Protect Your House Exterior from Wisconsin Weather Extremes
|
Wisconsin weather puts a lot of wear and tear on house exteriors, and this year has been exceptional with so much rain. Aside from your roof, siding is the biggest surface area protecting your home, so it’s important to weather seal it properly.
Wood, metal and fiber cement siding all require protective coatings to prevent moisture rot or rust and keep them looking good. It's not just about looks - weather sealing protects your home. |
|
“If you have siding or an exterior door or trim that’s peeling, that’s a maintenance issue that should be addressed,” says Brian Schwaller. “If wood is not protected from moisture it will rot. Exposed metal will rust. It costs far more to replace these things than it does to keep them painted.”
How often does wood siding need to be painted or stained?
The answer depends on the quality of the products used and if they are applied properly. In general, a semi-transparent stain should last about 2 to 5 years. A solid color stain should last about 8 years. Professional grade exterior paint should last 10 years or more with proper prep and application.
Wood decks are another area that require regular maintenance, not only to prevent deterioration but also for safety reasons. “If a deck looks dark, and gets slimy when it rains, that’s mold and mildew,” Schwaller says. “Not only is the mold “eating’ the wood of the deck, I’ve seen people fall on decks that were not cleaned and maintained properly. That creates a liability issue.”
The window for exterior painting projects in Wisconsin is shorter this year due to all the rain, so it’s best to schedule an estimate and book your project as soon as possible.
How often does wood siding need to be painted or stained?
The answer depends on the quality of the products used and if they are applied properly. In general, a semi-transparent stain should last about 2 to 5 years. A solid color stain should last about 8 years. Professional grade exterior paint should last 10 years or more with proper prep and application.
Wood decks are another area that require regular maintenance, not only to prevent deterioration but also for safety reasons. “If a deck looks dark, and gets slimy when it rains, that’s mold and mildew,” Schwaller says. “Not only is the mold “eating’ the wood of the deck, I’ve seen people fall on decks that were not cleaned and maintained properly. That creates a liability issue.”
The window for exterior painting projects in Wisconsin is shorter this year due to all the rain, so it’s best to schedule an estimate and book your project as soon as possible.
