5 Ways to put an end to Wood Rot

 

1. Annual inspection which we do for our customers for free
2. Touch up (scraping, sanding, priming and painting) and caulk as needed areas that may be chipping or cracks that have opened up allowing water intrusion
3. Replace rotted mouldings with PVC (which will never rot) where available
4. Use Lifetime Warranty Coatings like Porter Permanizer or Sherwin Williams Duration Exterior
5. Replace rotted trim with PVC, Smart Trim or rot resistant Cedar (We back prime all natural wood to keep water from soaking in the back of boards)

 

 

 

 

3 Biggest Myths about Stucco and EIFS and the best maintenance methods

 

1. My builder told me it is maintenance free!  At a minimum stucco will need to be cleaned, often mold forms on the north side of the house.  We have a cleaning solution that we use with a pressure washer to clean the stucco/EIFS.  Caulking needs to be maintained to prevent water penetration, we use industrial caulks and sealants that are made for stucco/EIFS.  We can help you with caulking stucco, stucco repairs and filling cracks on your stucco, just give us a call for a free estimate.

2. You cannot paint Stucco or Dryvit.  (The Dryvit web site recommends using an elastomeric coating to paint Dryvit, some stucco and EIFS has the color in it when it was installed but after 10- 20 years will be faded and may be a dated color which can be made like new with the application of an elastomeric coating.  Elastomeric is an acrylic coating that is made for stucco and masonry surfaces that fill existing cracks and bridge future small cracks as well as create a waterproof outer surface to keep your stucco from absorbing rain water like a sponge and is designed to breath allowing moisture that may be in your home to escape.  The best thing is your stucco will look new again and should last 12- 15 years before needing to be recoated, while protecting your stucco/EIFS.  You can paint stucco with a regular exterior paint but the elastomeric has added protection.  Lower quality paint or elastomeric will not last as long as the best quality products with higher grade acrylics that last longer and protect your stucco better.

3. Stucco is better and has less problems than EIFS/Dryvit  Stucco and EIFS can both have problems which are a result of improper installation, also, windows or other areas that allow water penetration can cause problems in both types of products.  Properly installed and maintained EIFS is an excellent product for a home exterior.

 
Do you want to know for sure if you have problems with your stucco or EIFS? 
Please call for a free consultation.

 

 

 

6 Biggest window problems we see and how we can repair or prevent them

 

Wood Casement Window Sashes rotting- We can repair small areas and do preventative caulking and touch up painting or we can replace the sash only with a new sash replacement which is much cheaper than a whole new window unit replacement.  Good news, you don’t need to replace your entire window!

Rotted window sills and brick mouldings- We can replace them with PVC (where possible) which will never rot.  Also, as a preventative maintenance we can caulk and touch up the other areas on your windows to keep water intrusion out.

Fogged Insulated Glass  Windows- Have a broken seal that the glass can usually be replaced without replacing the sash or the entire window unit saving money.  Sometimes the glass is still under the manufacturer warranty!  Which can be replaced at no cost for the glass.

Clad Windows- Several manufacturers have frames and factory miter joints that may need to be sealed to keep water from penetrating the cladding and frame that can cause wood behind the sash, wood surrounding the frame, siding, framing etc to rot and could cause mold to form behind siding, stucco or in the wall cavity.  Proper sealing with caulks specifically made for these applications is the answer.

Leaking Windows- Even after repeated attempts to caulk and re-caulk windows still leak because of no flashing or improper flashing, faulty windows or improper installation.

Improper Window Installation- Some improper window installations can be corrected without having to purchase a new window unit.

 

 

 

Call for help with all your window repair and maintenance questions