We are third generation contractors that provide services such as lightning protection, exterior painting, metal roof painting, deck staining, and fence restoration and painting in Maryland and Pennsylvania since 1956. .Metal roof painting to restore rusting metal roofs.Prep and paint your metal roof to avoid a very expensive replacement.Using polyurethane acrylic paint will add years of life to an existing roof and is available in any color!We also do small carpentry to get wood sufaces ready for painting Protect your family and or livestock from devastating lightning strikes. Full installation of lightning protection systems for residential and commercial. Over 50 million dollars per year in home insurance damages caused by lightning strikes.Dont get caught unprotected! We use only top quality material including Sherwin-Williams and McCormick paints. We pride ourselves on preparing all work which is key to ensure proper finish coat! Call for an estimate today.
"Mike Rafferty was very personable and really knows his metal roofs.... I had 2 other estimates from different companies and one didnt ever give an estimate and one had no desire to paint my roof..... i called rafferty coatings from angie and he came to look at the job and give me an estimate when it suited me and did the walk around talked to me about what my wife and i wanted and then gave me an estimate and gave me a detailed explanation of what the job would entail and how long it would take.... he showed up when he said and his crew was very professional in all the did..... when he got there i also asked him to do the garage roof which we never discussed and he ageed to do it and gave a reasonable price for the extra work..... the crew finished on time and cleaned up and the job looks great.... roofs look brand new and his price was excellent,,,,, five stars and infinite thumbs up"
Jeffrey R on March 2025
We are third generation contractors that provide services such as lightning protection, exterior painting, metal roof painting, deck staining, and fence restoration and painting in Maryland and Pennsylvania since 1956. .Metal roof painting to restore rusting metal roofs.Prep and paint your metal roof to avoid a very expensive replacement.Using polyurethane acrylic paint will add years of life to an existing roof and is available in any color!We also do small carpentry to get wood sufaces ready for painting Protect your family and or livestock from devastating lightning strikes. Full installation of lightning protection systems for residential and commercial. Over 50 million dollars per year in home insurance damages caused by lightning strikes.Dont get caught unprotected! We use only top quality material including Sherwin-Williams and McCormick paints. We pride ourselves on preparing all work which is key to ensure proper finish coat! Call for an estimate today.
"Mike Rafferty was very personable and really knows his metal roofs.... I had 2 other estimates from different companies and one didnt ever give an estimate and one had no desire to paint my roof..... i called rafferty coatings from angie and he came to look at the job and give me an estimate when it suited me and did the walk around talked to me about what my wife and i wanted and then gave me an estimate and gave me a detailed explanation of what the job would entail and how long it would take.... he showed up when he said and his crew was very professional in all the did..... when he got there i also asked him to do the garage roof which we never discussed and he ageed to do it and gave a reasonable price for the extra work..... the crew finished on time and cleaned up and the job looks great.... roofs look brand new and his price was excellent,,,,, five stars and infinite thumbs up"
Jeffrey R on March 2025
As North America's most trusted handyman company, Mr. Handyman is the largest employer of home repair contractors in U.S. and Canada. For more than 15 years we've consistently hired experienced, reliable employees whose skills are further refined through technical and customer service training. All of our handyman service technicians are licensed and insured for your safety and theirs. That means you'll receive consistently high quality work from safe, reliable, professional handymen. Mr. Handyman's professionals arrive in nationally-recognized uniforms and branded vans that are stocked with every tool they'll need. Our on-time record is second to none, and we arrive ready to work. One phone call to Mr. Handyman hires professionals who complete your entire "To Do" list. Every task whether major or minor home repair is prioritized according to your needs. For all your major and minor home repair needs, call Mr. Handyman today!
"I needed to have a window balance replaced. When he completed the initial estimate, I needed to have two window balances replaced because he broke a second one. I was charged to the parts and labor to replace both. Costs are not disclosed. For example, I was charged $198.89 for MH.MRE.605.0100 and $115.90 for MH.MTA.000.0004. Eventually I found out that the $115.90 was to locate and pick up the parts. There was also a Service Charge. When I asked what that was for, I was told "a fee for lack of a better term." My original estimate was for $300.13 but I ended up paying $412.78. There are better and more transparent options than Mr. Handyman."
