(October, 2007 - Richmond, VA)

Archadeck, the premier deck and porch builder in the United States, has been ranked among the top ten in the Qualified Remodeler list of the 2007 Top National Remodeling Firms. Archadeck placed 5th on the National List, which was announced in the September 2007 issue.

"It gives us great satisfaction that the efforts of our entire system have once again been recognized by Qualified Remodeler," says Vicki Kiger, Director of Marketing and Advertising for Archadeck, a Richmond, Virginia, based company. "Our number five ranking on the National Firm List recognizes our continued efforts to grow our business throughout the United States and Canada."

The Qualified Remodeler National List is published annually to recognize remodeling firms for outstanding success in terms of sales volume. In the latest list, Archadeck had a 2006 volume of almost $45 million.

Archadeck has completed 65,000 projects nationwide and has over 80 offices in the U.S. and Canada, as well as an international presence in Japan. Their work has been featured in several publications including Fine Homebuilding, Gardening & Deck Design and Women’s Day Home Remodeling, among others.

"The Qualified Remodeler ranking is very important to us, as we use it in our advertising and marketing to emphasize our nationwide presence and strength, as well as our longevity," said Kiger. "It allows us to set ourselves apart from our competitors."

"2007 marks our 27th year in business. Our high ranking signifies strength within our system and continual confidence from our customers," added Kiger.

Data for firms listed on the National List is provided by the companies and verified by accounting firms, certified public accountants, banks and suppliers.

Deck and porch "custom design" experts from Archadeck say there are a myriad of upgrade choices for screened porches to fit anyone’s interest

(September, 2007 - Richmond, VA - Grassroots Newswire)

According to local deck and porch designing experts, screened porches have been making a strong comeback. However, what was once a practical necessity is today becoming a more luxurious amenity for homeowners who are interested in jazzing up their screened porches with their own personalized style or transforming them to match their living standards.

Ed Overberger, an Archadeck consultant, says recent trends indicate that homeowners are looking for ways to extend the use of their screened porches. "It’s simple – homeowners are using their screened porches more and want to prolong their outdoor living time. With so many upgrade choices for screened porches available now – especially for playrooms, shelter for pets, or entertainment rooms – the process is easy," Overberger said. "There’s something for everyone."

Screened porches were very popular before air conditioning became mainstream in the early 1960s, Overberger said. Porches acted as an extension of the home that provided cool temperatures during warm months, as well as a venue for family dinners and gatherings. The uses for modern screened porches today are endless.

The following are porch upgrades residents can keep in mind when choosing which screened porch is best suited for them:

• An entry level screened porch with stapled screen and pressure-treated lumber.
• A screened porch which uses more modern mechanically fastened screen for easy repair and replacement.
• A low-maintenance screened porch with aluminum inserts with vinyl or aluminum components to reduce maintenance.
• A Three-Season Porch that offers a traditional porch similar to the one your grandmother might have had. It is made of wood and is mostly cedar and traditional in appearance.
• Three-Season Porch option which uses all low maintenance materials, such as aluminum and vinyl for more a more contemporary low maintenance porch.

Most consumers do not realize that when they are planning for a screened porch, they can upgrade it to a Three-Season Porch for a modest amount of money, simply by adding glass or acrylic storm panels. For this process, screen panels are replaced with storm panels. Then, the porch can be used more throughout the year – two extra months in the spring and two extra months in the fall. Tempered safety glass, allows a porch to be installed high up in the air and have an unobstructed view. The tempered glass in a Three-Season Porch eliminates obtrusive railings and pickets.

"This option is also ideal for homeowners with children and/or pets," Overberger said. "The unobstructed view allows people to watch their children play in the backyard and also takes away the worry of pets destroying the screen or children pushing out the screen. Also, Three-Season Porches offer a safety factor and meets safety codes."

For porches, homeowners can use wood for a more traditional look, or plastics and aluminum for a low maintenance porch. Although there has been interest in both options, wood, surprisingly, has shown recent popularity. Overberger said the wood look gives an "outdoorsy" feel, which is what people want.

Archadeck sets itself apart from others by distinguishing itself as a "custom-design and build" business, Overberger said. The company, which acts as both the designer and the builder, designs the project for the customer and then makes it a reality by constructing it.

