Portland Home Magazine | Portland Home Improvements | Portland Home Fashion

JUNE/JULY 2010JUNE/JULY 2010

VOL XXXVI • NO. 5 • EVEN OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

PORTLANDHOME

8 Instant Beautification–Convert Any Door Into A

Beveled Work Of Art

10 A Convenient And Affordable Kitchen And

Bathroom Makeover

12 - 13 One-Stop Shopping– Find Your Mobility Solutions

Nurture Your Child’s Imagination With Beautiful

Custom Art

14 - 20 Stop Waiting To Go Solar

How Safe Is Your Chimney?

Losing Energy Dollars From Ductwork?

Keep Your Home Healthy– If It’s In Your Crawl

Space, It’s In Your Home

Discover A New Look For Your Concrete

22 - 32Eco-Friendly Roofing Takes Portland By Storm

Fall, Football Season, And Outdoor Kitchens

How Many Decks Are You Going To Build?

The Beauty And Benefits Of Washougal Basalt

Veneer And Hardscaping Materials

Need A Change From Plain Or Damaged

Concrete?

Maximizing The Life Of Your Cedar Shake Roof

Enjoy The Outdoors All Year Long!

Cost Effective Recycled Concrete, Retaining Walls,

Pavers, Stonework And Stamped Concrete

Beautiful Garage Floors In One Day

PublisherWally Hicks III

Marketing SpecialistsJohn Davis

ADVERTISING MAILING ADDRESS

Affluent Target Marketing, Inc.P.O. Box 18507

Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507(714) 446-6280 FAX (714) 446-6294

(888) 612-7400portlandhomemagazine.com

The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect theviews of Portland Home. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the wayin which information found in Portland Home is used. Portland Home is produced bi-monthly by Af flu -ent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, An a heim Hills, California 92817-8507. Re pro ductionwithout permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, foradvertising and editorials are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Affluent TargetMarketing, Inc. can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent TargetMarketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising.CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY U.S. POSTAL RECEIPTS.

Staff

ON THE COVERThe beautiful home featured on the cover has been designed

using Washougal Basalt's squares and rectangles thin veneer. Locallysourced, this quality basalt landscape rock and natural stone is exclu-sive to the Pacific Northwest, providing your home with a look that istruly unique. Extremely versatile, you can use Washougal Basalt for vir-tually any outdoor application, as well as for indoor design.

For more information about Washougal Basalt, you can visit thewebsite at www.washougalrockquarry.com. You can learn aboutwhere to buy Washougal Basalt by viewing the list of local distributorson the website, or you can see their ad on page 34 and article onpage 25. Photo by J. Cody Robertson

P O R T L A N D H O M E M A G A Z I N E . C O M

8

homefashion

P O R T L A N D H OM E • O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 O N L I N E A T P O R T L A N D H OM EM A G A Z I N E . C OM

magine having elegant beveled glass doors and windows in your home

to beautify your surroundings, brighten your mood, and add light to

your entryway. An ingenious new process now makes this possible with

minimum intrusion into your daily life. Even better, it doesn’t take very

long to fully install each panel—typically, a panel is installed in just a few

hours.

These beveled panels are not only handcrafted works of art, they are a

full one-inch thick, have a half-inch of double insulating air pockets inside

them, and are triple-glazed for strength. The panels are made to exacting

standards utilizing only the highest quality beveled leaded glass with pure

zinc caming providing security, and ease of cleaning. Sidelights and tran-

som windows can be easily installed to match the new look of the door. With

the perfect union of old world tradition and today’s technology, beveled pan-

els are a practical way for bringing light into your home while providing

you with the comfort of insulation and safety. Various privacy levels are pro-

vided from 85% to full light.

The process is unbelievably simple. Whether solid wood, hollow core,

paneled, steel, or fiberglass, any interior or exterior door or window can be

converted with ease. A portion of your door or window is removed on the

premises and then replaced with beautiful beveled glass inserts. At present,

there is a variety of different designs to choose from or patterns that can be

customized to your taste or existing architecture. As a finishing touch, styl-

ish raised hardwood frames are added. Then the frames are painted or

stained to match your doors and windows. The new conversions will not

only enhance your lifestyle but will substantially add to the resale value of

your home.

Brilliance, beauty, and durability are tastefully combined to add a touch

of elegance and fun to your home. You can accomplish this for a fraction of

the cost of replacement windows or doors and they come with a 10-year war-

ranty. Your neighbors will

think you spent a fortune!

At Elegant Entrys, it’s

their glass and your door!

For more information or a

free consultation, you can

call Elegant Entrys at

360-600-4717. Elegant

Entrys is a veteran-owned

business . You can

vis i t their websi te at

www.elegantentrys.com

InstantBeautificationConvert Any Door intoa Beveled Work of Art

AFTER

BEFORE

9O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 • P O R T L A N D H OM EO N L I N E A T P O R T L A N D H OM EM A G A Z I N E . C OM

10 P O R T L A N D H OM E • O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

kitchen&bath

O N L I N E A T P O R T L A N D H OM EM A G A Z I N E . C OM

f you are finally ready to tackle that kitchen and bath remodeling

project, you are probably also coming to terms with how much

money it’s going to cost. Of course, you can always cut corners and

leave things out in attempt to appease your budget, however what’s the

point of a remodel if the end result isn’t exactly what you’ve always

dreamed about?

Fortunately, there are ways to attain that perfect kitchen or bathroom

at an affordable price, without having to compromise a thing.

In a kitchen remodel, new cabinets easily take up the greatest portion of

your overall budget. Not to mention, new cabinet installation can take weeks

to months and your old cabinets will likely end up in a landfill. If this

sounds invasive, expensive and wasteful to you, then it’s time to discover the

benefits of refacing. Cabinet refacing only takes a few days to complete, and

costs a fraction of the price to replace. Along with gorgeous cabinets that

look and feel brand new, you will also save time and natural resources.

Essentially, any look that new cabinetry provides can be achieved with

refacing. You can choose the style, wood species, finish and hardware, and

professionals will remove and replace your old doors, drawer fronts, and

other aspects to achieve a complete cabinet transformation. Additionally,

genuine wood veneers are applied to all exposed frames and boxes,

including inside of the frames (something that is often overlooked). The

finished product will surpass your expectations—those old, worn-down

cabinets will be beautiful once again.

Upgrades are easy to include, from complete drawer replacement,

full extension glides, tilt-outs, lazy Susans, rollouts, and even crown

molding. Cabinet refacing can also work wonders in the bathroom—

transform old vanities and kitchen sink cabinets into stylish new focal

points.

