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Archive for the ‘Follow the Crews’ Category
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Posted on: May 1st, 2012 by Team FS
Stamped Concrete Offers Unlimited Creative Possibilities
You may have walked into a friend’s home and admired the beautiful decorative stonework throughout the house. The pattern stretches across the patio and out through the garden area resembling something ornamental and timeless. What you no doubt have been admiring is stamped concrete. This is a technique that has been around for over 50 years and once was considered a novelty product.
Stamped concrete is the process of colorizing and texturizing the mixture to resemble a variety of stone or brick work. This technique offers a limitless choice of textures and colors to mimic the look and feel of cobblestone, shells, slate or brick. It can be polished to a high gloss finish for decorative kitchen floors or rustic and aged to resemble stonework by a waterfall pool.
Stamped concrete is ideal for garages, sidewalks and driveways, pool decks and even kitchen floors. The material can be a designer’s dream because of the limitless possibilities inherent in the process. For homeowners, the lower-cost in comparison to the genuine materials that stamped concrete often imitates makes it very attractive.
The process itself made quite an impression when it was unveiled to the public at the World Of Concrete Expo in the mid-1970s. Stamped concrete and decorative concrete continue to be among the main attractions year after year. Part of its charm has to do with the incredible versatility and creative potential for diverse designs and applications.
There are three parts to the process of producing stamped concrete. These three procedures separate this process from other concrete methods. There is the addition of a base color, next an accent color is introduced and finally stamping a pattern directly into the concrete. This process can imitate natural building materials quite easily.
While the concrete is still soft a mold is used to press and shape the material while it hardens. Color hardeners or dry shakes, acid stains or integral colors are used to achieve the color patterns in the concrete as its mixed or when it is placed. Intricate designs can be developed through a combination of these processes and many great effects have been achieved through experimentation.
You may have seen some of the highly polished marble slabs or the rustic cobblestones which are often shown as examples of stamped concrete. Examples of these can be found in driveways, floors and municipal buildings, pool patios and even state parks. Many people are choosing stamped concrete to enhance their homes and offices, walkways and patios.
What is amazing about this process is that it not only skillfully imitates a wide variety of materials in a realistic way; it is extremely durable and long-lasting. Inlaid stone or paved stone are both expensive and inferior to stamped concrete. A beautiful cobblestone pathway can be designed and constructed in just the right tone and shape to match your decor. Through the use of stamped concrete you can achieve amazing detail and texture without the expense or time involved in other installations.
The process is quicker and more economical for sure but even as important, you have total control over the look and feel of the end product. You can determine the actual texture color and accents that are used in the process. You don’t have to settle for what is available at the quarry, lumberyard or hardware store.
A professional contractor can create beautiful tiled flooring with just the right color and design you choose. Interior work offers relatively quick installation with consistent results. However there are several important considerations when creating stamped concrete for exterior installation.
The time of year can be a factor; cracks, frost heave and aesthetics should be factored into your exterior installation. Frozen soil can cause the ground surface to shift and change with the weather. Stamped concrete works well on a flat outdoor surface and is superior to stone which tends to move around freely as the ground surface changes form with the change in temperature.
Pavers are also susceptible to weeds growing between the spaces. Plants tend to grow out of the spaces between pavers but stamped concrete has no real spaces. The cracks and mortar lines are simply imprinted designs on its surface. This makes the process far easier to maintain all year around.
You can get an authentic “look” from stamped concrete without the time and money involved in construction and installation of brick or stone or even pavers. Modern technology has made the process even more realistic than in the past therefore you can now have a granite, slate or cobblestone pathway leading to the pool without the enormous expense.
Keep in mind that stamped concrete works best on flat even surfaces. Pavers, bricks and stones will tend to conform to uneven ground which makes them more ideally suited for that purpose. However if you are thinking about a backyard area that simply has a few imperfections, it may be far more advantageous to level out the ground and apply stamped concrete. The cost savings may be more than you might think.
Stamped concrete Pennsylvania style
Homeowners from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia are looking seriously at stamped concrete to enhance various sections of their houses. Whether installing a patio for the pool or redoing the basement floor, the smart money is now on stamped concrete installations. Contractors in Pennsylvania are busy working on concrete walkways and even dining room floors to create beautiful new surfaces to give character and new life to indoor and outdoor spaces.
