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LVMC Decks Cites Code Evaluation Standards in Composite Material Review

NAZARETH, PA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
LVMC Decks has outlined how published code evaluation standards inform its review of composite decking products, pointing property owners toward documentation that exists independently of manufacturer literature.
Composite deck boards and railing systems are evaluated against ASTM D7032, the standard specification that establishes performance ratings for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber deck boards, stair treads, guards and handrails. Completion of the applicable tests in that standard is intended to form the basis for code recognition of these products in exterior applications.

The testing is administered through ICC Evaluation Service acceptance criteria AC174, which was developed to evaluate compliance with the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. Products that pass are issued published evaluation reports, each carrying a report number that any party can look up.
"The report exists whether or not anybody reads it, and most homeowners have never been told it exists," said Norm Boell, co-founder of LVMC Decks. "It is a public document with a number on it. That is a different kind of information than a brochure."
The standard covers both material and structural testing. Structural evaluation addresses bending strength, deflection, creep behavior under sustained load, and fastener retention. Failure to satisfy any applicable criterion disqualifies a product from structural applications until the deficiency is corrected.
The specification is written to accommodate a wide range of formulations. Wood-plastic composites and plastic lumber are produced in many fiber and resin combinations, and the boards covered by the standard may take any code-compliant shape or thickness, whether solid or non-solid. The performance requirements are structured to apply regardless of what a given product is made from, which is what allows results from different manufacturers to be read against a common reference.
One characteristic sits outside that scope. Published evaluation reports note where deck boards comply with ASTM D7032 with the exception of slip resistance, which AC174 does not require. Property owners weighing surfaces for a pool deck, a spa surround or a shaded area that stays damp are therefore considering a property the code recognition pathway does not address, which is a distinction rarely surfaced during material selection.
Evaluation reports also carry information with direct consequences for construction. Reported span ratings govern how joists can be spaced beneath a given board, and those figures vary between products. A surface material chosen late in a project can require framing that has already been built to a different specification.
Creep testing addresses a related question that is difficult to observe at the point of purchase. Because it measures how a material behaves under sustained load over time rather than under a single applied force, it speaks to long-term stability in a way a showroom sample cannot demonstrate.
That sequencing is why the company reviews material documentation during its design phase, which includes three-dimensional modeling and two-dimensional floor plans produced before construction begins. Resolving framing and surface material together avoids reworking one to accommodate the other.
Regional conditions supply a further variable the reports do not resolve on their own. Freeze-thaw cycling, summer humidity and snow load at Pocono elevations all bear on how a structure is framed, and the company builds across terrain ranging from the rolling and often sloped ground of Northampton County to the rockier, more mountainous parcels of Monroe County.
Foundation systems are selected against those same conditions. The company installs helical piles, American Groundscrew ground screws and traditional concrete footings, with the choice driven by what a particular site allows rather than by a single default approach.
The company installs decking in wood, hardwood, composite and PVC, along with railing, framing, lighting, skirting and underdeck systems, with the surface material selected against the conditions of each site.
Evaluation reports for individual products are published by ICC Evaluation Service and can be searched by report number or manufacturer. ASTM maintains the D7032 specification itself. Property owners can review either source directly when comparing products.
Norm Boell founded the company with his son Blaize Boell in December 2013. The business operates from Nazareth in Northampton County and East Stroudsburg in Monroe County, serving the Lehigh Valley and the Pocono Mountains.
LVMC Decks is a family owned and operated deck and outdoor living builder. The company designs and builds custom decks, porches, patios, pergolas and outdoor living structures for residential and commercial properties.


 

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For more information about LVMC Decks, contact the company here:
LVMC Decks - Nazareth
Norman Boell
+12677628717
kowdecks@gmail.com
138 N New St, Nazareth, PA 18064, United States

Cedarbrook Deck & Patio Announces Company Name Change

MT AIRY, MD - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Cedarbrook Deck & Patio, the central Maryland outdoor living design and build firm previously marketed as Cedarbrook Outdoor Design/Build, has adopted its registered legal name as its public brand. The company will conduct all business, marketing and client communication as Cedarbrook Deck & Patio going forward.
The registered entity has been Cedarbrook Deck & Patio Inc since the business was founded in 2006. For most of that period the company marketed itself under a separate trading name, a common arrangement among privately held contractors. The change brings the public brand and the registered entity into alignment.

Ownership, staff, service offering and contact details are unchanged. The company continues to hold Maryland Home Improvement Commission license number 131359, which was issued to Cedarbrook Deck & Patio Inc and is unaffected by the change in trading name. Existing contracts, proposals and warranty commitments remain in force.
"The name on the paperwork and the name on the truck should be the same thing," said Mike Arneson Jr., Owner and President of Cedarbrook Deck & Patio. "Homeowners looking for a contractor should find one company, one license and one record. That was harder than it needed to be when the trading name and the registered name were different."
Homeowners increasingly research contractors through public records, manufacturer directories and review platforms before making contact. A company operating under two names appears differently across those sources, and reconciling them falls to the homeowner.
The company designs and builds decks in wood, composite, PVC and bamboo. Framing options include wood, steel, aluminum, composite and fiberglass, and foundations are set on helical piers, Diamond Piers or traditional concrete footings depending on conditions at the site. Related deck work includes railing systems, integrated lighting, skirting and underdeck drainage that makes the space beneath a raised structure usable.
Beyond decking, the company builds porches, screened porches, porch enclosures and sunrooms, along with patios in concrete, stamped concrete, brick, natural stone, flagstone, pavers and gravel. Shade and shelter structures include pergolas, gazebos, cabanas and carports. Hardscape work covers walkways, retaining walls, seating walls and hardscape stairs, and the company also builds outdoor kitchens, privacy screens and fire features.
Design work includes three-dimensional renderings with daytime and evening views, two-dimensional floor plans and virtual tours, allowing homeowners to see a proposed structure in context before construction begins. The company also prepares permit documentation and handles permit acquisition on behalf of clients.
Arneson noted that the shortened name is not intended to narrow how the company describes its work.
"Decks are where the business started and they are still the core of it," Arneson said. "But a large share of what gets built here is a porch, a patio, a pergola or some combination of all three, and that has been true for years. The name is shorter. The scope is not."
Mount Airy sits at the meeting point of Frederick and Carroll counties in the Maryland Piedmont, a region characterized by clay-heavy soils, variable depth to bedrock and pronounced seasonal freeze and thaw. Ground conditions can differ noticeably between neighboring properties, which is one reason the foundation method is determined at the site rather than applied uniformly across projects.
The company is certified by TimberTech, a decking and outdoor living manufacturer, at its Platinum Pro contractor level. Arneson holds a deck evaluation and inspection certification through the North American Deck and Railing Association, a credential covering the assessment of existing structures. The company was named to the Remodeling Magazine Big50 in 2019 and received the YellaWood Deck Specialist of the Year award in 2023.
Cedarbrook is also a member of the Maryland Green Registry, a voluntary program administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment for organizations that adopt environmental practices and report on them. The company incorporates recycled content materials in its work, including composite decking products manufactured with reclaimed wood fiber and plastic.
The company operates from Mount Airy and serves homeowners across Frederick, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties.
Directory listings, supplier records, manufacturer certifications and social media profiles are being updated to the new name over the coming weeks. During that period some third-party listings may continue to display the former trading name. Homeowners verifying credentials through state or county records should search for Cedarbrook Deck & Patio Inc, which has been the registered entity throughout.
The company has maintained a presence in the Mount Airy area since 2006 and has supported a number of local organizations over that period, including youth athletics programs, volunteer fire companies and community arts groups.
Cedarbrook Deck & Patio is a family-owned design and build firm founded in 2006 and based in Mount Airy, Maryland. The company designs and builds decks, porches, patios, pergolas and related outdoor living structures for homeowners in central Maryland.


 

###
For more information about Cedarbrook Deck & Patio, contact the company here:
Cedarbrook Deck & Patio
Cedarbrook Deck & Patio
+13019018890
office@cedarbrookinc.com
2303 Back Acre Cir, Mt Airy, MD 21771, United States
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WJC Decks and Remodeling Details Soil Assessment in Deck Foundation Planning

ANDOVER, MN - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
WJC Decks and Remodeling has published guidance on soil assessment in deck foundation planning, following a 2026 season in which parts of Minnesota moved from flash drought conditions into heavy rainfall within a matter of weeks.
The guidance draws on published soil survey data for the region. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, between seventy and eighty percent of soils across the Anoka Sand Plain are excessively drained, consisting largely of sandy upland material. The same survey work identifies organic soils formed in ice block depressions and tunnel valleys distributed throughout the outwash plain, including a substantial deposit in the eastern portion of the county.

