Home Foundation Repair Oklahoma

♦ November 9, 2012 ♦ Leave Your Comment

There is a lot of misinformation out there about composite decking and ipe decking. Composite decking companies pay a ton of money to convince an unsuspecting public that their product is safe, reliable, and a good value. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, let's cut to the chase. Ipe decking is a much better value, is more eco-friendly and will provide decades of enjoyment to you and your family. On the other hand, composite decking is pretty much going to be the exact opposite. It is a worse value, is not eco-friendly, and will give you and your family headaches.

If you need further proof, all you have to do is do an online search for “composite decking review,” “composite decking issues,” “composite decking problems,” and, worse yet, “composite decking recalls.” You will clearly see that there are numerous companies that would rather you part with your money over and over before they put out a truly reliable product free of defects and issues. Since these companies insist on and continue to treat people like statistics, it's time for everyone to know the truth.

Composite decking is prone to the following:
Rot Decay Mildew Mold Fungus Disintegration
Why does composite decking have all these problems? Let's take a look at the ingredients that make up this inferior deck material: plastic, wood fibers, and glue. Sure, the plastic used for composites are recycled, but the due to the recycling process, the plastic becomes weakened. Think about it. How can composite decking be more reliable when it's made of reduced strength plastics that are exposed to the elements such as sun, rain, snow, and in certain environments, hail or extreme heat and humidity? Also, because of the wood fibers, composite decking is extremely porous. Simply put, it soaks up water very easily. This sponge effect leads to the mold, mildew, and rot issues. Don't believe it? Just read some of the warranty info on composite decking. There are actually companies out there that tell you it's your responsibility to keep your deck dry. So, let's get this straight. They expect you to stand there at the ready immediately after it rains with some fans and towels to dry your deck immediately so that you can avoid mold? If you scoffed when you read that, you're starting to understand the unreasonable and unsightly ways that composite decking companies go out of their way to market an inferior product.

Ok, enough about composite decking. What about ipe decking?

Ipe decking has been scientifically proven by the Janka Hardness test, the US Naval Laboratory and other institutions as a superior hardwood decking material. Here are the facts about ipe decking:
100% natural hardwood Ipe lasts for over a century with no maintenance required It is so dense and hard that it naturally resists mold, mildew, fungus, rot and decay Ipe decking can weather to a nice patina grey, or receive minimal treatments to keep its reddish brown color Ipe wood is now more affordable than composite decking
Finally, it's important to touch on the notion that composite decking is more eco-friendly than ipe or other hardwood decking options. One, plastic, last I checked comes from petroleum, which comes from oil. The process of drilling for oil in the water and on land is one of the more environmentally destructive industry practices we have. Even if some composite decking comes from recycled plastic, to use plastic at all means that you are saying that those non-eco-friendly practices are ok, so long as the plastic ends up getting recycled. As we all know, that kind of logic just doesn't connect, or make sense. What about ipe? Isn't logging just as destructive? The fact of the matter is this. Over 80% of deforestation in the Amazon comes from cattle ranching, not logging. In addition, if you do your research into responsible companies that do practice and promote eco-friendly forestry you will find that for every tree that is cut down, there are many companies that will plant five new trees. I don't see oil companies putting back the oil that they extract.

Ultimately, the final pro vs. con that many people like to mention is that composite decking is cheaper than ipe decking. This is also not true. Of course, you have to shop around. But, as you do, you will quickly find that because composite decking companies merely say that their products are eco-friendly, they have felt justified in raising their prices. As a result, you can now build with ipe decking for about the same or even less than the cost of a composite deck, without all the problems and future headaches.

Hopefully, these facts will help you make your decision easier. You can now move ahead with confidence and build a deck that will provide you, your family, and your loved ones with precious memories for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know how much home foundation repair cost is in Edmond or Oklahoma city, OK?
    I thinking about buying a REO home and would like to know the cost.
    I am thinking about buying a REO home. The home is 6-7 years old and the realtor says it has foundation problems. He does not think its a good buy but I am having a structural engineer come out to inspect the home. FYI I have not met any realtor in Oklahoma who thinks buying a REO property is a wise decision.

    • ANSWER:
      You’re on the right track by hiring a structural engineer. Years ago, I had a foundation problem with a home and did the same thing. The engineer came out and located the fault in the slab, then provided me with a scale drawing depicting how many piers and where they should be located. He recommended a foundation repair company that would do it at $X per pier.

  2. QUESTION:
    How to get rid of spiders?
    We just moved to Oklahoma and we have a few spiders in our house including a brown recluse. I was bit by a brown recluse several years ago and never want to go through that pain again. I want our house to be spider/bug free what can I do? I have bought sprays but it isnt working and my son is terrified of spiders. What else can I do…I have a very clean house and garage.

    • ANSWER:
      Practice good sanitation for control. Vacuum and clear away all webs, being sure to remove any egg cases. Move and dust frequently behind furniture, stored boxes and appliances.

      Eliminate the spiders’ food sources – including flies, cockroaches and moths – and they will be less likely to return. Check and repair all screens, and seal cracks.