Another convenient way to give a kitchen or bathroom a revamped

look is with new countertops. From the elegant touch of quartz or nat-

ural stone to the timeless look of granite, an upgraded countertop will

be the finishing touch to your rejuvenated environment. A professional

can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle—whether your

focus is on convenience, hygiene, aesthetics, or durability.

The time has come to stop putting off the remodel that you truly

desire. Improving the look and functionality of your kitchen space

and/or bathroom is not an idea that’s out of reach—there are options

for every budget, so discover your ideal solution today.

At Surface Solutions, your satisfaction is the ultimate goal. There

are no high-pressure salesmen, and no hidden costs. Each custom pro-

ject is designed with the utmost care, attention to detail, and sensitivity

to your specific needs so your kitchen and bathroom remodel is done

right the first time. For more information about cabinet refacing,

countertop fabrication and installation, or more, you can call Surface

Solutions, LLC at 503-369-1988. You can also visit their website at

www.surfacesolutionsnorthwest.com. OR Lic. #197242.

I

A Convenient andAffordableKitchen and Bathroom Makeover


homeinterior


s people age and circumstances change, not only can the

home present serious safety and comfort issues, daily life

and routine activities can also become difficult to handle.

Disease, injury, or age-related mobility issues can quickly change the

way you or a loved one live from day to day.

Our homes are full of memories and love; therefore leaving your

comfort zone behind is typically not a popular solution. All people

have the right to a safe and comfortable living environment that does

not compromise independence. Aging and physical changes do not

have to put a damper on your quality of life.

However, while most people are aware that certain products can be

added to homes of those struggling with limited mobility, where do

you even start? Because there are so many options, the shopping

experience alone can be overwhelming. For example, if you need to

access all levels of the home without having to use stairs, how do you

know whether you should choose a stair lift or home elevator? Or, you

One-Stop Shopping—Find Your Mobility Solutions

might need to get around more quickly, but can’t decide whether a

scooter or power wheelchair would be the best option.

All of these dilemmas are common, and who doesn’t want to be

educated and informed before making any final decisions about

mobility investments? Luckily, there is a local solution that allows

you to experience everything you need to know about the variety of

different products on the market, in just one place.

Providing you with the ultimate one-stop mobility shop experi-

ence, you can visit a store that allows you to actually see, feel, and

try various mobility products that are available to you. Inside, you

will find actual working models of stair lifts, home elevators, and

track lifts. You can compare different walk-in tubs and barrier free

showers. You can even test out a selection of wheelchairs, walkers,

lift chairs, scooters, and power chairs around the store, both

indoors and out, to see what products are the most compatible for

your unique needs.

Some featured products on display include Bruno® Independent

Living Aids stair lifts, which are made in Wisconsin. Three stair lift

units are on display for you to use, both straight and curved. For the

bathroom, you can become familiar with Bliss walk-in tubs, as well

as Best Bath Systems barrier free showers and walk-in tubs. A work-

ing Inclinator Company of America® home elevator is on display for

you to operate at your leisure, and finally, a working 52-inch, wheel-

chair accessible Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE) vacuum tube

elevator is on display. This unit does not require a shaft and is avail-

able both freestanding or through the floor. It is similar to the vacu-

um tube systems used by banks to move around checks and paper;

only this unique elevator has been designed for people.

All In One Mobility, Inc. has been operating their incredible store

for over 11 years. Helping you find the ideal solutions for you and

your home, All In One Mobility sells, installs, and services everything

they feature. You can visit their shop at 12833 NE Airport Way in

Portland. You can also call them for a home estimate or for more

information at 503-255-5005. www.allinonemobility.com. CCB

#165310. WA-ALLONOM920KA.

13O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 • P O R T L A N D H OM E

homeinterior


ith elements such as color, texture, and design, an artist can turn

any uninspired area of the home into a room of imagination.

This is especially important for children because the world of play

and exploration is so crucial to the growing mind. Harboring positive artistic ener-

gy can lead to problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to express com-

plex life experiences.

This is why a custom art creation for your home can be such a beneficial addi-

tion to your living space—providing both a beautiful aesthetic element and a

thought-provoking aspect for your child’s environment.

With faux finishes, portraits, custom canvas pieces, and murals of any sort, a

professional artist can dress up any room, including children’s bedrooms, play

Nurture Your Child’s ImaginationWith Beautiful Custom Art

spaces, and even nurseries. No matter what your budget, there’s something

for everyone when it comes to custom art.

Because these are walls your children will remember forever, custom art

will provide a nostalgic memory for everyone. Imagine if your son or daugh-

ter could wake up in a spaceship every morning and look out to another

astronaut? Or open their eyes to a garden landscape, filled with color and

detail. There are virtually no limitations when it comes to creativity.

As a double major in Art and Design Education and Painting at Pratt

Institute, Nicole Fontana can make empty flat walls come to life. Along

with classical training in the fine arts, Nicole also spent a summer study-

ing painting in Venice, Italy. If you would like to schedule a consultation,

Nicole at Fontana Painting, LLC will meet with you to discuss your artistic

vision. You can call her at 503-305-3805 or visit www.FontanaPainting.com.

14

homeservices


Why It’s Time to Make the Switch… Today!STOP WAITING TO GO SOLAR—

hen it comes to going solar, there are typically three

main incentives available to the majority Oregon

homeowners. However, customers who are unsure of

moving forward (with a solar installation) typically

base their decision on one of three premises:

1. They believe that the technology is about to take a quantum

leap forward.

2. They believe that the price of the technology will continue to

decrease.

3. They believe that the available incentives will increase.

Let’s address the first statement: the technology is about to take a

quantum leap forward. The short answer is: maybe. If it does, it still

won’t be commercially viable for at least five-to-ten years. Large leaps in

technology typically are done on very small scales and ramped up as the

ability to perfect the process on a manufacturing scale catches up with

the technology. So, essentially, yes—the technology is improving, but not

at the same rate that the incentives are disappearing.

Next let’s discuss the idea that: the price of the technology will

continue to fall. To summarize, the energy companies are losing

ground to distributed energy generation (home/business owned ener-

gy systems). As they lose ground, they are also losing revenues. To

compensate for this, the utilities are actually increasing prices to

customers at unprecedented rates and schedules. As utility prices con-

tinue to escalate, the manufacturers of solar technology have gotten

wise to the absolute long-term value of their products and have start-

ed to price them relative to the cost of purchasing a lifetime of power.