That combination is the reason foundation planning cannot be standardised across a service area. Two properties a short distance apart can sit on materially different ground, and the United States Department of Agriculture series description for the region records slopes ranging from level to eighteen percent within the same soil classification.
"The soil map tells you what to expect, not what you will find," said Phil Haluptzok, Owner of WJC Decks and Remodeling. "Two lots on the same street can come back differently once someone is standing on them. That is why the assessment happens before the design is finished rather than after."
Sandy soils drain quickly and hold comparatively little moisture. Organic soils in the low-lying depressions behave differently, retaining water and offering less consistent support. A foundation approach suited to one is not automatically suited to the other, which is why the company treats the site visit as the point at which the footing method is determined rather than a formality completed after drawings are approved.
The company installs helical piers and Diamond Piers alongside traditional concrete footings. Helical piers are advanced into the ground to reach firmer bearing material, which is relevant where an upper layer offers inconsistent support. Diamond Piers use a precast concrete head with driven steel pins to distribute load across a wider area. Poured concrete footings remain appropriate on suitable soil and grade. Which system a property receives depends on the ground conditions found on site rather than a standard specification applied across every project.
Site conditions beyond soil type also carry weight. Where water collects after heavy rain, how a lot falls away from the house, and how much of the ground sits in shade through the day all influence how a foundation performs across seasons. Those observations are made during the site visit and recorded alongside the soil profile.
Foundation choice carries through to the framing above it. The company builds with pressure-treated wood, aluminium, and pressure-treated engineered lumber. Ground conditions can produce seasonal movement as moisture levels change, and connections in the substructure are detailed with that movement in mind. Framing material selection is treated as a structural decision that follows from the foundation approach rather than a separate matter settled independently.
Existing decks offer their own evidence. Uneven settling, post movement, or a beam line that no longer runs true can indicate that the original foundation did not account for conditions on that particular parcel. Those signs are typically visible from ground level without specialist equipment, and they tend to become more apparent after a season that swings between extremes of moisture. The company provides deck inspection for homeowners who want an assessment of an existing structure before deciding between repair and replacement.
Where an inspection identifies problems originating below the surface, addressing the foundation directly is often more durable than correcting what is visible above it. Resurfacing a deck whose footings have moved leaves the underlying condition in place, which is why the assessment distinguishes between wear at the surface and movement in the substructure.
Foundation preparation forms the fourth stage of the company's six-step process, following the initial consultation, design, and permit acquisition, and preceding construction and final inspection. Sequencing the assessment early allows the footing method to inform the design rather than constrain it once drawings are complete. Where the assessment indicates conditions that require a different approach, that becomes apparent while the layout can still be adjusted.
The consultation takes place on site, where the company measures the space, reviews how the household intends to use it, and discusses scope and timeline. Ground conditions are assessed during that visit alongside the other factors that shape the design.
WJC Decks and Remodeling is a family-owned deck and outdoor living contractor founded in 2016, serving Andover and the surrounding north metro. The company designs and builds composite and PVC decks along with porches, pergolas, patios, privacy screens, and other outdoor structures, with all work handled by its own crews from the initial consultation through to final walkthrough.


 

###
For more information about WJC Decks and Remodeling, contact the company here:
WJC Decks and Remodeling
Phil Haluptzok
+16129771197
wjcremodeling@gmail.com
7JF8+3G Andover, Minnesota, USA

LVMC Decks Issues Guidance on Insect Residue and Outdoor Surfaces

NAZARETH, PA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
LVMC Decks has released guidance for property owners on how residue from the spotted lanternfly affects decks, patios and other outdoor surfaces, timed to the period when adult populations of the invasive insect are most active across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reports that honeydew produced by the insect can coat decks and play equipment, and that residents in affected counties describe the insect interfering with their ability to enjoy outdoor areas. Penn State Extension documents that the sooty mold which grows on that honeydew frequently stains tree trunks, decks, patios and vehicles positioned beneath affected trees, and that those stains can be very difficult to remove.

Adult spotted lanternflies are present from July through December, with late-stage nymphs appearing from July through September. The insect was first identified in Berks County in 2014 and now has established populations in 26 Pennsylvania counties, including those where the company operates.
"The staining is what people notice, and by then the cause is usually overhead rather than on the deck itself," said Norm Boell, co-founder of LVMC Decks. "It comes up often enough now that it belongs in the conversation about where a structure goes, not just what it gets built from."
Honeydew falls from feeding insects onto whatever sits below, and the sooty mold that grows on it produces the discoloration property owners eventually see. Because the residue accumulates dust and pollen as it dries, it can be mistaken for general weathering rather than an identifiable and seasonal source.
That relationship makes the position of a structure relative to nearby trees a design question. A deck or patio sited directly beneath a canopy will accumulate more residue than one placed a short distance clear of it, and that difference is settled once, during planning.
Penn State economists have estimated that an uncontained infestation could cost Pennsylvania at least 324 million dollars annually, a figure that reflects agricultural and forestry impact alongside the nuisance effects reported by residents. The scale of that estimate is part of why the insect has remained a subject of active public guidance across the state.
Penn State Extension notes that removing certain host trees can prevent honeydew and sooty mold from accumulating on property beneath them, which is work for an arborist or landscape professional rather than a deck contractor. What falls within the scope of a builder is where the structure sits and how easily its surface can be cleaned.
The company installs decking in wood, hardwood, composite and PVC. Surface material affects how routine cleaning is handled, though no material removes the need to account for surrounding vegetation, overhead cover and drainage when a structure is planned.
Overhead cover factors into the decision in more than one direction. A covered porch, a solid roof cover or a pergola changes what reaches the surface below it, and those structures are frequently considered alongside the deck rather than added afterward.
Site conditions vary meaningfully across the region the company serves. Ground in Northampton County tends to be rolling and often sloped, while terrain across Monroe County and the wider Pocono region is rockier and more heavily wooded, which means mature tree cover is a more common factor on parcels there.
The space beneath an elevated structure raises a related consideration. Underdeck systems channel water away from the framing above, and how easily that area can be reached affects the routine upkeep of any structure positioned near substantial tree cover.
Those questions are addressed during the company's design phase, which includes three-dimensional modeling and two-dimensional floor plans produced before construction begins. Reviewing overhead cover and structure placement at that stage allows the position to be adjusted while it costs nothing but time.
Current information on spotted lanternfly distribution and activity is published by Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Property owners can review the status for their own county through either agency before planning outdoor work.
Norm Boell founded the company with his son Blaize Boell in December 2013. The business operates from Nazareth in Northampton County and East Stroudsburg in Monroe County, serving the Lehigh Valley and the Pocono Mountains.
LVMC Decks is a family owned and operated deck and outdoor living builder. The company designs and builds custom decks, porches, patios, pergolas and outdoor living structures in wood, hardwood, composite and PVC, along with railing, lighting, framing, skirting and underdeck systems.


 

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For more information about LVMC Decks, contact the company here:
LVMC Decks - East Stroudsburg
Blaize Boell
+12677628717
info@lvmcdecks.com
138 N New St, Nazareth, PA 18064, United States

Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology Outlines What to Know About Cosmetic Laser Services in Columbia, MD