 

For more information about Archadeck or upgrade options for your porch, please visit www.archadeck.com.

About Archadeck

Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 65,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck builder in the United States. Their mission is to enhance the lives of customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments. Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck sixth on the 2006 National Remodeling Firms List. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in HOME, Additions and Decks and Gardening & Deck Design, as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).

(June 21, 2007 - Richmond, VA - Grassroots Newswire)

Archadeck says screened porches give people more room to entertain, adds square footage to their property, and enables simple living outdoors

Imagine being able to enjoy a well-prepared dinner on your porch every evening this summer – but without the annoyance of insects or the worry of rain. According to Chris Carey, director of sales for Archadeck, that notion is exactly what draws many people to have a screened porch added onto their home.

"Outdoor living is the trendy way of living nowadays," Carey said. "We have found that, during the summer season, homeowners seek as many ways as possible to stay outdoors more. And, many of these people find the answer to their dilemma in a screened porch – which offers an indoor and outdoor experience, all along with the luxuries of shade from direct sunlight, as well as rain and insect protection."

Archadeck sets itself apart from others by distinguishing itself as a "design-build" business, Carey said. The company, which acts as both the designer and the builder, designs the project for the customer and then makes it a reality by constructing it. Screened porches are a popular request and Carey said the actual projects vary in design and style, depending on the needs and wants of the customer.

When it comes to screened porches, there are a myriad of choices and a long list of material options that can be used to build them. However, the first thing to decide is the main usage of the screened porch. The size of the porch, for example, will depend on how it’s being used. If its only purpose will be for dining, it normally would be designed to be smaller than if it was to be used for general multi-functional "outdoor living," which calls for a larger space.

"Many people choose a screened porch simply because it increases their living space – it makes them feel they have more square footage to their home; some use it mainly for entertaining; while others want a screened porch to remind them of a special time in their lives, for instance, growing up in their childhood house," Carey said. "We ask a lot of questions to come up with the best recommendation for our customers. It’s interesting how often people will have a very specific idea, but after we ask them questions, what they originally wanted doesn’t meet their needs."

 

Once you know how you will use your screened porch, the next decision falls in the hands of aesthetics and your budget. Do you want an A-frame roof, or a "hip roof"? Would you rather the walls be fully screened or partially insulated with plexi-glass or a stronger material like lexan (a highly durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass)? Will imported hard wood or composites be the best choice for your flooring? All of this depends on the style you’re looking for, and the part of the country you live in.

"We have found that screened porches are very popular in the southeast area, as well as pockets in the Midwest," Carey said. "However, if you experience more cold months than warm ones, a screened porch could easily be changed into a three-season porch, for use year-round, simply by installing windows to control the ventilation on the porch, as well as a wall system – which could be vinyl or a hard wall – that matches the style and design of the rest of the house."

Overall, the most important thing to keep in mind when designing your screened porch is to be sure you pick the best builder for the job. Since most people aren’t experts in remodeling, they often do not know the right questions to ask, Carey said. Archadeck educates its customers and helps them focus on their needs and desires in order to give them the best end product.

For more information about Archadeck, please visit www.archadeck.com.

About Archadeck

Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 60,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck builder in the United States. Their mission is to enhance the lives of customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments. Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck sixth on the 2006 National Remodeling Firms List. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in HOME, Additions and Decks and Gardening & Deck Design, as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).

(March 14, 2007 - Richmond, VA - Grassroots Newswire)

Archadeck suggests popular ways to “jazz up” your deck railing

Homeowners want unique design and style when it comes to their deck railing; something that shows their personality, matches their home and sets them apart from others. Vicki Kiger, director of marketing and advertising for Archadeck, says more homeowners are saying ‘good-bye’ to their ordinary railing and saying ‘hello’ to newer, modernized and versatile railing styles and versions.

“The availability and use of these more unique deck railings are becoming popular and trendy as more people create outdoor living areas,” Kiger said. “And, builders are seeing consumer demand for these stylish deck rail options, with the most requested railing systems being one that is low maintenance.”