Your choice is: you can either own your own power plant, get all

Wavailable incentives, and never feel the pinch of energy price increas-

es or you can continue to endure the never-ending price increases

that are being seen ever more frequently from energy companies.

Finally, let’s consider the question regarding the premise that:

incentives for solar are actually increasing. The short answer is:

absolutely not. The Energy Trust of Oregon previously offered their

customers up to $20,000. As of August 2015, the Energy Trust has

reduced this incentive to $7,000 for PGE customers and $6,600 for

Pacific Power customers. The State of Oregon tax credit is now

requiring the installation of system sized no smaller than 3.53 kW to

fully acquire their state tax credit. Not just two years ago, this mini-

mum system size was 3.0 kW and, if we rewind the clock even a bit

further back to 2010, the minimum system size to fully acquire the

state tax credit was a mere 2.0 kW system.

Ignoring the consistent reductions in the incentives available

could put a solar array financially out of reach to many potential

adopters. At Dynamic Power Innovation, LLC (DPI Solar), the goal

has been (and continues to be) to provide high quality power sys-

tems, assist customers down their path to energy independence, and

keep all these things within financial reach. If you are still unsure of

whether or not you want to move forward with your solar project, DPI

Solar can help by offering 12 months of protected incentives to give

you the time to truly consider the idea of going solar. During these 12

months, when the incentives reduce again, your incentive from

Energy Trust will be protected from that reduction. You can call them

at 1-800-864-3517 or visit www.dpisolar.com for more information.

Lic. #185494.

16

homeservices


hen you are cozy by the fire, snuggled up with a

blanket and your loved ones, it can be very easy to

get lost in the comfort of the moment. Because of

this, most homeowners never even stop to think about the condi-

tion of their chimney. In fact, a chimney is an element of the

home that most people consider to be virtually maintenance

free—it’s a nice architectural component that plays an essentially

automatic role in providing your family with ambiance and

warmth. However, there is much more to a chimney than this.

The truth is, the real function of your chimney is to carry dan-

gerous flue gasses away from your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace

so that your home and family are safe. In essence, a chimney

ensures that the air inside of your home stays breathable, in the

same sort of way that windows and vents do.

Fireplace and wood stove chimneys need a special kind of care.

Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which have been known

to damage s t ruc tures , des t roy homes , and hur t peop le .

Additionally, the older the house, the greater the risk of a chimney

fire occurring.

Lack of lining is one of the most common issues that profes-

sionals see when surveying chimneys. Any chimney that is not

lined should not be used for any purpose, and linings wear out

over time without homeowners even realizing it. Here are a few

reasons why chimney linings are so crucial:

Toxicity. Unlined chimneys may leak noxious gases into your

living space.

Condensation. If used for gas, modern appliances have such

low-temperature flue gasses that they produce huge amounts of

condensation. With an unlined chimney, the condensation is

allowed to adhere to the actual masonry. This ruins wallpaper in

the house, and the freeze-thaw cycles in the winter will slowly

demolish the masonry.

Fire. If the chimney is used for wood burning, the condensation

can also help form tar and creosote. Creosote is the resulting

W

residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney after smoke,

water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, and more exit the

fireplace or wood stove and creates condensation. Both tar and

creosote are extremely flammable, and they pose an unnecessary

fire danger in your chimney.

Remodeling. When you make a change to the construction of a

structure, the system must comply with building code standards.

Therefore, if you have a new furnace, boiler, woodstove, or insert,

the chimney must be lined at that time.

When it comes to masonry issues, everything starts at the top.

Chimney and masonry damage is typically caused by weather,

moisture, and water breaking down the mortar. To avoid masonry

damage, professionals will keep things waterproof, fix the lining,

and ensure that each component stays in good shape.

As a homeowner, you need to remember just one thing—clean

chimneys don’t catch fire. Professionals can come to your home

for a thorough evaluation, and bring your system completely back

to compliance so that it’s safe and your home is protected.

Bridgetown Chimney & Masonry is your local chimney special-

ist. With over 30 years experience, Bridgetown’s professionals can

help with chimney sweeping, fireplace repair, masonry repair,

chimney cleaning, fireplace and chimney rebuilds, wood stove

cleaning and installation, and chimney liners. You can call them

at 503-754-8500 or visi t www.BridgetownChimney.com. CCB

#195781.

How Safe IsYOUR CHIMNEY?

hat is the single most effective thing you can do to save on the cost

of heating and cooling your home while creating a greener

neighborhood? Recent reports cited by the US Department of

Energy found the single most effective means of conserving home energy for

many homeowners is air duct sealing. And, according to the EPA’s Duct Investor

Calculator, duct sealing in a home with a three-ton system and 30% leakage

with a reduction to 2% leakage can save 300 trees a year, plus 20% to 40% on

utility bills. That’s a lot of green!

While all of these measures help reduce energy waste, recent reports cited

by the U.S. Department of Energy found the single most effective means of

conserving home energy for many homeowners is air duct sealing.

As surprising as this may seem, the evidence is clear. The average home in

the U.S. loses about 25 to 40 percent of heated and cooled air through leaks

found throughout the home’s air duct system. Even newly built homes are,

more often than not, plagued by leaky air ducts—leaks that divert heated and

cooled air from their intended destination, reduce the efficiency of your furnace

and air conditioner, and ultimately increase your monthly utility bill.

So, how do you find and seal air duct leaks in existing homes

without having to tear down walls or strip the insulation? After years

of testing, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory came

up with a solution based upon revolutionary thinking: If you can’t

access the leaks from the outside of the ductwork, let’s do it from the

inside.

The breakthrough sealant they developed is applied as a non-

toxic aerosol mist that is pumped throughout the inside of the

home’s air duct system. The aerosol particles, about the size of

smoke particles, stay suspended in the air until they come across

leaks in the ductwork. There they accumulate and bond together

around the holes until the leaks are filled.

WThe new aerosol technology, commercially called AeroSeal, is applied

with the help of specialized software that controls the flow of the sealant

and provides a real time progress report of the process. When the job is

completed, the homeowner is given a printout report that shows the

before and after leakage amounts and the overall reduction levels

attained.

In addition to energy savings, effective duct sealing can have an

immediate impact on home comfort and issues related to air quality.

Allergens such as dirt and pollen from outside the home are regularly

sucked into the air duct system by the furnace or air conditioner. Leaks

and gaps in the air ducts allow these allergens to bypass filters and

spread throughout the house.