COLUMBIA, MD - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology is providing information for individuals researching cosmetic laser services in Columbia, MD, by explaining how treatments work and what factors influence selection. This guidance emphasizes the importance of an individualized evaluation to ensure appropriate care and realistic treatment expectations. Laser and light-based procedures can be used for a range of cosmetic skin concerns, but the appropriate treatment can vary based on skin type, treatment goals, medical history, and the specific condition being addressed.
Cosmetic laser treatments generally work by directing controlled energy toward a specific target within the skin. Depending on the technology, the target may include pigment, hair follicles, blood vessels, or skin components involved in texture and resurfacing concerns. Since different devices are designed for different purposes, understanding the intended use of the treatment is an important part of choosing an appropriate approach.
Some patients explore laser procedures because of uneven pigmentation, sun-related discoloration, or changes in skin tone. Others may be interested in reducing unwanted hair, addressing the appearance of certain veins, or improving skin texture. Treatments designed for one concern may not necessarily be suitable for another, even when the procedures are commonly grouped together under the broader category of cosmetic laser care.
Skin characteristics are another important consideration. The amount of pigment in the skin, sensitivity, previous reactions, and the location of the treatment area can influence how laser energy is absorbed. Appropriate treatment settings may therefore differ from one person to another. An evaluation can help determine which technology may be appropriate based on the condition being addressed.
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology advises that realistic expectations are an important part of the treatment-planning process. Cosmetic laser procedures are generally intended to improve the appearance of a particular concern rather than guarantee a specific result. Outcomes can vary depending on the condition being treated, the technology used, individual skin response, and whether multiple sessions are recommended.
The number and timing of treatments can also differ. Some cosmetic concerns may be addressed in a single procedure, while others may require a series of sessions spaced over time. Changes may develop gradually as the skin responds to treatment. Evaluating progress over several weeks or months can sometimes provide a clearer picture than assessing results immediately after an appointment.
Preparation can also influence the treatment experience. Depending on the procedure, patients may receive instructions regarding sun exposure, tanning, skincare products, medications, or activities before the appointment. Providing accurate information about medical history, previous procedures, current medications, active skin conditions, and past reactions can also help guide treatment decisions.
For individuals comparing cosmetic laser services in Columbia, MD, understanding potential downtime is another practical consideration. Certain procedures may cause temporary redness, warmth, swelling, sensitivity, or changes in the appearance of the treated area. Other treatments may involve more noticeable peeling or recovery. The expected recovery period depends largely on the type and intensity of the procedure.
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology, also notes that aftercare is an important extension of treatment. Treated skin may temporarily be more sensitive to sunlight, heat, friction, or certain skincare ingredients. Post-treatment instructions may include keeping the area clean, moisturizing as directed, avoiding unnecessary irritation, and protecting exposed skin from the sun.
Sun exposure is particularly important to consider with many laser and light-based procedures. Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can affect treatment timing and may influence how the skin responds. Patients planning vacations, outdoor activities, or extended periods in the sun may need to take those factors into account when scheduling certain procedures.
A consultation can help distinguish between procedures that may appear similar but are intended to accomplish different goals. Examining the skin, reviewing health information, discussing previous treatments, and identifying realistic objectives can help establish an appropriate course of treatment. This process can also provide a clearer understanding of expected results, recovery considerations, and any recommended follow-up.
Cosmetic procedures are generally most useful when treatment selection is based on the underlying concern rather than the popularity of a particular technology. Understanding the purpose of the procedure, its expected recovery period, potential limitations, and recommended aftercare gives patients a more complete framework for making informed decisions.
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology emphasizes that individuals researching cosmetic laser services in Columbia, MD, should prioritize careful evaluation, appropriate treatment selection, and clear expectations before proceeding. Matching the procedure to the condition being treated and following recommended preparation and aftercare remain important parts of receiving cosmetic laser services responsibly and making informed decisions about skin care.
About Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology
Dr. Melanie L. Adams is a board-certified dermatologist dedicated to providing exceptional medical and aesthetic care to patients throughout Columbia, Maryland, and the surrounding communities. With years of clinical experience and a patient-first approach, Dr. Adams offers expert diagnosis, advanced treatments, and compassionate guidance for a full spectrum of skin concerns.


Dr. Adams believes that every patient deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. She takes time to explain conditions, answer questions, and guide patients through treatment options. Her goal is not only to treat skin concerns but to help patients feel confident, informed, and empowered in their care.

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For more information about Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology, contact the company here:
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology
Melanie Adams
(410) 910-2366
madams@adamsdermatology.com
10700 Charter Dr #320,
Columbia, MD 21044

Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology, Provides an Overview of Visiting a Dermatologist in Columbia, MD

COLUMBIA, MD - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A., is providing an overview of what patients may encounter when visiting a dermatologist in Columbia, MD, focusing on common medical skin concerns, skin examinations, and preparation for a dermatology appointment. Led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melanie L. Adams, the practice provides medical dermatology care for conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, chronic rashes, and skin cancer.
Dermatology addresses a wide range of conditions involving the skin, from persistent inflammatory problems to newly noticed spots or changes. Symptoms such as ongoing redness, irritation, itching, recurring rashes, breakouts, or lesions that appear unusual or change over time may lead someone to schedule an evaluation. Different skin conditions can sometimes produce similar symptoms, making professional assessment useful when a concern persists or recurs.
Acne is one common reason for a dermatology appointment. Breakouts may occur during the teenage years or adulthood and can vary in severity and appearance. Medical evaluation can help distinguish among different types of acne and determine whether additional care may be appropriate, particularly when breakouts are persistent or associated with scarring.
Inflammatory skin conditions are another frequent reason for seeking dermatologic care. Eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic rashes may involve itching, dryness, irritation, redness, or recurring flare-ups. Melanie Adams Dermatology notes the importance of properly identifying a skin concern rather than assuming that similar-looking symptoms share the same cause. Persistent or recurring symptoms may require closer evaluation, particularly when routine skin care has not resolved the problem.
Rosacea can also lead to a dermatology visit, particularly when facial redness, flushing, sensitivity, or visible blood vessels become persistent. Since redness and irritation can be associated with several skin concerns, an evaluation may help and provide a more informed basis for determining appropriate next steps.
Melanie Adams Dermatology provides skin cancer screening and evaluation of suspicious moles and lesions as part of its medical dermatology services. Full skin examinations can provide an opportunity to review areas that may be difficult to monitor independently. Also, to identify findings that may deserve closer attention or continued observation.
Changes in a mole or lesion, particularly when noticeable differences in size, color, or appearance develop over time, can also be discussed with a dermatologist. Skin examinations may be especially relevant for individuals with concerns about melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other suspicious skin changes.
For patients preparing to visit a dermatologist in Columbia, MD, completing the available paperwork in advance can help streamline the check-in process. When intake forms or requested medical information are available before an appointment, providing that information in advance may reduce administrative tasks upon arrival. Completing paperwork beforehand does not ensure a specific wait time or medical priority, but it can help ensure that necessary information is ready when the visit begins.
Preparation may also include organizing information about the concern that prompted the appointment. Knowing approximately when symptoms began, whether changes have occurred, and whether previous treatments or products have been used can provide useful context. Photographs showing earlier stages of a changing skin concern may also be helpful when available.
During an appointment, attention generally centers on the specific issue being evaluated. For acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis, or chronic rashes, the condition's appearance and history may help guide the evaluation. For a skin examination, moles and lesions may be reviewed for characteristics that warrant attention or future monitoring.
Melanie Adams Dermatology notes that both medical dermatology services and skin cancer screening are areas of care. These services reflect the different reasons patients may seek dermatologic evaluation, ranging from recurring inflammatory conditions to concerns involving changing or unusual skin lesions.
Not every skin concern calls for the same approach. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, chronic rashes, and suspicious lesions represent distinct dermatologic issues. Identifying the condition is an important step before determining what type of care or monitoring may be appropriate, particularly when symptoms overlap or a concern has continued despite basic skin-care measures.
Minor irritation or an occasional breakout may not require an office visit, whereas recurring symptoms, ongoing inflammation, significant acne, chronic skin conditions, or changing lesions may require further evaluation. Seeking medical guidance can be particularly useful when symptoms continue despite routine care or when noticeable skin changes create uncertainty.
Persistent, recurring, or changing skin concerns can sometimes be difficult to assess based on appearance alone. Dermatologic evaluation can help identify the nature of a condition, determine whether monitoring is appropriate, and provide context for possible next steps. Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology emphasizes the value of professional assessment when skin concerns remain unresolved, change over time, or raise questions that routine skin care cannot answer.
About Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology
Dr. Melanie L. Adams is a board-certified dermatologist dedicated to providing exceptional medical and aesthetic care to patients throughout Columbia, Maryland, and the surrounding communities. With years of clinical experience and a patient-first approach, Dr. Adams offers expert diagnosis, advanced treatments, and compassionate guidance for a full spectrum of skin concerns.


Dr. Adams believes that every patient deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. She takes time to explain conditions, answer questions, and guide patients through treatment options. Her goal is not only to treat skin concerns but to help patients feel confident, informed, and empowered in their care.

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For more information about Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology, contact the company here:
Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology
Melanie Adams
(410) 910-2366
madams@adamsdermatology.com
10700 Charter Dr #320,
Columbia, MD 21044

Backyard Builders Announces Guidance on Deck Footings and Site Grade

LYMAN, SC - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Homeowners across the Piedmont often assume that red clay soil threatens a deck by swelling and shrinking beneath its footings. Federal soil records indicate otherwise, and Backyard Builders Decks and Outdoor Living has outlined which site conditions actually govern footing decisions on sloped residential lots.
The dominant soil across the South Carolina Piedmont is the Cecil series, mapped on upland ridges and side slopes throughout the region. The official series description published by the United States Department of Agriculture records Cecil as very deep and well drained, with kaolinitic clay and low shrink-swell potential. Its mapped slope range runs from level ground to twenty-five percent, and mean annual precipitation across the series is roughly forty-eight inches.

