Our Company Blog

What Exactly Is a Quick Chase?

At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we specialize in adding to the beauty of the exterior of your home. Of course, we are known for creating outdoor living spaces such as outdoor kitchens and fireplaces; however, our design team is always thinking of ways to increase the curb appeal of a home. One of these ways is our quick chase system. An idea developed by our designers, the quick chase can be the perfect answer to unsightly rooftop pipes. We would like to tell you more about our quick chase system and how it can easily upgrade the exterior appearance of your home.

What is a quick chase? - Concord NC - IBD Outdoor Rooms

What is a quick chase?

A quick chase is a design concept developed by IBD Outdoor Rooms that simulates the look of a masonry chimney. The quick chase system can be used in several different ways, which include as a part of a appliance retrofit installation, as a way to enclose an unattractive metal flue pipe, as a replacement of a rotted wood chase system, and as a factory-built chase system in new construction.

How is the quick chase constructed?

We use our 22-gauge galvanized metal flashing to construct the quick chase, and then the metal flashing is covered with a half-inch concrete board. At an additional charge, you can upgrade from galvanized metal to stainless steel. The flashing is built into the chase, attached to the framing members, and inserted behind the concrete board. We can also construct a chase cover to prevent water from leaking into the home. Chase covers are available in hot-dip galvanized metal, paint-dip galvanized metal, powder-coated, stainless steel, and copper.

Can the quick chase system be customized?

While IBD Outdoor Rooms does sell a 2-part system in bulk that comes with a pitch adaptor that is easily bolted to the chase and adjusted for common roof pitches, we can also custom build our quick change system. The installer will predetermine the pitch of the roof, the outside dimensions of the quick chase, the height of the quick chase, and the size and projection of the top band that will be built into the quick chase.

In what materials can the quick chase be finished?

Our quick chases can be covered in the weatherproof materials of your choice. Whether you would like veneer stone, veneer brick, stucco, or siding, you have any option of material that is designed to withstand the outdoor elements.

Can I install the quick chase system myself?

For safety reasons, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) Standard 211 code recommends professional installation of chimney venting systems. IBD Outdoor Rooms is happy to help you find a certified technician near you to install your quick chase system.

Have more questions about the quick chase system? Contact IBD Outdoor Rooms to find out more information about our product.

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Why You Should Consider a Decorative Mailbox

Have you noticed and admired stately stone mailboxes in your neighborhood? You can also have one of these attractive and impressive mailboxes created especially for you by IBD Outdoor Rooms. Our standard mailbox post meets all Department of Transportation and United States Postal Service requirements and features a paper or package slot. One of the best things about a decorative mailbox from IBD Outdoor Rooms is its unique mounting system that is designed to shear away if a vehicle should hit the mailbox at high speed. Required in many areas, this “break-a-way” feature will save you from extensive property damage if such an incident were to occur. We would like to share with you some of the other benefits of having a decorative mailbox to inform you of why you should consider contacting us to build one of these custom-made masonry mailboxes in your yard.

Decorative Mailboxes - IBD Outdoor Rooms

A decorative mailbox instantly improves the curb appeal of your home.

A simple and plain mailbox just is not very interesting or attractive. In fact, an old or damaged mailbox can even detract from the overall appearance of your property. A decorative stone mailbox constructed by IBD Outdoor Rooms not only improves the curb appeal of your house and property, but it also can add to the value of your home.

A decorative mailbox allows you to stand out from your neighbors.

If you live on a street where everyone has a standard mailbox, why not stand out from your neighbors with a distinctive decorative mailbox? The basic manufactured mailbox can give a generic appearance to your street, and, let’s face it, no one wants to be considered as generic. IBD Outdoor Rooms will give you a unique look to your property with one of our custom-built decorative mailboxes. Additionally, your home will be much easier for your friends and family to locate if your mailbox stands out from your neighbors’ boring ones.

You can match the style of your home with a decorative mailbox.

Complimenting the style of your house with a decorative mailbox can give your entire property an upscale look. IBD Outdoor Rooms uses architectural detailing, antique finishes, and other features to coordinate a decorative mailbox with your home. This attention to detail is one of the many reasons IBD Outdoor Rooms is the perfect company to create a complete look to your entire property.

