1. Check the damage
2. Determine the size of the damage
3. Clean the fence
4. Replace or repair the fence
5. Paint or stain the fence

1. Check the damage

Use a pry bar to check the areas of your fence which are broken. In case there are nails fixed to the wooden posts of your fence, use a pair of pliers to remove them. You need to always wear a pair of work gloves when you are mending a fence which was broken in bad weather.

2. Determine the size of the damage

Measure the broken sections of the fence by using a tape measure. Buy a new supply of wood to replace the broken pieces from the fence. Try to purchase wood that matches the one from your fence as much as possible. Measure the wooden post of the fence and use a rip saw to cut the wood to fit the measurements of your damaged fence.

3. Clean the fence

Remove the surface layer of aged wood can bring a new life to your fence. With a power washer, clean your fence. A power washer that operates at 1,500 or 2,000 psi max. Use 15- and 25-degree spray tips. The power washer’s spray will slightly raise and roughen the grain on smooth wood. This allows more sealer to soak in and improves the finish. The wood’s color will brighten as the surface is stripped away. Watch closely and stop stripping when no more color change occurs. You don’t have to remove too much surface to expose fresh wood, and continuing to spray won’t improve the color.

4. Replace or repair the fence

With the fence clean, it’s time to fix or replace damaged boards, refasten loose boards and countersink any protruding nails. Remove the damaged wooden posts and replace them with the new posts by installing them properly in the gap where the broken posts were once located. Place a level on the new post of the fence to make sure that it is straight. Use a hammer and nails to fix the posts to the frame of the fence. Make sure to hammer down the nails in even spaces between one another so that the new post is firmly fixed to the fence’s frame.

5. Paint or stain the fence

Before applying the stain, be sure the fence is dry. Allow at least 24 hours. If it’s cool and humid, allow another 24 hours. Apply paint to the surface of your wooden fence. Make sure that you using exterior paint of a very good quality to paint the fence. Let the exterior paint dry thoroughly after you finish painting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Painting the fence is optional but it is a very good idea because it conceals the storm damage repair. To preserve the natural color of the wood, use an exterior semitransparent oil stain. It seals the wood while allowing the grain and color variations to show through. And its pigments add an overall color tone. Make sure the stain contains ultraviolet inhibitors, which will slow down bleaching by sunlight, and a mildewcide to slow fungal growth. Look for samples on cedar at the paint store, or bring in your own piece of wood to test. A test sample is the best way to ensure a satisfactory result. Most semitransparent oil stains are guaranteed to last two to five years. (Solid-color stains last longer but are more difficult to renew.) Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Plan on recoating the fence within this time frame to keep your fence looking fresh. Before recoating, wash the fence with a garden hose sprayer and use a bristle brush on stubborn dirt deposits and stains. Let the fence dry and stain it using the same method.

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Colour Theory

Painting, repainting or staining your fence with a complimentary colour that elevates your overall exterior design is going to contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, and likely increase the value if done well, so be sure to choose wisely!

The easiest way to find a winning paint or stain colour for your fence is to find a colour that complements the colour palette of your home, and the surrounding neighbourhood. You don’t want to be the neighbour with the bright blue fence in a sea of beige that you can see from two blocks over.

Get a “Green Light”

If you have a homeowners’ association or a neighbourhood beautification committee, etc., you are going to be required to get the “green light” from them before moving forward with painting or staining any of your fences, gates, or pretty much anything else on the exterior of your home.

Many neighbourhoods require homeowners to stick to a neutral colour scheme. This may include variations of beige, brown, black, and perhaps even subdued natural colours like a deep green, burgundy, or blue, but it is best to clarify before moving forward with a big project. If you neglect to obtain the required approvals, you could be forced to refinish your fence and other parts of the home’s exterior in a new colour – a frustrating, costly and time-consuming mistake.

Consult Your Neighbours!

Even if you only intend to paint or stain the area of fence that is on your property, you still need to make sure that you talk to your neighbours before you tackle this kind of project.

A quick heads-up will let them know what you’re up to, and may also give them the motivation to tackle this project at the same time. This provides the opportunity to colour-match, and even share the cost on materials – not to mention the opportunity to get to know your neighbours a little better!