That combination matters because it separates two conditions homeowners frequently treat as one. South Carolina soils references distinguish the low shrink-swell Piedmont soils, including Cecil and Appling, from higher shrink-swell soils such as Iredell and Brewback that occur elsewhere in the state. Soil expansion is a genuine structural concern in some regions. Across most of the Upstate, it is not the primary one.
What governs footing performance in this landscape is water movement across a graded site. Cecil soils carry medium surface runoff, and the region's clay subsoil slows infiltration relative to sandy ground. On a lot that falls away from the house, water travels rather than soaking in evenly, and the resulting erosion and concentrated flow act on a structure differently than uniform soil movement would.
"People ask about the clay swelling, and what actually shows up on site is where the water goes," said Jason White, owner of Backyard Builders Decks and Outdoor Living. "A yard that drops away from the back of the house moves water toward one corner every time it rains. That is the condition worth planning around."
The region has documented history on this point. Spartanburg County was the site of the first Soil Erosion Service erosion control project undertaken in the southeastern United States, established in 1933 in response to severe erosion across Piedmont farmland. The gullying that prompted that work reflected the same relationship between slope, clay subsoil and runoff that shapes residential sites in the region today.
Grade also changes how loads reach the ground. A deck built across a falling yard carries posts of differing heights, and taller posts transmit lateral forces differently than shorter ones. Framing on those sites distributes load across members sized and spaced for varying support conditions rather than to a uniform pattern. Framing material selection follows from the same assessment, with wood, steel, aluminum and composite each suited to different structural requirements.
Site evaluation precedes specification. Reviewing grade, drainage patterns and how water leaves a property establishes the conditions a structure will face before footing locations are set. Traditional concrete footings remain the primary method, sized and positioned according to what the assessment finds rather than to a single standard applied across every lot. Permitting and site preparation follow, with footing specifications settled before construction begins.
Design documentation supports that sequence. Three-dimensional models and two-dimensional plans are produced before material is ordered, which allows post placement and footing locations to be reviewed against the grade of the property while changes remain straightforward.
Deck styles respond to the same conditions. Platform decks suit level ground close to the house, raised decks answer a back door sitting well above the yard, and multi-level structures work where the grade falls enough that a single surface would sit wrong. Freestanding and cantilevered designs exist for related reasons, and the style a property receives is often determined by its terrain rather than by preference alone.
Existing structures reflect these conditions over time. Decks built without regard to how a site handles water tend to show it first at the connections and at grade level, where soil contact and drainage meet the frame. Repair work on older structures frequently traces back to those points rather than to the decking surface above them.
Inspection after construction remains part of long-term performance. Observing a completed structure through a full cycle of wet and dry seasons indicates whether drainage is behaving as anticipated, and a qualified inspection determines whether any observed movement warrants attention.
"The frame and the footings are the parts nobody looks at once the boards go down," White said. "Getting those right against the actual site is what decides how the deck holds up."
Backyard Builders Decks and Outdoor Living is a deck and outdoor living builder serving the Upstate of South Carolina. The company offers deck design and consultation, deck installation, deck framing, deck railing, deck repair and deck maintenance, and builds platform, raised, multi-level, freestanding, covered and screened structures.


 

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For more information about Backyard Builders Decks and Outdoor Living, contact the company here:
Backyard Builders Decks and Outdoor Living
Jason white
+18647401274
jason@backyardbuildersdeck.com
200 Newman Dr, Lyman, SC 29365, United States

Deck and Patio TuneUp Updates Guidance on Covered and Screened Porches

WILMINGTON, NC - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Deck and Patio TuneUp has updated the guidance it provides to property owners weighing covered and screened porch construction, citing the extended wet period implied by NOAA's current climate outlook for the southeastern United States. The licensed North Carolina general contractor says the distinction between a covered structure and a screened one is frequently misunderstood, and that the two address different conditions.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center places the probability of El Niño conditions continuing through the December 2026 to February 2027 period at 96 percent. The pattern is historically associated with wetter cool-season conditions across the Southeast. NOAA separately raised the probability of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 75 percent in its August 6, 2026 update, attributing the revision to the same El Niño pattern.

The combination points toward fewer severe wind events and a longer period of routine wet weather. For outdoor living structures, that shifts the relevant question away from storm resistance and toward how many days of the year a space remains usable.
An open deck offers no overhead protection, which limits its use to dry conditions. A covered structure places a permanent roof above the living area, addressing rainfall from above while leaving the sides open to airflow. A screened structure adds an enclosure that addresses insects and wind-driven moisture entering horizontally. The two are often discussed together but solve separate problems, and a property may need one, both, or neither depending on how the space is used.
"People come in asking for a screened porch when what they want is a roof, or the other way around," said Mark Pacheco, Co-Owner of Deck and Patio TuneUp. "Working out which problem is actually being solved is the first conversation, and it changes the design."
A roof structure introduces engineering considerations that an open deck does not. The additional dead load transfers through the framing to the footings, which means a covered porch is designed as a roofed structure from the outset rather than as a deck with a cover added afterward. Where a new roof ties into an existing roofline, that connection determines how water is directed away from both structures.
Screen enclosure performance depends on the exposure conditions at a given site. Coastal properties experience wind-driven moisture that inland properties do not, and a screen system suited to calm rainfall behaves differently under sustained horizontal wind. Deck and Patio TuneUp installs enclosure systems from several manufacturers and selects among them according to the wind and weather exposure present at each property rather than applying one system across all installations. Performance specifications for any particular system are documented in that manufacturer's published technical literature.
Moisture management applies to enclosed structures as much as to open ones. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory documents that wood decay fungi become active once wood moisture content remains sustained above a threshold level, which places emphasis on how long a structural member stays wet rather than on how much water reaches it during any single period. A roof reduces direct wetting, but a structure with restricted airflow beneath it can retain moisture longer than an exposed one.
Site drainage contributes to the same calculation. The Natural Resources Conservation Service publishes drainage classifications for individual soil series through its Web Soil Survey, and soils across southeastern North Carolina range from excessively drained sands to poorly drained flats. Ground that holds water after rainfall affects conditions beneath a structure regardless of what sits above it. Two properties within the same subdivision can differ in this respect.
For properties where partial protection is insufficient, Deck and Patio TuneUp builds sunrooms and patio enclosures that seal a space entirely. A patio enclosure converts an existing open structure into a closed room, while a sunroom is designed as a four-season space from the start. The company notes that the choice among an open deck, a covered porch, a screened porch and a fully enclosed room is determined by how many months of use a property owner expects rather than by any single feature of the structures themselves.
Construction sequencing also factors into planning. Design work, permit review and material selection are unaffected by weather, which means the decision-heavy portion of a project can proceed during periods when construction conditions are less favorable. Permit review timelines are set by the issuing jurisdiction rather than by the contractor, and that interval runs independently of the build schedule.
Deck and Patio TuneUp handles permit acquisition on the projects it builds and provides 3D renderings, floorplans and permit-ready drawings during the design phase, allowing scale and layout to be evaluated before construction begins.


Deck and Patio TuneUp is a licensed North Carolina general contractor that designs and builds custom decks, porches, pergolas and outdoor living structures for residential and commercial properties throughout southeastern North Carolina. The company was founded in 2013 and provides dedicated project management across the projects it builds.

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For more information about Deck and Patio TuneUp, contact the company here:
Deck and Patio TuneUp - Hampstead
Mark Pacheco
+19106657511
markapacheco@gmail.com
311 Judges Rd #1c, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States

Live Well Chiropractic Welcomes Dr. Joe Kiray to Its Team

NEW PARIS, PA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Live Well Chiropractic has welcomed Dr. Joe Kiray to its clinical team. The practice introduced him in an August 7 Facebook post and again in its September newsletter as the office continues operations in its 25th year.
Dr. Kiray grew up in Pittsburgh. His interest in chiropractic began after a basketball injury that left him unable to walk for three days. After receiving an adjustment at a chiropractor’s office, he was able to stand and walk. That experience led him to enter the profession. The practice stated that he joined Live Well Chiropractic because he wanted to work in a setting focused on patient health and well-being. His personal interests include hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Dr. Kris Arnold founded the practice in 2000 after graduating from Parker College of Chiropractic. Born and raised in Bedford County on a family farm, he returned to the area to open the office. The practice reports more than 25 years of operation and more than 1,000 patients served. It also states that it accepts major insurance providers, including UPMC, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Earlier in 2026, the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce recognized the practice’s 25th anniversary.
The existing team includes Dr. Jason Stephens, Pediatric and Family Health Director, who graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2006, and Dr. Randy Tabita, Wellness Director, who graduated from Life University in 2007. Massage therapists Suzanne Marisic, Kristy DeHaven, and Kaylene Ewald, Functional Health Coach Kelsey Havlin, and Regenerative Therapist Jordyn Polke also work at the office.
“Welcoming Dr. Joe Kiray adds another doctor to the clinical team as the practice continues its 25th year of service,” said Dr. Kris Arnold, Owner and Clinic Director of Live Well Chiropractic. “His background and decision to join the office support the team’s work with families in the community.”
The office provides instrument-assisted chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. It also lists regenerative services that include S-Wave therapy, PEMF therapy, and low-level laser therapy. On the practice website, S-Wave is described as sound-wave technology used as part of its regenerative offerings. PEMF is described as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy offered as a complement to chiropractic care. Low-level laser therapy is listed among the office’s regenerative options. These descriptions come from the practice’s own service pages and are presented as the therapies available at the clinic rather than as independently verified treatment outcomes.
“Joining Live Well Chiropractic provided an opportunity to work in a practice focused on patient care and family health,” said Dr. Joe Kiray.
The August 7 Facebook post and the September newsletter presented Dr. Kiray’s hire as an addition to the doctors already on staff. Both announcements noted that he is seeing patients at the office. His Pittsburgh background and outdoor interests were included alongside the injury that first led him to chiropractic.
Dr. Stephens’s role includes pediatric and family care. Dr. Tabita’s background includes posture, biomechanics, and spine rehabilitation. Massage therapists on staff trained at programs in Pittsburgh, Maryland, and State College. Functional nutrition coaching and regenerative therapy support are available through other team members.
The addition of Dr. Kiray increases the number of doctors available for appointments. The practice continues to operate with a coordinated team model in one location. Services remain organized so that chiropractic care may be combined with massage and nutrition support when appropriate.
Over 25 years, Live Well Chiropractic has remained based in the Bedford County area. Dr. Arnold opened the office after completing his chiropractic education and returning to the region where he was raised. The current team includes doctors, therapists, and coaches working in the same setting.


