A Simple Key For Calgary handyman Unveiled

Exterior Repairs This Spring

Homeowners,

Here are three exterior repairs to watch out for in the backyard this year:

Water Damage/Wood Rot

Staining

Peeling Paint

Deck Wood Repair and Painting

Deck wood damage can get pretty bad, especially if your deck is on the shady side of the house. Rain and sun damage can eventually wear down the protective paint. Eventually the wood may need replacing. There are composite wood replacement materials out there that hold up pretty good. Typically the flat surfaces will need replacing. Stairs and hand rails will be the first to loose paint and start to yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=u1vCo9B32JpMzTDNZeD9cw&userid=nbfcx-iFAhZSkDDHesGwGA rot. Also, to avoid accidents check for loose boards, protruding nails or anything else coming loose. See if your deck was built on concrete piles or a concrete foundation. Ensure that the supporting columns are not rotting. This usually happens right at the surface level where organic materials and water meet with the wood.

See what’s next after you replace the rotting wood:

Rust Prevention

You might have noticed rust stains dripping from the nails on your deck. Some may have rusted while others did not. Why did this happen?

There is a good chance that during your last deck repair or deck construction the nails were driven in using a pneumatic nail gun powered by an air compressor. These nail guns have a lot of power, and if you are using a zinc coated nail, the gun may scratch off the coating.

This zinc coating may give the impression that they will last as long as Galvanized nails. Often, this isn’t the case. If the zinc coating gets scratched off, the inner metal will eventually rust.

Instead of using zinc coated nails for your exterior repairs, use galvanized nails. The metals themselves are galvanized inside and out, they don’t use a coating. They will cost you 20% to 50% more, but you will avoid unsightly rust stains. If you decide not to replace the nails, you can spot prime any rusted nails with rust-inhibitor primer.

Find out what needs doing before painting:

Wood Prep Before Painting

When you are outside, keep an eye out for peeling paint, or any exposed wood on your home, fence and deck. See our article on Fencing. All exterior wood must be painted to avoid wood rot. Any rotted wood should be replaced. If you want to repaint, the peeling paint should be scraped off. Use a drop cloth on your lawn to catch any of the falling bits. Look for any cracks or gaps. Fill these with an exterior wood filler or Bondo. Sand the areas where the old paint transitions to wood. Remember, the paint is harder than the wood so be careful when feathering it out. Then it’s time to prime and paint your deck. Be sure to use plastic sheets and tape to protect your property from paint splashes. Paint from top to bottom, do the edging first, then do the rolling. If possible, paint during a cool part of the day to get the best adhesion.

See what looks like now:

The Finished Product

Now you are finished, You have a deck with the colors shining bright. You may have two complementary or contrasting colors that really liven up your deck. You can run your hand along the handrail without worry of slivers. All of the wood is sealed and smooth.