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E xterior
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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SIDING
While the primary purpose of siding is to protect your home
from the elements, siding can also have a dramatic impact on
the visual charateristics of the home. In addition, the type
of siding you choose can have a significant impact on
maintenance requirements.
In repair situations, it is generally necessary to match
the existing siding for esthetic purposes. However, there
are situations in which it is possible to replace some
areas of siding, such as gables, without detracting from
the appearance of the home.
Until the middle of the twentieth century, wood was the primary
material used for siding. After World War II aluminum and vinyl
were introduced as low maintenance alternatives. Though both
are still used today, vinyl siding has become more popular,
particularly in the Northeast.
More recently, fiber-cement sidings have been introduced and
are quickly becoming the product of choice. These sidings are
rot resistant, dimensionally stable, and impervious to insect
damage. Their stability helps them hold paint better.
Fiber-cement sidings look much like wood, and with the
introduction of dimensional boards (such as 1”x4” and 1”x6”)
fiber cement can also be used for many trim applications.
All types of siding can be painted. However, vinyl and aluminum
sidings should always be painted with a color the same as, or
lighter than, the original color. Darker colors will absorb heat,
and can cause the siding to buckle and deform.
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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 2008 All rights reserved.
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