Live Well Chiropractic combines chiropractic care with massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and regenerative options listed on its website. Founded by Dr. Kris Arnold in 2000, the practice now includes Dr. Joe Kiray among its doctors.

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For more information about Live Well Chiropractic, contact the company here:
Live Well Chiropractic
Dr. Kris Arnold, Owner and Clinic Director
(814) 624-0606
lwc@live-well-chiro.com
1634 Quaker Valley Road New Paris, PA 15554

NextDAY Cabinets Highlights Chicago Kitchen Cabinets Resource at Elk Grove Village Showroom

CHANTILLY, VA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
NextDAY Cabinets has expanded its focus on serving the greater Chicago market through its showroom in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, reinforcing its role as a trade-focused resource for contractors, builders, remodelers, cabinet dealers, designers, and other construction professionals across the region.
Located at 1801 Estes Ave in Elk Grove Village, the NextDAY Cabinets Chicago showroom provides area trade professionals with local access to a range of cabinetry, bathroom vanities, and related products. The location features product displays that allow contractors and designers to review finishes, door styles, and construction details in person before specifying products for their projects.

"The Elk Grove Village showroom was established to give Chicago-area trade professionals a dependable local source for cabinets and related products," said a representative from NextDAY Cabinets. "Contractors and designers benefit from being able to see products firsthand, coordinate delivery or pickup, and work with staff who understand the demands of the construction and remodeling trades."
The showroom supports professionals sourcing wholesale kitchen cabinets in Chicago, offering multiple cabinet brands, professional design support, and both pickup and delivery options. Product lines available through the company include cabinetry from Shiloh Cabinetry, Kith Kitchens, Waypoint Cabinets, Marsh Furniture, Forevermark Cabinets, Golden Home, Wolf Home Products, Mantra Cabinets, and Lineadecor.
Beyond kitchen cabinets, the cabinet store carries bathroom vanities, closet solutions, flooring options, and kitchen accessories, giving trade customers a single point of access for materials across multiple project categories. A custom paint program is also available for professionals seeking specific finishes for their clients.
The company positions itself as a distributor serving construction and design professionals rather than as a direct-to-homeowner remodeling contractor. That trade orientation shapes the way the showroom operates, with an emphasis on efficient fulfillment, contractor-focused purchasing options, and support for professionals managing multiple jobs at once.
The Chicago showroom is part of a broader network of NextDAY Cabinets locations across Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Chicago market. Additional showrooms operate in Chantilly, Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Richmond, Virginia, as well as Beltsville, Maryland. The multi-location presence allows the company to serve trade customers in several regional markets while maintaining a local point of contact in each area.
"Local access matters in this industry, particularly when timelines are tight and project details need to be confirmed quickly," the representative added. "The Elk Grove Village location reflects a continued commitment to serving the Chicago-area building and design community."


NextDAY Cabinets is a distributor of wood kitchen cabinets and vanities serving contractors, builders, remodelers, cabinet dealers, and designers. The company offers a range of cabinet brands, bathroom products, closet solutions, flooring, and kitchen accessories, along with design support, a custom paint program, and pickup and delivery options. NextDAY Cabinets operates showrooms in Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Chicago market, including its Elk Grove Village location serving the Chicago region.
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For more information about NextDay Cabinets LLC, contact the company here:
NextDay Cabinets
Addrify BrandWorks PR Team
+1 (800) 440 5948
info@nextdaycabinets.com
Chantilly Showroom - 14000 Thunderbolt Pl Suite K Chantilly VA 20151
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Hometown Deck Builders Publishes Guidance on Soil and Deck Foundations

SLINGER, WI - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Hometown Deck Builders has published guidance on how variable glacial soil conditions across southeastern Wisconsin affect site assessment for residential deck construction. The guidance addresses why two properties on the same street can require different foundation approaches.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Geotechnical Manual describes glacial till as a heterogeneous mixture of soil and rock fragments carried and deposited by a glacier. That heterogeneity is the defining characteristic of the ground across much of the region, and it is the reason soil conditions cannot be assumed from one property to the next.

Washington and Waukesha counties sit within the Kettle Moraine, which the same manual identifies as the most prominent interlobate moraine in the state. It formed at the contact between the Lake Michigan Lobe and the Green Bay Lobe of the retreating ice sheet.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources describes how the resulting landforms took shape. Kettles formed where buried blocks of ice melted and left depressions behind. Kames formed where meltwater washed till into cracks in the ice, leaving mounds that emerged as the surrounding ice disappeared.
The practical consequence is that a well-drained gravelly rise and a poorly drained depression can sit within a few hundred feet of one another. Soil that drains quickly and soil that holds moisture through a wet spring can both occur on a single residential lot.
"People assume the ground is the ground, and across this part of the state that is simply not true," said Tyler Anders, Owner and Founder of Hometown Deck Builders. "Two houses on the same road can sit on materially different material. It is the reason a site visit comes before a drawing rather than after one."
The United States Department of Agriculture publishes soil survey data through its Natural Resources Conservation Service, and that data is available to the public. Property owners can view named soil series, drainage classifications, depth to seasonal water table and slope for a defined area.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service also publishes engineering interpretations for mapped soils, including natural drainage and frost action ratings. Those interpretations were developed for construction and infrastructure planning and are drawn from decades of field survey work carried out under the National Cooperative Soil Survey.
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission has published a soil survey covering Washington County, including maps of physiography and drainage patterns across the county. The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey holds additional survey material for Washington and Ozaukee counties.
Site conditions inform the decisions that follow. Where ground holds moisture through the season, drainage becomes a design consideration rather than an afterthought. Where slope is significant, access for equipment and the approach to grade both change.
Framing material selection sits downstream of the same assessment. The company builds deck substructures from wood, pressure-treated laminated veneer lumber, steel, aluminum and composite framing, and the selection depends on the size, height and intended use of the structure alongside the conditions of the site.
Steel and aluminum framing hold their dimensions through temperature and moisture cycling, which suits structures where long-term movement is the primary concern. Wood and pressure-treated laminated veneer lumber remain widely used and appropriate across a broad range of residential projects.
"The framing is the part nobody sees after the first day of the build, and it is the part that determines how a deck ages," Anders said. "The decision belongs at the beginning of a project, at the same time as the layout, rather than being treated as a detail to settle later."
The company's design process begins with consultation and planning, followed by design development that accounts for the property itself, including slope, access and the position of existing doors. Three-dimensional modeling is produced during that stage, allowing changes to be made before materials are ordered.
Permits and approvals follow design development and are handled as part of the project rather than left to the homeowner. Requirements differ between municipalities across the region, which is one reason the sequence matters.
Surface material decisions come later in the process and are largely independent of what sits below. Composite and PVC boards are produced in a range of colors and profiles, and that selection is driven by design preference and exposure rather than by ground conditions.
Property owners who want to review soil information for their own address can access the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey directly. The tool allows a user to define an area of interest and generate a report for that area at no cost.


Hometown Deck Builders is a family-owned and firefighter-owned deck builder founded in April 2019, operating as Hometown Deck Builders. The company designs and builds custom composite and PVC decks, pergolas, covered and screened porches, three season rooms and outdoor living spaces for homeowners across southeastern Wisconsin.

###
For more information about Hometown Deck Builders, contact the company here:
Hometown Deck Builders
Tyler Anders
+12622981182
hometownbuildersmke@gmail.com
255 Info Hwy, Slinger, WI 53086, United States

Home Gym Specs Highlights Strength Zone Design as New Injury Study Renews Home Training Safety Discussion

New York, New York - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
A June 2026 study using U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission NEISS data estimated 546,655 weightlifting-related emergency-department injuries in the United States between 2014 and 2023. Published June 11, 2026 in Sports Medicine International Open by Liu and colleagues, the analysis found that injuries were concentrated in the trunk (70.1%) and in phalanges such as fingers and toes (13.7%), and that estimated injuries rebounded above pre-pandemic levels by 2023. In response, home-gym planning resource Home Gym Specs is directing attention to a controllable layer of home training that the study did not examine: the physical strength zone where loaded movements take place.
The study does not establish that home-gym layouts caused these injuries. Its weightlifting definition excluded passive incidents such as tripping over weights, and the authors noted they lacked detailed information on training setting, supervision, load, experience and exact injury mechanism. The dataset also cannot determine comparative injury risk, because participation and exposure denominators were unavailable. The renewed attention is timely because the American College of Sports Medicine lists traditional strength training as its number seven worldwide fitness trend for 2026.

