Tuesday, June 26, 2018

9 Ways Aluminum Outperforms Wood Outdoor Shelter Options



New to adjustable aluminum pergola technology and wondering what all the buzz is about? Adjustable aluminum pergolas are far different in looks, function, and maintenance than traditional wooden pergola fare.

The Aluminum Advantage
Why does it matter what style of shelter towers over your head?
1.       Versatility
Unlike the static roof of a traditional wooden pergola, which offers some shade but is traditionally left open, adjustable aluminum pergolas offer users access to everything from full sun to partial shade and everything in-between. A patented interlocking louver design delivers 170-degree rotational flexibility, and the built-in gutter system discreetly disposes of rainwater, providing leak-free weather protection at the touch of a button. Miss those unobstructed sky views? Look to the Arcadia Slide. Similar to a automobile sunroof, this pergola addition offers both weather protection and an unencumbered sightline.
2.       Customization
Like wood, which can be constructed, painted or stained to suit, aluminum pergolas offer custom sizing and amenities, including:
        Hundreds of custom colors and wraps, as well as faux wood wrap for a natural look.
        Custom trim and accents, from corbel ends to architectural columns.
        Motorized screens for added shade and pest protection.
        Privacy curtains.
        Integrated lighting, ceiling fans, and radiant heating solutions.
3.       Ease-of-Installation
Unlike heavy wooden structures, aluminum pergolas are lightweight, easier to assemble, and better suited for locations where weight must be kept to a minimum, such as deck, balcony, and rooftop installations.
4.       Care & Maintenance
Properly installed, adjustable aluminum pergolas rarely require maintenance. Unlike wood, which requires regular upkeep like repainting/staining to prevent rot, weathering, and pest damage, the nonporous, powder coated, fully-extruded aluminum structure of the Arcadia withstands warping, corrosion, and rot.  
5.       Cost
Though aluminum pergolas require a higher up-front investment, they have fewer recurring maintenance costs compared to wood, making the long-term cost of an aluminum structure a must better investment.
6.       Durability
The premium Akzo Nobel powder coated surface of the Arcadia withstands even the most extreme environments, holding up to UV, ice, rain, and pollution without oxidizing or corroding.
7.       Safety
The fully extruded aluminum structure of the Arcadia is engineered not only to masterfully manage rain, but to withstand hurricane force winds and support heavy snow loads.
8.       Ease of Use
Adjustable aluminum pergolas are quickly and easily adjusted with the click of a remote control button or smart-device-driven iLouver operation. Adjust louver angle based on time or pre-set position. For the ultimate in convenience, optional integrated wind and rain sensing technology offers pre-programmed, weather-driven response, including ‘hurricane mode’ for reducing resistance and minimizing uplift in extremely windy conditions. American-made CE and UL certified motors are built to last and maintenance free, offering exceptionally quiet, dependable operation even in the harshest outdoor environments.
9.       Beautiful and timeless
From the first day to five, ten, even 15 years out, an aluminum pergola will look the same: clean lines, beautiful finish, and perfect functionality.  No other material: not wood, vinyl or even steel can boast the longevity of an Arcadia aluminum louvered pergola. Depending on personal preferences and style, the Arcadia can also be customized to fit modern or traditional styles.

Wood or aluminum? The advantages are clear. Learn more about the ultimate in outdoor living comfort and technology. Contact Denver Pergolas today.



Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Give Your Rental Property a Competitive Edge with an Outdoor Living Space





Rental listings experiencing high competition on the market? Looking to make a little more from your monthly rental price? Outdoor living space adds extra square footage, while increasing the functionality and curb appeal of your rental.

