Parking in Downtown Covington

Downtown Covington is a popular spot, especially on the weekends. Parking spots are scarce during busy times and special events. City officials have been looking into this problem and have come up with a good solution.

The solution is to borrow the St. Tammany Parish Courthouse garage when large crowds plan to be in the area for a special event. A very popular event in the area, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, brings in crowds from all over.

The good news for the courthouse parking garage is that it is going to get a bit of a facelift. The city will start by improving the one-block area of the Tammany Trace that provides access to downtown from the courthouse parking garage. In its current state, it is not conducive for wheelchair-bound visitors.

“We all know that parking in downtown is one of our biggest challenges,” Mayor Mark Johnson said. By enhancing the walkway, “people will be able to park at the justice center (parking garage) and have easy access to downtown. It’s a win-win, win for us.”

The two hundred thousand dollar grant that was given to Covington from the state capital will pay for the improvements to the part of the Tammany Trace that runs between North Theard and East Lockwood streets. This area sits behind the old train depot and is at the north end of the pathway that runs from Covington to Slidell.

Since the courthouse is not open during the weekends, this is a great solution for the time being. The city does know that there is a need for more parking especially since there are many redevelopment projects underway in downtown Covington.

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Five Different Staircase Looks for Your Home

 Floating staircases have been popular for a while and they are designers’ favorite choice because they make a statement. They can be used as the focal point of a space. Here are some of the floating staircases that can set your home apart.

Mono-Stringer Stairs

When designers use mono-stringer stairs, they are usually going for a classic look. This type of floating staircase uses a single steel beam that runs underneath each tread step. The classic look is seen through the exposed beam handrails made from cherry walnut or mahogany. This type of floating stair is great for a family room or a foyer.

A twist to the design is to use glass railings, aluminum handrails and tread wood such as maple or oak. This style lends itself to being flexible and can be built as a straight stairway, L-shaped, U-Shaped and switchback styles.

Dual-Stringer Style

A dual-stringer style staircase has two exposed steel supports that are at both ends of the treads. This gives the floating stair look with a grounding look as well. If you want to make a sleek yet dramatic look this should be your choice.

This type of floating staircase makes a great focal point for the space. If you want to draw your eye down towards your sitting room, then use this look. It especially draws the eyes with dark steel sup[ports and pale steps. Another idea is to use a glass railing which gives an added safety measure.

Cantilever

Many homeowners do not like the look of exposed steel so this is a good alternative. These stairs have a hidden support behind an adjacent wall. A true floating stair experience due to only the treads and railing being exposed. A glass railing is a perfect addition to this look and is great for a modern space.

Stacked Wood Stairs

Stacked wood stairs, also known as enclosed floating stairs is a great idea if you do not like exposed steel. The steel stringers are hidden in the wooden boxes that make up the tread. So that causes the tread to be stacked up on each other in a neat fashion. This is a softer touch to the more modern looks. Paired with a glass railing, heavy wood or metal handrail make them a nice artistic style for any space.

Spiral

One that is unique to its own is the saved for last and is the spiral staircase. The most modern design of floating staircases, this style is perfect for compact spaces. The open riser treads ascend helically around the weight-bearing steel pole and are enclosed on the other side by curved rod infill. LED lighting is a perfect touch underneath each step and will be a conversation piece.

 

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Wood Siding vs. James Hardie Siding

 Both wood siding and fiber cement siding are popular materials to use on the exterior of your home. Although both are popular, they are both quite different.

When it comes to weather protection fiber cement siding such as James Hardie siding wins. Wood siding is great for insulation but as it gets older it will split, crack and splinter. This makes the material a bit more vulnerable to the elements. Hardie siding is built to withstand the outdoor elements including freezing temperatures, blizzards, hail storms, heat, humidity, rain and wind.

Hardie siding is moisture resistant due to the material that it is constructed out of. Hardie siding is a blend of sand, cement, water and cellulose fibers and will not swell, crack or warp from moisture. Wood siding will contract and expand when exposed to moisture. This is what causes it to crack and split which leads to deterioration. Mold, mildew and algae growth is also harbored in the damp wood.

To make a fire outdoors, you usually need wood, so with that being said, wood siding is not fire resistant. There are flame retardants that can be used on wood siding but have to be reapplied in order to be effective. Hardie siding is made from fireproof materials and is fire-resistant to a point. If exposed to a direct flame, it will not ignite or combust.

Wood will also attract a wide variety of pests. Natural wood is loved by termites, woodpeckers, squirrels and many other little critters. Hardie siding however is not a desirable material for any pests. It cannot be eaten or burrowed in.

Natural wood is beautiful and a timeless material to use for the outside of a home, but it does come with a lot of upkeep. It has to be painted or stained and well-maintained. Hardie siding comes with the look of natural wood with ColorPlus Technology. This means the fiber cement has the color baked on and factory-applied so it is resistant to cracking, chipping and fading.

Hardie siding is a perfect choice because it looks like natural wood with all of the benefits of the fiber cement. With Hardie siding you will have a timeless look for all types of designed homes.

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Winter Weatherproofing For Your Home

 As a homeowner, you want to keep your home well-maintained and this is especially important during the harsher winter months. Not only can weatherproofing your home protect it from the elements but can also add curb appeal and increase the value of your home.

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System which is a synthetic stucco. The material will protect your home from moisture intrusion and keep your home well insulated. A well-insulated home will not only lower your utility bills but it will also add an extra layer of insulation. This can also help enhance your curb appeal as well.

Your windows and doors can also let in the warm air in the summer and the cool air in the winter. A good way to make sure that the warm air stays in and the cool air stays out during the winter is to weatherproof your windows and doors. Replacing your windows and doors with energy-efficient ones can reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Plus a new window will boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your home.

Another thing that should be well-maintained is the roof and the foundation. A roof is very important to your home’s protection from the elements. An energy-efficient roof will lower energy consumption and utility bills. All homes whether they have a basement or not, have a foundation that needs to be safeguarded from moisture. Water damage in a basement can not only damage the home’s structural integrity but can also cause an unhealthy indoor environment.

Weatherproofing your home is a great way to keep the outdoor elements out. You will not only help with making your home energy efficient but will also add value to your home. For more information on ways to finance one of these projects look into a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

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