The company frames its strength zone approach around one operating envelope rather than isolated pieces of equipment. In its view, a rack technically fitting between two walls is not the same as having room for the full barbell length, plate loading and unloading, bench movement and circulation around the rack. The Home Gym Specs Strength Zone Design Guide treats the rack, bar, bench, plates, storage, ceiling, floor and working clearances as a connected system.
Home Gym Specs founder and lead author Oded Feigin, who holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering along with experience in residential construction and renovation planning, emphasized that room planning addresses a different variable than technique or load.
"The study does not show that home-gym layout causes injuries, so no one should claim room planning would have prevented them," Feigin said. "What it does provide is a timely reason to examine the environment where loaded movements happen. The question is not only which rack someone should buy, but what physical working envelope the training actually requires."
Compact spaces require more planning rather than less. The Home Gym Specs Compact Strength Guide reinforces a room-first method, mapping the room and walking paths before selecting multifunction or folding equipment.
Feigin added that project-specific structural or safety-critical decisions should be referred to qualified professionals, and that the company provides engineering-informed educational guidance rather than structural certification or load calculations.
"Technique happens during the lift," Feigin said. "Strength-zone planning happens before it."
For wall-mounted setups, the wall itself becomes part of the gym, and the Home Gym Specs Folding Squat Rack Guide walks through wall construction, framing, available width, room depth and ceiling obstructions.


Home Gym Specs is an educational, room-first home-gym planning resource founded by Oded Feigin. The company provides expert-led guidance, decision-friendly equipment reviews and organized topic hubs covering strength zone design, compact home gym equipment, folding squat racks and garage gym equipment. Treating the room as a system, its guidance considers structural readiness, airflow, lighting, clearance and storage. Home Gym Specs is a reader-supported site that earns income through affiliate links.
###
For more information about Home Gym Specs, contact the company here:
Home Gym Specs
Oded Feigin
info@homegymspecs.com
144-42 Jewel Avenue
Flushing, NY 11367
United States
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GrassRoots Turf Expands Lawn Disease Services Across All Franchise Locations

September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
GrassRoots Turf has expanded its lawn disease services to every state where the company maintains franchise locations, giving residential and commercial customers across the Southeast access to specialized treatments for turf-related fungal problems.
The expansion brings professional diagnosis and treatment of common lawn diseases to customers throughout Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Lawn diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and large patch can spread rapidly in warm, humid climates, damaging turf that has otherwise received consistent care. The addition addresses a gap in seasonal lawn maintenance that many property owners in the region encounter during periods of high heat and moisture.

Lawn diseases are frequently caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in specific temperature and humidity conditions common to the Southeast. Left untreated, these conditions can move quickly across a lawn, undermining the results of fertilization and weed control programs. By offering GrassRoots Turf lawn disease treatments as part of its broader service menu, the company aims to help customers protect the long-term health of their turf.
"Homeowners across the Southeast invest a great deal in keeping their lawns healthy, and disease can undo that progress in a matter of days," said Josh Wise, a spokesperson for GrassRoots Turf. "Extending these treatments to all of our franchise locations means customers now have a consistent option for identifying and addressing turf disease before it spreads."
The new offering complements the range of services the company already provides, including weed control, lawn fertilization, liquid aeration, mosquito control, and tree and shrub care. Trained technicians evaluate the condition of a lawn, determine whether a disease is present, and apply the appropriate treatment based on the type of pathogen and the grass variety involved.
"Diagnosis is often the most important step," Wise added. "A brown area in a lawn can result from several different causes, and treating it correctly requires understanding what is actually happening beneath the surface. That is the expertise our teams bring to every property they service."
GrassRoots Turf has structured the lawn disease treatments to work alongside existing lawn treatment programs, allowing customers who already receive care from the company to add disease management without arranging service through a separate provider. The approach reflects the family-owned business model that has guided the company since it began providing lawn treatments.
Warm-season grasses common throughout the region, including Bermuda, zoysia, and centipede varieties, are each susceptible to particular diseases at different points in the growing season. The expanded coverage is intended to give property owners in all served states timely access to treatment as conditions change from spring through fall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wELz2dm14
GrassRoots Turf is a family-owned and operated lawn care company that has provided lawn treatments since 2002. Based in Acworth, Georgia, the company serves residential and commercial customers across the Southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Its services include weed control, lawn fertilization, liquid aeration, mosquito control, tree and shrub care, and lawn disease treatments, supported by a Weed Free® guarantee under its lawn treatment program.
###
For more information about Grassroots Turf, contact the company here:
Grassroots Turf
Josh Wise
833-664-7277
service@grassrootsturf.com
GrassRoots Turf
100 Holt Drive, Acworth, GA 30101

Max Graphics Expands Car Wraps and Set Graphics Work for Film and Television Productions

Smyrna, Georgia - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Max Graphics, an Atlanta-based graphics and vehicle vinyl wrap provider, has grown its dedicated production graphics division to support the region's expanding film and television industry. The company now delivers camera-ready vehicle wraps, props, and supporting set graphics for productions filming across Georgia.
The division brings together large-format printing, custom fabrication, and on-set finishing to serve production designers, art directors, and prop masters. Its work spans backdrops, scenic graphics, decals, labels, and prop-ready print pieces, along with vehicle wraps and on-set branding graphics built to meet demanding filming schedules. Max Graphics movie services also include CNC routing, custom cut graphics and letters, mounting, lamination, and delivery logistics with rush support.

Max Graphics has contributed graphics work to several high-profile productions, including Black Panther, Ant-Man, and Baby Driver. As Georgia continues to attract major studio projects, the company reports steady demand for graphics that must appear authentic on camera while withstanding the pace of a production set.
"Film work requires a different mindset than standard commercial graphics," said Chris Gross of Max Graphics. "A vehicle wrap or a set graphic has to read correctly through the lens, match the vision of the art department, and arrive on schedule. That combination of precision and speed is what productions depend on."
Car wraps remain central to the division's production work, ranging from single hero vehicles to full fleets used in background scenes. The company applies the same vinyl techniques used for its commercial clients, adapting materials and finishes to the requirements of directors and cinematographers. On-set branding graphics allow production teams to create fictional companies, storefronts, and signage that hold up under close camera angles.
Beyond the screen, Max Graphics continues to serve commercial clients throughout the Atlanta metro area with fleet wraps, car wraps, commercial truck wraps, trailer wrapping, and professional Traxx installation. The company also produces business signage for interior and exterior applications, event and wall graphics, floor decals, and store window decals for schools, retailers, and venues.
"Georgia has become a genuine hub for production, and that has opened new opportunities for local suppliers," Gross said. "The company has invested in equipment and staff so that a production art department can hand over a concept and receive finished, on-set-ready graphics without delay."
Max Graphics works from its Atlanta metro facility and serves surrounding communities including Smyrna, Kennesaw, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Woodstock, and Canton. The company combines design, printing, fabrication, and installation under one roof, allowing it to handle projects that range from a single storefront decal to a multi-vehicle production package.


Founded to provide graphics and vehicle vinyl wrap installation across the Atlanta region, Max Graphics has expanded its focus to include the specialized needs of film and television production. The company continues to pair commercial signage and wrap services with camera-ready production graphics for studios and independent productions filming in Georgia.

###
For more information about Max Graphics, contact the company here:
Max Graphics
Chris Gross
(770) 771-8177
hello@maxgraphics.co
3576 Carson Ln SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

Quality Pro Painting Expands Exterior Painting Services Across Northwest Arkansas

September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Quality Pro Painting, a licensed and insured painting contractor serving Northwest Arkansas, is formally expanding its exterior painting services to address the region's variable climate conditions and demand from residential and commercial property owners. The expanded offering emphasizes color consultation, surface preparation, and weather-resistant application techniques designed to deliver long-lasting results.
Founded in 2014 and drawing on more than 15 years of industry experience, the company provides exterior services that cover siding, trim, and other outdoor surfaces. As part of the expansion, Quality Pro Painting exterior painting work now highlights a color consultation process, which helps property owners select schemes that complement existing architectural features.

