Every year, here in Indianapolis, we have extreme temperatures and seasons. We go from flip-flops and swim trunks to many…many layers of clothing. These temperatures and seasons can affect many things. They can ruin your mood, our roads, our suntans, and they can ruin your home. Your home is a box. That box is covered in multiple materials. Some of those materials can be brick, vinyl, aluminum, and almost always wood.
- Wood is the concern.
- Wood is fickle.
- Wood is weak.
- Wood is strong.
- Most importantly, wood is very needy.
- Wood needs care.
Icicles hanging on wood, along with extreme heat, causes wood to expand and contract. If wood is not babied, it will be destroyed.
It is very important that the materials on your home are protected. Wood can be protected in two ways. First, it is important to keep the faces of wood covered. What that means is that the areas that are exposed to weather (outer-facing areas) have a protective layer of paint on them. This will keep wood from infiltrating the outside of the wood. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, is that the joints and cracks of wood MUST be caulked. Cracks and joints that are un-caulked will allow water to get in and behind the boards. What happens next is not good. Next, the wood rots from the inside. As this happens, whatever is behind the wood (insulation, plywood, drywall, etc.) can begin to deteriorate as well. This can lead to structural damage, mold, or water in your home.
So, what paint and caulk should be used? As for paint, any premium coating will work. I have my favorites, and you are welcome to ask me my preferences, but that is not important to this post. How good the paint is will determine how often you should re-apply the coating. As for caulk, it is necessary to use an elastomeric caulk. Elastomeric caulks expand further than normal latex caulks. This is important with the expansion and contraction of the wood due to heat and cold.
So, in summary, to keep water spots off your ceilings, it is imperative to keep the outside of your home protected. If you already have a water spot on your ceiling, call us and we will block the stain, and cover up the issue to make your ceilings look great.
