New Life for Damaged Wood

The wood on your home's exterior will begin to show signs of aging eventually. At the first sign of wood damage, call the professionals at CAM Door & Deck Restorations. We offer services such as structural repairs and exterior painting that make your residence look new. The following information also tells you what you need to know if you want to do your own repairs.

Wood Care

Wood is a popular and attractive material for home exteriors, but it's also vulnerable to weathering. Over its lifespan, it will need repainting or staining every 3 to 7 years, depending on the weather and the type of finish you use.

This process isn't as simple as applying a new coat of paint. Instead, you or a contractor will need to restore your paneling carefully each time.

Check the Wood's Condition

Peeling paint and surface damage are straightforward to fix, but if your paneling is rotted or damaged by insects, it will need to be replaced. Carefully go over the siding, especially sections near the eaves and the ground to identify any weak or damaged areas.

Surface Preparation

If the wood is in good condition, the next step is to treat the surface. The type of surface preparation you need depends on what you'll use to finish the wood.

If you are going to paint your siding, you only need to remove the old paint or finish. This can be done with power washing equipment, or by hand, if the wood is delicate. However, if you're staining the siding so the wood grain will be visible, you'll need to remove a small amount of the weathered wood to expose a fresh surface, which will require careful sanding.

Structural Repairs

Once the wood surface is prepared, complete any repairs necessary to keep the area in good condition. Any loose areas should be nailed back in place, and cracked or broken panels should be replaced with new ones.

Painting or Staining

Finally, it's time to finish the wood. Apply your chosen paint or stain according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do this step in good weather to avoid any problems with the texture or the drying process. Once the paint or stain is dry, your home will look like new.

Help from the Professionals

Restoring your wood siding is an excellent way to improve the aesthetics of your home and increase its value. However, it is a labor-intensive process. For superior services, contact our contractors.