Few siding materials compare with the rustic beauty of natural wood. However, wood is extremely vulnerable to the elements and must be properly sealed to protect it from mold and rot. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step process of resealing wood siding.
Terms
Before undertaking this project, you need to know which products to use as well as the properties of your wood siding.
- Sealer: Is a clear substance applied on top of the wood siding that does not change the color of the wood. This product is designed to shield the wood from water damage. Sealers with UV inhibitors can also help protect it from sunlight. Look for a resin-based product when resealing wood siding.
- Stain: This product penetrates deeply into the wood and changes its color.
- Softwood siding: Pine, fir, and spruce are commonly used for siding because they are relatively inexpensive wood options. However, they are also the most susceptible to damage and require more frequent sealing. You can read more about each of the wood types at Bob Vilas house.
- Cedar siding: A rot-resistant alternative to softwood siding. Cedar Siding is straight, resists splitting, and is less prone to insect damage than its softwood counterparts.
Preparing your yard
Before you begin to work on your siding, you need to prepare your yard so that nothing gets damaged by flying debris, stain splatters, or cleaning chemicals. Cover outdoor appliances, patio furniture, and plants with canvas drop cloths. You may want to trim branches that are touching the house or tie a cord around them and pull them out of the way. This will keep them from becoming a nuisance as you work on the house.
Preparing the siding
The siding must be thoroughly cleaned and old layers of paint or sealer must be removed before you can apply a new coat.
- Begin by sweeping off dust and cobwebs.
- Inspect the siding for rot or damage.
- Have any damaged pieces replaced.
- If necessary, use a paint removing product to remove an old layer of paint.
- Hose down or pressure-wash the exterior of your home.
Applying the sealer
Make sure the siding is completely dry before applying the sealer. If you are staining the wood, stain it first and then apply the sealer. Go slowly and make sure the sealer seeps into every crevice. If the manufacturer recommends two coats, wait for the first to dry thoroughly before applying the second.
Do It Yourself Cost
Before you grab your old tarp and paint brush from the garage you may want to consider some of the cost involved in this project. Many of do not have all the proper tools for a restaining job so there will be a few hidden expenses as well as the obvious ones. The stain or sealer is the first that should be on your list. This product can run between $30 to $50 dollars per gallon. To help you decide how much product you might need here is a general rule of thumb. Smooth finished wood you can expect 250 to 350 sq. ft. (23 to 33 sq. m.) of coverage per gallon of stain. For rough cut cedar you can expect about 100 to 200 sq. ft. (30 to 60 sq. m.) per gallon. Now the price per gallon will change with the brand, the color, and the quantity you need to purchase. The less thought of costs may include:
- $150.00- Tarps for covering all your bushes,plants and grass around the base of your home
- $200.00- power washer and big ladder rental. Even though these items are not a must for this project they will make the job easier and safer
- $100.00 to 150.00-Brushes,rollers paint pans and extras
- $10.oo to $15.00 per gallon mineral spirits or thinner for clean up.
Before you rush out the door to the local big box there is one more important cost to consider. Your Time. How much are you worth per hour to do this task. If its a labor of love then that is one value but if it is on the Big Boy (Girl) List of things that has to be done then how many Weekends can you spare? So after figuring out all the cost you may ask yourself what would it cost to have it done by a professional.
Lets take a look
Professional Staining Costs
There are maybe variables when trying to give you a pro cost for staining your house. Condition of the wood (prep time) grounds around the staining area that need to be protected. Height of the building. All these things have to be considered to get a honest and fair quote. The range I have seen would come in around $1.25 to $2.25 per sq. foot. The best way is to get on site quotes from local providers. You can find them here for free. Free Staining Quote
Clean up and enjoy
Which ever way you decide to go. DIY or hiring a Professional. The cost and time of restaining your wood siding is a great investment in the future of your home as well as the new pride it brings when you have friends and family over.