While a number of air conditioning and heating service providers in the

greater Portland/Vancouver area offer ductwork testing for air leaks and pro-

vide an estimate of how much air you’re losing, when it comes to sealing,

ENTEK Corporation is your local contractor that has the technology, product

and training to accurately test and seal your ductwork from the inside out. A

complete design/build heating, air conditioning and energy solutions com-

pany, ENTEK is dedicated to providing services that empower people to take

control of their own living environment and energy use. Duct sealing with

AeroSeal is just one of the many energy solutions ENTEK can offer—your

entire house is a system that must be assessed in order to be truly comfort-

able and efficient. For more information and a list of all available products

and services, you can visit their website at www.ENTEKhvac.com or call

1-800-633-1354. WA #ENTEKC*893WE – OR Lic #CCB4902

Losing Energy DollarsFrom Ductwork?Seal In Your Savings From the Inside

“The average home in the U.S.

loses about 25 to 40 percent of

heated and cooled air through

leaks found throughout the

home’s air duct system.”

17

homeservices

O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 • P O R T L A N D H OM EO N L I N E A T P O R T L A N D H OM EM A G A Z I N E . C OM

18 P O R T L A N D H OM E • O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 O N L I N E A T P O R T L A N D H OM EM A G A Z I N E . C OM

homeservices

healthy home begins at the bottom.

Many homeowners often ignore

their home’s sub areas, such as

basements and crawl spaces, until moisture

causes costly structural and health problems.

Neglecting these areas leaves your home open to

a variety of pollutants. Crawl space encapsulation

systems and basement drainage systems allow

homeowners to address standing water issues to

prevent future damage, and keep your family

safe.

Dirt crawl spaces are never-ending sources

of moisture. Even if the dirt’s surface seems

dry, digging down a few inches reveals moist

earth. Moisture ruins houses by providing a

hospitable environment for mold, fungi, and

insects that destroy wood framing. Moisture in

a crawl space affects not only the floor system

directly above it, but also the entire house.

Warm air in a heated building rises. As it rises,

replacement air is sucked from the lowest part

of the house – your house is actually sucking

the ground. This natural air movement, called

the stack effect, is how chimney’s work.

Consequently, whatever is in the air at the low-

est point eventually flows up into the living

sections. Up to 40% of the air we breathe on

the first floor of our home comes from the

crawl space.

To avoid moisture’s negative affects, a crawl

space should be fully sealed and isolated from the

ground and the outside. A new innovative and

effective method has been tested and perfected in

anumerous locations throughout the country and

is now available to Portland and southwest

Washington homeowners – the CleanSpace®

Crawl Space Encapsulation System™ by

Basement Systems Inc. This technique involves

placing a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high- and

low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord rein-

forcement on the dirt (or concrete) floor and up

the walls. This pool-liner-like sheeting is made

especially for this system and is treated with an

antimicrobial finish that protects against mold

and mildew growth on the liner. Lower energy

loads, as a result of the encapsulation system,

translates into a profitable return on the initial

investment. It is strong enough to crawl on and

store materials on, and is blue on the bottom and

bright white on top to really brighten a crawl

space, making it a relatively pleasant storage

place.

Many crawl space foundations leak. Such

cases require a drainage system appropriate to

the details of the crawlspace. Basement Systems,

the makers of CleanSpace®, designed a tri-

patented sump pump system, the SuperSump®,

that works in conjunction with the

liner to create an airtight seal to keep

moisture and bugs out. The

SuperSump features a built-in

WaterWatch® alarm system to let you

know if there is ever a pump or power

problem before the crawl space

floods.

Just remember that your crawl

space, although often neglected until

Keep YourHome Healthy—

it’s too late, is one of the most important spaces

in your home. It can be a spawning ground for

mold, bugs, smells, odors, and radon gas. The

moisture generated in the crawl space can lead

to structural damage in your home and loss of

energy. While on the other hand, a clean,

sealed crawl space can be an extra source for

much needed storage while making your home

a healthy and safe one.

To learn more about the CleanSpace®

Crawl Space Encapsulation System™ or other

innovative crawl space solutions, you can call

Interstate Pest Management at 503-636-0565

(Portland) or 360-693-5029 (Vancouver), e-

mail them at [email protected] for a free

estimate, or visit them on the Internet at

www.InterstatePest.com. They are licensed,

bonded, and insured, and can fix your crawl

space quickly with little or no disruption to your

daily routine. The CleanSpace® encapsulation

system comes with a 25-year warranty against

rips and tears, and from having groundwater on

top of the liner. CCB#127319.

Before

After

If It’s in Your Crawl Space, It’s in Your Home


homeservices


oncrete has officially overcome its

previous reputation of being a

“cold,” “prison-like,” and “industri-

al” flooring solution. With its ability to take on

color and a polished sheen, coupled with its

many benefits, concrete is quickly becoming a

go-to flooring solution for discerning home-

owners in Oregon.

However, concrete floors can still lose their

luster with time, just like any other flooring. If

your concrete is in need of a new look, profes-

sionals can refinish your floors with a wide

variety of stains, epoxies, and textures so that

you can restore the beauty to your living

space, and even explore an entirely new look.

Innovative interior floor treatments are

not only extremely scratch-, chemical-, and

stain-resistant, but also great for turning a

drab living area into a stunning work of art.

Professionals will work with you to choose the

flooring finish that matches both your taste

and functionality goals. Some refinishing

options include:

Acid stain. This option offers beautifully

vibrant colors, boasting a mottled appearance with

a highly variegated finish.

Fast stain. Offers a more flecked appearance in

a highly variegated finish.

Water-based stain. This is a less vibrant

option that offers a more muted look and

slight color variations.

Acrylic sealer. A relatively hard yet slightly

flexible option that produces a uniform color.

Standard epoxy. A very hard, durable, and

chemical resistant option that also produces a

uniform color.

Metallic epoxy. This option produces a brilliant

metallic effect, with a unique flow and color for

each floor.

Terrazzo (light broadcast) or granite (full

broadcast) epoxy. These contain color chips that

are broadcasted into the liquid epoxy. A variety of

colors and combinations are available.

Quartz sand epoxy. Using colored quartz sand,

this option is a double-layer broadcast system.

No matter which finish you choose, the overall

success of a fabulous refreshed floor relies on the

proper preparation. The secret to a long-term,

high-quality appearance is completely reliant on

the surface preparation. Because of this, it’s crucial

that a professional does not take any shortcuts and

ensures that everything is done right the first time.

