Tips for Keeping Your Patio Clean

A clean patio improves the look of the entire house, but even the best patio will get some dirt on it and algae and weeds might build up and leave it in need of a cleaning. A gardener can take care of all of this, but if you don't have one, you're going to need to know how to clean it for your next barbeque. If you see algal build up, you are going to have to be careful because the algae will make the patio slippery.

You will need a shovel and a set of small plant clippers to help you pull up the weeds as well as a good strong pair of gloves. Try to get weeds out by the roots and in their entirety so that they don't grow back. If you are looking for a way to deal with weeds in the cracks between the stones or slabs of pavement, investing in a good organic weed killer is always a solid option, since you may not be able to pull them out of the ground fully. Keep an eye out and pull weeds early so that they don't get big enough to shift your patio surface and make it uneven. Also, if you choose to pull the weeds yourself, water the ground before you try, as it is easier to do when the soil is less rigid.

To deal with the dirt and the algae, you are going to have to scrub the pavement with a hard brush or a garden broom, using soapy water and rinsing thoroughly. If you have a rather large patio and feel that physically scrubbing it might be difficult, you can always invest in or rent a power washer. The high pressure jet stream will get rid of all but the most stubborn of stains and dirt.

Once you have cleaned the patio off sufficiently, you'll need to maintain it properly and pulling weeds as soon as you see them is only the first step. Make sure that you don't leave things on the porch that could collect water and try to sweep every few days. If you have plants on the patio, one of the best ways to keep them from collecting dirt and bugs underneath them is to invest in some plant stands. Stands will not only keep the space cleaner, but they will organise the space and make it more attractive. If you have patio chairs and a table, ensure that you have a place to stack them and put them away during the night or when it storms so that they don't collect water, dirt, and plant debris.

If you are getting a new patio, staying on top of the cleaning process is a piece of cake. With some maintenance and due diligence, your patio can be a clean and comfortable oasis in your yard.

Designs for Carports, Patios and Verandahs

At SOLHomeImprovements we have versatile designs that are more than mere carports. A SOL carport addition is an easy and economical way to add the patio or verandah that you've always wanted. Enhance your home's appearance and better enjoy the Australian outdoor life while adding value to your home at the same time.

A flat roof carport design is our most economical choice. It can cover wide spans of up to nine meters or a six meter bay width. The carport is compatible with most homes and you can add an optional skylight for shady areas where more light is needed for work or play. Attach your flat roof carport to your home or assemble it to be a free-standing structure elsewhere.

Our gable carport design will add a bit of character to your home. With all the advantages of the flat roof design, the gable can be customized to suit the pitch of the individual roof that you desire. Consider a free standing gable carport design by the pool or as a shady spot for outdoor entertaining.

The flat roof and verandah style carport designs can be uniquely combined for a stream-lined modern look that goes great with newer homes. This style will do wonders for enhancing the appearance of your home while also providing optimal outdoor living space. Find attractive and complementary outdoor furniture for entertaining and even al fresco dining. The sturdy, high-quality Australian steel will help protect you and your guests from the elements.

SOL shade structures are available in a variety of beautiful COLORBOND steel-designed hues with every possible home colour in mind. Shades range from very light, such as classic cream to dark, like manor red or ironstone.

SOLHomeImprovements can work with individuals to provide highly-customized carport designs, both attached and free standing. We can provide different sizes, heights, roof profiles, beams and posts to help achieve the look you truly desire.

Let a trained SOL professional help you make a plan for a shade addition to suit you and get a free, no-obligation quote. 

Verandahs - Purchasing the One that is Right for You

As the weather improves, it is likely that you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. In doing so, you may wish to consider purchasing a verandah to help enhance your outdoor living space. Selecting a verandah first begins with deciding which style verandah is best for your needs. Some individuals prefer verandahs that come directly off the roof of their home and that are fully attached, while others are looking to create an outdoor living space that is set apart and more freestanding. Your preference will depend largely on where you want to create a space and how large you want that space to be.

