Fall 2011

Issue Three

Fire Pits      Deck Refurbishing     Rebuidling Together Richmond

 

It’s Getting Colder – But Don’t Hide Inside! 

It’s hard to believe that the last day of summer is already behind us. 

As much as we’ll miss backyard cookouts and poolside relaxing, there’s plenty to look forward to in the cooler months. No need to abandon your outdoor space; fire pits are a great way to extend both your entertaining and relaxation areas during the cooler seasons.  Adding a fire pit allows you, your family, and guests to continually enjoy your backyard in the fall and spring, making it one of the most versatile outdoor additions.
 
Although there are plenty of cheap options available at major retailers, a custom built-in fire pit is the safest, most durable and can be perfectly matched to your home’s existing aesthetic.
 
There are multiple types of fire pits and nearly limitless styles. If you prefer a true rustic experience, a traditional wood burning unit is the best choice; for those who favor ease of use, gas fire pits are the way to go. Regardless of the energy source, there are plenty of materials and styles to suit your tastes.
 
 

Show Your Deck Some Love This Off-Season.

Here in Richmond we’ve got some pretty unpredictable weather patterns. Last summer, most of us were hiding inside avoiding the 100 plus degree temperatures. Overall, this year wasn’t such a scorcher, allowing plenty of time for hanging out on the deck or in the backyard (without needing a Slurpee and misting handheld fan the whole time). In the event that this coming spring and summer are equally rewarding, you’ll certainly want a deck that is up to the task.

The best time to refurbish your existing deck is in the off-season; that way it’s ready to go when you are. Rather than wait to refinish or build a new deck during the time you’d like to be using it, why not get it fully prepared in time for the first warm nights and days of the year?

There are many variables to consider during the process; however, materials are the core of everything. Upgrading the wood on your deck will make the biggest difference for your porch’s integrity, both short term and long term. Most decks are built with salt treated wood, which doesn’t guarantee much over the lifespan of the deck. Replacing this material with Ipe wood can greatly increase the durability of your deck area. Ipe wood is naturally resistant to rot and abrasion, is five times harder than most woods, and even has a Class A fire rating, the same rating given to concrete and steel (thanks to density and natural fire-retardant properties).

In addition to material choices, there are many options available for railings and support. Salt treated wood provides a traditional look. For a more modern aesthetic, aircraft wire and metal balusters are the perfect choice. We have the best designers available to help you integrate the right look into your home.

Now that your deck is mostly out of use, it’s a great time to get it ready for use. There are countless materials and styles to match your home’s architectural value as well as your own personal taste, whether modern, traditional, or a little of both. 


 

Rebuilding Together Richmond

There are many charitable causes to support in the Richmond area and beyond; however, one program is perfectly matched to Franko – LaFratta’s mission to provide a higher quality of life through home restoration.

Rebuilding Together is a volunteer-based program that repairs and rehabilitates homes and non-profit community facilities; they provide a helping hand to low-income elderly and disabled people who own their homes but are unable to maintain them. The program exists in hundreds of communities around the country. The Richmond chapter of Rebuilding Together has improved more than 800 homes in fifteen local communities since 1993 and completed over $700,000 worth of major and minor repairs in the past year alone.

Peter Paul Development Center helped to facilitate this year’s project by providing a connection to individuals in the community and a base of operation on the weekend the work was done. Our own Mark Franko is on the Board of Peter Paul Development Center, providing his time and professional experience to the charity. “To be successful the kids that Peter Paul serves need a host of other services beyond the core educational program we provide.  Adequate shelter is one of them. Providing this assistance also allows parents and grandparents to focus more on the children” said Mark. Employees of Franko-LaFratta worked directly with Rebuilding Together of Richmond and Peter Paul Development Center to assist in the repairs of one of the houses that benefited from this year’s efforts.

Although Rebuilding Together is constantly working towards a better community year-round, there’s one week out of the year that stands out as a time of collaboration and group effort. Affordable Housing Awareness Week is an annual event where 15 local non-profit housing organizations come together to raise the awareness of the challenges related to affordable housing in the Richmond area. This year over 500 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help these local non-profits build and repair homes and beautify neighborhoods in our community. 

For more information about Rebuilding Together, take a moment to check out their website.