Vernon A on February 2025
As North America's most trusted handyman company, Mr. Handyman is the largest employer of home repair contractors in U.S. and Canada. For more than 15 years we've consistently hired experienced, reliable employees whose skills are further refined through technical and customer service training. All of our handyman service technicians are licensed and insured for your safety and theirs. That means you'll receive consistently high quality work from safe, reliable, professional handymen. Mr. Handyman's professionals arrive in nationally-recognized uniforms and branded vans that are stocked with every tool they'll need. Our on-time record is second to none, and we arrive ready to work. One phone call to Mr. Handyman hires professionals who complete your entire "To Do" list. Every task whether major or minor home repair is prioritized according to your needs. For all your major and minor home repair needs, call Mr. Handyman today!
"I needed to have a window balance replaced. When he completed the initial estimate, I needed to have two window balances replaced because he broke a second one. I was charged to the parts and labor to replace both. Costs are not disclosed. For example, I was charged $198.89 for MH.MRE.605.0100 and $115.90 for MH.MTA.000.0004. Eventually I found out that the $115.90 was to locate and pick up the parts. There was also a Service Charge. When I asked what that was for, I was told "a fee for lack of a better term." My original estimate was for $300.13 but I ended up paying $412.78. There are better and more transparent options than Mr. Handyman."
Vernon A on February 2025
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"The owner is very professional , the gave me a great price and the quality of work is amazing"
Eli G on February 2024
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"The owner is very professional , the gave me a great price and the quality of work is amazing"
Eli G on February 2024
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
Freedom Fence and Deck specializes in affordable top quality maintenance free decks and fences. We are an owner operated company with zero complaints. We also have earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. Angie's List has awarded us the Super Service Award three years in a row.
"Freedom Fence & Deck did an excellent job install our new deck. The sales rep and the workers were friendly and professional. Additionally, I love that the owner of the company is a veteran, and the company offered the best veterans discount compared to the competitive quotes."
Dominique D on January 2025
Freedom Fence and Deck specializes in affordable top quality maintenance free decks and fences. We are an owner operated company with zero complaints. We also have earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. Angie's List has awarded us the Super Service Award three years in a row.
"Freedom Fence & Deck did an excellent job install our new deck. The sales rep and the workers were friendly and professional. Additionally, I love that the owner of the company is a veteran, and the company offered the best veterans discount compared to the competitive quotes."
Dominique D on January 2025
Full service remodeler and builder with in house carpentry crews. No carpentry subcontractors. Hands on direct supervision by ownership on every project. Replacement of windows and doors along with siding and flooring. Projects ranging from $700 step replacement to "magazine ready" home remodeling at $400,000.
"I couldn't be happier with the work they did! We loved working with the Elite team and they created a gorgeous room for us that is being used and enjoyed by our family and friends."
Rebecca B on October 2022
Full service remodeler and builder with in house carpentry crews. No carpentry subcontractors. Hands on direct supervision by ownership on every project. Replacement of windows and doors along with siding and flooring. Projects ranging from $700 step replacement to "magazine ready" home remodeling at $400,000.
"I couldn't be happier with the work they did! We loved working with the Elite team and they created a gorgeous room for us that is being used and enjoyed by our family and friends."
Rebecca B on October 2022
I started Straka Contracting over a decade ago in Howard County after having gained considerable experience in all areas of home improvement. Much of that know-how came from working with my father who has been in the trade since the 1960s. Today we serve the central Maryland area with a full array of services including remodeling, additions, decks, fencing, roofing, skylights, siding, windows, doors, gutters and gutter guards. Straka Contracting is dedicated to quality work and we offer a guarantee to back it up on every job. What’s more, when I take on work I am personally involved from beginning to end, making sure things are done properly. Karel Straka, Owner Straka Contracting
"Karel Straka has helped me on and off with construction items on my townhouse for almost twenty years, making major changes to my deck and patio among other things. I find him easy to work with, very thorough, trusty-worthy, reliable and affordable. Sometimes I submit my own design, and he always does it better."
