Question?
How often should I have my deck be sealed?
Answer-
Well, this depends on quite a few different factors but as a general rule horizontal surfaces should be resealed every two years and vertical surfaces every three or four years. These are basic industry guidelines. Your requirements may be different based on the environmental conditions present-heat, cold, rain, etc., the use and abuse, how well it has been maintained, the material used to construct your deck and the product used to seal. Maybe your deck is always roasting in the sun or subjected to heavy abuse or foot traffic. Trying to stretch an extra year or two between sealing under extreme conditions can lead to damage and premature replacement of wood.
Question?
Mike, My aluminum siding looks awful! Will power washing help?
Answer...
Many properties we inspect with aluminum siding are beyond the point of being able to improve appearance by power washing. If your aluminum siding is past this point of no return were you aware it could be painted? As long as the surface is properly prepared and the right type of paint is used excellent results can be achieved. The surface should be power washed with warm to hot water and an alkaline detergent followed by rinsing. Your goal is to remove any dirt, grime, chalkiness and oxidation, which will inhibit adhesion of your new paint. Any areas that are pitted (darkened areas that have a sand paper or bumpy feel when rubbed) should be lightly sanded. Areas that are bare aluminum should be primed and the topcoat should be a paint specifically designed for aluminum siding or 100% acrylic latex paint which is designed for multiple surfaces and has the superior flexibility, adhesion and leveling characteristics needed to perform well on these surfaces.
Glossier surfaces tend to highlight surface imperfections. So, if dents are present on the aluminum siding surface, use flat or low sheen paints rather than gloss or semi gloss paints. Unlike wooden surface, which can get thirsty and absorb a lot of paint, aluminum siding will paint up quickly and use very little paint. Utilizing a lighter paint color and following the advice listed above could get you 7-10 years between paint jobs, providing you keep the surface clean and free of surface contaminants.
So, if your siding has seen better days and residing is way out of your budget consider repainting. You may be surprised how good it looks!