The post How to Choose the CORRECT Paint or Stain for your Fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Outdoor projects are relatively simple and straightforward, and most of them can be tackled all on your own. Sure, adding a new fence or a new deck will almost always require you to hire the right professionals to make sure that you get the results you are after – but those are wise investments that always pay big dividends.

Add smart landscaping to the mix

There’s just something about having the greenest grass in the neighbourhood that gives you the pride of homeownership that a lot of people are after these days.

If you want your grass to be as lush and green as possible, you’ll want to make sure that you are feeding your grass on a regular basis, that it’s getting the right amount of water, and that you are supporting your grass with the highest quality landscaping efforts.

Add flowers, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and other landscaping elements to create that really special outdoor space you deserve. The warm season is relatively short in Ottawa, so you want to make the best of it before the cold days return.

Upgrade you fence for style and privacy

Of course, if you really want to go the whole nine yards with your outdoor space you’ll want to think about upgrading your fence and making sure that it adds a considerable amount of style to your outdoor spaces but that it also adds an extra element of safety and privacy.

There are all kinds of different fence options available to pick and choose from today. You’ll be able to find different fence materials, different looks, and different price points across the board – giving you the opportunity to create a fence that is perfectly suited to your needs and your budget. The right fence selection will enhance the look of your yard and add an extra touch to your landscape design efforts.

It’s tough to beat the impact of a new deck

At the end of the day, it’s tough to imagine any outdoor project impacting the look and feel (not to mention usability) of your outdoor space more than a brand-new deck.

If you want to entertain, if you want to transform your space, and if you want to add a lot of extra value to your property, nothing can beat a brand new custom PVC or composite deck.

Capital Deck and Fence is a locally operated Ottawa business that specializes in designing, building and delivering custom decks and fences. Contact us today at 613-413-7572 or directly on our website.

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HOW DO SLIVERS FORM AND HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM? Wood is a natural material and reacts to weather changes. Horizontal surfaces, such as decks and the top of handrails, are subject to significant traffic and will sliver more readily than vertical surfaces. Wood slivers form when the wood surface is subject to repeated wet/dry cycles which cause the wood fibres to bend and twist. The fibres want to return to their natural shape and in trying to do so, may rise above the original surface. Over time, this movement will form a sliver. While the forming of slivers cannot be stopped, you can minimize slivers by applying a protective coating such as paint, stain or a water repellent that minimizes water penetration into the wood and protects the wood from the sun. If the wood has been exposed to the weather for more than two weeks, sand it with medium grit, garnet sandpaper (80-100 grit sand paper) before applying a protective coating to remove weathered fibres. This will allow for better coating adhesion.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY STAINED DECK? Exposure to the elements and foot traffic cause deck surfaces to fade. Horizontal areas such as deck surfaces and handrails wear much faster than vertical deck elements such as spindles. Regular maintenance will help maintain the appearance of your deck and also preserve the wood. A wood stain is used to protect and colour exterior wood surfaces. There are two types of stains: film forming (solid stains) and penetrating stains (transparent and semi-transparent). Stain colour varies because of characteristics in the wood and how the wood is treated prior to staining. Wood characteristics such as density and grain vary from tree to tree and even in boards cut from the same tree. For example, a portion of board that is dense will not accept stain as well as a portion of board that has a more open grain. Wood that is rough sawn, unprimed or very dry may absorb stain more quickly than wood that is smooth cut, damp or treated with a sealer. When a wood surface needs to be re-coated, it should be repaired, sanded and cleaned so the new stain can fully penetrate the surface of the wood for maximum durability of the finish. After the wood is prepared, new stain can be applied. This coating will help protect the wood from sun damage. Paint on the other hand, will completely block the sun but it can also trap moisture which encourages faster decay of the wood. It’s important to use the correct type of applicator and the correct application technique to ensure the coating is evenly distributed and provides maximum protection for the wood. For example, a roller-applied stain must first be worked into the wood with a brush to give a more uniform colour and deeper stain penetration. IT’S IMPORTANT TO USE THE CORRECT TYPE OF APPLICATOR AND THE CORRECT APPLICATION TECHNIQUE TO ENSURE THE COATING IS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AND PROVIDES MAXIMUM PROTECTION FOR THE WOOD. Most stain manufacturers provide detailed brochures that discuss stain product options, surface preparation and application tools and techniques.

