Bob lends a hand to contractor Bob Ryley as he begins construction of the porch at the project on Martha's Vineyard. Ryley starts out by explaining the use of concrete forms to Bob. He then connects pressure treated limber to the side of the house with six-inch lag bolts to secure the joists. After the joists are in place Bob and Ryley start the deck with one by four vertical grade fir. Which is a traditional material used on covered porches. After the decking is installed Ryley and Bob Start on the columns salvaged from the other side of the Victorian.

Ted Gower from Armor Screen is installing the hurricane-protection fabric that will make the lanai a hurricane shelter in case of a storm. There are bolts and clips at the top with clips along the side. The sides are locked down along the sides and bottom to resist the enormous wind pressure during a storm. This geosynthetic fabric serves in stead of plywood or other storm protection coverings. The fabric reduces 100 mile per hour (mph) winds to 3 mph and reduces it to 0 mph if rain sheets on the fabric, causing a complete wind barrier. This fabric stands up to winds and wind-borne debris, making the enclosed lanai a hurricane-safe shelter by code and by design. Armor Screen can be used on any door, window, or porch openings to protect homes from damaging winds and flying debris.

Add value to your house with a new deck, patio, or porch. A simple stone patio or farmer's porch out front create a quiet space to relax. They also cut down on the dirt that gets tracked into the house from the yard. You can convert an old car port to a screened-in porch. Or, add a deck to extend your living space into the back yard.