There is no need for tedious maintenance as stamped concrete flagstones never need “weeding”. Pennsylvania residents can take advantage of a huge variety of styles and colors to imitate slate, brick or stone surfaces. It is even possible to mimic the look of wooden exteriors with this process.
The stamped concrete Pennsylvania contractors produce
after laying out the shape and structure to the form, contractors place the concrete after thoroughly mixing it. Color is applied next or is mixed in with the concrete before placement. A release agent is applied which allows the texturizing mats to come off without taking concrete in the process. Then the mats are laid down. These mats are responsible for replicating the surface texture of wood, stone etc. After the concrete is dried for 24 hours, pressure washing releases the agent before a sealant is applied to the concrete surface.
Stamped Concrete Products
At this point the stamped concrete is ready for everyday use. Philadelphia-based concrete contractors create these surfaces on a regular basis and their clients love the results. This process isn’t just for floors either; concrete kitchen countertops can be created to look like tile, stone or any other material. An experienced concrete contractor can offer a designer full creative freedom to produce a virtually unlimited combination of colors, textures and designs.
Stamped concrete can take a humdrum ordinary house and elevate it to a high degree of sophistication and style. New flooring and services could be created to bring a sense of opulence to each room. The process can beautify any home simply by re-imagining the surfaces. Best of all, the price tag is extremely attractive.
Although the process is half a century old, stamped concrete is still cutting-edge technologically today. New designs and combinations are constantly being examined and applied in conjunction with new methods for creating texturizing mats. The finished surface can be highly polished or pitted and coarse. You can choose the rustic look or opt for a highly refined sophisticated surface. Whichever way you choose stamped concrete can get the job done efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Posted on: April 25th, 2012 by Team FS
Jonathan Green Grass Seed is perfect for Luxurios Lawns…
Jonathan Green grass seed has been working on perfecting the “super grass” for decades. The business was started by Jonathan Green to offer sod growers a hearty variety of seeds for residential turfgrass. His efforts met with great success back in 1986. A turfgrass research Center was formed near Salem Oregon which was known as the grass seed production region of the US. Turfgrass evaluation plots were soon planted around the Universities across the country; from the Northeast along the Mid-Atlantic States. The goal was to test the seeds under stressful growing conditions from very hot and humid in the summer time to the icy winter cold.
Jonathan Green grass seed is growing…
They must have felt like the Thomas Edison of turfgrass breeding because it took many years of careful evaluation, joyous successes and frustrating failures but they were able to eventually reach their goal. A strain called the “Black Beauty Breakthrough in Turfgrass Breeding” was a crowning achievement. The strain looked very similar to Kentucky bluegrass but it had certain qualities that stood out. The fescues were drought resistant and disease-resistant; it is more like a super grass. Their efforts paid off because this variety was stronger than any other grass seed previously available on the market. The turf could grow in sunshine or shade; on clay soil or sandy ground.
The Black Beauty was used in several grass seed mixtures as well as in its own branded Black Beauty and Black Beauty Ultra-Grass seed mixtures. These tall fescues were deep rooted and broomstick and full. The careful experimentation with various seed varieties exceeded the expectations of the researchers.
The company has collaborated with the Virginia Tech University research facility to study and isolate the strains that lead to stronger, healthier sod. They were able to distinguish the unique protective coating of the Black Beauty turfgrass which protects it while keeping in nourishment. The sod works well in areas that are often inhospitable to other lesser tall fescue sod.
The process begins with the highest quality grass seed mixtures that are suited for the particular environment for which it will be grown. Turfgrass breeding has demonstrated major advances in the last quarter century through patient research and development. The result has been a boon for the consumer in terms of quality sod and easier lawn maintenance.
The Jonathan Green grass seed have a naturally darker green hue and come in a variety of mixtures for various conditions. For example the Show Lawn Grass Mixture is used to cover and improve existing lawns. It germinates quickly from 10 to 14 days and thrives in full sun and even partial shade. This variety is insect resistant as well.