Don’t forget our early bird special! View our partial online portfolio now or call us at 613-413-7572 or email us.

The post Maintaining Stained Deck and Getting Rid of Wood Slivers first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Wood Decks

Wood is strong, natural, and feels the best to touch. But it requires the most maintenance over any other deck material. Annual cleanings are a must and wood decks must be treated and re-sealed every two to three years. That still won’t prevent a wood deck from breaking down from rotting, warping, and splintering, though, which are pretty common in older decks. If your deck is really showing signs of wear you can apply a colored protectant which should add a few more years to the life of your deck.

There are three main types of wood you can use:

• Pressure Treated wood decks are the least expensive, but install with care, since the chemicals they are treated with is toxic and corrosive. They can be painted and stained an unlimited amount of colors. These decks can last 15-20 years.
• Redwood and Cedar are the most popular natural wood decking choices for they’re overall beauty and resistance to bugs and rot. They are soft woods that can be easily damaged, but they can last 20 years with proper maintenance.
• IPE hardwood decking is a dense dark wood sourced from South America that is very resistant to wear, rot, splintering, bugs, and even fire. It’s the most expensive wood deck option, but will last 25 years or more.

If you don’t mind the maintenance that comes with wood decks, then you’ll save money on the front end. But remember, you’ll need to spend a bit every couple of years to wash, stain, and scrub the deck to keep it in good condition too.

For DIYers, wood decks are the best option as there are many plans and books available to help guide you through the process. A wood deck can also be built using standard tools and hardware, unlike some composite or PVC decks which can require special clips or fasteners.

With all wood options, buy woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which indicates that sustainable practices have been used to harvest the wood.

Composite Decks

Composite decks are made from a blend of plastic and waste wood fibers, which make it resistant to rot and wear. These decks most resemble wood. You buy the color you want and there is no need to paint or stain them. Overall composites are more expensive than wood, but the only maintenance they need is an occasional gentle scrubbing using deck cleaner and pressure washing to prevent mildew.

These decks are installed using clips, deck screws, or hidden fasteners for a seamless look.

Trex and TimberTech are industry leaders in composite decking, and between them you should just aim to find a color and style you like.

PVC Decks

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is 100% recyclable and won’t rot, stain, or fade. Plastic decks are less expensive than composite decks and have closed the gap in appearance and touch to composite decks. From a distance a PVC deck may look like wood but when you stand on it there is no mistaking it’s plastic.

Fiberon Paramount PVC decking is available in a variety of colors and most mimics natural wood. AZEK is another major PVC decking manufacturer that offers limited lifetime warranties on their decks.

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Decks

Our custom decks can bring a gorgeous look and lot of functionality to your backyard. You can expect a knowledgeable consultant to meet with you and discuss your options. Whether you have an idea in mind or plan to rely on us for suggestions, we’ll provide the expertise, insight, and finishing to make your vision become a reality.

Customized deck is our specialty. We can build for you:

PVC and Composite Deck

Wood Deck

Capital Deck and Fence offers:

• Free consultations – There are many pieces towards building your perfect deck including budget, type of material, layout etc. Our consultants can offer professional suggestions and work with you to design a deck that meets your needs and provide stunning look to your yard.
• Quality Product – Once you’ve landed on a design idea it’s important to know that you’ll be getting material that is going to look great in the long run. Capital Deck and Fence uses select vendors who all have a reputation of delivering the highest quality lumber and fasteners.
• Professional Installers – Our installers are not only trained to install your deck properly, but are trained in customer service as well. They are always happy to answer any questions you have and explain any construction detail that you may be curious about so that you’ll have the peace of mind that you won’t have any headaches down the road. Our contractors respect your property and they make sure that everything is neat and clean when the project is completed.
• Product variety – Some companies may specialize in one particular type of deck. Capital Deck and Fence specializes in knowing what type of deck is right for you based on your preference, budget, and engineering. Whether its cedar, redwood, pressure treated pine, composite, or other, each product has its pros and cons. We’ll share our knowledge in each product so that you can decide which fits your needs the most.

Please take these items into consideration when deciding who to select to build your deck. There are many ways to cut costs and corners but we’ll have none of that. Knowing that you’re getting a great looking deck with quality material and professional installers is worth it!

The post Decks first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.