Archadeck, America’s largest deck builder, custom designs and builds decks, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos, pergolas, arbors and other outdoor structures. Archadeck uses a variety of railing systems, including Deckorator, Fortress Iron and TimberTech, who each offer various styles of balusters, as well as decorative centerpieces, post caps, and pipe railing.

Metal balusters, such as those made with aluminum or iron, have increased in popularity within the last few years, Kiger said, especially rod iron balusters, which are reputable for their style, low maintenance and versatility. Consumers are also attracted to metal balusters because they come in various colors and can be accessorized to create a really distinctive, one-of-a-kind deck railing system.

“The idea is to preserve as much of the deck as possible so that the homeowner can gain privacy. The railing is also important because it is the most visible part of the deck; it’s what most people see,” Kiger said. “There are some very simple ways that consumers can transform their current railings into something more upscale.”

Kiger suggests you try changing the type of balusters you have on your current deck. The myriad of styles available can help you decide which style and color best coordinates with your home. Or, you can try changing your post caps, since there are many decorative ones becoming more popular. The choices are endless.

“What people are doing is mixing and matching what they like so that they are able to create a pattern that allows them to continue the design theme they have inside their house. The big trend is toward people creating their own little space, and decks, in general, have become very popular. This is a trend that will continue,” Kiger said. “There has just been an explosion of products from which people now have to choose. There are different looks that can be created with different materials.”

There has even been a shift in attention to glass railings that typically come in three different tints. More people tend to like the lighter tints, Kiger said, adding that there have been several requests for clear glass railings. The only reluctance people are concerned with when it comes to glass railings is the up keep. In addition, people are also attracted to vinyl railing designs that help mimic the trim on many houses, require no maintenance or painting and is generally less expensive than metal.

Overall, there is a significant increase in cost for aluminum and rod railings, compared to the standard pressure treated pickets, but in the end, you have a better quality, long-lasting railing, Kiger added. “All low-maintenance materials are more expensive. But, in the long-run, you’re really saving yourself a lot of money,” Kiger said.

For more information about Archadeck, please visit www.archadeck.com.

About Archadeck

Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 60,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck builder in the United States. Their mission is to enhance the lives of customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments. Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck sixth on the 2006 National Remodeling Firms List. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in HOME, Additions and Decks and Gardening and Deck Design, as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).

(January 12, 2007 - Richmond, VA)

TimberTech Named "Premier Partner" by Archadeck

Archadeck, the nation’s largest deck builder and TimberTech, the fastest-growing composite decking and railing manufacturer, have joined forces to promote the growth and development of the composite decking industry. Through this agreement, TimberTech becomes an officially recommended and endorsed composite decking material by Archadeck.

"We are extremely pleased to endorse TimberTech products," said Chris Grandpre, President and CEO of U.S. Structures, franchisor of Archadeck. "A majority of Archadeck projects now utilize composite decking materials, significantly higher than the national average. Since our customers are increasingly looking to us as the expert on low maintenance decking, our goal is to recommend high quality, durable materials to our consumers—such as TimberTech decking and railing solutions."

"The number of composite deck manufacturers has been increasing in recent years," said Stu Kemper, President of TimberTech. "Our partnership with Archadeck helps us distinguish ourselves among the many competitors. We will work closely with Archadeck to ensure that their contractors are knowledgeable of TimberTech products and installation. In addition, this partnership will allow us to respond to market demands and trends."

About Archadeck

Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 60,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck builder in the United States. Qualified Remodeler magazine currently ranks Archadeck sixth on the 2006 Top National Remodeling Firms List. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in HOME, Additions and Decks and Gardening and Deck Design as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV). Additional information can be viewed at www.archadeck.com.

About TimberTech

TimberTech is a leading manufacturer of wood composite decking products for residential and commercial use. TimberTech offers a wide variety of wood composite decking profiles including the industry’s leading Floorizon decking plank. All TimberTech products are available through a nationwide network of lumberyards and building products dealers. The company is a leader in the research, development and marketing of long lasting, low-maintenance decking products. TimberTech is a Crane Group company. To receive a free TimberTech brochure or to find a local TimberTech dealer near you, call 800-307-7780 or visit www.timbertech.com for more information.