Homestead Post

If you’re looking for structural composite lumber that’s a cut above others for applications such as docks, marinas, and other submerged (or close-to submerged)
structures, consider Trimax®.

It offers enhanced durability and is ultra-resistant to moisture, fungi, chemicals, and marine borers. Other advantages of Trimax structural lumber include:

• Long-lasting
• Easy to install and maintain
• Attractive
• Environmentally friendly
• Backed by a 25-year limited warranty You can cut and install Trimax like you
  would natural wood, using conventional tools and methods. But, unlike wood,
  Trimax doesn’t splinter, split, rot, or stain. To maintain its beauty and performance,
  it requires no scrubbing, staining, painting, sanding, or sealing. Trimax is made from a patented blend of virgin and recycled post-consumer/post-industrial HDPE (high-density polyethylene), with non-organic additives to stiffen it. With no trees used in  anufacturing Trimax, you have the peace of mind that you’re doing right by the environment
  when using it.

For more information about Trimax and its many benefits in projects that need optimal strength with minimal maintenance, call us!

When homeowners want to expand their living areas and enjoy the outdoors more, consider suggesting screen railing to them. At Homestead Outdoor Products, we offer ScreenRail (by Westbury® Aluminum Railing)—one of the most innovative, well-engineered screen railing products on the market. With options that include a structural balcony/railing system or a heavy-duty kick-panel system, ScreenRail is easy to assemble and very durable.

• Key benefits to share with your customers include:
• Allows fresh air in while keeping insects out
• Offers integrated screen and railing in customizable sections to fit nearly any
  space
• Comes in an array of finishes to match exterior and interior preferences
• Provides versatility—makes a wonderful option for porches, patios, pools,
  etc.

Call us to find out more about ScreenRail and its many applications!

Exposure to the extreme heat of summer can wreak havoc on PVC decking.

For example, during the recent heat wave, we delivered white vinyl bead board to a customer. Upon delivery, we discovered the top boards were badly warped. Why? The trim had come encased in plastic and wrapped in a black plastic cover, which resulted in a greenhouse effect.

The intense heat that built up was too much for the boards, causing them to expand and contract to the point of warping.

We, of course, replaced the boards, but it goes to show how heat can compromise decking material if precautions are not taken.

So how can you help decking material stand up to the high temperatures and humidity?

Consider these best installation practices to keep decking material from expanding and contracting when Mother Nature turns up the heat:

•  Ensure there is adequate ventilation for decking materials (when in storage
  and during transport).
• Cover decking with a light-colored tarp before installing.
• Fasten boards as soon as possible after cutting them.
• Use two screws per joist (no more than 1/2” from ends) when installing.
• Provide enough clearance beneath the deck to allow for proper air circulation.
•  Leave a 1/8” to 1/4” gap between decking and walls, posts, or other structures.
• Fasten the ends of boards securely to the building or to framing.

For more detailed information about maintaining the integrity of decking material before, during, and after installation, always read the manufacturer’s product guide.

Railing 5000: Superior Plastic Products’ 5000 Series railing provides an effective solution for medium- to large-sized projects. At a slightly larger size than most traditional railing offerings, this classic, lightweight, easy-to-install system adds beauty to any outdoor living area. It is available in two colors and baluster styles.

Railing 7000: Getting ready to do a project on an estate, restaurant, or high-end home? You may benefit from Superior Plastic Products’ 7000 Series railings. Designed for large installation needs, the elegant 7000 Series can be an ideal fit for large commercial applications. It looks impressive on over-sized residential decks and porches. It is available in white, and curved sections are also available.

With spring finally here, it’s time to start projects and kick off a new season of building. As you do, remember IRC codes are updated each three years to ensure the safety of structures and the well-being of the people in and around them. Here are a few code reminders to help you make sure your projects pass code the first time around!

• Handrails should be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of treads or flights with four or more risers.
• Guardrails should be located along open-sided walking surfaces. This includes stairs, ramps, and landings located more than 30 inches (measured vertically) to the floor or at a grade below any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening does not qualify as a guard!

Exceptions: Guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from a line connecting
the leading edges of the treads.

