- Make sure to trim back any trees or shrubbery that come close to your house. They can easily mar the siding, leaving marks that are difficult to get rid of.
- Although heavy winds from hurricanes are uncommon in the New York area, you still should make sure your vinyl siding is securely attached, as it can easily be pulled off in the case of a strong windstorm.
- To keep the siding looking great, make sure to clean it once a year or so, using a hose, sponge and a mild detergent, like laundry soap of TSP. You may need a brush, like a car-wash brush, or a pressure washer to get all the grit off, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of pollution from exhaust and smog. If you do use a pressure washer, please be sure to cover any plants nearby with a tarp!
- One thing to keep in mind about vinyl siding color, is that it permeates the entire material. It is not a surface coat. If you want to paint the siding to change the color, make sure to apply two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint. You will still need to re-paint it every so often to keep the color.
Showing posts with label brooklyn vinyl siding installation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brooklyn vinyl siding installation. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How to Care for Your Vinyl Siding
Unlike wood siding, vinyl siding may not rot or wear in the same way, however it can still crack or puncture, so it is important that you care for it properly. Here are a few of our tips on how to keep it looking great:
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Preparing for New Siding
You've made an appointment to have siding installed on your property. While you're undoubtedly excited at the prospect of a fresh new look for your home, you're also probably wondering to what extend the installation process will affect your day to day routine.
Expect things to get messy: During siding installation, the outside of your house is bound to turn into one giant mess. Make sure to remove all planters, furniture, and miscellaneous items from your porch and patio before the work begins so that they don't get damaged. If you have a garden area to the side of your house and you don't want it trampled, mark off the area and let your contractor know where it is so that he and his crew can do their best to avoid ruining it.
Get ready for some noise: Siding installation is not always a quiet process, and the noise levels might get a bit unpleasant over the course of the project. Sure, some noise here and there is bearable But given the length of the installation from start to finish, those who tend to be home during the day might want to make other plans. Remember that while shorter siding jobs can take two or three days, longer jobs can take more than a week depending on the size of the house, the materials in question, and the circumstances at play.If you have babies or pets at home, then you should know that a moderate amount of ruckus might translate into a greater disturbance if sensitive ears are consistently exposed to the noise.
Expect things to get messy: During siding installation, the outside of your house is bound to turn into one giant mess. Make sure to remove all planters, furniture, and miscellaneous items from your porch and patio before the work begins so that they don't get damaged. If you have a garden area to the side of your house and you don't want it trampled, mark off the area and let your contractor know where it is so that he and his crew can do their best to avoid ruining it.
Get ready for some noise: Siding installation is not always a quiet process, and the noise levels might get a bit unpleasant over the course of the project. Sure, some noise here and there is bearable But given the length of the installation from start to finish, those who tend to be home during the day might want to make other plans. Remember that while shorter siding jobs can take two or three days, longer jobs can take more than a week depending on the size of the house, the materials in question, and the circumstances at play.If you have babies or pets at home, then you should know that a moderate amount of ruckus might translate into a greater disturbance if sensitive ears are consistently exposed to the noise.
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Best Kind of Paint for Your Siding
Before you start painting the siding, make sure the surface is clean. The siding will likely have accumulated mildew and dirt over the years. You can clean the siding by hand washing or with a power washer. If you don't own a power washer and don't know any one willing to lend one to you, you may be able to rent one from a local hardware store.
The best type of paint for your siding is high-grade acrylic latex paint. It has great bonding capabilities and will expand and contract with the vinyl siding without cracking. Apply the paint to the vinyl siding when in the shade if possible.
If you decide to use a different color scheme for the siding, make sure the new color is lighter than the original. If you use a darker color, the siding will absorb more heat. The heat could negatively affect your siding. It could lead to buckling or warping of the siding.
The best type of paint for your siding is high-grade acrylic latex paint. It has great bonding capabilities and will expand and contract with the vinyl siding without cracking. Apply the paint to the vinyl siding when in the shade if possible.
If you decide to use a different color scheme for the siding, make sure the new color is lighter than the original. If you use a darker color, the siding will absorb more heat. The heat could negatively affect your siding. It could lead to buckling or warping of the siding.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
What the Siding Experts Say
Siding experts have also found that longer panels create a more aesthetic and secure installation. When panels are 20' to 25' long, smaller houses can enjoy a seamless finish. Larger houses will have the fewest number of seams possible. This also makes the finished product tighter, more weather proof and stronger.