The exterior specialists at Quality Pro Painting focus on preparation and application methods suited to the temperature swings, humidity, and seasonal weather common across the region. This approach is intended to protect exterior surfaces from moisture, sun exposure, and other environmental factors that can shorten the lifespan of a paint job.
Exterior services also extend to deck and fence painting and staining. These treatments protect outdoor wooden structures from weather exposure while preserving their appearance. Commercial clients receive the same attention to detail, with services scaled to accommodate larger buildings and more complex projects.
"Exterior work in Northwest Arkansas requires an understanding of how the local climate affects different surfaces throughout the year," said Obed Posadas, owner of Quality Pro Painting. "The expansion reflects a focus on thorough preparation and durable application so that property owners see results that hold up over time. Color consultation is a central part of that process, because the right scheme protects a home while complementing its overall appearance."
Every project includes estimating based on actual measurements, which allows property owners to understand the scope of work before it begins. The company also provides warranty coverage on completed work and assigns licensed, insured professionals trained in current safety and application standards to each job.
"The goal is to give both residential and commercial clients a clear, consistent experience from the initial estimate through the final coat," Posadas said. "Measuring accurately, preparing surfaces properly, and backing the work with a warranty are the standards the company applies to every exterior project."
The expanded exterior focus complements the company's existing interior painting and deck and fence staining services. Together, these offerings serve homeowners planning a single accent wall as well as commercial operators managing larger properties across the region.


Quality Pro Painting is a painting service provider based in Northwest Arkansas. Owned by Obed Posadas, the company began operations in 2014 and has built its practice on more than 15 years of combined industry experience. Services include exterior painting, interior painting, and deck and fence painting or staining for both residential and commercial clients. The company is licensed and insured, guarantees its work, and provides estimates based on actual measurements. Its team of painting professionals emphasizes durable materials and careful workmanship on each project it undertakes across the Northwest Arkansas area.

###
For more information about Quality Pro painting, contact the company here:
Quality Pro painting
Obed Posadas
(479) 966-6381
helloqualitypropaintingnwa@gmail.com
Quality Pro Painting
4778 Augustine Dr Springdale, AR 72762
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Hemlock Decks & Porches Issues Wind Uplift Guidance for Covered Decks

WORCESTER, MA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
With the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season approaching in early September, Hemlock Decks & Porches has issued guidance on wind uplift in covered decks, porches and other roofed outdoor structures, and on why a below-normal seasonal forecast does not reduce the case for checking them.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its Atlantic outlook on August 6, maintaining a below-normal forecast and raising the probability of a below-normal season to 75 percent. Forecasters revised the expected range to seven to 13 named storms, of which two to six could become hurricanes, including up to two major hurricanes. Two named storms had formed by that point in the season and no hurricanes.

NOAA attributed the forecast to a strengthening El Niño, which increases wind shear and suppresses storm development, and has been explicit that a seasonal outlook is not a landfall forecast. In announcing the initial May outlook, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham noted that uncertainty remains in how any season unfolds and that reviewing preparedness ahead of time is essential.
For inland New England the wind that damages outdoor structures often arrives without a name. The Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University recorded a severe thunderstorm event on July 4 that produced gusts of 87 miles per hour in Suffolk County, widespread tree damage and more than 1.3 million power outages, along with a three-inch hailstone in Connecticut. No tropical system was involved.
Wind uplift is the mechanism that makes roofed outdoor structures behave differently from open decks. Air moving across and beneath a roof surface produces negative pressure above it and positive pressure below, and the net effect is a load pulling the structure upward rather than pressing it down. An open deck experiences far less of this because there is no roof plane for the pressure differential to act on.
Structural design addresses uplift through what engineers call a continuous load path, meaning an unbroken chain of connections carrying force from the roof through the rafters, into the beams and posts, and down into the foundation. The chain is only as strong as its weakest connection, which is why uplift failures typically occur at a single joint rather than through a member breaking.
"A covered porch is a different structure from a deck with a roof added to it, and the difference is what happens at the connections," said Teddy Labonte, Owner of Hemlock Decks & Porches. "The load path either runs all the way to the footing or it stops somewhere, and where it stops is where you find the problem afterwards."
Mechanical connectors are what maintain that path at each joint. Connector manufacturers publish rated uplift capacities for their products, and the rating that applies depends on the fastener schedule, the material being fastened into and the specific joint. Fasteners adequate for gravity loads are not necessarily rated for tension, which is a distinction that matters when a roof is added to an existing structure.
Design wind speed for a given location comes from the climatic and geographic design criteria in the residential code as adopted by the state, and exposure category, roof pitch, structure height and span all factor into what the connections have to resist. Because those variables are site-specific, uplift resistance for a covered structure is determined by engineering evaluation of the particular project rather than by a general specification.
Foundation capacity completes the path. Resisting uplift requires a foundation able to take tension rather than only compression, which is a separate question from frost depth. Frost depth requirements address heave, meaning upward movement caused by freezing soil, while uplift resistance depends on the foundation's tensile capacity and its engagement with the surrounding soil. Hemlock Decks & Porches installs both helical piers and traditional concrete footings, selected according to the soil profile, the loads involved and the depth at which suitable bearing is present. Helical piles are rated for tension as well as compression, which is one factor considered where a roofed structure is planned.
Structures where a roof was added after the original build warrant particular attention, since the connections and foundation were sized for the loads that existed at the time.
"The ones worth looking at are the porches that started life as decks," Labonte said. "Somebody put a roof on at some point and the framing underneath never changed, which is fine until the wind finds it."
Covered structures showing movement at post connections, separation where the roof meets the house or loosened hardware at the beam can be evaluated. Hemlock Decks & Porches handles permitting and produces structural drawings in house. More information is available at hemlockcontractingco.com.
Hemlock Decks & Porches is a family-owned deck, porch and outdoor living contractor operating across Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is a TrexPro Platinum Installer and TimberTech Gold PRO Contractor.


 

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For more information about Hemlock Decks Porches and Home Additions, contact the company here:
Hemlock Decks Porches and Home Additions
Hemlock Contracting
+17745250509
support@deckfencemarketers.com
24 Everard St, Worcester, MA 01605, United States

Hemlock Decks & Porches Issues Guidance on Tree Limb Risks to Decks

HARTFORD, CT - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Hemlock Decks & Porches has issued guidance on how tree limb failure affects deck and porch structures, noting that the weather pattern Massachusetts recorded during July matches the conditions arboricultural research associates with sudden limb loss from otherwise healthy trees.
Massachusetts received between 4.5 and nearly 9.5 inches of rain during July, more than is typical for the month, following an extended dry period. State environmental officials announced on August 7 that the Central and Northeast Regions remained in Level 2 Significant Drought despite that rainfall, citing the slower pace at which groundwater recovers.

That sequence is significant for trees. Research published in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, the journal of the International Society of Arboriculture, documents a phenomenon commonly called summer branch drop, in which apparently sound limbs break from mature trees during calm weather with no wind involved. The literature records the effect across species from at least 19 genera and dates formal observation to the 1880s. No single cause has been established, though current theories point to internal moisture changes, drought stress and bacterial wetwood. The same research notes the failures occur both on hot, calm afternoons and during calm weather following heavy summer rain that ends a period of increasing soil dryness.
Longer term drought effects compound the picture. UMass Extension's Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment reports that sustained drought produces dieback of branches, damages a tree's capacity to absorb water, and heightens susceptibility to disease and insect invasion. It also notes that opportunistic root pathogens invade when roots are weakened by stress, and that a large tree with an extensive root system may not show visible decline until a substantial portion of that root system is affected, sometimes several years after the drought event itself.
"The trees people worry about are the ones that already look dead, and those are not usually the ones that come down on a deck," said Teddy Labonte, Owner of Hemlock Decks & Porches. "A green limb that lets go on a still afternoon is the one nobody saw coming, and it lands on a structure that was never designed to take a hit like that."
The structural point is about the type of load rather than the amount. Deck framing is designed for distributed loads, meaning the weight of the structure itself plus people and furniture spread across the surface. A falling limb delivers a concentrated impact load at a single point, which is a different demand entirely. The visible result may be a cracked board, but the consequential damage is often below the surface at a joist, a beam or a connection, where a compromised member is not apparent from above.
Root systems raise a separate question at the foundation. Tree roots commonly extend laterally well past the canopy edge, and UMass Extension notes that most of a tree's water absorbing roots sit within roughly the first 10 to 14 inches of soil rather than at depth. Continued root growth near a footing can alter the surrounding soil over time, and the effect is gradual rather than sudden, which is part of why it tends to be identified late.
Hemlock Decks & Porches installs both helical piers and traditional concrete footings, selected according to the soil profile, the loads involved and the depth at which suitable bearing is present. Where mature trees sit near a planned deck footprint, root location becomes one of the factors weighed in that selection alongside soil conditions and drainage. The appropriate approach is determined by evaluation of the specific site.
The company noted that assessing the health or stability of a tree is not a deck contractor's judgment to make, and that a limb of any size overhanging a structure is a question for a certified arborist rather than a builder. What falls within a contractor's scope is the structure underneath, whether it has taken damage, and whether that damage is confined to the surface or has reached the framing.
"We can tell a homeowner what a limb did to their framing," Labonte said. "Whether the rest of that tree is sound is a different profession, and the honest answer is to bring in somebody who does that for a living."
Ahead of the period when severe weather is most likely, the company suggested homeowners note what sits directly above an outdoor structure. Structures that have already taken an impact may show cracked decking, a joist out of plane, or fasteners displaced near the point of contact.
Hemlock Decks & Porches provides deck repair, resurfacing and full replacement where impact damage has affected the decking, the framing or both. More information is available at hemlockcontractingco.com.
Hemlock Decks & Porches is a family-owned deck, porch and outdoor living contractor operating across Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is a TrexPro Platinum Installer and TimberTech Gold PRO Contractor.


