Exterior Painting Tips: Water Damage

Before painting the exterior of your house, it is important to pay special attention to areas of possible water damage. This type of damage may not always be visually apparent, so here is what to look for and how to prevent it in the future.

Pay special attention to trim boards around the edges of siding and windows and doors. If these areas were not properly prepared and caulked by the last painting company, there could be significant unseen water damage. Where trim boards lay flat against siding, water can easily penetrate uncaulked areas and cause damage under the trim board to both the siding and the trim board itself. Many times a board may look fine but if you press with your finger the board will collapse under the pressure leaving an indentation- a sure sign of water damage.

Water damage on home exteriors is generally most significant at the seams where trim boards meet. Removal of rotted wood is necessary. When replacing trim boards, it is best to primer and paint the ENDS of the boards before nailing them in place. The paint will protect the wood even if water does penetrate. Always run a bead of caulk along any seams; this includes vertical seams, not just horizontal. Be sure to use exterior caulk. Good quality 40 year exterior caulk can be found at your local home improvement or hardware store. Trim can be caulked either before or after painting.

Maintaining Your Deck Stain

Wooden decks often require yearly maintenance. It’s this yearly maintenance that make most people dread having a deck. If you have performed the right preparation and cleaning as well as chosen a high quality penetrating oil based deck stain, maintenance does not have to be an issue. The key is to understand is that maintenance is preventative. Instead of letting your deck stain fail and have the wood turn gray, simply reapply a new coat of stain every spring. Its important to make sure that you first remove any mold or dirt. If you already have a deck stain or sealer that is intact, you can mix one part household bleach to two parts water and add a squirt of dish cleaning liquid like Dawn™. Use a very soft bristled brush (a truck wash brush works well) to gently agitate the cleaner on the surface. Rinse away the dirt with a garden hose. You may notice a slight lightening of color on the existing finish.. that is nothing about which you should worry. Let the deck dry for a full day. Now simply apply your fresh coat of deck stain and voila! Your deck will be good as new.

Can replacement windows be installed during the winter

Can replacement windows be installed during the winter?

Most people begin to think of replacing their windows when the cold weather sets in. Most then wonder if windows can be replaced during the winter months. The answer is yes! Most window companies offer year round service and the bulk of their business is in every season except summer. Most window companies that have your comfort in mind will try to install one room at a time with the doors closed so your house does not get cold.

Each window opening is only exposed for a short time while the old window is removed and the new window is installed. Generally this only takes about 10 minutes and then the installer can insulate the window and caulk the opening. Most professional installers have done this task 1000’s of times so rest assured, they will look out for your home.

One of the most rewarding reasons for having your windows installed during the winter is that you will begin to reap the benefits the day that they are installed. Your glass will feel warmer and your old drafty windows will be on their way to their final resting place. You should begin to notice that you heating bill is smaller which will leave some room to plan other projects.