Have you thought of having an addition added to your home? Maybe you've considered adding a bathroom in a large hallway. Hiring contractors to make this sort of changes in your home is a way of experiencing growth. You've realized that your home no longer fits your life, and you want to expand it.
Making the decision to add on to your home, or to have any other type of construction work done, is a lot easier when you know a little about construction work. You can learn enough to inform yourself on this blog. We'll venture beyond the basics and into lots of great details.
Choosing A Wood Deck Coating Product
Wood is a great deck material because it is affordable, easy to work with, and easy to repair. However, it does need to be coated periodically in order to protect it from moisture damage. If you head to a local hardware or home improvement store, you will quickly discover that there are many kinds of deck coating available. How do you choose one? Here are the key things to consider.
How does the deck need to be prepared for the coating?
Some deck coatings can be applied to a deck that has been simply cleaned and left to dry. Others require that the deck has been scraped, stripped, or otherwise treated before the coating is applied. If you're short on time, then you may prefer a deck coating that you can apply with less prep. On the other hand, if you have time to spare, you may want to choose a product that requires more prep as they tend to adhere better and last longer.
Does the coating release VOCs?
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemical substances that off-gas from various products. VOCs are not great for wildlife or water quality, and they're thought to have some negative health impacts on people, too. Some more traditional deck coating products release a lot of VOCs. These products tend to be inexpensive and effective, but there are concerns about their safety and environmental friendliness. Low-VOC and no-VOC products often cost more, but they're a better choice for the planet and well worth using if you have room in your budget.
Is the coating available in colored options?
Some deck coatings are clear. These can be a good choice if you want a natural wood look. Others are tinted or colored. If your deck has some staining and uneven coloring from years of use, a tinted coating can help mask this and extend your deck's "attractive" period. You also want to consider the current color on your deck. If it is currently colored, you can choose the same color again, or you can go darker, but you won't want to choose a lighter coating than is currently on the deck.
Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into the top things to consider when choosing a deck coating. Deck coatings come in many formulas and colors, and the best one really depends on your unique needs and preferences. Spend some time reading labels, and you'll make a wise choice.
For more information about deck coatings, contact a local professional.