When you choose vinyl siding, you will have your choice of a wide range of colors and grains. You can choose something that resembles a traditional wood grain, or a completely smooth finish. Colors range from neutral earth tones, to slightly brighter reds and blues. You also are not limited to traditional, horizontal siding.
You can choose siding that has additional insulation on the back of it to make your home even warmer on those cold winter nights. You can select siding that installs in lines vertically or horizontally. Or you can go for a highly traditional look with siding that looks like cedar shakes or shingles. Vinyl siding can be installed by roofing contractors as well as siding contractors.
When you choose vinyl siding, you will have your choice of a wide range of colors and grains. You can choose something that resembles a traditional wood grain, or a completely smooth finish. Colors range from neutral earth tones, to slightly brighter reds and blues. You also are not limited to traditional, horizontal siding.
You can choose siding that has additional insulation on the back of it to make your home even warmer on those cold winter nights. You can select siding that installs in lines vertically or horizontally. Or you can go for a highly traditional look with siding that looks like cedar shakes or shingles. Vinyl siding can be installed by roofing contractors as well as siding contractors.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Where to Find the Professional Siding Installers
Another option that you have is searching the Internet for siding businesses around you. One good thing about using the Internet is that there are often reviews and discussion boards on the siding companies. The reviews that are found here should be taken for what they are since you do not know exactly who is posting them or how their siding turned out.
The last option you have when searching for someone to install siding on your home is the phone book. You can look up a variety of different things including both siding and construction. If the company that you contact does not do siding they may be able to refer you to another company that does specialize in installing siding.
Installing siding is a big project. You should only consider putting up your own siding if you have experience with the type of siding that you are installing and feel comfortable that you can do a good job installing it. If you install your siding wrong you may have to have it removed and reinstalled a few years down the road. Make sure your siding is installed as it should be and that the siding is maintained after it is put up. This way you will be able to maximize the life of your exterior siding.
The last option you have when searching for someone to install siding on your home is the phone book. You can look up a variety of different things including both siding and construction. If the company that you contact does not do siding they may be able to refer you to another company that does specialize in installing siding.
Installing siding is a big project. You should only consider putting up your own siding if you have experience with the type of siding that you are installing and feel comfortable that you can do a good job installing it. If you install your siding wrong you may have to have it removed and reinstalled a few years down the road. Make sure your siding is installed as it should be and that the siding is maintained after it is put up. This way you will be able to maximize the life of your exterior siding.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Right People to Install Your Siding
Vinyl Siding is a very popular option when people are finishing the exterior of their homes. Since siding is fairly easy to install and can look great even years after it is installed when maintained properly. When you are considering installing siding you will need to decide if you feel comfortable enough putting the siding up yourself or if you would rather find a professional to do it for you.
There are many different types of siding so before construction even starts you will want to look at the different siding options that are available and choose the option that will work best for you. You will want to consider the look that you are going for, the type of weather you have around your home, rules for siding that the local home owners association may have, and any local government laws dealing with different siding materials and types.
If you decide to have a professional install your siding you have a few different options to find a suitable installer. Your first option is getting referrals from friends, neighbors or relatives in your area that have recently added siding to their homes. By asking for referrals you will hopefully find a siding professional that you can trust to do a good job installing the siding for a price that is competitive and fair.
There are many different types of siding so before construction even starts you will want to look at the different siding options that are available and choose the option that will work best for you. You will want to consider the look that you are going for, the type of weather you have around your home, rules for siding that the local home owners association may have, and any local government laws dealing with different siding materials and types.
If you decide to have a professional install your siding you have a few different options to find a suitable installer. Your first option is getting referrals from friends, neighbors or relatives in your area that have recently added siding to their homes. By asking for referrals you will hopefully find a siding professional that you can trust to do a good job installing the siding for a price that is competitive and fair.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ever Thought About Vertical Siding?
If you want to enjoy the benefits of vinyl siding but want to have a more unique look, you might want to consider vertical siding. Horizontal siding is the more common method, but vertical may look even better given your style of house and preferences.