Additionally, improved technology provides a

comprehensive finish that is extremely chemical

and stain-resistant, not affected in any way by

bleach, vinegar, transmission fluid, brake fluid,

cleaning solutions, blood or body fluids, iodine,

mustard, ketchup, red wine, ethanol, and other

liquids that are common staining culprits. All

you need to do to maintain your floor is mop as

needed, and apply a new top sealer every 5–20

years (depending on the wear and tear).

Rock Solid Waterproofing has been providing

flooring solutions in the greater

Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area since

2006. Along with flooring, Rock Solid

Waterproofing also provides services on decks,

patios, roofs, foundations, basements and other

specialty jobs. For more information, you can call

them in Portland at 503-245-3313 and in

Vancouver at 360-887-0421. You can also visit

their website at www.rocksolidwaterproofing.com.

Oregon CCB #177980. WA CL #ROCKSSW926C6.

C

Discovera New Look for Your

22

exteriorslandscaping


s your greatest and most personal investment, it’s important to

protect your home from the elements and the roof of your

home is of primary importance in that consideration. In

today’s environmentally conscious world, recycled building

materials are also of primary importance. But going green with your home

doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, aesthetics, and affordability. As an environ-

mentally friendly alternative to traditional roofing systems, EUROSHIELD™

covers your home in style while reducing your carbon footprint. This roofing

system offers function and durability as well as beauty.

EUROSHIELD™ roofing products were created 15 years ago with the

goal of utilizing mountains of rubber tires that have been amassing on

the landscape since the dawn of the automobile. Up until recently there

has been little use for them. Years of research and development led to the

creation of a unique formula, containing over 75% recycled materials, for

the production of the finest synthetic rubber roofing products available on

the market today. Between 600 and 1,000 rubber tires are used in the pro-

duction of a EUROSHIELD™ roof for an average-sized home. Scrap

material generated during the installation process can be collected and

recycled again—virtually eliminating environmentally harmful waste.

Heat, wind, rain and snow will take its toll on any roof, but you can

rest easy no matter what Mother Nature brings your way—

EUROSHIELD™ roofing systems are rain, wind, hail, and fire resistant. As an

added bonus, many homeowners comment on the difference the product has

made in keeping their homes cooler in the summertime, and also about the

superior sound-deadening qualities this roofing system has to offer.

EUROSHIELD™ offers two types of roofing systems; a thicker heavier

panel that replicates either slate or shake and features a locking “tongue

and groove” butt edge, and a thinner lighter panel that also replicates

shake or slate, that is lower cost and faster to install. The primary advan-

tage to the lighter product is its lower price point, bringing rubber roofing

within reach of more homeowners, while offering a similar slate or shake

look. The slate profile is designed to accurately replicate the look and tex-

ture of a traditional heavy chiseled-edge slate tile, but without the consid-

erable weight and high cost associated with slate. The shake profile is the

perfect choice for those who want the look of a wood roof without the

worries of premature failure due to rotting, cracking and warping.

EUROSHIELD™ roofing systems are available in three standard colors:

black, grey, and brown.

When it’s time to sell your property, your EUROSHIELD™ roof

increases your home’s resale value by adding to the design, beauty, and

durability, and in green Portland, eco-friendly features are always a plus.

For more information on EUROSHIELD™ roofing systems, you can

contact Keith Green Construction, Inc., a certified installer, online at

www.keithgreenconstruction.com, or by phone at 503-681-7912. Keith Green

Construction, Inc. (KGC, Inc.), can answer any questions you might have.

You can also visit the product website at www.euroshieldroofing.com. CCB OR

#109148, WA#keithgc948kh.

A

Eco-FriendlyRoofing TakesPortland by Storm

23



Fall, Football Season, andOUTDOOR KITCHENS

all, football season, and “big game parties” will soon become

part of our afternoon landscape. For many of us, the outdoor grill

will be the tool of choice for these celebratory occasions, and

often you’ll find that conversation and guests congregate around

the areas where food is prepared. Many homeowners like to use both their

decks and patios for cooking those favorite game time foods, and you

may even wish for a break in the rain so that you have the capability to

grill all year long. This problem can easily be solved.

There has been a huge boom in the outdoor living space industry

with a demand for complete outdoor kitchens, and as a result, there is a

huge new range of products and innovations that you probably never

even thought was possible just 10 years ago. With a beautiful roof struc-

ture over your outdoor entertaining area, an outdoor rated flat screen TV,

and a seating area fully equipped with an outdoor fireplace, the kitchen

can be moved entirely outdoors.

Along with increasing the livability space of your home comes added

home value, and a decent return on investment if the time comes to sell.

F

Have you ever walked through a new “Street of Dreams” home? If so,

you’ve seen that an outdoor living space like the one just described is

becoming almost a staple in any new home design today. In fact, home-

buyers are practically demanding it!

Living in the Northwest, we have pretty mild winters compared to a lot

of the country, and, with the exception of occasional downpours, we can

entertain outdoors almost all year around. This makes an outdoor

kitchen and living space even more desirable. The same is true with con-

struction—building that new outdoor living structure can still be

accomplished during the non-summer months. It’s never to late to build!

Archadeck Outdoor Living has been building beautiful outdoor

oases for over 30 years. This includes everything from decks, paver

patios, sunrooms, and outdoor kitchens to roof structures—if you can

dream it, Archadeck can build it. Each project is accomplished with

the professionalism, integrity, and written warranties Archadeck is

known for, and that will put a little smile on your face while you relax

in your new outdoor living space. You can check out their website at

www.westportland.archadeck.com. You can view their video and photo

galleries while you’re there, and you can also call 503-925-8756 to set

up a free consultation visit so they can discuss any ideas that you

might have cookin’! CCB #204750

24



hy is it that decks, our Great Northwest-get-away place, only

last a decade or so? Roof structures are commonly made of

wood and they can last for centuries, so why not decks?

Chemically treated roof trusses are not common, why don’t they rot? What

causes wood decks to rot? Where wood, moisture, oxygen, and warmth are all

simultaneously required for wood rot to occur, if one limits the degree of

wood’s exposure to one or more of these components does rot slow? Indeed,

take away one of these components and wood rot stops.

What about the treated lumbers?

Treated docks fail, that proof is everywhere. Improvements to formulation

and application made, including incising, and pressure, provides a means to

maximize chemical penetration but cannot ensure lumber saturation, thus

the inner core commonly remains untreated. Harder and stronger woods do

not accept liquids well therefore; they are not commonly treated, only soft

wood products. Soft woods have less structural strength and fastener holding

power thus allowing screws or nails to lose hold prematurely.

