As any contractor knows, winter can be a tough season for business. Many homeowners are focused on holiday preparations and aren’t interested in starting new home improvement projects. However, there is one type of project that is perfect preparation for the colder months: coating decks and siding. This simple and relatively inexpensive project can provide a much-needed boost to a contractor’s income during the slow season.
By coating the deck and siding before the extremes of winter set in, contractors can help their clients avoid costly repairs down the road. If you’re looking for a way to increase your income this winter, coating decks and siding is a great option.
Winter Weather Events That Degrade Siding
Winter weather can cause many problems for siding, including cracking, peeling and chipping.
Cold Temperatures
Coating decks and siding is important for protecting them from the weather. In cold temperatures, a coating can become less effective. The coating may not adhere as well to the surface, and it may crack or chip more easily.
In addition, cold temperatures can make the coating brittle, which can lead to flaking and peeling. In most cases, you’ll need to apply the coating before the temperature drops below 40 degrees. You may also need to allow more time for the coating to cure.
Rain/Water
Rain can cause damage to decks and siding, and over time, it can cause wood to warp, crack or fade. To protect your clients’ investment, it is essential to regularly coat decks and siding. This will help seal out moisture, prevent UV damage and make it easier to clean. In addition, coating your deck and siding will also make it more resistant to mold and mildew. There are additional sources of damage from improperly channeled rain and water sources:
Improper roof overhang and no gutters: This can allow water to run down the siding and onto the deck, damaging both over time.
Improper grading around your home: If the landscape is not properly graded, water can run into the home and splash up on the siding, causing rot and mildew.
Lawn sprinklers: Although rain is a common cause of damage to siding, it’s not always the only one. Water from irrigation sprinklers can also be damaging, especially if your landscaping isn’t getting enough water during dry periods. Homeowners often increase their watering frequency during these times.
Snow
In many areas of the country, snow is a fact of life during the winter months. Snow may be beautiful to look at, but it can also wreak havoc on your deck and exterior siding. The constant freezing and thawing can damage the materials, and the weight of the snow can cause structural problems.
To avoid these issues, it is important to take steps to protect your deck and siding from the snow. A properly applied coating of paint or stain will help protect the materials from water damage and add protection to vulnerable areas to prevent future structural problems.
Ice
Decks and exterior siding are two of the most vulnerable areas of your home when it comes to weather damage. Ice, in particular, can cause many problems. When water freezes, it expands.
This can cause cracks and other damage to both wood and concrete. Ice can also cause coatings to peel off decks and siding, leaving the underlying material exposed to the elements. To protect your client’s home from weather damage, it is important to coat their decks and siding regularly. This will create a barrier that will help prevent ice and other debris from causing damage.
Heavy Winds
Heavy winds can do a lot of damage to a home, especially to decks or exterior siding. The high winds can loosen the coating, and the constant movement can cause cracks and breaks. Over time, this can lead to serious damage that will be expensive to repair.
To avoid this, regularly check your client’s deck and siding for any signs of wear and tear. If you see damage, recommend repairs immediately. Most homeowners appreciate the concern you show for their property.
How to Best Protect The Deck and Siding
The best way to protect decks and siding from the adverse effects of weathering is to properly coat them before the winter season is in full swing. Whether you choose a paint or stain depends on the product and the final look the homeowner wants.
Paint
While regular paint will protect any exterior surface from damage for a time, paint is not absorbed into the wood. It sits on the surface, making it easier to dislodge from the effects of harsh weather conditions. ZAR® Deck & Siding Solid Color Coating combines the best qualities of paint and stain.
It offers full color and coverage that shows the wood texture without grain or defects. This innovative formula uses Core-Shell Technology with a performance-enhancing urethane to create an unrivaled material in durability, adhesion, weatherability and color retention. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes and is ready for a second coat in an hour. Best of all, it cleans up with soap and water.
Staining
For homeowners that want to see the grain of their wood siding and decks while still having the option of adding color, ZAR® Deck & Siding Semi-Transparent Stain is the answer. ZAR’s all-in-one stain and sealer is the perfect product for anyone looking to achieve a rich color with a beautiful yet subtle sheen.
ZAR’s proprietary formulation, which is a blend of oils and finely ground pigments, creates depth and clarity of color. It is easy to apply and features excellent adhesion, abrasion resistance and proven durability. This product rejuvenates and conditions new, old and pressure-treated unpainted wood surfaces like decks premium grade lumber — without any extra effort!
Protect Your Deck and Siding From Harsh Winters with ZAR
Recommending measures to protect your clients’ home exterior before the damage starts is the best way to build a year-round business. ZAR paints, stains and sealants will give you professional results every time!
Contact us today for more information and to find a retailer near you.