Vinyl siding can offer cost and feature benefits. The siding will handle severe weather without losing its quality and requires very little maintenance. Vertical siding is no different from the more traditional horizontal siding, meaning you can enjoy all the benefits of siding while adding a unique twist.
Your home can be given a new siding job with either complete vertical siding or vertical siding in addition to horizontal siding. Look at the shape of your home and see which option works the best in your situation. For example, some homes have vertical siding on the top half and horizontal siding on the bottom half.
If you do too much mixing with the vertical and horizontal siding, it may detract from you home's overall appearance. Also, too much detail can add to the cost if the installer has to keep switching from horizontal to vertical. Look for patterns and find certain features of the house that could benefit from the contrast.
Vinyl siding can offer cost and feature benefits. The siding will handle severe weather without losing its quality and requires very little maintenance. Vertical siding is no different from the more traditional horizontal siding, meaning you can enjoy all the benefits of siding while adding a unique twist.
Your home can be given a new siding job with either complete vertical siding or vertical siding in addition to horizontal siding. Look at the shape of your home and see which option works the best in your situation. For example, some homes have vertical siding on the top half and horizontal siding on the bottom half.
If you do too much mixing with the vertical and horizontal siding, it may detract from you home's overall appearance. Also, too much detail can add to the cost if the installer has to keep switching from horizontal to vertical. Look for patterns and find certain features of the house that could benefit from the contrast.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
To Know About Your Siding
First and foremost, siding is applied to the outermost layer of a wall during building construction. It is meant to protect the house from the effects of hostile weather. It also allows water to be shed so that it does not damage the building.
Different types of material can be used as siding. The exterior cladding of a building can consist of wood, plastic or composite materials. This can be directly attached to the building structure or framework by means of studs. It can also be fastened via an intermediate layer of horizontal planks, termed "sheathing". Building paper is another important part the exterior cladding of a building, as it is the base to which the cladding is attached.
There are a large variety of materials that can be used on the exterior of a building. These include wood, stucco, cement, brick or brick veneers and even steel. The material you use should be chosen with the final effect in mind. Materials like stucco, cement, wood and brick or brick veneers give a warm, domestic air to the building. Except for wood, the maintenance of these siding materials is quite easy, and no extra painting needs to be done.
Steel is an extremely durable material that is capable of withstanding the expansion and contraction brought about by temperature changes. There is no worry about making the building look cold and forbidding as it is available in wood veneers as well.
When you plan to install the exterior cladding for your building project, it is important to pay attention to the workmanship. This is because even the best and most long-lasting materials will not be effective if they are installed in a slipshod manner. Don't be shy to ask questions of your building contractor. Or, if you're doing the work yourself, read all you can about the task before you begin.
Different types of material can be used as siding. The exterior cladding of a building can consist of wood, plastic or composite materials. This can be directly attached to the building structure or framework by means of studs. It can also be fastened via an intermediate layer of horizontal planks, termed "sheathing". Building paper is another important part the exterior cladding of a building, as it is the base to which the cladding is attached.
There are a large variety of materials that can be used on the exterior of a building. These include wood, stucco, cement, brick or brick veneers and even steel. The material you use should be chosen with the final effect in mind. Materials like stucco, cement, wood and brick or brick veneers give a warm, domestic air to the building. Except for wood, the maintenance of these siding materials is quite easy, and no extra painting needs to be done.
Steel is an extremely durable material that is capable of withstanding the expansion and contraction brought about by temperature changes. There is no worry about making the building look cold and forbidding as it is available in wood veneers as well.
When you plan to install the exterior cladding for your building project, it is important to pay attention to the workmanship. This is because even the best and most long-lasting materials will not be effective if they are installed in a slipshod manner. Don't be shy to ask questions of your building contractor. Or, if you're doing the work yourself, read all you can about the task before you begin.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Increase the Value of Your Home!
You need not spend a whole lot of money to give your house a great makeover. You only need to use innovatively designed and attractive sidings like vinyl sidings in order to give your house a good face lift. These vinyl sidings are available in many colors and the good thing about them is the fact that they can be fitted over wood, bricks and over concrete as well. It is this flexibility of the material along with its insulation qualities that has made it the preferred material for sidings. When such sidings are fitted by the right kind of contractor, the job can be done in quick time and without much hassle to you.
