Fast Facts About Wood Decking & Porch Insulation
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 answered by calling 651-461-9226. Here’s must-know information from our in-house deck specialist, Luke Panek, shared on 8.6.22.
What Are They Most Common Decking Mistakes Homeowners Make?
Using The Wrong Process For Wood Deck Refinishing
Wood deck maintenance requires careful planning and execution. Simply putting on a coat of deck stain without completing any prep work will likely not produce long-term results. Therefore, it’s best practice to remove the old stain off a wood deck before treating it. If you’re planning a deck refinishing project, keep in mind a sanding tool is needed to accomplish this. After the sanding is completed, a bare substrate is produced which will allow for the complete application of a deck stain. When it comes to deck stains, an oil-based product has greater longevity than a latex product. That’s because latex products do a poor job of absorbing into outdoor, flat, wood surfaces. From a time and cost standpoint, it’s often more efficient to replace a wooden deck railing than try and refinish it.
Learn more about the types of deck railings you can install.
Making Expensive Deck Repairs Instead Of Replacing It
Many wooden deck repair actually need full replacement after they hit the 20-year mark. While swapping out rotten deck boards and unstable railings can seem like a cost-effective approach, it can end up costing more money. That’s because at this point, the deck frame also needs likely needs replacement due to years of expansion and contraction due to Mother Nature.
How Do You Insulate a 3-Season Porch To Make It A 4 Season Porch?
If you’re thinking about a new deck installation, you may also want to consider an enclosed porch as an alternative to expand your “outdoor” living space. One of the biggest differences between a 3-season room and a 4-season room is the amount of porch insulation each space has. To convert a three-season room to a four-season room, energy efficient windows should be installed in place of screens or single pane windows.
When converting your space into a four seasons room, home insulation must also be added to the wall cavities to improve energy efficiency. Although spray foam insulation can cost more than other types of insulation, its use will aid in home air sealing. This is because with the inclusion of home insulation, there will be no space for air leaks to pass through. Insulation contractor services should also add fiberglass or spray foam insulation to the floor to properly seal it.
Learn more about converting a porch and energy efficiency improvements.