Jonathan Green Grass Seed mixtures are able to quickly populate newly established lawns or fill-in and improve old ones. Another variety that is designed for quickly groundcover is the Veri- Green. If you’re looking for a grass mixture that is easy to maintain and grows quickly (within 10 to 14 days), this mixture contains all perennial grasses; is economical and easy to care for.
In areas where water use can be a major concern the Drought Tough Grass Seed mixture can be the answer. This mixture contains drought tolerant perennial grass varieties. It produces deep rooted grasses that are able to gain nourishment at a deeper level. It needs less watering and can stay healthier and dry seasons.
The company is committed to long-term success of its customers and therefore takes every effort to maintain high standards in their grass seed mixtures. They continue to work at developing the right combination of grass seed mixtures to fit the needs of their customers. There is no high weed or crop content, fillers or outdated grasses in their mixtures. Their continued success is due in no part to the success of the people who buy their products.
Many landscaping enthusiasts looked to Jonathan Green Grass Seeds as their secret weapon. Jonathan Green products are available at independent garden centers. The company understands the value of personal service and makes no bones about the fact that independent lawn and garden centers are where homeowners easily gain knowledge and expert help involving all things lawn and garden related.
Going by the labels
The company provides detailed instructions on each label. They make it easy for you to determine which mixture is right for your lawn by giving detailed analysis on each package. Since lawn maintenance and grooming does not call for a “one size fits all” approach, every effort is made to help consumers determine the appropriate seed mixture for their particular growing environment.
Jonathan Green Grass Seed VIDEO
Types of Jonathan grass seed
Those who may feel intimidated by the number of choices of Jonathan Green Grass Seed mixtures need not worry. A quick glance at each label will make it fairly simple to determine which mixture is right for their needs. For example the name of the seed is the first listing on the label whether it’s a single variety or mixture when more than one grass seed is used. The “Full Sun Grass Seed Mixture” for example is used in areas that get little shade throughout the day.
You’ll find specific headings for the description of each variety along with germination information as well as a listing of where the seed came from. Each mixture has a lot number assigned to it for tracking purposes and even the name and address where the bag was mixed and shipped is listed.
Jonathan Green Lawn And Garden Products are available to improve almost any lawn condition or garden bed. Their variety of products can help you maintain and beautify your plot of earth to create some of the lushest and most verdant gardens or help you to grow flavorful vegetables. Here are a few examples of their products and what they are used for:
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Grass Seed
This mixture was the first in a series of success stories for the company. The tall fescue plant roots dig deep into the soil to gain nourishment even in the most stressful environments. This variety will thrive even in dry weather where conditions vary from hot to cold with very little water. It will grow in clay or sandy soil and is often used to improve existing lawns that have been left unattended.
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra-Grass Seed
This diverse mixture of grass species has all the superior qualities of its predecessor and grows even faster to fill and repair damaged lawns. If there were such a thing as a superhero grass seed mixture this would be it.
Jonathan Green Ball Magic Grass Seed
Whether you are filling in and improving an existing lawn or starting a brand-new one in the autumn season this mixture will work for you. If you’re looking to repair sun damaged areas of a neglected lawn this seed mixture will do the trick.
Jonathan Green Dense Shade Grass Seed
Perhaps you have longed for the lush dance green lawns that you’ve seen on television or glimpsed while driving through the most affluent neighborhoods in your city. This grass mixture will grow in shady areas and fill in dry uneven spots.
Jonathan Green lawn and garden products offer a superior level of products for home lawns and gardens as well as industry professionals. Whether you are looking for organic lawn fertilizer or soil test kits, the company has a full line of products to greatly maximize your green thumb.
The company also provides sensitive information on research and technical data regarding their products and how to use them. You will find extensive research information on each product and how they were developed. Each report is colorfully illustrated and the language is easy to absorb. You don’t have to be a lawn and garden geek to appreciate the value of sod.
Jonathan Green Grass Seed – Bucks County, PA
If you’re ever in Bucks County, PA and looking for a lawn and garden supply store try Froehlich’s Farm. They offer smart advice on landscaping along with a choice selection of Jonathan Green Grass Seed products. Froehlich’s Farm and Garden has been around since 1942 and is still family owned. Jonathan Green Grass Seed served up in Bucks County, PA by an independent retailer.
