During the drying process, the ends and surfaces dry first and this means that they shrink. But, the core remains swollen. The different rates of drying cause cracking at the ends and surface of the lumber. This reaction is called “checking”. Why does this matter? A...
Composite decking materials are pretty resilient. Clean your deck at least twice each year to remove pollen, organic debris, dirt or stains. Generally, a broom or a blower will work better than a hose for removing scattered organic materials like leaves. Over time,...
In Colorado, tongue and groove siding is an effective way to keep out the elements. Although it takes a little more work on the carpenter’s part to install, this type of siding tends to lay flat against the building for a flush, formal look. You can install this type...
Tongue and groove siding is sturdy and resistant to damage, so repairs will be minimal. However, if you do need to replace a broken board, you may have to remove multiple adjacent boards to slide each tongue into its corresponding groove.
When installing tongue and groove siding, many homeowners wonder how to approach the edges of each board. Rather than caulking, many contractors suggest installing a joint flashing behind each tongue and groove joint. This intercepts and redirects the flow of water...