This is a list of articles that will help you take care of the Fence or Deck you own. Some of the articles will help you choose the Fence or deck you need along with how to paint or clean your Fence or deck.
Why you would Consider Installing A Vinyl Fence
Category: Fence
If you are looking to add privacy or a touch of class to your property, a vinyl Fence could be the answer you are looking for. A vinyl Fence has all of the added perks of a traditional Fence, with none of the disadvantages. In addition, they are quite easy to install.
Comparing the Vinyl Fence to the Wood or Iron Fence
Perhaps the greatest overall benefit of installing a vinyl Fence is the fact that it is likely to last the duration of your lifetime. This means you will only need to install your Fence once, rather than several times to keep it attractive and in good working order. This is far better than the average wood Fence, which lasts about 5-7 years, or the average iron Fence, which lasts about 5-10 years. You never have to worry about termites eating your vinyl Fence or about it being harmed by fungus or rot.
In addition, a vinyl Fence is maintenance free. The color you buy is the color it stays. Unlike a wooden Fence, the vinyl Fence does not require painting or staining in order to preserve its beauty. In addition, you do not have to worry about your vinyl Fence rusting or adding a sealer to it to keep it from being harmed by the weather. The sun will not change the color of your vinyl Fence, either, so you do not have to worry about how the color might change a few years down the road. This is largely because vinyl Fences contain UV-inhibitors, but no harmful chemicals like those that can sometimes be found in wooden Fences.
In addition to maintaining its color, you don’t have to worry about your vinyl Fence blistering or peeling. This is because the color is part of the vinyl. It is not added on later like the paint on wooden or iron Fences. The initial installation of a vinyl Fence can be more costly than that of a wooden Fence, but it is far cheaper to install than an iron Fence. In addition, the long-term costs of a wooden Fence are greater than a vinyl Fence because you will have to replace your wooden Fence in a few years. Resistant to weather, your vinyl Fence is destined to be beautiful for years to come.
Carlo Morelli writes for Onlinetips.org, where you can read tips on how to seal tile grout, cleaning ceramic tile grout and other home/garden projects.
Choosing Between Wood and Composite Decks
Category: Deck
A composite deck is another popular option, as composite deck material provides an alternative to wood for those who want a more environmentally friendly option. Wood and composite decks are the top choices for decking materials.
Comparing Wood and Composite Decks
Wood is a natural material that is more or less susceptible to environmental factors such as weather, temperature, and rot. Wood decks can be protected from these elements through the application of sealers. Composite deck materials, being made from a combination of wood byproducts, plastics, and other materials. The added plastic component gives composite deck some characteristics that a conventional wooden deck does not possess. Composite decks are more resistant to rot, insects, weathering, cracking, and splitting than many wood decks.
Wood deck fans, however, argue that although wood decks are more susceptible to such types of damage, they can be refinished to their newly-installed state. Composite decking, when damaged, cannot be refinished; they must be replaced.
Choosing the Right Deck Material
Deck material is a matter of choice. Both wood decks and composite decks have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to the homeowner to see which deck material works best for his lifestyle. It also comes down to taste. Some may really prefer wood over any other material no matter the cost, and some may want to enjoy a deck that will not take ages to clean. Wood deck or composite deck, it is truly up to you. Either way, adding a deck to a property adds value of all kinds in extending a living space. The addition of a deck almost always improves the enjoyment of a property as a whole.
How to Clean and Apply Deck Paint Safely
Category: Deck
Due to the growing popularity of decks, there are now a wide variety of Deck coatings ranging from conventional penetrating sealers and stains to new water based latex products. In the alkyd category, there are clears, semi transparent and opaque finishes. In latex, semi transparent and opaque.
Many homeowners are starting to use the semi transparent or opaque to maximize the protection and duration of their deck coating.
Begin by cleaning and power washing to remove dirt, mildew and old deck coatings. If you are using a clear deck coating, deck brightening products help restore a "new wood" look to the wood.. Both sides of the railings should also be power washed.
Brushes and Rollers - Once the deck is clean and thoroughly dry, start with a brush on the outside of the deck, on tops of the railing and work your way down to the deck, then in toward the house. Then switch to a roller for the deck, starting at an outside edge and working toward the house. Use even pressure on the roller on each board to give uniform coverage and sheen.
Spraying is another way to apply deck coatings. It's faster than using a brush or roller, but you must be sure to protect scrubs etc. from overspray. Spray equipment has become reasonably priced in recent years or can be rented at many rental centers. Check with a paint professional for tip size and pressure setting - which will depend on the type of deck coatings you use.
Spray railings first, unless the railings are to be a different color than the deck. Then the deck should be coated first. One tip for protecting plants or other objects from overspray is to tape plastic or paper to the outside of the railing so it can catch the overspray. When spraying the deck itself, spray evenly over a five to six foot square area, then go back over that area with a 1/2 inch nap roller to spread coating evenly into deck. Continue this procedure in sections until done. Be sure to use a large shield (such as 4 ft square piece of cardboard or light plywood) when painting alongside the house to protect it from overspray. |