With new vinyl sidings, your home can get an upgraded look pretty quickly and thanks to trendy colors, you can go ahead and match these sidings with the colors you have on the window and door frames. That itself will lend a new character to your home and its value will appreciate.
The advantages of vinyl sidings over aluminum ones or that of aluminum over vinyl is debatable and is a question of individual choice. One advantage is that color of vinyl sidings remain solid and do not get spoilt. With aluminum sidings, due to the paint being baked, upon scratching, the paint can peel off and the metal can get exposed.
New sidings thus have a lot of advantages to offer. They offer a cost effective way to revamp your house and due to savings they can provide in terms of energy, they are a worthwhile investment to go for. The great improvement they provide in looks is yet another factor why they are being preferred by many house owners, especially where properties are some years old and the owners cannot afford going for a new house.
Bronx · Belmont · Concourse · Concourse Village · Mount Eden NY · Fordham · Mott Haven · Port Morris · Melrose · · East Morrisania NY · Hunts Point · Longwood · Highbridge · Morris Heights · Tremont/East Tremont · · University Heights · West Farms · Riverdale · Fieldston · Spuytem Duyvil/South Riverdale NY· Central Riverdale · Hudson Hill · North Riverdale · Kingsbridge · Kingsbridge Heights · Marble Hill · Woodland NY · Bedford · Fordham-Bedford · Morrisania · Mount Hope NY · Northwood
With new vinyl sidings, your home can get an upgraded look pretty quickly and thanks to trendy colors, you can go ahead and match these sidings with the colors you have on the window and door frames. That itself will lend a new character to your home and its value will appreciate.
The advantages of vinyl sidings over aluminum ones or that of aluminum over vinyl is debatable and is a question of individual choice. One advantage is that color of vinyl sidings remain solid and do not get spoilt. With aluminum sidings, due to the paint being baked, upon scratching, the paint can peel off and the metal can get exposed.
New sidings thus have a lot of advantages to offer. They offer a cost effective way to revamp your house and due to savings they can provide in terms of energy, they are a worthwhile investment to go for. The great improvement they provide in looks is yet another factor why they are being preferred by many house owners, especially where properties are some years old and the owners cannot afford going for a new house.
Bronx · Belmont · Concourse · Concourse Village · Mount Eden NY · Fordham · Mott Haven · Port Morris · Melrose · · East Morrisania NY · Hunts Point · Longwood · Highbridge · Morris Heights · Tremont/East Tremont · · University Heights · West Farms · Riverdale · Fieldston · Spuytem Duyvil/South Riverdale NY· Central Riverdale · Hudson Hill · North Riverdale · Kingsbridge · Kingsbridge Heights · Marble Hill · Woodland NY · Bedford · Fordham-Bedford · Morrisania · Mount Hope NY · Northwood
Friday, August 20, 2010
Vinyl Siding is Beautiful
Tired of that old run down looking house you've been living in? Why not upgrade your home to a new look and increase the value of your home in the process. You can have the home of your dreams and it's not as hard as you think. Your old home may be run down and the paint may be thirty years old and peeling off, but you can have the best looking house in your neighborhood.
How? Just give it a new face lift with colorful and easy to maintain vinyl siding. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and you can choose the one thats right for you. Your 100 year old house can look new again and the cost won't put you in the poor farm either.
Vinyl siding can be applied over brick structures and it can also be applied over wood and concrete structures. Vinyl siding looks great and it's insulation qualities wrap the entire home in warmth and comfort. The entire project will be completed in a short amount of time if done by a reputable contractor of your choosing.
You can have your old home looking brand new and bright and shiny with new siding. Your entire home will match with the same bold colors you select and your window and door trim will match also. The value of your old home will sky rocket and if you ever decide to sell your home, you'll receive higher offers for it.