A decorative mailbox allows you to express your personal tastes.

Since IBD Outdoor Rooms customizes our decorative mailboxes, we can work with you on the design to express your personality and tastes. The benefit of having a decorative mailbox can inspire you to create a unique mailbox that will not only stand out from your neighbors, but will also satisfy your own personal creative expression.

Interested in learning more about our decorative mailboxes? Contact IBD Outdoor Rooms to discover how you can have your own unique mailbox to increase the value of your home.

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Advantages of Having a Pergola

One of our specialties at IBD Outdoor Rooms, designing and building pergolas and pavilions provide an open outdoor living space away from the house. The main difference between these two structures is pavilions are roofed, and pergolas are partially roofed. To those who have never seen a pergola, it may look unfinished because of its simple structure of vertical beams and roof beams. As pergolas have become a popular outdoor decorating trend, we would like to talk about them and tell you more about the benefits of having a pergola in your yard.

Pergolas for Your Backyard - IBDODR.com

A pergola gives you defined space outdoors.

Giving you more privacy than a deck or patio, a pergola provides an area for outdoor dining, entertaining, and relaxation. Pergolas are often paired with a deck or concrete flooring, and you can add drapes or screens for even more privacy.

A pergola gives you a place to grow vines and other plants.

Depending on the soil and climate conditions of where you live, clematis, wisteria, ivy, hops or grapes are ideal climbing plants to grow to provide shade, beauty, and privacy to your pergola. IBD Outdoor Rooms can suggest which plants are the best for the area and make recommendations about which types would look best with your pergola. In the spring, a pergola wall covered with flowers can brighten your day. You can also use your pergola for vertical gardening if your yard has limited space for growing plants.

A pergola can give you a bit of shade on a hot day.

While the typical pergola does not provide total shade, the beams or latticework at the top of the pergola still give you some relief from the blazing sun. You can also use fabric as a shield from the sun. Keeping the roof open on a pergola allows you to fully enjoy the stars in the sky at night.

A pergola will add real estate value to your home.

According to ModernMom, the home renovation expert Bob Vila claims attractive landscaping can add up to 20% real estate value to your home. Think of the money you are spending on a beautiful pergola as an investment in your home that you will enjoy for years to come.

A pergola can be customized with any amenities you would like.

If you wish to use your pergola as a dining room, IBD Outdoor Rooms can design built-in seating that will stay true to the clean architectural lines of a pagoda. We can also add an outdoor fireplace to the pergola to create the perfect outdoor spot for relaxation and conversation.

Interested in adding a pagoda to your backyard? Contact IBD Outdoor Rooms to talk to our expert staff about your pergola options.

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , | 1 Comment

How to Choose Your Perfect Fire Pit

Relaxing on your patio or other outdoor seating area can be even easier and more enjoyable when you are sitting around a fire pit and watching a beautiful, dancing flame. Less expensive than a full fireplace and an outdoor heater, a fire pit allows you to extend the use of your outdoor living space throughout the entire year. For those who love spending a lot of time on their patio, deck, or other outdoor gathering spot, a fire pit is a valuable yet inexpensive investment. Portable and easy-to-clean, a fire pit can function as a mobile fireplace and as a grill. As sales of fire pits have steadily increased, you can find a wide variety of styles and sizes from which to choose. Since the number of options can be overwhelming to a first-time fire pit shopper, the Huffington Post created a buying guide for fire pits to help you choose your perfect fire pit. At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we offer several different types of standard sized fire pits, and we can also create a customized fire pit that fits perfectly with your backyard. To assist you with knowing what to consider when purchasing a fire pit, we would like to share a few of the Huffington Post’s tips on what you should look for when choosing a fire pit.

Choosing a Firepit - Concord NC - IBD Outdoor Rooms

Consider Which Style of Fire Pit You Prefer.

The look of fire pits has evolved quite a bit since the only style you could find was the classic round fire bowl. Although this style remains popular because it is the easiest to move around, another popular type of fire pit is the square version that looks like a low table. This style is best for a roomy backyard as a stationary gathering area.