Ken M on January 2025
I started Straka Contracting over a decade ago in Howard County after having gained considerable experience in all areas of home improvement. Much of that know-how came from working with my father who has been in the trade since the 1960s. Today we serve the central Maryland area with a full array of services including remodeling, additions, decks, fencing, roofing, skylights, siding, windows, doors, gutters and gutter guards. Straka Contracting is dedicated to quality work and we offer a guarantee to back it up on every job. What’s more, when I take on work I am personally involved from beginning to end, making sure things are done properly. Karel Straka, Owner Straka Contracting
"Karel Straka has helped me on and off with construction items on my townhouse for almost twenty years, making major changes to my deck and patio among other things. I find him easy to work with, very thorough, trusty-worthy, reliable and affordable. Sometimes I submit my own design, and he always does it better."
Ken M on January 2025
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
Homecraft is a 2nd generation, family-owned remodeler specializing in decks, roofing, siding, windows, and finished basements. We handle all steps of a project from planning, to permits, to building. When you partner with Homecraft you receive the finest materials - custom cut on site. This provides flexibility in design and perfection in construction. Since '96, homeowners have thanked us for establishing a company that cares. We take your ideas, add our building experience and together create a custom project that extends your living space and adds value to your home. Award Winning.
"Had an excellent experience working with Jeff on my deck project. The work is top notch and exactly what I wanted for a fair price. No BS up sales or any of that. Will definitely look to rehired for any future work."
Gregory B on January 2025
Homecraft is a 2nd generation, family-owned remodeler specializing in decks, roofing, siding, windows, and finished basements. We handle all steps of a project from planning, to permits, to building. When you partner with Homecraft you receive the finest materials - custom cut on site. This provides flexibility in design and perfection in construction. Since '96, homeowners have thanked us for establishing a company that cares. We take your ideas, add our building experience and together create a custom project that extends your living space and adds value to your home. Award Winning.
"Had an excellent experience working with Jeff on my deck project. The work is top notch and exactly what I wanted for a fair price. No BS up sales or any of that. Will definitely look to rehired for any future work."
Gregory B on January 2025
We are a company with more than 10 of experience in the construction industry. We provide a quality work to all our clients. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing.
"The work was done in the highest heat of the summer, and all the workers always had a smile. They were skilled professionals, courteous and neat. Geo (the owner) was on site daily and responded to my texts. He was able to explained the work in a manner that educated us and helped us with our decision-making. It was Great dealing with the man in charge !"
Annette M on October 2024
We are a company with more than 10 of experience in the construction industry. We provide a quality work to all our clients. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing.
"The work was done in the highest heat of the summer, and all the workers always had a smile. They were skilled professionals, courteous and neat. Geo (the owner) was on site daily and responded to my texts. He was able to explained the work in a manner that educated us and helped us with our decision-making. It was Great dealing with the man in charge !"
Annette M on October 2024
You should clean your deck before sealing it. Cleaning before refinishing is critical. If you don’t remove dirt and debris, you'll trap moisture in the wood, which prevents the new sealer from working correctly and can lead to costly repairs. Whether you need to sand, power wash, or sandblast depends on your deck's condition.
Sealing and staining your deck are essential maintenance methods that protect and beautify your outdoor space. Stain adds rich color and guards against fading, while sealant fortifies the wood against moisture and weather damage. Wood type, climate, deck age, and the degree of existing damage determine whether your deck benefits from one or both treatments. Using both options extends your deck’s durability and enhances its overall appearance.
Power washing and sealing your deck costs $500 to $1,700. This process combines the removal of stubborn dirt and debris with a protective seal that preserves the wood’s integrity. Effective cleaning eliminates harmful buildup, and a proper seal prevents moisture damage and wood decay, ensuring long-term durability and reducing future repair expenses.
Your deck must be sealed every one to three years to maintain its strength and appearance. Regular sealing is essential to protect the wood against moisture, mold, and harmful UV rays. A consistent sealing schedule prevents rapid deterioration and costly repairs. Inspections should be performed annually to determine if the protective layer remains intact, extending the life of your deck.
Leaving your deck untreated compromises its structural integrity and safety. An unprotected deck rots quickly due to moisture and environmental exposure, which means that neglecting sealing results in rapid decay and expensive replacement costs of $4,125 to $11,650. Sealing your deck is essential for maintaining its durability and protecting your home.
The sealant on your deck dries within a few hours and reaches full cure within 72 hours before regular use. It is essential to wait until the complete curing period to ensure the protective layer fully sets and resists weather and foot traffic. Proper drying guarantees that your deck is fully protected against moisture and environmental damage, ensuring lasting quality.