If you are looking for the perfect example of the customer centered philosophy behind the Jonathan Green Grass Seed Company, you’ll find no better case than Froehlich’s Farm and Garden. This family-owned independent store has been serving its neighbors for over 70 years and prides itself in quality products and services at a fair price.
Having a productive vegetable garden or a beautiful lush green lawn can be a joy especially in these complex times. You can create that the full setting where you and your family can enjoy time together. Jonathan Green grass seed mixtures can help to make that time productive and fun.
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Posted on: April 24th, 2012 by Team FS
Aluminum FenceEveryone dreams of owning a house. But of course, it’s not just any house. Not only should your house look like a million bucks (although you really have to cross your fingers that it really won’t cost that much), but it should also give you the sense of safety that every homeowner craves from his or her neighborhood, particularly if you are looking to start a family. Want a suggestion as to how you can achieve both of these qualities? Simple: have an aluminum fence installed in your house.
Why should you really go out of your way to have an aluminum fence set up right out of your doorstep? Well, you can always go with the more traditional wrought iron fencing, but really, do you want to have your house look like a fortress and scare all of your potential guests away? We thought so. The aluminum fence, for all intents and purposes, can provide the same security as that of a wrought iron fence, but with the added benefit of appealing to the casual eye. Who says your home can’t be a work of art anyway?
An aluminum fence is primarily designed to draw attention to how beautiful your outdoor garden or your backyard looks. Just think of it as inviting some of your friends and neighbors to peer in from the outside and readily applaud you for how well you maintain your home. The materials that constitute an aluminum fence are not that costly too, since it really is meant for some pretty low-cost housing solutions. Add to that the numerous variety of fencing styles and motifs to choose from, and you can be sure that your personal aluminum fence is always ready to complement the whole of your home. After all, there can be perhaps no higher compliment for a homeowner than from hearing someone else praises him or her on the look and feel of his or her house.
So how will you know if you are looking at a genuine aluminum fence? The materials for the fence are, despite “popular” opinion, not made of just aluminum alone. The kind of aluminum that is used for the… err, aluminum fence (wow, talk about being redundant!) is one that is made of a premium-strength alloy that has been proven to be resistant to rusting and general wearing and tearing. A “special” powder is also added to the finish of the aluminum fence to ensure that the resulting product will last for many, many years to come.
Other than that, the aluminum fence can also be sold in panels that are divided into two, with each panel boasting a width of six- to eight-inches, respectively. These panels are also sold separately through the gauging of its thickness and overall strength; currently, these panels are “graded” into residential, commercial, and industrial types. The final product should also consist of both horizontal rails and vertical pickets, which can then be connected separately to its adjacent posts.
Unless otherwise indicated, the respective sections of the aluminum fence can also be assembled prior to ordering. Each section is tailor-made to fit into each post, so you won’t have to worry about the installation of your very own aluminum fence causing you problems by giving you headaches while attempting to complete the whole installation process. To give you an idea of what to expect when ordering the sections of an aluminum fence, some of these well-known types are:
To put this in a single sentence, these are the parts of the fence that are supposed to both start and end a side of a gate. This particular part has built-in holes that will enable you to attach your rails and hold onto them for the remainder of the time that you have installed your gate.
This part is basically the opposite of a gate/end post, in that it’s supposed to connect the two opposing sides of a fence, causing it to form a straight, 180-degree line. To make sure that you’re really having this part installed correctly, it is important to remember that you have to take into consideration the total line posts you are attempting to connect and subtract one.
Yup, it’s just like you heard it—similar to a boxing ring, it’s supposed to connect two lines in a 90-degree angle if you’re planning to install a wide enough aluminum fence.
Simply speaking, it’s a post that has no holes attached inside it. To better give you an example of how a blank post looks like, an mailbox attached to an upright plank of wood outside a house is a great example of what a blank post looks like. You are not supposed to attach it to a part of a fence like a gate post; rather, as you may have expected it, it should be serviceable enough for decorative purposes.
