1. Check for split or decaying wood

See Pictures (1)... Be careful of painted surfaces as they can hide a multitude of sins. If you see paint that looks like it is bubbled or peeling as that is a sure sign of issues.

2. Check the flashing

See Pictures (2)... While one would hope that there is flashing directing water away from the house, that isn't always the case & even if it does have it, it needs to be done right

3. Check for loose, missing, or corroded fasteners

See Picture (3)... Corrosion is a sure sign that the fastener is about to go & that the wood maybe rotting in that area.

4. Check your railings & balusters

See Picture (3)... These railings should all be firmly in place & not easily move. The top should be at least 36" tall (we prefer 42") with no openings larger than 4". While most people might not have a 4" ball handy, you can use a ½ gallon jug of mil or juice which is a little under 4"wide

5. Check your stairs

Going back to our first picture (1), if you have an "open riser" the opening should not be bigger than 4″. You should also check the balusters, railing aka guard, and any additional handrails are secured properly. Finally you should make sure there are no plantings or other issues blocking or growing up through the stairs – yeah they had three strikes on that one.

6. Cleanliness is next to...

Make sure you are keeping your deck cleaned off & maintained. Piles of leaves not only trap moisture but provide food for microorganisms to grow & thrive (even on composite decks).

7. Grills, Fire Pits, Chimneys...

See Picture 7... Fire & heat doesn't mix to well with decks & houses – while they can add to an enjoyable atmosphere be sure to use caution and follow the manufacturers directions (especially on clearances).

8. Lighting & Electrical

A well lit deck is safe deck at night – so check those bulbs & any electrical running to it to prevent shocks &/or fire hazards

9. Outdoor Furniture & Seating

Make sure you give it a good once over so there are no issues. Be careful placing seats near the edges of the deck (especially ones without railings)

10. Look up

While trees are great at providing shade, the last thing you want it is a dead branch falling down during the middle of a dinner party or a sick tree being blown over during a storm wiping out your deck

For more tips & to see the original article; http://blog.sls-construction.com/2013/a-visu...

After some research (through which I learned there is no shortage of techniques for making rain barrels nor in the shear number of rain barrels now on the market), I chose a 60 gallon rain barrel made by a company called EarthMinded. I picked it because 1) it looked good 2) it was comparatively large 3) it looked easy to install and 4) it could be bought through a local conservancy that subsidized the barrels bringing their cost down.

With rain barrels (like real estate) location location location is everything. Screened (at least partially) from the road, I set the barrel just downhill of last year's Vinca planting and just uphill from a bit of grass I intended to overseed (I completed this this past weekend and plan to post on it). I purchased 2 bags of pea gravel, used scrap (ground-contact-rated) 4x4s (further treated) and a spare piece of blue stone. Together, this/these provided a solid, level and elevated base (all very important).

Assembling and installing the barrel was a snap (Earthminded's instructions were excellent) BUT I did have to request beforehand a kit that would work with my new round downspouts.

I may write more about this project on my blog in the coming weeks but for now if you have questions, don't be afraid to ping me. Thanks for reading. ~jb

The Lucketts Spring Market is a signature event for The Old Lucketts Store and takes place May 18th and 19th. We have over 170 fantastic dealers lined up this year from all over the country. Many vendors have been featured in your favorite books and magazines, including Country Homes, Country Living, and Romantic Homes.

We will have killer antique and vintage items for you and your home, including furniture, lamps, home accessories, collectibles, and lots and lots of Funky Junk! Expect a day of food, fun, and great deals. We won't disappoint!!!

#HTLucketts

Gates will open at 10am and stay open until 5pm each day.

42350 Lucketts Road Leesburg, Virgina