Know the Dimensions You Need.

Fire pits generally come in two standard sizes. The smaller size, 20 to 25 inches in diameter, usually is available in the bowl style, which is perfect for compact patios and decks. The larger size, with a diameter of 40 to 45 inches, is comparable to the size of an outdoor table.

Decide If You Want to Use Wood or Gas as the Fuel Source.

When buying a fire pit, you do have a choice on its fuel source. While using propane as the fuel source is much more convenient, a wood-burning fire pit is more cost-effective. Additionally, burning wood gives you the smells, sounds, and looks of a true campfire.

The Materials Used to Construct the Fire Pit Make a Difference.

Fire pits can be made from stone, stainless steel, copper, and tile. Since stone is the heaviest of these materials, it is best used to make the larger square fire pits that will remain stationary and unmoved. Stainless steel fire pits are also best used as stationary fire pits. Although a stainless steel fire pit is more expensive, it is a great investment as it is easy to clean as well as rain- and rust-resistant. If you are just looking for a standard small fire pit, IBD Outdoor Rooms recommends copper fire pits. Powder-coated to be durable enough to stand up to weather elements, a copper fire pit is also a nice, shiny look.

Interested in adding a fire pit to your backyard? Contact IBD Outdoor Rooms to talk to our experienced staff about your options.

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Thinking of a Garden Fireplace

If you dream of having an outdoor fireplace but don't have enough space, opt for a garden fireplace instead.

If you dream of having an outdoor fireplace but don’t have enough space, opt for a garden fireplace instead.

Outdoor fireplaces can be grand, elaborate focal points of patios, decks, and outdoor rooms; however, if you do not have the space for a large fireplace in your backyard, you may want to consider a garden fireplace. Smaller designs to fit in small spaces, garden fireplaces can still provide a relaxing entertainment and meditation area for your family and friends without taking up a lot of room. At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we carry gas, biofuel, and gel fuel units in a variety of shapes and sizes. Our garden fireplace kits come in unfinished and finished, including a granitech finish. As with all outdoor fireplaces and landscaping projects, several things must be considered in the design process according to the Landscaping Network website, and we would like to share what you need to think about when planning for a garden fireplace.

● local codes

For safety reasons, you must contact your city planning office to find out the zoning regulations for an outdoor fireplace. These regulations include how far away your garden fireplace must be from any existing structures and how tall the chimney should be in relation to those structures. Building permits, fire codes, and residential ordinances may also apply. You do not want to face any expensive fines, so it is essential to know the laws concerning outdoor fireplaces in your community.

● privacy

As your garden fireplace is meant to be a personal retreat for you, your family, and your friends, privacy should be considered when you are deciding where to build your garden fireplace. One idea is to place your fireplace with its back facing your neighbor’s yard to act as a privacy screen if you do not have a privacy fence. You may want to think about even building a stone wall or enclosure to ensure a secluded area for your garden fireplace.

● wind direction

Another thing to consider when planning where to build your garden fireplace, the wind direction can have a huge effect on how well your fireplace will work. Placing your garden fireplace where it will act as a wind break creates a calm and comfortable space to relax and fully enjoy your outdoor flame.

● fuel type

IBD Outdoor Rooms offers three different fuel options for a garden fireplace: gas, biofuel (ethanol), and gel fuel. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and disadvantages of each kind of fuel to select which type is the best for your garden fireplace.

● seating

Patio furniture can be a great choice for seating around your garden fireplace because it can be moved around so people can sit as close or as far away from the flame as they want. When selecting patio seating, consider comfort and safety. A conversation set with deep-seated chairs and a love seat or small sofa is a popular choice; just be sure the seating is comfortable and not made of metal. Metal patio furniture can be very dangerous as it conducts heat and may burn you, your family, or your guests. Another seating option is to build in seating or seat walls. Made from concrete, stone, or brick, these seats can be either bench style or have backs. You may want to add pillows or custom cushioning to make your built-in seating more comfortable.

If you are considering a garden fireplace, contact IBD Outdoor Rooms today to talk with our experienced staff about planning your new backyard oasis.

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Thinking of a Garden Fireplace