What Amenities Could Have Tenants Setting their Targets on Your Property?
Outdoor amenities are highly desired by renters. Properly designed, a comfortable, inviting outdoor living space can peak the interest of potential tenants, making a great ‘drive-by’ advertisement for your place. How can you ensure an outdoor living space that snags a sale and keeps good tenants where you want them, in your home?
        A Great Greenspace
Yes, a lush, green lawn is work, but it is also an effective way to entice top-notch tenants, who take pride in their property. It makes them think of a place they can play sports with the kids, and soak-up the sun with a good book. Adding pretty perennials and easy-care shrubs further adds to the ambiance, helping your space standout. Concerned about losing your investment? Include a lawn service as part of the rental package.
        Kitchens with ‘Flair’
Adding a permanent grill fixture to single family dwellings makes outdoor cooking space part of the property, helping your outdoor kitchen feel like more of an asset rather than a lone barbecue left behind. Also ideal for multifamily properties, built-in grills create a great gathering space, helping instill a sense of community. With the green light from zoning, a fire pit can also add to the ambiance here, offering prime real estate for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows for s’mores.
        Stellar Seating
Stylish but durable seating, made to withstand tenant use over time, offers prime real estate for relaxing. Choose classic options touring tenants can easily envision themselves in, enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine, such as sturdy wrought iron, or wood, park-style picnic tables and benches.
        Great Lighting
Nothing says ‘creepy’ like a shadowy outdoor space. Proper lighting is essential after dark, from task lighting for grilling, to security and ambient lighting that allows for a safe and fun time after sunset.
        Pergola Protection
To cover all of your great amenities, a buzzworthy outdoor living spaces offers flexible, all-weather use. Providing added square footage to tenants year-round, the flexibility of adjustable aluminum pergola technology really sets your rental home apart, providing reliable, multifunctional space. With an adjustable aluminum pergola, residents can make the most of outdoor space in any weather, rotating louvers up to 170-degrees to gain access to the sun, seek afternoon solace in the shade, or quickly engage leak-free rain protection. Built to withstand hurricane-force winds and extreme environments, the powder-coated surface of adjustable pergolas is built to last, requiring little to no annual maintenance, making them a property manager’s friend.

Does your rental property feel extravagant, or ordinary? Earn the love of (a higher class of) long-term tenants. Contact Denver Pergolas and discover new ways to reinvent the outdoor space of your property today.
This post was originally published at 

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Outdoor Living Trends for 2018 that Help You Feel At Home In the Outdoors




A low-cost way to add usable square footage to any space, the trend toward extending functional home and business space outdoors isn’t slowing down. Leaving the standard porch rocker and plastic patio set by the wayside, today’s outdoor furnishings are rising to the occasion, outfitting outdoor living spaces nationwide with the comfort of indoor furnishings wrapped in a weather-friendly package. What are the most popular outdoor living features finding their way into American landscapes in 2018?
               
Seating that Looks & Feels Like it Belongs in the Living Room
Comfortable, attractive, and ergonomic furniture is one of the most necessary features of a functional outdoor living space. With advances in construction and upholstering technology, crumbling wicker, hot metals, and other backside-busting materials are a thing of the past. Today’s outdoor furniture boasts clean lines and a comfortable, cushy construction rivaling that of the living room sofa.

Bold, Flashy Fabrics
Let’s face it, to outshine the sun, outdoor fabric choices have to be likewise bold and bright. This has homeowners and designers looking to colors that offer contrast to natural landscaping and sky views, such as teal, purple, and magenta. Too much for your design sensibilities? Make your mark with patterns instead, turning to navy, charcoal and brown neutrals festooned with contrasting patterns and prints, blending stripes and geometric shapes for visual interest.

Stylish, Foot-Friendly Flooring
The best outdoor spaces are designed to be the ‘shoe-free’ zones. To that end, smooth, foot-friendly flooring is gaining momentum in the marketplace over traditional wood decking. Here design is mimicking indoor trends as well, including striped and checkerboard patterned flooring adorned with outdoor rugs.

Multifunctional Adjustable Pergolas
Because it can sometimes be difficult to find time in your schedule to spend outdoors when the weather is cooperating, today’s outdoor living enthusiasts are turning to a more functional shelter design to make the most of coveted outdoor time: Adjustable aluminum pergola. Providing sun, shade, or shelter at the touch of a button, the aluminum louvers of adjustable pergolas open and close, allowing for full sun access, varying levels of shade, and leak-free rain protection. And that’s not where the benefits end. Custom louvered pergolas require little to no annual maintenance compared to traditional wooden and fabric fare, making them an increasingly popular addition to modern outdoor living designs.