Some people choose to place freestanding verandahs next to their in-ground pool or their child's play area. Others use verandahs to provide them with protection over a picnic area so that they have a safe place to prepare food and to eat regardless of the weather.

There are, however, other considerations when considering the purchase of a verandah. Your biggest concern will probably be what style of roof to select. A flat roof option is popular because it tends to be more affordable and can work on both a freestanding or attached verandah. A gable roof can also be used on both freestanding and attached verandahs, but it tends to be a bit more stylish and costly. The ultimate in style is the combination roof, which offers a nice look and can really make your outdoor space a lot more dynamic.

Roofing products are insulated and can be custom-designed to meet each homeowner's specific needs. There are also skylight options available for those who wish to let a little bit of sun into the verandah without allowing all of the elements in, as well. With flexible options and accessories, customers can design the verandah of their dreams so that it not only fits their personal taste and style, but that it also meets their budget as well.

Why Not Add a Patio to Your Home?

The first impression of a house resonates in people for a long time to come. Each element of the outer facade of a house speaks to us and we draw our own conclusions about the inhabitants from the use of colour, design, plants and building materials.

If you are looking to create a more elegant appeal, a patio could be the answer to your needs. Derived from the Spanish language, the word 'patio' denotes an outdoor balcony or veranda and is a wonderful addition to most houses. Patios are usually roofless and paved and are made primarily of brick and stone or concrete. There are tons of furniture types and fixtures available for patios these days and they are fast catching on as a unique building trend.

Patios come in many different styles to suit individual needs and they may be split-level, sunken or separate and connected by a walkway. Design elements include shells and leaves in the floor tiles or even children's footprints or handprints. You can show off your own creative skills by adding colour to the floors (and roof, if your patio has one). Skylights and beams are a good idea for a patio with a roof, as well. By keeping your intended uses for the patio in mind, you can better determine the materials, dimensions, appearance and maintenance. You can also decide whether to hire someone for installation or do it yourself.

If you are wondering whether a patio is for you, then you can keep these points in mind in order to make a decision:

• The patio lends aesthetic appeal to the house, is durable, airy, and lets in nature.
• It is ideal for entertainment or as an extension of the house. No more borrowing furniture or hosting parties at hotels and restaurants--you can now entertain in the comfort and convenience of your own home.
• You may equip your patio with a cover for bad weather or to provide shade.
• Patios are ideal if you have a pool because they provide privacy and a quiet spot to sunbathe.
• It is especially ideal when you want more space in the house, but without the cost of building whole extra rooms.
• Patios add value to your home, which could be important if you were ever to consider selling it.
• More than anything else, a patio is a warm and inviting space to relax, unwind, read or do anything your heart desires.

Home Extensions are Great Whether Selling a Home or Living in It

Home extensions can be a wonderful investment in your house, and can add a lot of structure and beauty to it. One of the main reasons that people choose to invest in a home extension is that it can add worth to the house. Whether you are purchasing the home to live in it yourself or to flip it and resell it, adding extensions can make the difference between a house that is truly marketable and one that isn't. Another great advantage of improving your home is that it may inspire those around you to improve theirs as well, increasing the total value of all the property in the area.

Although some people do it only for a short-term profit, others add home extensions simply so that they can have more leisure space and make it more attractive. Having a verandah attached to the back of a house, for instance, makes it a great place to hold parties and entertain guests. By laying some nice stones, investing in some patio furniture, setting up some decorative plants, and having a roof put up to keep out sun and rain, anyone can have an oasis in their backyard. If one has a pool, a patio makes a great place to dry off out of the heat and read a book while having a cool drink. On evenings in the summer, one could put out some citronella candles and tiki torches, make some punch, lay out some fruits and cool snacks, and grill some meats and veggies on the barbeque for a great party.

There is no end to the advantages of home extensions. With an addition to a house, people can get the most out of their homes when selling or living in them.