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home painters, painting, interior,exterior
Written by Colleen Kalil

Get Your Deck Warm Weather Ready

home painters, painting, interior,exteriorFollow these steps to make sure your deck stays in good condition.

Clean between the boards to loosen and lift out any dirt, mud or other debris using a putty knife. Don’t use anything that would damage the wood. Sweep the deck thoroughly. Ensure that you’re using the correct cleaner for your deck. Some require that the deck be wet before the cleaner is applied.

Apply the cleaner with a brush-style broom, garden hose sprayer, or a paint roller. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Don’t forget to clean the railings, beginning from the bottom up, and the stairs then rinse thoroughly. If you’re planning to reseal the deck, wait at least two full days.

Check the deck for any large gouges, loose boards, or other signs of wear. If nails have popped up, take them out and replace it with a slightly longer wood screw. If there are any boards with rot or significant signs of wear, replace it. Check railings as well to make sure they’re secure.

Remember to periodically move furniture or planters to clean underneath and prevent rot. Plants should never drain directly onto the deck. Keep a tray underneath each item to catch excess water. Protect the deck from furniture scratches with nylon pads similar to what you would use in the house. Don’t use any natural fibers that can mildew or rot.

If you have a grill on your deck, take a few precautions. Make sure there’s sufficient space around the grill so air can circulate and the heat won’t damage the deck. Protect the wood under the grill with a spatter mat, specifically manufactured for that purpose. Again, clean under the mat regularly to keep dirt and grease from building up. Clean up any spills as soon as they occur.

University Painters are experts in the treatment and maintenance of exterior surfaces. Contact us today for a free appointment at 800-390-4848 or visit our website at universitypainters.com.

Home Painter , Painting ,Carpentry,
Written by Josh Jablon

Home Maintenance Tips For Spring!

Home Maintenance Spring Checklist

Your home is one of your greatest investments and it is extremely important to properly maintain it!  Winter weather can be rough on your homes exterior, see below for some helpful home maintenance tips to keep everything in tip top shape!
  • Check the exterior of your homes foundation as well as windows and door frames for cracks that may need to be caulked or weather stripping needs to be replaced. Caulking and sealing these areas will help keep the summer heat outside and keep those air conditioning bills lower!
  • Remove storm window and doors and replace with screen windows and doors. If you did not wash your screens in the fall, wash them with a mild detergent before replacing.
  • Check the exterior of your home for any areas of paint failure including cracking, peeling or bubbling paint. Look closely under eaves and gutter downspouts for any water stains or damage to indicate improper drainage.
  • Perform a ground inspection of your roof and if you feel there are any issues be sure to call a professional for further inspection. Also check for any paint failure on fascia as well as damaged flashing. Lastly be sure to inspect your gutters and downspouts for any damage.
  • Is the interior of your home insulated? This can cut back on heating and air conditioning bills greatly!
  • It’s time to change the direction of your ceiling fans!
  • Change or clean your air conditioner filter and check all hose connections and drain pans. It will definitely be put to work this summer! Any questions or concerns be sure to call a professional.
  • Vacuum out dust from the vents around your house and air returns.
  • Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in proper working order.
  • Check your deck for any warped, loose or splintered boards. Experts say decks should be cleaned at least once a year to help extend their life

Thanks to Bob Vila at www.bobvilla.com for the inspiration for these great home maintenance tips.