• Required guardrails should not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height that would allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter.
• Handrails at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies,
  or landings, should not measure less than 34 inches in height and should not exceed 38 inches (as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the leading edges of the treads).
• Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails should be installed in accordance with the code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

> The walking surface of treads and landings of stairways should be sloped no steeper than one unit vertical in 48 inches horizontal (2% slope).

At Homestead Outdoor Products, we use WOLF trim-board, a cellular PVC trim that’s one of the best on the market. Although it doesn’t require painting for protection, by painting the trim with 100% acrylic latex paint or acrylic latex paint with urethane additive you can suit your customers’ tastes and sense of style. Paint life on trim-board is longer than on wood because it doesn’t hold moisture like wood does.

To do right by your WOLF trim-board when you paint it, keep these tips in mind:MAKE SURE THE SURFACE IS SQUEAKY CLEAN.

Clean the tailboard with a mild detergent and water or denatured alcohol before you start painting. The surface should be clean, dry, and free of:

• Dirt
• Loose or peeling paint
• Chalk
• Grease
• Any other surface contaminant

MIND THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS.

Don’t leave the best results to chance. Follow the paint manufacturer’s preparation
and application directions. They really do know best!

GET TOUGH ON MOLD AND MILDEW.

Before you paint, use a mixture of three parts water and two parts bleach to remove any signs of mold or mildew on your trim-board.

LIGHTEN UP.

If you’ve painted your trim-board a dark color, you must remove that dark hue before applying a lighter-colored paint (which should have an LRV of at least 55 units).

PREPARE TO USE A PRIMER.

Paint manufacturers will typically require a primer to be used if the homeowner wants the paint warranty.

BE PATIENT!

Realize that paint, depending on outdoor temperatures, humidity, and other factors, may take up to 30 days to fully cure.

Easy, right? Follow these guidelines and you—and your customers—will enjoy the results.

Superior Plastic Products is simplifying some of their product offerings. They’ve removed the tan color in brochures and catalogs so they can focus on the more versatile clay and almond colors. In addition to the color difference, Superior will also be phasing out:

• Tapered Fluted Columns
• All 4” & 5” Porch Posts in the following styles: Oxford, Raised Panel, Richmond, and Recessed Panel (except for 6” Recessed Panel). Note that all 4” & 5” posts will remain available only while supplies last.
• 4000 Series Railing, including all balusters used for this series

For the most up-to-date product literature, stop by Homestead Outdoor Products or call us. Reach out to us if you have questions about these products.

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[column-half-2]When a job calls for posts and columns for support, you have more to choose from than you might realize. Depending on the project’s needs, you can select posts according to their load ratings and the styles of their attachments.

Either vinyl or aluminum posts could make a good choice for your projects.[/column-half-2]

Here’s some additional info about each:

[column-half-1]Structural vinyl posts are hollow vinyl shells with aluminum pipe inside to

• provide strength. These posts require very little maintenance and stay looking good
  for years. To meet a project’s style requirements, you can choose from a variety of
  vinyl column wraps to create the look your customer wants.
• Aluminum posts are a lightweight option that come in various styles, including
  square (3.25” or 4”) or round (6’’). Typically a lower-cost alternative to other types
  of posts, aluminum posts can help you provide stability while staying within budget.

[/column-half-1]
[column-half-2]They come in two forms:

• Hollow—Aluminum posts provide exceptional strength on their own.
  Generally, they’re adequate for residential and light commercial use.
• Structural—Aluminum posts that have an aluminum pipe inside to
  provide strength above and beyond that of a hollow aluminum post are
  an effective solution when a job calls for superior strength.

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For more information about which structural posts will best fit your needs, give us a call!

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Join us on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at 905 West Main Street in New Holland for a FREE hot breakfast, followed by four half-hour sessions packed full of product tips that will take your capabilities to the next level.

Representatives will be here to share their knowledge and answer your questions. Gain new info and insight that you can take back to your business.

Coffee and donuts will also be available until noon.

Plus, we’ll have some wonderful door prizes to give away.

Sign up by calling Ken or Merv
at (717) 656-9596.

Details are subject to change.
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