Fasteners penetrate the wood to the inner core allowing water to infiltrate

the untreated areas. The sun bakes the deck’s wood surface causing ever-

widening cracks allowing deeper moisture penetration. This causes even more

moisture retention, ice breakdown, fastener breakdown, and rot damage while

the chemicals themselves may promote fastener decay. Lumber joints, whether

butted or laid together, remain wet for days allowing further diminishing of

the deck integrity, until catastrophic structural failure occurs.

No, treated lumber only addresses the contact decay and insect infestation

therefore is also not the fix one would desire.

What about the new plastic composite lumber?

Let us look at the facts. The deck top is not the primary reason for most

deck failure. Deck surface boards are available for cleaning, oiling, staining,

or treatment to inhibit inevitable decay and failing deck boards are replaced

with little problem. Even with meticulous care of the deck top, neglect of the

deck’s frame is inescapable. The unexposed deck frame fails as the wood joists,

How Many Decks Are You Going to Build?posts, supports and fasteners rot. They rot where they hold moisture at joints

and fasteners. Joist and beams, left exposed to nature, rot or lose hold of

fasteners due to fastener rusting, freeze/thaw cycles, lumber core rot, or

treated lumber’s poor holding power. Deck failures occur when the deck

becomes unstable or unable to support a load, not because it looks ugly or

it is getting too costly to maintain. Plastic lumber does nothing to increase

the life of the supporting structure, and therefore is not the fix one would

hope, only hides it.

Build it once, right.

1. Only use treated lumber where required by code.

2. Use Douglas fir framing lumber when possible.

3. Use factory recommended plywood.

4. Acclimate all lumber and plywood before installing.

5. Glue and screw the deck plywood.

6. Provide proper ventilation.

7. Allow positive water run-off.

8. Protect joists, fasteners and hanger from getting wet.

9. Use a proven waterproof product.

10. Complete a moisture survey (non-penetrating) of the perimeter, posts

and deck field every two years.

11. Maintain siding, windows, doors, and post caulking and sealants.

12. Recover or replace membrane surface at serviceable life end.

Duradek Ltd. decks are protecting sundecks, roof decks, walkways,

and porches, including their structures and have for over 40 years.

Duradek has the oldest, largest, and most experienced local waterproof

vinyl deck authorized installer network available. Duradek membranes

are thermal plastic, as such, cannot peel or flake. There is no need for re-

coating maintenance. Failures can mean much more than replacing

your deck, where connected to your home, rot knows no boundaries. For

more information, you can call Duradek Northwest at (800) 442-9215 or

visit www.duradeknorthwest.com.

25



Washougal BasaltVeneer and

Hardscaping Materials

THE BEAUTY ANDBENEFITS OF

ith the concept of stylish outdoor living on

the rise, homeowners continue to seek ways

to improve the curb appeal of their home.

Utilizing proper hardscaping techniques is

one way to achieve both an increase in property value and

a more enjoyable outdoor living space.

Washougal Basalt is an incredible natural product that

will take your hardscaping to the next level. Locally

sourced, this quality basalt landscape rock and natural

stone is exclusive to the Pacific Northwest, providing your

home with a look that is truly unique. Washougal Basalt is

known for its beautiful color, durability, and exceptional

hand finishing.

Stone veneer offers the beauty of full cut stone, but its

thinner profile overcomes the need for the additional

structural reinforcement that could be required with full

cut stone. Washougal Basalt stone veneer is fairly light-

weight, adheres to a vertical surface, and needs no footing

for support. Because of these qualities, you can use

Washougal Basalt for virtually any outdoor application, as

well as for indoor design.

Decorative Washougal Basalt veneer is available in the

color tones unique to its quarry of origin, giving your

home and hardscape a special touch of s ty le .

Transforming your existing landscape creates exciting

opportunities to customize the patio, driveway, walls, gar-

den, and front and backyards to reflect your personal style,

Wcomplement the architecture of your home, and function to suit your particular

needs and those of your family. Updating with a custom Washougal Basalt hard-

scape design can instantly turn a lackluster yard into a fantastic outdoor exten-

sion of your living space.

Try sprucing up outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas with block walls, a

custom fireplace or fire pit that allows you to enjoy your outdoor space when the

weather cools down, and more. Stone steps and walkways are a powerful presence

extending from your patio or winding through the garden, creating distinct paths

with one-of-a-kind visual appeal. Washougal Basalt quarried rock products pro-

vide the ideal method for infusing your outdoor living space with unique charac-

ter and personality.

One of the greatest benefits of hardscaping with Washougal Basalt is that you

get to enjoy a stunning element of your landscape that requires virtually no

maintenance. You can create texture and depth with an element that doesn’t need

to be constantly watered, pruned, and cared for the way living plants do, not to

mention, you also save water.

For more information about Washougal Basalt, you can visit the website at

www.washougalrockquarry.com. You can learn about where to buy Washougal

Basalt by viewing the list of local distributors on the website, or you can see their

ad on page 34.

oncrete may seem like an unlikely canvas, but resurfacing with decorative concrete coat-

ings can instantly transform boring or unsightly surfaces into a work of art. With a vari-

ety of possible applications including garage floors,

interior floors, large commercial floors such as restau-

rants, and even waterproofing basement floors, deco-

rative concrete coatings offer homeowners the free-

dom to create unique designs while adding dramatic

visual appeal.

Resurfacing your existing concrete surfaces can be

at least half the cost of tearing it out. Like other ele-

ments of your home, why replace it, when you can

reface it? High-end, quality coating systems offer a

resilient, flexible surface that resists chipping, mildew,

oil, and rust. Easy maintenance, slip resistance, and

extreme durability—four times the strength of nor-

mal concrete—make decorative concrete coatings the

perfect solution for enhancing high traffic areas.

Resurfacing is faster and more economical than

removing and re-pouring new concrete. This superior

solution allows you to have the flooring of your

dreams, without a messy process that disrupts the flow

of your everyday life. Additionally, with an extensive

selection of colors, patterns, and textures, there’s an

attractive combination to fit any style and budget with

minimum hassle and low-maintenance materials.

Homeowners have the opportunity to customize

their concrete surfaces to coordinate with their home

and complement their personal style in as little as one

to three days, depending on the design and system

installed. Concrete specialists will work with you to

transform an oily, mildew, or rust-stained surface

into a colorful, textured finish that will retain its

elegant appearance for years to come, enhancing

curb appeal while creating an eye-catching sur-

face that will become the envy of the neighbor-

hood. Combine stamped concrete with other deco-

rative concrete applications such as staining for

maximum appeal. Transform your garage floor

and create an attractive living space that can be

used for more than just storage, polish some life

back into a large and busy space such as an

office or restaurant, or reclaim your basement by

waterproofing and rejuvenating the floors and

turning it into an entertaining game room or a

quiet reading area.