Inviting Fireplace Features
Warm and inviting, fireplace features add a homey appeal to outdoor spaces, pulling people into the outdoors. With options for every budget, from traditional fireplace fare to picture-like hanging models and economical fire tables, expect fire features to become a backyard staple in the coming years.

Contemporary Ceiling Fans
Boring, traditional ceiling fan fare is being replaced with modern fan designs. If you haven’t perused this product in a while, a simple Google of ‘modern fans’ may leave your jaw hanging wide.

When was the last time your outdoor living space got a well-deserved update? Give your space an extreme makeover with the help of Denver Pergola Systems today.


This post was originally published at http://www.denverpergolas.com/outdoor-living-trends-for-2018-that-help-you-feel-at-home-in-the-outdoors/

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space with these 10 Spring Cleaning Tips



Warmer weather is on its way. Is your outdoor living space fair weather ready? A bit of elbow grease can give your space a sparkle to match the upcoming sunshiny season.

10 Patio Cleaning Tips to Tidy Up Your Outdoor Living Space
1.       De-Grime Now… Delight Later
Cleaning at the start of the season is key to a
carefree outdoor living season. Move furnishings out of the way, starting with a sweep from top (cobwebs) to bottom (leaves and debris). Afterward, tackle stubborn grime with a solution of 10:1 warm water and an environmentally safe cleaner, like Simple Green or Biokleen. Spray the mixture on, scrub with a brush or broom, and rinse thoroughly. 
2.       Kill Concrete Stains
Nix stains, mold, and mildew on concrete without scrubbing with the addition of a simple cup of household bleach to your cleaning solution, being careful to avoid colorfast surfaces.
3.       Shower Off the Sludge
Spray down steps and siding with the help of a pressure washer, or if outdoor surfaces are tiled, a hose.
4.       Brush Dirt Out of Wicker & Rattan Crannies
Start with a soft brush or broom, looking to an old toothbrush to clear tiny crevices. Use a bit of mild soap and water for soiled surfaces, rinsing and drying wicker and rattan furniture in the sun. Top with a layer of lacquer for added weather protection.
5.       Wash & Seal Wood Furniture
Wood furnishings must be sealed regularly to keep it looking its best. A mild soap and water solution and soft brush should do the trick, followed by a species-compatible wood sealer.
6.       Eliminate Algae (& Rust) from Wrought Iron
Prevent rust in wrought iron furniture with a stiff bristled cleaning brush and strong disinfectant like OdoBan or other solution that is safe for plants, pets, and children, to kill and curtail algae growth.
7.       Care for Cushions
Give outdoor pillows and cushions a good scrubbing with a mixture of a quart of warm water, a teaspoon of dish detergent, and tablespoon of borax mixed in a large bucket. Dip a sturdy sponge in the solution, carefully cleaning all sides of cushions. Let the solution soak for 15-minutes, then rinse with a hose, standing cushions upright to dry in the sun.
8.       Show Light Fixtures Some Love
Clear bugs and debris, carefully wiping down both sides of the glass on light fixtures. Fixtures fading? Remove and disassemble them for a quick refresh with spray paint. 
9.       Perfect Your Pergola
The powder-coated aluminum surfaces of your Arcadia adjustable aluminum pergola are easily cleaned with a gentle rinse or vinegar and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbing sponges, which can breakdown the protective rust and mold resistant coating on your pergola. For greasy surfaces, such as grill-side, mild degreasing dish soap like Dawn should do the trick. Rinse with a hose, then wipe with a soft rag. Hard to reach spots? A floor mop with a long nap makes for a helpful cleaning companion.
10.   Clear Leaves
Trim back branches from your pergola canopy to avoid leaf accumulation in gutters and scratching in high winds. A few scratches from last year? Buff out with a quality car polish, having deeper scratches touched-up by a Denver Pergolas professional to prevent corrosion. Clear pergola and home gutter systems of leaves to prevent debris accumulation that can lead to mold, pests, and gutter overflow.

Less than stellar outdoor space? Spruce it up this spring with the help of Denver Pergolas. Contact us to learn more today.