      Remove piles of wood, trash and debris from around the foundation of your home. Be sure to wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves and boots. Seal up any holes, cracks, or entry points for the spider along the bottom of your home. Often, homes have cracks in the foundations, as well as separation between shingles. These are easy doorways for a spider.

      Hose off the outside of your home to destroy webs and egg cases.

      Replace outdoor lights with yellow or sodium-vapor lightbulbs, which are less likely to attract insects and then spiders.

      They travel and tend to hang close to walls, in crevices, and in wall to floor junctions. As such, it is a good idea to place glue traps with no ridges along the walls and in the corners. The most effective places to put the traps are behind chairs, under beds, and in hidden areas. These traps can help you to verify the infestation, and kill spiders as you do.

      Shake out clothing that has been stored before putting it on.

      Consider getting professionals to do the job.

  3. QUESTION:
    house repair for senior citizens haskell county ok?
    my roof leaks in about 9 places. can give some money i am disabled and 65yrs old,live in haskell co, okla

    • ANSWER:
      Check with your local Community Action Agency. Being disabled, you most likely qualify for low income help. The Community Action Agencies handle about 97% of managing all Community Block Grants. They exist to help folks in this kind of situation, and offer many programs. Usually, a state has different regional offices. Here is the link for Oklahoma:
      http://www.okrehab.org/searchfiles/community-action-agencies.htm

      Scrolling down that link, I found this contact information, for your area:

      “KiBois Community Action Foundation
      P.O. Box 727
      200 S.E. “A” Street
      Stigler, OK 74462
      918-967-3325
      918-967-8660 Fax
      Counties Served: Haskell, Latimer, Leflore, and Pittsburg”

      You may find, once you contact them, that there is a local branch office closer to you. Community Action Agencies offer a wide variety of services and helps, including weatherization of homes.

      Hope this helps, and Good Luck!

  4. QUESTION:
    Help me decide which book to read for my summer reading project?
    The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck–Set during the Great Depression, this Pultizer Prize
    winning book traces the migration of an Oklahoma Dust Bowl family to California and their
    subsequent hardships as migrant farm workers. This powerful novel poses fundamental questions
    about justice, the ownership and stewardship of the land, the role of government, power, and the
    very foundations of capitalist society.

    Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg–This book tells the irresistible story of a fierce and true
    love between two women, Idgie and Ruth. After Idgie saves Ruth from an abusive marriage,
    these two friends become partners in running the Whistle Stop Café. The author mixes
    confrontations with racism, sexism, and ageism with the colorful and endearing language of the
    depression-era South and the cafe’s recipes for grits, collard greens, and, of course, fried green
    tomatoes.

    In Cold Blood by Truman Capote–Two two-time losers living in a lonely house in western
    Kansas are out to make the heist of their life, but when things don’t go as planned, the robbery
    turns ugly. From there, the book is a real-life look into murder, prison, and the criminal mind.

    Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut–Billy Pilgrim is a man who becomes “unstuck” in time
    after he is abducted by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. We follow Pilgrim simultaneously
    through all phases of his life, concentrating on his shattering experience as an American prisoner
    of war who witnesses the devastating firebombing of Dresden during World War II.

    The Autobiography of Malcolm X–With blistering honesty, Malcolm X recounts his
    transformation from a bitter, self-destructive petty criminal into an articulate political activist.
    Throughout the book, he offers his insights about racism, self-respect and self-help.

    The Road by Cormac McCarthy–In a post-apocalyptic world gray skies drizzle ash, all matter of
    wildlife is extinct, starvation is not only prevalent but nearly all-encompassing, and marauding
    bands of cannibals roam the environment with pieces of human flesh stuck between their teeth.
    Stealing across this horrific landscape are an unnamed man and his emaciated son, a boy
    probably around the age of ten. This story examines their powerful bond in the face of a world
    falling apart.

    The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway–Jake Barnes is a tragic hero, physically damaged
    beyond repair during the First World War. He has the bad luck to meet and fall in love with Brett
    Ashley, a beautiful young Englishwoman. Worse, she finds in Jake everything she ever wanted
    but now cannot have. It is a hopeless and compelling relationship, told plainly by a young author
    just reaching the height of his powers.

    Watership Down by Richard Adams–A deceivingly simple tale of a band of rabbits who desert
    their ancient community when one bunny predicts the imminent destruction of all who remain.
    Soon the refugees set out on an epic search for a new home. The book can be enjoyed as a
    thoughtful comparison between human and animal culture, but it’s equally entertaining as a good
    adventure.

    Thank you so much

    • ANSWER:
      Why not read more than one? My suggestions in order of personal preference and why
      Watership Down – really incredible epic journey and well drawn characters
      In Cold Blood – This book started the true crime genere and is still one of the best.
      The Grapes of Wrath – A really moving story and as another poster says you can relate it to current events.
      Fried Green Tomatoes – will probably be the easiest read just romp in a lot of ways.
      The Road – I read this but didn’t like it much, too disjointed.

      I’d give a skip to the Hemingway I find his writting stilted and not all that interesting. YMMV

home foundation repair oklahoma

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