With non-porous, easy-to-maintain coating

systems, you only have to reseal every five years,

and with full-service specialists offering a written

warranty as well as cleaning and sealing options,

taking care of your concrete surfaces has never

been easier or more convenient.

For more information or to schedule an

appointment to view samples and color

options, you can call NW Creative

Resurfacing at 503-750-4330 or e-mail

[email protected]. NW Creative

Resurfacing uses products that have been time

tested for more than 50 years. To view their online

portfolio, you can visit their website at

www.NWCreativeResurfacing.com. CCB #180848,

WA #NWCRECR925JZ.

cNeed a Change From Plain or Damaged Concrete?Resurface with Decorative Concrete Coatings

Before

After

Before

After

26




Now, your concrete floors can look asbeautiful as the rest of your home.

Specialty Coatings installs a wide varietyof decorative finishes for your garage andshop floors. Our exclusive Acryli-Guard 4-coat flooring system can be installed inone day and you can drive on it in lessthan 1 hour. And it's guaranteed for lifenot to peel—even under hot tires!

These seamless coatings are easy toclean and will dramatically improve theappearance of your floor.

We also do commercial and industrialwork. Call today for a FREE estimate!

(503) 644-7500

www.SpecialtyCoatings.us

28



obody wants to spend money on a

roof. Certainly it would be more

fun to put that money aside for a new RV,

boat, car, etc.—anything besides a roof!

Unfortunately, the simple economics are that

once your roof is allowed to deteriorate

beyond restoration process capabilities, you

will spend from $300 to $450 per square foot

to replace it. The vast majority of today’s

cedar shake roofs carry a price tag of from

$9,000 to $30,000. Under conditions

commonly found in the Northwest,

total deterioration can take place in less than

10 years.

The problem is, your roof gets

“Oregonized.” When wood is exposed to the

effects of sunlight and moisture, it changes

both physically and chemically—commonly

called weathering. First the color changes

from reddish brown to silvery gray. This

happens within the first year. Gradually the

roof will take on a darker gray color,

indicating it is being colonized by microfungi.

As the roof continues to age, wood-destroying

organisms slowly degrade the shingle’s

surface and edges. Debris from trees

accumulates in the valleys and between the

shakes. After each rain these areas remain

moist longer, encouraging the growth of

other troublesome plants, primarily lichens

and mosses. Your roof is now “Oregonized”

and deterioration will rapidly accelerate.

Moss and fungus growing on your roof

does double damage: (1) During rain, it

retards the shedding of water, which promotes

leaks. (2) When the rain stops, it prevents the

surface from drying, and wood-rotting

organisms begin to grow. The accumulation

of leaves, needles, and other debris has the

same harmful effects and increases the

chance of fire damage.

Preventative maintenance and specialized

treatment is a process and is the key to

maximizing the life and beauty of your

cedar shake roof. Be wary of roof cleaner

contractors who solicit door to door or leave

flyers promising quick fixes. Demand their

license or CCB numbers as well as references,

and choose an experienced roof

cleaning company. Quick-fix solutions to

revitalize your roof should be approached

with extreme caution.

Pressure washing makes your roof look

brand new, but the problem is that 6 to 36+

gallons per minute of water under 1,500 to

3,500 lbs. per square inch of pressure tears at

the shingles, leaving them 1/8 to 3/16 of an

inch thinner, removing years of life from your

roof. Do not pressure wash.

Before

After

nThe other most common method of

restoring your cedar roof to its original luster

is replacing the natural oils. Never do it!

These oils account for less than three percent

of the cedar’s total mass, and that was when

the tree was alive! Furthermore, petroleum-

based products are oxidized and broken down

fairly quickly and increase the flammability

of your roof.

Taking care of your cedar shake is a

responsibility; it’s a process—not an event.

Putting the care of your roof in the hands of a

cedar shake expert is among the wisest dollar

decisions you will ever make on your home!

There is a specialist who has pioneered a

process that is neat, clean, simple, and safe.

This process won’t rot your gutters or stain

your concrete, won’t harm your lawn or

shrubs, won’t injure animals, is virtually

odor-free, and, best of all, is guaranteed.

Cedar Tech has a completely biodegradable

and environmentally compatible process that

is t ime-tested on numerous sensitive

applications, including the Inn at Otter Crest

and the Leach Botanical Garden. To contact

the experts and seasoned pros at Cedar Tech,

caring for cedar roofs since 1991, you can

call Kevin Stinson at 503-643-9303 or visit

their website at www.CedarTechRoofCare.com.

Cedar Tech is licensed, bonded, and insured,

with extensive references throughout NW

Oregon and SW Washington. CCB #160333

Maximizing The Life of Your Cedar Shake Roof

29



inding the perfect outdoor patio or deck system that allows you to

spend time outdoors any time you want can be a serious challenge.

Some enclosed patio covers keep you dry when it’s raining, but

what happens when the sun comes out and you want nothing more than to

relax outside and gaze at the beautiful sky? Finding that perfect medium,

where you can adjust accordingly depending on both your mood and the

environment, seems almost impossible for most homeowners—until now.

American Louvered Roofs provide you with the ambiance you desire at the

exact moment you need it, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living space

virtually every day of the year. This system can open for the warm sun and

natural light, and close when you want cool shade, or to keep you dry when it

rains.

When you want to barbeque, the smoke can escape easily. When it’s

hot outside, you can protect your home from the heat and reduce the

temperature. When it’s nice and sunny, you can bask in the sunlight.

The choice is completely up to you!

American-made and designed, professionals can customize and install

your state-of-the-art patio or deck cover. The ultimate outdoor living experi-

ence, American Louvered Roofs extend memorable experiences into nature

Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long, while assuring your comfort. When you plan outdoor parties and gatherings,

you will have confidence knowing that your louvered roof will provide infinite

adjustability so your family and friends feel confortable at all times.

Available in three attractive standard color options to match your

home with over 100 custom colors available, systems are crafted from

heavy-grade extruded aluminum and powder-coated paint. Featuring a

lifetime limited warranty, the high-quality louvered roof will give you

years of trouble-free performance.

Engineered for extreme wind and heavy snow loads, the louvered roof

system also lowers the temperature of your deck by 15-to-20 degrees,

allowing you to save on your cooling bill. Standard remote control

motorized operation makes for easy transitions, adding the ultimate in

quality and comfort to your outdoor space.

