Decks, Patios, Privacy Fences, Stoops & Walkways

DECKS & PATIOS

The concrete patios and wooden decks are the responsibility of the homeowner, but many Association rules apply to these items.  The privacy fences located near or on these items are the responsibility of the Association.

Patios / Decks / Stoops / Walkways:

• Shall be kept clean, orderly, and free from clutter.
• Shall not be enclosed, screened, altered, or the appearance changed in any way without the written consent of the Board of Directors.
• Shall not be used for storage of personal property, bicycles, etc.  (Barbecue grills and lawn furniture usually associated with decks/patios may remain throughout the year.)
• Areas under raised decks must not be used as storage areas.  Hoses not on a reel must be coiled, and old pots, unused gutter extensions, construction debris, another landscaping items must be disposed of.
• Clothing, sheets, blankets, laundry, and similar objects shall not be hung out or exposed in any way on the decks, patios, or in the yard.
• Shall not be used as pet runs.
• Firewood shall not be stored on decks, patios, or any other portion of the townhome to avoid termite infestation or killing of the grass.
• No floor covering of any type shall be laid or maintained on a deck or patio.  This will help avoid water drainage problems and damage.
• No hanging chairs, hammocks, or swings shall be attached to any exterior structure, or installed in or around the landscaping.
• No wind chimes are to be installed on decks, front doors, or in the Common areas.

Deck Maintenance:

Homeowners must maintain and repair their exterior wood decks, stairs, and railing to keep them safe and uniformly finished. These items must not be painted.  It is recommended that the full deck is cleaned/stripped and restained every 2 - 3 years (or as needed).  Due to availability, we have added additional products to our list of approved stains.  Only semi-transparent and solid color stains should be used depending on the age and condition of the deck material.  The following stains and colors are approved for use and available through various retailers:

• Olympic (Brand) Maximum (Line) - Solid Color - "Cedar"
• Valspar (Brand) One Coat Exterior Stain & Sealer (Line) - Solid Color - "Simply Cedar"
• Valspar (Brand) One Coat Exterior Stain & Sealer (Line) - Semi-Transparent - "Simply Cedar"

Semi-Transparent stains allow the wood grain, texture and color variations to show through.

Solid stains are fully opaque and should provide a uniform color over new, old, and mixed wood conditions.  Solids can hide stains and variation in wood grain, but still accentuates the texture of the wood.

We would prefer any deck repair, replacement, or refinishing company use our approved stains, but they are allowed to use their own custom formulas as long as they match the color and tone of the approved brands and types.  Color samples should be submitted for approval to avoid violations and fines.  Our management company can also provide the contact information for contractors who have done work for multiple satisfied homeowners in  Brook Hills West.

NON-CONFORMING COLORS, CONSTRUCTION, AND CONDITIONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE CORRECTED AT THE HOMEOWNER'S EXPENSE.  THE BOARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR TO MAKE THE NEEDED CORRECTIONS, AND THE HOMEOWNER WILL BE BILLED FOR THIS WORK.

Privacy Fences:

The privacy fences located on or adjacent to the decks and patios are maintained by the Association.  The design and construction of these items have caused excessive maintenance issues and costs throughout the years.  The Board has decided to replace all in-ground mounted fences with a high quality vinyl product.  The deck mounted wooden privacy fences will continue to be repaired on an "as needed" basis, as the budget permits.  Please be aware that in no case can anything be physically mounted (e.g. screws, bolts, clamps, etc.) to the privacy fences.  The cost to repair or replace the damage caused by these items will be charged to the homeowner.