 Wood must be properly finished with a paint, stain, or clear sealer. Left
unprotected from the elements, it’s susceptible to rot and decay caused by
moisture.
 Of special concern is the fact that wood expands and contracts with normal
changes in humidity and temperature. These fluctuations may cause paint
finishes to chip and crack, and over time puts stress on caulked seams
around windows, doors, trim, and at corners. If the caulk separates and fails, wood rot may develop.
 Let’s also stress that no bush, tree branches, or shrubbery should be allowed to touch the wooden surfaces of your home. Foliage conducts moisture that can find its way into cracks and tiny openings.

If you have wooden surfaces on or around your home, you know how great it looks when it's well-maintained. You may have also noticed how worn it looks when time and the elements have gotten the upper hand. For the next few months we will talk more about paint, stain, sealers, and caulk. For now, do yourself a favor and evaluate your wood surfaces. Let your Property Manager know if you have concerns.

How do I Evaluate? Examine the entire surface of your house, looking for problems such as peeling paint, open joints or seams, wet or rotted wood, and any bare surfaces. Also check for cracked, missing, or dried out caulking. Flaking paint occurs when moisture collects under the painted surface. The moisture enters the wood from the unpainted, uncaulked, and unsealed sides, gets absorbed and then rots it out.

Cautionary Note

Mildew, algae, and some types of mold can not only discolor wooden surfaces…they
can also hasten the rate at which paint, stain, and caulk must be re-applied. Pressure
washing yearly is a good way to avoid costly repairs and save maintenance dollars.

Partner Post by:  Ghertner Maintenance & Remodeling, Inc.  

https://ghertner.com/ghertner-maintenance-and-remodeling/