Brooklyn · Bath Beach · Bay Ridge · Bensonhurst · Bergen Beach · Borough Park · Brighton Beach · Brooklyn Heights · Caharise · Coney Island · Ditmas Park · Ditmas Park West · Downtown Brooklyn · Dyker Heights · Flatbush · For Hamilton · Fulton Ferry · Gowanus · Gravesend · Greenpoint · Greenwood Heights · Manhattan Beach · Manhattan Terrace · Mill Basin · Mill Island · Ocean Hill · Park Slop · Prospect Lefferts Garden · Prospect Heights · Prospect Park South · Sea Gate · Sheepshead Bay · Souther Park Slope · Sunset Park · Williamsburg
How? Just give it a new face lift with colorful and easy to maintain vinyl siding. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and you can choose the one thats right for you. Your 100 year old house can look new again and the cost won't put you in the poor farm either.
Vinyl siding can be applied over brick structures and it can also be applied over wood and concrete structures. Vinyl siding looks great and it's insulation qualities wrap the entire home in warmth and comfort. The entire project will be completed in a short amount of time if done by a reputable contractor of your choosing.
You can have your old home looking brand new and bright and shiny with new siding. Your entire home will match with the same bold colors you select and your window and door trim will match also. The value of your old home will sky rocket and if you ever decide to sell your home, you'll receive higher offers for it.
Brooklyn · Bath Beach · Bay Ridge · Bensonhurst · Bergen Beach · Borough Park · Brighton Beach · Brooklyn Heights · Caharise · Coney Island · Ditmas Park · Ditmas Park West · Downtown Brooklyn · Dyker Heights · Flatbush · For Hamilton · Fulton Ferry · Gowanus · Gravesend · Greenpoint · Greenwood Heights · Manhattan Beach · Manhattan Terrace · Mill Basin · Mill Island · Ocean Hill · Park Slop · Prospect Lefferts Garden · Prospect Heights · Prospect Park South · Sea Gate · Sheepshead Bay · Souther Park Slope · Sunset Park · Williamsburg
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Choosing Vinyl or Aluminum for Your New York House
The Difference Between Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
Q. What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?
A. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness from .040 - .046. Aluminum siding is a formed material, typically .019" thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum siding has a baked on enamel paint finish.
Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is over twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during the wintertime. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round despite the temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater fluctuation than aluminum siding.
As mentioned before, vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if it is scratched, the color won't change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel finish, and if scratched, the paint will be removed and the bare metal below will be visible. However, due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum siding takes paint better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended to paint vinyl.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/vinlyandaluminumsidi#ixzz0uu6Z9ARq
Q. What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?
A. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness from .040 - .046. Aluminum siding is a formed material, typically .019" thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum siding has a baked on enamel paint finish.
Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is over twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during the wintertime. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round despite the temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater fluctuation than aluminum siding.
As mentioned before, vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if it is scratched, the color won't change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel finish, and if scratched, the paint will be removed and the bare metal below will be visible. However, due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum siding takes paint better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended to paint vinyl.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/vinlyandaluminumsidi#ixzz0uu6Z9ARq
Benefits and Improvements in Vinyl Siding
As a result of recent improvements to the appearance and durability of vinyl siding in New York, vinyl siding is growing in popularity again. Vinyl also continues to be a cheaper option than many other siding choices and it is easy to install. Vinyl costs about $170.00 per square foot installed, excluding trim. By comparison, cedar clapboard costs over $4.00 per square foot installed.
Ultimately, vinyl is still a popular choice today for the same reason it was popular in the 50's - you don't have to paint it. This is a pretty big deal for most homeowners.
Vinyl is a a type of plastic made of chlorine and ethylene gas. Together these chemicals form a powder called vinyl resin. This resin is used to make many of the materials we use in our homes such as synthetic carpet or PVC pipe.
Thin vinyl panels are more likely to sag and possibly more likely to dent over time. Thicker panels or panels that have a folded-over, doubled nailing hem tend to be stiffer and more durable. The thinnest vinyl panels are ..035 inch thick up to .055-inch thick siding for the thickest panels.
Vinyl installation Bronx is not good for areas prone to high winds because it is not fastened as securely as wood siding to the house. Vinyl hangs loosly from nails at the top of each panel, allowing it to expand and contract with the weather.
Besides the wind, vinyl's loose connection to the house also means that it cannot be butted tighty to trim either. There needs to be clearance of about 1/4 inch. A J-channel covers and conceals the gap left. Other tirm pieces are made to mimic wood trim. These include soffits, rake boards and crown moldings.
