If you feel a chill in the air, even the slightest one, it is time to start thinking about winterizing the exterior of your home. Paints, sealers and cleaning agents all can be worked better in warm weather.
Exterior treated lumber used on decks, fences, stairs and balconies need to be cleaned and sealed for winter. The wood is treated against insect infestation and decay, but not against cracking, warping, splitting and turning a dingy gray.
For small projects, a liquid deck cleaner can be sprayed, brushed or rolled onto the wood surface, then sprayed clean using a garden hose. For larger projects, a motorized power washer can be used with or without the deck cleaning solution. Although I purchased and used a gasoline-powered washer, I would recommend the electric power washers for most homeowner jobs.
Once the wood has been cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood needs to be sealed. Use a sealant that does not contain a paraffin-based water repellent. I have had good results with CWF. It is available in a clear finish as well as a cedar or redwood stain finish. The sealant can be applied with a brush, a roller or both.
After the project has been cleaned and sealed, check the wood for loose connectors. A strong wind can blow down a weakened fence. Heavy snows can bring down a weak deck or balcony.
Check handrails and guardrails to make sure they are sturdy. Try to locate and remove any loose nails and replace them with galvanized wood screws. Make sure the screw is set in solid wood, not in a split or near the bearing side of the wood.
Take a good look at wood siding and trim to make sure they will hold up to winter's blast. It's not too late to think about a complete patching and painting job.
Check wood near the ground and around window and door openings for signs of decay. Use a sharp, pointed screwdriver to probe suspected areas. Remember that a thick coat of paint can hide decay damage for a long time, so don't be afraid to put a little elbow grease behind that probe.
If you find damaged areas, there are a variety of good-quality wood fillers that can be formed, then sanded and painted after they have dried. The two-part mix wood fillers work best.
Check the caulking around exterior openings. Don't be surprised if you find the old caulking has pulled or separated and no longer seals. Remove as much of the old caulk as possible before applying any new caulking. You may want to avoid the silicone caulks if you plan on painting the caulk to match the trim.
Check storm windows to make sure that the windows are operable, the upper window overlaps the lower window on the exterior and the drain holes are open at the base of the window's trim. You might want to clean the inside and outside of those windows so that you can enjoy winter's scenery.
(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home-improvement questions at PO Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702 or send him e-mail at d.barnett@insightbb.com.)
Resources CWF — Clear Wood Finishes
The Flood Company
Website:
www.floodco.com
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
To locate an American Society of Home Inspectors inspector near you, call or visit the website of ASHI.
American Society of Home Inspectors
Website:
www.ashi.org
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