 

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For more information about Hemlock Contracting of CT, contact the company here:
Hemlock Contracting of CT
Teddy Labonte
+17743555904
teddylabonte@gmail.com
90 Margarita Dr, Hartford, CT 06106, United States

Top South Decks & Porches Outlines Moisture Cycling Effects on Decking

JOHNS CREEK, GA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Top South Decks & Porches has outlined how repeated swings between dry and wet ground conditions affect residential deck materials, following a year in which northern Georgia has moved through both extremes. The Johns Creek contractor said the pattern has practical consequences for material selection that homeowners rarely weigh when planning a project.
National Weather Service drought information statements for north and central Georgia recorded severe drought expanding across the region in January, with drought conditions persisting through February. Weeks of sustained rainfall through the spring reversed much of that, and improvement was most pronounced across north Georgia. By late July, the United States Drought Monitor again showed active drought across roughly a fifth of the state, with a further 60 percent classified as abnormally dry.

That sequence matters because moisture stress on exterior building materials is cumulative rather than singular. Extended dry periods draw moisture out of exposed surfaces and the ground beneath them. Heavy rainfall then returns over a period of hours. Each transition moves materials through a dimensional change, and the effect compounds across repetitions rather than resetting between them.
"Most people ask which board lasts longest, and the more useful question is what the board is going to be asked to do here," said Federico De Aramburu, Owner of Top South Decks & Porches. "A year like this one puts materials through the full range twice over."
Decking products intended for exterior use are evaluated against a published standard rather than manufacturer description alone. ASTM D7032 governs the establishment of performance ratings for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber deck boards, guards and handrails, and ICC Evaluation Service acceptance criteria AC174 sets out how those products are assessed for code recognition. Completion of the applicable testing forms the basis for code recognition of these products in exterior applications.
The testing regime addresses weather exposure directly. Material testing under the standard includes ultraviolet resistance, conducted in equipment complying with ASTM G155, and hygrothermal cycling in which specimens are submerged, frozen, returned to laboratory conditions and retested across repeated cycles. Flexural strength and flexural stiffness are then compared against unexposed control specimens to derive adjustment factors for the product.
That structure explains why a general comparison between material categories is less useful than it appears. Composite boards combine wood fiber with polymers, and PVC boards contain no wood content, which is a genuine compositional difference. The performance figures that follow from it are established product by product through testing rather than by category, and each evaluation report states span ratings and capacities for the specific formulation assessed.
Top South Decks & Porches works in composite, PVC and pressure-treated materials and selects between them according to exposure conditions on each section of a project. Evaluation reports carry revision and renewal dates, and the company noted that current documentation should be confirmed rather than assumed at the point of specification.
Ground conditions form the second half of the question. Soils of the Cecil series, the most extensive series mapped across the southeastern Piedmont, are described by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service as very deep and well drained, with medium surface runoff and moderately high saturated hydraulic conductivity. The series carries a low shrink-swell rating and occurs on slopes ranging from zero to 25 percent.
That description differs from the assumption frequently applied to Georgia red clay in general discussion. The practical planning issue on these soils is the route surface runoff takes across a sloped lot and the erosion potential that follows, rather than ground volume change beneath a structure.
Foundation selection proceeds from those site conditions. Top South Decks & Porches builds on helical piers and on traditional concrete footings, with the choice guided by soil, slope, and the size and loading of the structure. Parcel-level soil data is publicly available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey, which reports the mapped series for an individual property.
Framing and connections respond to the same conditions as the surface above them. Dimensional movement in wood framing acts on fastener connections and hanger engagement over time, which is one reason inspection of a deck substructure is treated separately from assessment of its walking surface.
"The decking gets all the attention because that is the part people see," De Aramburu said. "The frame and the footings are doing the work that determines how the deck feels in ten years."
Top South Decks & Porches is a family-owned deck, porch and outdoor living contractor founded in 2016 and based in Johns Creek, Georgia. The company handles projects from design and permitting through construction and final inspection using in-house crews.


 

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For more information about Top South D&P, contact the company here:
Top South D&P
manuela pelaez
+16786583384
mpelae11@gmail.com
6470 East Johns Crossing, Suite 160, Johns Creek, GA 30097, United States

Hemlock Decks & Porches Issues Advisory on Porch Roof Connections

WOBURN, MA - September 08, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Hemlock Decks & Porches has issued a seasonal advisory on water management where a covered porch roof meets an existing house, noting that the detailing decisions governing that junction are made at design stage and that roof work of this kind is completed before freezing weather arrives.
Adding a roofed structure to a house creates a new intersection between two roof planes, and building science research identifies that geometry as the harder condition to detail correctly. Guidance published by Building Science Corporation notes that roofs with multiple intersecting levels, valleys, dormers and other projections are more difficult to air seal, insulate and ventilate than simple roof forms, and that simpler assemblies are more forgiving. A porch roof tying into an existing roofline or exterior wall introduces exactly that complication into a structure that did not previously have it.

Water management at the junction depends on layered detailing rather than on any single component. Step flashing is integrated with the existing roofing as it is installed, counterflashing directs water back out over the step flashing, and the drainage plane behind the cladding carries anything that gets past both away from the structure. Each layer assumes the ones beneath it will eventually be tested. Where one is omitted or installed out of sequence, wind-driven rain can enter the wall cavity, and the failure is concealed behind siding rather than visible from either side.
"The tie-in is the one detail on a covered porch that nobody sees and everybody finds out about later," said Teddy Labonte, Owner of Hemlock Decks & Porches. "Water does not announce itself at the junction. It shows up somewhere below it, usually a season or two after the mistake was made."
Self-adhering roof protection membrane has become standard practice in regions prone to ice damming, and building science guidance describes it as a waterproofing underlayment that seals around fastener penetrations and protects against infiltration. Its role at a porch tie-in is the same as at an eave, which is to hold water out where standing water is most likely to develop.
Ice damming is the winter condition that tests the junction. Research summarised by the Building America Solution Center, citing work from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Environmental Conservation, identifies three conditions as necessary for an ice dam to form: snow on the roof, an attic that is poorly air sealed or poorly insulated, and freezing temperatures. The same guidance notes that a dam can form with as little as two inches of snow accumulation, which is a lower threshold than most homeowners assume.
The mechanism is straightforward. Heat escaping into the attic warms the underside of the roof deck and melts snow above it. That meltwater runs down the roof until it reaches a colder surface, where it refreezes. As the process repeats, the ice ridge grows and holds standing water behind it, which can then be drawn up beneath the shingles by capillary action. At a porch tie-in the geometry works against drainage, because the junction between two planes is where water already concentrates.
Roof configuration is settled at design for the same reason. Gable, hip and shed forms each connect to an existing house differently, and the pitch of the new roof determines whether water is directed away from the junction or toward it. A shallow pitch moves water more slowly and holds it longer at the point where the planes meet. Hemlock Decks & Porches builds covered porch roofs with shingle roofing systems and matches the porch roof form to the existing house so the addition works with the drainage pattern already present rather than against it.
The company noted that attic air sealing and insulation, which are the conditions that determine whether ice dams form in the first place, sit with the existing house rather than with the new structure, and that a homeowner planning a covered porch on a house with a history of ice damming has two separate questions to resolve rather than one.
"If a house already gets ice dams, adding a roof to it does not fix that, and the new junction is one more place for the water to find," Labonte said.
Timing is the practical reason for issuing the advisory now. Flashing and membrane work has to be completed while conditions allow, which places the useful planning window ahead of the first freeze rather than after it. Structures showing staining on siding below a porch junction, interior marks on a ceiling near an exterior wall, or shingles lifting where the two roof planes meet are worth examining before winter rather than during it.
Hemlock Decks & Porches is a family-owned deck, porch and outdoor living contractor operating across Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is a TrexPro Platinum Installer and TimberTech Gold PRO Contractor.


 

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For more information about Hemlock Contracting of Woburn, contact the company here:
Hemlock Contracting of Woburn
Hemlock Contracting
+17745028369
support@deckfencemarketers.com
1042 Main St Unit 2232, Woburn, MA 01801, United States