Vinyl also has visible seams where the vinyl panels overlap. This is unsightly and should be installed in the most unobtrusive area possible by a qualified New York vinyl siding installation contractor.
Just like with wood siding, you need to install builder's felt or other waterproofing material beneath the vinyl. Because vinyl is so loose and it has small weep holes in the vinyl, it is unlikely to trap moisture.
All of these issues can be addressed with a Bronx or Queens vinyl siding contractor. Most vinyl manufacturers will certify installers with proper installation techniques for their vinyl siding products. You can also look for referrals from your neighbors or friends. Don't forget to check your BBB for complaints as well as state contractor licensing boards.
Ultimately, vinyl is still a popular choice today for the same reason it was popular in the 50's - you don't have to paint it. This is a pretty big deal for most homeowners.
Vinyl is a a type of plastic made of chlorine and ethylene gas. Together these chemicals form a powder called vinyl resin. This resin is used to make many of the materials we use in our homes such as synthetic carpet or PVC pipe.
Thin vinyl panels are more likely to sag and possibly more likely to dent over time. Thicker panels or panels that have a folded-over, doubled nailing hem tend to be stiffer and more durable. The thinnest vinyl panels are ..035 inch thick up to .055-inch thick siding for the thickest panels.
Vinyl installation Bronx is not good for areas prone to high winds because it is not fastened as securely as wood siding to the house. Vinyl hangs loosly from nails at the top of each panel, allowing it to expand and contract with the weather.
Besides the wind, vinyl's loose connection to the house also means that it cannot be butted tighty to trim either. There needs to be clearance of about 1/4 inch. A J-channel covers and conceals the gap left. Other tirm pieces are made to mimic wood trim. These include soffits, rake boards and crown moldings.
Vinyl also has visible seams where the vinyl panels overlap. This is unsightly and should be installed in the most unobtrusive area possible by a qualified New York vinyl siding installation contractor.
Just like with wood siding, you need to install builder's felt or other waterproofing material beneath the vinyl. Because vinyl is so loose and it has small weep holes in the vinyl, it is unlikely to trap moisture.
All of these issues can be addressed with a Bronx or Queens vinyl siding contractor. Most vinyl manufacturers will certify installers with proper installation techniques for their vinyl siding products. You can also look for referrals from your neighbors or friends. Don't forget to check your BBB for complaints as well as state contractor licensing boards.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Rot happens, even to the best of houses. All it takes is wood, water, and warmth, and before you know it solid lumber turns to mush. Exterior trim is the most vulnerable to attack by rot fungi, and it doesn't have to be very old; the trim shown on these pages was installed only 10 years ago.
Fortunately, rotted trim is generally easy to repair. (Rot-infested framing or mudsills pose a much bigger problem.) But before you can fix it, you have to find it. With screwdriver or awl in hand, scrutinize areas that are nearly horizontal and don't drain well, such as windowsills, drip caps, and water tables. Look for paint that is cracked, peeling, or blistering, or wood that's darker than the surrounding area or green with algae. Probe anywhere there's end grain, which wicks up water like a celery stalk in a grade-school science experiment. Pay particular attention to joints, which dry slowly, and to all wood that's close to dirt, concrete, or masonry. If you're able to push the tool's tip easily into a suspect board, then it's time to root out the rot.
When rot afflicts a relatively confined area, filling the damage with two-part epoxy resin is a smart option that yields a seamless repair and doesn't require a lot of experience. Here, John Stahl of Advanced Repair Technology, who restored the old windows for This Old House TV projects in Milton and Salem, Mass., takes us through a typical repair of a rotted window mullion.
1. Remove rot-softened wood
After clawing out the loose stuff with a hammer, Stahl removes all the rot-softened wood with a die grinder and core-box router bit. For an epoxy repair to be effective, the freshly exposed wood has to be sound and dry—less than 18 percent moisture content. Stahl checks it with a moisture meter before proceeding.
2. Inject borate into holes
The undisturbed area at the bottom right of the mullion is an old epoxy repair, around which the wood continued to rot. To ensure that won't happen again, Stahl injects a borate wood preservative into holes drilled halfway into the wood. Sealed over with epoxy, the borate penetrates the wood, minimizing the chance of future decay.
3. Brush on epoxy primer
A two-part epoxy primer brushed on the exposed wood ensures that the final repair will bond to the surface. After waiting about 15 minutes for the thin liquid to penetrate, Stahl wipes off the excess with a paper towel. The surface is now ready for a coat of the two-part epoxy filler.
4. Blend the resin and hardener
Stahl pumps the two components of the epoxy filler—resin and hardener—onto a plastic board, then blends them thoroughly with a plastic putty knife. Epoxy doesn’t stick to hard plastic surfaces, so the board and putty knife can be cleaned and reused.
5. Sculpt the epoxy
Using the same plastic putty knife, Stahl sculpts the viscous epoxy into shape. The mix remains workable for about 30 to 45 minutes (longer in cool weather and shorter when it’s hot).
6. Paint the epoxy
Epoxy breaks down in sunlight, so it needs to be painted. The next day, after the repair hardens, Stahl sands it smooth, first with 80-grit paper, then 100-grit, then 220-grit. An acrylic primer is next, followed by two coats of 100-percent acrylic paint.
If the damage is too extensive for a simple epoxy repair, try:
•Replacing the Decayed Area with a Wood Patch, or Dutchman
•Replacing the Entire Piece of Trim
By: Andy Engel http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20171567,00.html
Fortunately, rotted trim is generally easy to repair. (Rot-infested framing or mudsills pose a much bigger problem.) But before you can fix it, you have to find it. With screwdriver or awl in hand, scrutinize areas that are nearly horizontal and don't drain well, such as windowsills, drip caps, and water tables. Look for paint that is cracked, peeling, or blistering, or wood that's darker than the surrounding area or green with algae. Probe anywhere there's end grain, which wicks up water like a celery stalk in a grade-school science experiment. Pay particular attention to joints, which dry slowly, and to all wood that's close to dirt, concrete, or masonry. If you're able to push the tool's tip easily into a suspect board, then it's time to root out the rot.
When rot afflicts a relatively confined area, filling the damage with two-part epoxy resin is a smart option that yields a seamless repair and doesn't require a lot of experience. Here, John Stahl of Advanced Repair Technology, who restored the old windows for This Old House TV projects in Milton and Salem, Mass., takes us through a typical repair of a rotted window mullion.
1. Remove rot-softened wood
After clawing out the loose stuff with a hammer, Stahl removes all the rot-softened wood with a die grinder and core-box router bit. For an epoxy repair to be effective, the freshly exposed wood has to be sound and dry—less than 18 percent moisture content. Stahl checks it with a moisture meter before proceeding.
2. Inject borate into holes
The undisturbed area at the bottom right of the mullion is an old epoxy repair, around which the wood continued to rot. To ensure that won't happen again, Stahl injects a borate wood preservative into holes drilled halfway into the wood. Sealed over with epoxy, the borate penetrates the wood, minimizing the chance of future decay.
3. Brush on epoxy primer
A two-part epoxy primer brushed on the exposed wood ensures that the final repair will bond to the surface. After waiting about 15 minutes for the thin liquid to penetrate, Stahl wipes off the excess with a paper towel. The surface is now ready for a coat of the two-part epoxy filler.
4. Blend the resin and hardener
Stahl pumps the two components of the epoxy filler—resin and hardener—onto a plastic board, then blends them thoroughly with a plastic putty knife. Epoxy doesn’t stick to hard plastic surfaces, so the board and putty knife can be cleaned and reused.
5. Sculpt the epoxy
Using the same plastic putty knife, Stahl sculpts the viscous epoxy into shape. The mix remains workable for about 30 to 45 minutes (longer in cool weather and shorter when it’s hot).
6. Paint the epoxy
Epoxy breaks down in sunlight, so it needs to be painted. The next day, after the repair hardens, Stahl sands it smooth, first with 80-grit paper, then 100-grit, then 220-grit. An acrylic primer is next, followed by two coats of 100-percent acrylic paint.
If the damage is too extensive for a simple epoxy repair, try:
•Replacing the Decayed Area with a Wood Patch, or Dutchman
•Replacing the Entire Piece of Trim
By: Andy Engel http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20171567,00.html
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