Homes can suffer wear and tear from normal use, and also show specific signs of aging. It pays to take notice. Here are five things to look for in vintage Deck Houses, as explained by Acorn Deck House Parts & Service manager, Steve Kay, at a seminar held in March 2018:
- Routine Maintenance Is Important
Examine the condition of your interior and exterior wood regularly. Stain extra pieces of wood with the same stain you use on your exposed wood. Store the extra pieces in a dark, dry place (like a basement or closet) and compare the pieces to the exposed wood every few months. If the exposed wood starts to look faded, it’s time to re-stain. Keep in mind that different parts of your home may need to be stained more often than others based on exposure to weather and traffic (i.e. the South side vs. the North side; deck boards vs. window sills; etc.).
Creating a regular cleaning and staining routine based on the wood’s exposure to moisture, sun and traffic should help prevent most problems.
Be on the lookout for these issues, which may need professional attention:
- Dramatic color changes to wood;
- Mildew, mold or fungus growing on wood;
- "Checking" or cracking of wood surfaces;
- Soft wood: It may indicate the need for repairs that go beyond paint and stain.
- Weather-stripping Is Vital
Keeping the drafts around windows and doors under control is the best way to keep your home comfortable and prevent damage. Regularly check the weather stripping around your home's windows and doors.
The weather-stripping should fit snugly and smoothly, with no gaps, bulges or cracks. If your weather-stripping is worn or you feel drafts at doors and windows, it's time to replace the existing weather-stripping.
- Replace Steel Casements
Metal is a conductor, not an insulating material. This means that if it is 20 degrees outside your metal window, it will be 20 degrees inside your metal window.
Acorn Deck House Company now manufactures mahogany windows with argon-filled, low-e coated, energy-efficient insulated glass, which are retrofit to fit perfectly into the steel casement openings (without losing any visible glass).
If you replace your steel casements with a more efficient option, you'll be infinitely more comfortable in your home - plus you’ll be saving energy. It may be a financial expense, but you'll notice an immediate improvement in comfort quotient, energy savings and add value to your home.
- Be Gentle with Your Window Operators
Take care not to "over-power" your casements and awnings. Use the crank handles until the sash is almost closed, and then rely on the locking mechanism to tighten the windows into their secure positions.
Be gentle, and your windows will give you better, longer-lasting service.
- Examine Your Glass
If you're wiping condensation from sills or have windows that you can't see out of, it's time to take action. Look into options for low-e coated, argon-filled insulated glass for the best efficiency.
Then consider special needs: Glass can be obscured or tinted for privacy and to control light, tempered for security or laminated to block UV rays and reduce noise.
Watch the entire seminar here:
Know Your Home
By learning the warning signs of home aging, you can prolong your home's lifespan and enjoy it longer without the need for major repairs and expenditures.
To learn more about how Acorn Deck House Company can assist in your next renovation, download our Renovation eBook.