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EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE:
REPAIRS
Insects and
water are the most common causes of damage to exterior wood.
Promptly replacing damaged wood can prevent more extensive damage. A
number of different types of wood are used on the exterior of
homes.
Pine (both treated and untreated) and cedar are the
most common, though redwood and fir are used on many homes.
Replacing damaged wood with the same species is not as important as
matching the appearance.
Wood siding is available in a wide variety of
styles, such as 105, T1-11, lap and gap (or channel), shakes, and
v-groove. Masonite and concrete-fiber sidings are also available in
many styles.
Masonite sidings, which are manufactured from
wood scraps, are particularly susceptible to water damage. The
nature of this siding is such that water is easily absorbed, causing
the material to expand and separate. This allows more moisture to be
absorbed, exacerbating the problem.
Concrete-fiber sidings, such as the Hardi
products, are impervious to damage from water and insects. Because
of the limited styles available, as well as the dimensions of those
styles, these products generally cannot be used for replacement
purposes. However, new styles are being introduced
regularly.
Pressure treated pine is resistant to both
insect and fungal damage. However, pressure treated pine is
generally only available in dimensional lumber, such as 2"x4", and
1"x6". Sidings and mouldings are seldom available in treated
pine.
Some products— such as Masonite and brick
moulds— can be purchased pre-primed.
As a precautionary measure, all sides of the
wood should be primed. This will prevent moisture from entering and
damaging the wood if a leak or other exposure to water occurs. Even
air-borne moisture can cause wood to curl, a defect known as
"cupping".
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DECK RESTORATION
While a deck can add to
the attractiveness and utility of your home, it is far from a
maintenance free addition. The proper maintenance is necessary to
protect the life and appearance of your deck.
It
is a common misconception that pressure treated wood, which is the
wood most often used for decks, requires little maintenance. The
pressure treating process involves the injection of chromated copper
arsenate into the wood cells. Copper acts as a fungicide, while
arsenic is an insecticide. While these chemicals protect against
insects and fungus, they leave the surface vulnerable to the effects
of rain and sun. Even redwood and cedar, two other common woods used
for decks, can be damaged by the elements.
One of the most common consequences of exposure to rain and
sun is cracked wood. As water penetrates the wood cells, they
expand. When the water evaporates, the wood cells begin to shrink.
Repetitive expansion and contraction of the wood ultimately results
in cracked boards.
Newly installed wood should be protected as soon as
possible. It is not necessary to allow the wood to "weather" or
"season". Unprotected exposure to the elements, for even a few
weeks, can result in damage to the wood.
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Philpaint provides professional interior and exterior painting services throughout Southwest Houston, including the following communities: Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, Southampton, Montrose, The Heights, Braeswood, Meyerland, Tanglewood, River Oaks, Sharpstown, and surrounding areas.
© Philpaint
Incorporated 2006 All rights reserved. |
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