Barnwood Exteriors: Elastomeric Protection

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

Q: I have a 16-year-old A-frame house that has a pine (board and batting) exterior. The boards are natural and are now withered and turning gray. What would you suggest to do to preserve the wood and cut down on maintenance?

A: If you want to keep the wood and not have to paint very often, I suggest looking into an elastomeric coating. It is thicker than paint and can last well over ten years. Most professional painters can apply it for you.

If you want an insulating product, check out TechWallPlus or Oracle vinyl siding manufactured by Vipco (http://www.vinyl-siding.com). They have a 4.5 R value, have earned the Energy Star insulating logo and carry a no-nonsense lifetime guarantee. You could also add some blown-in insulation to your walls.

To find some professionals to discuss your options and compare the advantages and costs of each, please visit our site at: http://www.servicemagic.com. Submit service requests for "Exterior Painting" and "Install Vinyl Siding" (and perhaps "Install Blown-In Insulation) and let us match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck!

Kathy Maynard

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic