A Guide to Your Next Siding & Deck Staining Project
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting 651-989-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 5.2.20.
For many homeowners, new siding installation, is an event that only happens once or twice in a lifetime. This makes it imperative that the product that’s selected is durable and low maintenance. One material with a high satisfaction rating is LP® SmartSide®. Many Midwesterners embrace the use of this siding when they learn that it is manufactured in Two Harbors, MN and Tomahawk, WI. The material is aesthetically pleasing, durable, and holds up well to moisture. The proprietary manufacturing process also ensures that the siding holds up well to extreme temperature swings. In terms of aesthetics, colors and materials can be mixed and matched to create a custom look.
When working with a siding contractor, it’s also wise to understand the house wrap that will be used and why. While it is only 5 mm thick, Insultex™ House Wrap® has been verified to be R-6. To achieve this in foam house wrap, the thickness would need to be an inch and a half. The slim profile of Insultex™ House Wrap® acts as a preventative against air and water infiltration.
One task DIY homeowners often find themselves doing this time of the year is deck maintenance. The first step should be pressure washing. It’s best practice to start on the lowest setting in order to not harm the wood, which can cause the need for sanding. Oil-based finishes from manufacturers, such as Sikkens and Penofin®, do not need to be completely removed prior to new stain being applied. Special care should be taken to make sure the deck is not wet prior to staining. A brightener conditioner can also be used to open the pores of the wood to allow the oil to fully penetrate it. This provides maximum protection of the wood and the longest possible lifespan of the stain.
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