Yes, all of these parts may be awfully confusing to follow, but it really is important to take note of these, since knowing how the holes are positioned in these posts will give you a better idea of how you can better construct your aluminum fence.
Aluminum Fence New Jersey
For those living in the NJ area, you can look no further than those who have made a living out of crafting elaborate yet sturdy aluminum fence materials. Whether you are a homeowner looking for that little “extra” to spice up the look of your home or a business owner looking to drive your revenues up by finding ways to beautify your establishment, these New Jersey professionals may be the ones that you are looking for the longest time!
Aluminum Fence Bucks County, PA
Some of the longest serving fence companies in Bucks County have three generations’ worth of experience and expertise behind their crafts (60 years! Can you believe that?). Many of these companies prefer to do the hard work themselves through their callused hands, so you don’t have anything to worry about charging you a fee only to have their services offered to you for a mere pittance. You can customize your aluminum fence in any way you want, and at only a fraction of the cost. And with their handiwork readily apparent at places as diverse as Doylestown, Buckingham, New Hope, Newtown, Yardley, Southampton, Holland, Richoboro—to mention some—they are as much a part of local town lore as any Mom-and-Pop’s store out here!
FS Landscaping Contractors and FS Fence Contractors are the clear choice for Fence in Bucks County, PA
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Posted on: April 2nd, 2012 by Team FS
Landscape Designer in Doylestown, PA
Have you been cutting out and collecting pictures from magazines of landscaping ideas and you are wondering how to make the design ideas you like work on your own property? Have you wanted to capture the design of an old world French estate on your property in Doylestown, Pennsylvania? Would you like to know whether the plants you admire in a European or New England countryside estates will grow well in Bucks County?
It sounds like you need the experience of a residential landscape designer from FS Landscaping Contractors, Inc.. A competent landscape designer will take you through the entire design development process, which includes: consultation and project planning, complete site review, budgeting, construction documentation and permitting. From there we start towards designing your dream landscape.
Below are the steps that we take to better assist you with understanding the process. Our landscape design team specializes in all different software programs such as Auto CAD, Photo Shop, Sketch up, Structure Studios, Viz Terra and Pool Studios. Hand drawn design are also available. We have the capabilities to offer you a landscape design in a 2D and 3D making our program one of the most well rounded landscape design firms.
Landscape Design Doylestown, PA Construction Document
3D Landscape & Pool Design
First Steps
The most important step when planning a landscape project is the first initial consultation with our landscape design team. Here is where we get to share your overall vision, get to know you, detail your wants and needs and desires. It should be a free-flowing discussion about aesthetics and functionality which includes your likes and dislikes of different materials, products, colors, etc. During this first discussion our landscape design team will measure your home and take pictures to better assist us in the designing phase of the project. We than gather all of our information and move on to the next step.
Landscape Design Phase
The next step in the design process is where we study and put all of our notes to work. At this conceptual level, our designers will analyze all the information we collected during the first consultation and make it come to life. We will begin designing all elements discussed such as swimming pools and other hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, walls, fences and water features. Plant materials, landscape lighting, decorative accents and more. All structures and elements in the landscape will be addressed and designed in the best functional and cost effective way This is the phase were we can figure out what best fit’s the budget and which landscaping ideas will and won’t be used in your new design.
Finalizing Landscape Design
This phase is where we can meet again to discuss the design that we put together for you and review final materials. We generally have this meeting at our Garden Center on York Rd. in Central Bucks County, PA. Once you have agreed on the overall design concept and use of the areas and material selections, their applications, you are ready to begin the landscaping design development and construction phase.
These drawings may be accompanied by a full package of additional drawings to include an existing site survey, tree disposition and elevation plan, tree preservation plan, demolition plan, swimming pool plan, landscape drainage systems, irrigation systems, hardscape plan including outdoor kitchen and outdoor water fountains, landscape planting plan, landscape lighting plan, and construction details for the above plans. Fence, pool house, sheds and pavilion locations will also be addressed in the documentation stage.
