sure you have an outdoor TV for your guests to catch the big game. Keep in mind where you place this TV, as you don’t want too much direct light. You may also want to mount your TV to ensure guests can view the screen at multiple angles. Depending on your patio, different installation methods are required.

Get started!

Ready to transform your outdoor space, but think it seems like way too much work? No matter what your summer project is, we’re here to help! Whether it’s as simple as hanging your patio lights or a bit more time consuming like repainting your fence, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a quote or fill out the form below to request a service online

 

Safety Tips for Working Outdoors

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Not to state the obvious, but Alabama summers can get extremely hot. We know the searing heat and blistering sun aren’t fun for anyone, but there are some real risks involved to those working outdoors in these conditions. With May being Melanoma Awareness Month, we thought you should be aware of the dangers that come along with working outdoors in the extreme summer weather.

If you do plan to work outdoors during these upcoming months, it’s time to become aware of some of the risks and what you can do to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the risks?

The biggest risk you face working outdoors is the damage caused by the strong ultraviolet (UV) waves. UV waves are at their highest between 10am and 4pm, which, unfortunately, is the window of time many people plan to work outside.

One of the most common issues UV radiation can cause is skin cancer. Most skin cancer cells are a direct result of UV radiation, so securing your skin from too much sun is critical.

Another prevalent issue caused by lasting exposure to UV radiation is eye problems. Cataracts is the most common eye problem, as it can cause damage to your retinas and growths on your eye.

The high temperatures and humidity can also cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include confusion, high body temperature, loss of consciousness and hot, dry skin.        

Finally, over-exposure to UV radiation can interfere with your immune system greatly. These powerful rays can prevent proper functioning of the body’s immune system and weaken the skin’s natural defenses.

How can you protect yourself?

Avoid the hottest hours of the day

If possible, it is best to avoid working outdoors when the UV waves are the strongest—10am to 4pm.

Stay hydrated

When dealing with hot weather conditions, it is crucial to drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Drink cool water every 15 to 20 minutes to replace the fluid loss. It is best to avoid consuming beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol because these will dehydrate you.

Dress appropriately

Although covering up on a hot summer day is less than ideal, keeping your skin covered with long-sleeved shirts and long pants is the best way to protect yourself from the UV radiation. When you’re outside in the sun without a shirt or hat, the sun dries your sweat too rapidly and doesn’t allow your body to cool down. Loose-fitting clothes made of a light breathable fabric will help your body to keep cool. As for a hat, we recommend one with a wide brim.

Apply and reapply sunscreen

We can’t stress this one enough! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or more. Be sure to reapply every two hours. If you are sweating profusely you should re-apply more frequently. Even if the sunscreen is label water-resistant, it will still wear off! Don’t forget to protect the skin on your face, neck, ears, hands, and lips. This skin is extremely delicate and more susceptible to burn.

Know the environment

It is important to know that UV rays reflect off certain surfaces, such as sand, water, concrete and glass. If you are working near any of these surfaces, be aware that they add an additional risk to intense UV exposure and you should take extra precaution.

Don’t want to endure the heat but have outdoor projects crowding your to-do list? Leave it to the professionals! Give us a call today for a quote or fill out the form below to request a service online.