This week we are helping a couple tackle some exterior maintenance chores that may be on your list too.
Vinny and Linda recently retired and moved to this house a few months ago to be closer to their grandchildren. We are here to help them tackle some outdoor maintenance issues before they begin making other improvements.
The Projects
Repairing the Siding
We begin with the most obvious issue — the couple’s siding. The prior owners seemed to have stuffed a 1×4 at the bottom, and that quick fix doesn’t blend in very well.
An oscillating tool with a metal cutting blade allows us to slip the blade behind the upper piece of siding to cut the nail that holds the lower piece in place. Then it’s just a matter of working the siding free from the headless nails.
Vinny and Linda take a piece of the damaged siding we removed to The Home Depot so the pro at the paint counter can match the color perfectly.
I cut one of these pieces in half to act as backing for the bottom course of siding. Without this backing, the bottom course would sit on the wall at a different angle from all the others.
The new siding slips under the row above before it’s nailed in place.
Painting the Front Door
Chelsea and Linda remove the front door hardware so they can prep it for paint.Then they sand and scrape the front door. After that, the door is ready for primer.
Next, they apply the first coat of black paint to the door. Day two starts with the second coat.
The painting is complete on the front door and then Chelsea and Linda replace the hardware and add a new door sweep.
Replacing Shutters’ Slats
Some of the shutters’ slats and part of a shutter rail are missing, so we have a budget-friendly way to replace those slats: paint sticks!
After we rip some paint sticks to the proper width on a table saw, we sand them, notch the ends like the originals, and seal them with primer.
Then I coat the edge of the existing shutter rail with lipstick so I can transfer the pattern for the slots to the new rail I’ve created.
Then I use a spiral saw to cut out the slots before putting the rail and bottom piece together. Then it is simply a matter of inserting the slats and screwing the assembly in place.
Replacing Rotten Fascia Boards
Since there is already a seam in one of the boards, we can simply tap the damaged piece outward until we are able to pry it up and loose from the framing.
To replace it we’re using cellular PVC material, which cuts and shapes like wood and can be fastened with nails like wood.
It also costs more than ordinary wood, but it will never rot, no matter how wet it gets.
For the next section of facia we need to replace, we have to cut our own seam. Vinny pushes up the drip metal and shingles so I can get to the top edge of the facia board with my jigsaw.
After that, the process is the same as before, and then we caulk the seams.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Hole Saw Tip — How to Prevent Stuck Wood Plugs
Do wood plugs get stuck in your hole saw? Joe has a Simple Solution for that problem.Watch the video.
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
This Surge Protector is Flexible and USB Compatible
Some devices’ plugs are too bulky for a typical power strip. Globe’s Flexigon can twist to prevent any one plug from overtaking an extra outlet.
Watch the video.
Danny Lipford is among the country’s most sought-after home improvement experts.
The seasoned remodeling contractor and media personality served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s “The Early Show” and The Weather Channel for over a decade and has made more than 180 national television appearances on “Fox & Friends,” “Inside Edition,” “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Fox Business Channel, Rachael Ray and more.
He travels the country making appearances as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, and each year contributes expertise to hundreds of popular magazines and online media outlets.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf is a born-and-raised home enthusiast, adding her crafty skills and passion for DIY as co-host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” TV show.
In addition, Chelsea maintains her own home lifestyle and décor blog and award-winning web-series, “Checking in with Chelsea.”
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