As for permits, each city and municipality has their own unique requirements and codes for landscape plan approvals. The norm is a submittal of the entire permitting package to be approved or rejected by a building and zoning board. For this reason, it is important to hire a reputable landscaping company that is fluent in these areas, one who knows which information to include, such as lot coverage ratios, engineered drainage plans, pool fencing layout and specifications. It is equally important to omit unnecessary information that could create confusion or send up a red flag that would keep the project from getting approved. A knowledgeable and experienced landscape designer will help win approval as quickly as possible.
Garden Design and the End Results
Whether your project is a simple landscaping design that only encompasses landscape planting, fence,simple patio or is a complex construction package or swimming pool project it is very important that you hire a landscape designer or landscaping firm that is competent in the skill sets detailed here. For your satisfaction, it is also important to distinguish between “fly by night” landscape operations and quality, legit professional landscape design outfits that will guarantee to carry out a successful project. Always ask to see a portfolio. Ask for references and visit the website to determine if the landscaping company under consideration has the sense of style and skills you appreciate. One who can design a landscape that complements your home and lifestyle.
Additionally, it is highly recommended that you utilize a design company that not only does the design work, but also performs project management and landscaping installation. There is a world of difference between someone who has great ideas and another person with great ideas who also knows the availability and best use of local materials, local contractors and their methods of construction, overall cost and budget development, and can then maintain the finished product. In short, you want a landscape designer who can deliver a design solution that flourishes in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey climates and conditions. FS Landscaping Contractors is a full service design and build company.
“You Dream it! We Build it!”
FS Landscaping Contractors, Inc. has been making dream landscapes come true throughout the greater Philadelphia area since 1997. We also perform work from Northern, New Jersey to South Jersey and out as far west as Harrisburg, PA. Give us a call today to start planning your new landscape 215-491-1116 and ask about our residential landscape design services.
  
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Posted on: March 28th, 2012 by Team FS
FS Landscaping Contractors, Inc. installs all types of pool code fences in Eastern, PA and all of New Jersey. With 16 years of experience and a combined 50+ years in the swimming pool industry it is important to us to provide our customers with not only the best product of fencing but the best reliable fencing service in the industry. We have the best fence prices in the industry with aluminum pool code fence installed as low as $18 per ft.
With 3 in-house fence crews, FSLC is there to promptly install your swimming pool fence in a timely fashion and prevent our clients from waiting at the end of the project to swim. With gunite pools taking 6-8 weeks to complete and fiberglass pools only 2 weeks or so to complete it is important to have the best fence company contracted for the work. Not having FSLC as your own personal project management team for your pool could cause more delay in the completion process of your pool project.
The most common swimming pool fence is aluminum fence. Below are some samples of the style that are most common to meet pool code (B.O.C.A) requirements. We also install all types of vinyl and wood fences for privacy if that is the application that best fits your property.
  
Split Rail fence is also a more cost effective solution to pool fence. However, in some townships and municipalities it does not meet pool code. The integrity and longevity of split rail fence is minimum. We use a pressure treated split rail fence that will last up to 15-18 years. Most split rail fences will only last 10-12 years, where an aluminum fence will last you a lifetime. Aluminum fence is clearly a better investment.
We have all different colors to choose from. Black being the most common, Bronze, white, green, gray, beige and we exclusively offer 3 different hammer tone colors for the custom look.
What is Pool Code or B.O.C.A code?
The Building Officials and Code Administrators (B.O.C.A.) is a national building code that outlines strong safety measures for swimming pool safety fences. Most, all townships and municipalities throughout the country have adopted these codes as their own in an effort to minimize and, hopefully, eliminate accidental drowning of children.
Below is a list of the basic measures that you will need to follow when installing a new fence around your swimming pool.
• Top of fence needs be at least 48″ tall from ground to top rail.
• The mid-rail must be at least 45″ above the bottom rail. Some fence style will need to be taller than 48″ to meet this requirement.
• The spacing between pickets must be less than 4″.
• The space between the bottom rail and the ground must be less than 2″.
• All gates must be self-closing.
• All gates must be self-latching.
• All gates need to open out away from the pool area.
• The top of opening mechanism of the latch must be at least 54″ above ground.
We use Tru-Close hinges to make the gates self-closing. We also install the Magna Latch so the gates are self-latching.
Contact FS Landscaping Contractors today for your FREE fence estimate!
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