Portland Willamette has been in business since 1946, and one of their

newest products is the American Louvered Roofs. With years of experience pro-

ducing the world’s most innovative solutions in architectural metals,

American Louvered Roofs represents the best in your home so that you can

add more cherished moments with the security of rain and sun protection. For

more information about American Louvered Roofs, and more ideas on how to

expand your living spaces and make the most of your home, you can visit

www.newpatiocover.com or email [email protected]. You can also call

Portland Willamette at 503-288-7511. CCB #205943

2015 Street of Dreams

with a Motorized Patio Cover!

30 O N L I N E A T P O R T L A N D H OM EM A G A Z I N E . C OM

s families change, many homeowners find themselves feeling cramped in what used

to be ample living space. With the kids getting older and the puppy now a full-grown

dog, you’ll need more room. With real estate and new construction costs rising daily, now is a good

time to utilize the existing space you have outdoors.

Outdoor living options offer endless opportunity for expanding your home beyond its four walls.

The starting point to creating outdoor living space is a patio or deck, and you’re not limited to the

ground floor. If your house has the perfect space off an upper story, a custom deck is the only way

to go. Choose a traditional all-wood deck or a wood deck structure with a concrete or stone surface.

For living space at ground floor, a concrete patio is ideal in the Pacific Northwest as

wood decks will decay, are prone to moss, and can become slippery. Concrete patios are low-main-

tenance and visually appealing, with installation options available in a wide variety of finishes,

including stamped concrete, which comes in an array of colors, stone patterns, and textures.

Concrete pavers are another option, available in many eye-catching colors and styles. For home-

owners that want the underlying durability of concrete but a different look, stone and brick sur-

faces can be applied over a concrete installation.

If you think your outdoor area is hopeless because of sloping or other space issues, consult an

experienced hardscape contractor that also specializes in retaining walls. They can add curb

appeal to a front yard by bringing definition to your property and creating a more manageable

landscape, as well as develop areas of your property that are sloped or otherwise unusable.

Installing retaining walls enables you to add patios, children’s play structures, and garden areas,

making it easier to maintain while maximizing your square footage.

Constructed with a range of attractive products and materials like recycled concrete, stone,

block, brick, and poured concrete, retaining walls don’t have to be an eyesore, in fact, quite the

opposite. Gorge Stone, a stone veneer product that resembles local indigenous stone, can be used

for retaining walls, fireplaces, and building siding for a more natural look. As a green product,

recycled concrete walls provide the look of stone at about half the price while using a waste product

that is neither manufactured nor quarried and often takes advantage of on-site recycling from a

driveway, sidewalk, or patio that has been removed for replacement.

As part of any well functioning landscape, pathways and stairs allow homeowners to enjoy their

yard year-round, while a well-constructed driveway adds value and curb appeal. Driveways, path-

ways, and stairs can be constructed with concrete in finishes that include exposed aggregate,

stamped and colored, sand finish, or a standard broom finish, as well as concrete pavers, stone,

and brick.

With the addition of features such as built-in barbecues and firepits constructed with brick or

stone and fueled by natural gas for durability and convenience, you can transform your backyard

into a functional and beautiful environment ready for friendly get-togethers and relaxing nights

with the family.

For more information, you can call The Wall, member of the Association of Oregon Recyclers,

at 503-735-9255 and e-mail [email protected]. Serving Portland Metro homeowners since

1985, The Wall is a complete design-build company offering full-service design. They are also

members of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland and The Oregon Remodelers

Association. www.ByTheWall.com. OR #54495, WA #WALL***991OO, Metro lic. #1363.

a

Cost Effective Recycled Concrete,Retaining Walls, Pavers, Stonework

and Stamped ConcreteEye-Catching Yet Functional Solutions

for Outdoor Living

32



t used to take three to five days to install

an epoxy three-coat flooring system in

your garage. Typically, the floor was

prepared and primed on the first day, a

body coat installed on the second day, and a

clear coat on the third day. Depending on the

time of year, the coating then took anywhere

from one to three days to cure before you

could walk or drive on the floor. Now with

AcryliGuard, a four-coat concrete flooring

system can be installed in one day and you

can drive on it within an hour.

Although this technology has been around

for more than 30 years, this is the first time

AcryliGuard has been used in the residential

market. The material is basically a liquid

plexiglass that is 100% solid and doesn’t

contain any solvents. When the material is

activated, its chemical structure simply

changes from a liquid to a solid within about

30 minutes and doesn’t require any time to dry.

Like any coating system, the preparation

of the concrete surface is the main key to

success! Shot blasting (like sandblasting, but

without the mess) is the best method to

prepare concrete because i t removes

contaminants, opens the pores of the

concrete, and increases the surface area

200% to 300%, allowing the coating

materials to penetrate and anchor.

The biggest cause for coating failures in

the Northwest is hydrostatic pressure. Since

concrete is a porous material with

microscopic air passages, moisture passes

from the ground, through the concrete and

into the atmosphere. The amount of pressure

is determined by the volume and strength of

the moisture. Most epoxies can withstand

about three pounds of pressure before

delaminating, whereas the AcryliGuard can

withstand about 11 pounds, which provides

superior adhesion and performance. This is

due to the penetrating characteristics and

strength of the primer. In fact, this product

comes with a lifetime warranty not to delami-

nate—even under hot tires!

Unlike epoxies and urethanes, the

AcryliGuard will never turn yellow or become

brittle, which makes a coating more

susceptible to chipping and cracking. One sig-

nificant benefit of this flooring system is that it

doesn’t become slippery when wet. This is why

Fred Meyer uses this product in their produce

departments. Most other coating systems

require the addition of aluminum oxide for

non-slip, which is effective, but makes a floor

more difficult to clean.

AcryliGuard costs slightly more than a

standard epoxy floor due to the fact that

more material is applied to the floor. An

iBeautiful Garage Floors In One Day

average epoxy system is between 10 and 30

mils thick (mil = 1/1000 of an inch), whereas

the AcryliGuard system is approximately

80-100 mils thick. Considering the amount of

material used and the life expectancy of the

floor, AcryliGuard offers tremendous value

with a low cost of ownership.

For more information on making your

concrete beautiful or to schedule a free

estimate, you can call Specialty Coatings at

503-644-7500 or see them on the web at

www.specialtycoatings.us. CCB# 151176

Portland Home Magazine | Portland Home Improvements | Portland Home Fashion

Documents

Transcript of Portland Home Magazine | Portland Home Improvements | Portland Home Fashion