Exterior Surfaces

Lumber and Millwork

Wood, the most versatile and widely used of all framing materials, was used in building the framework for your home. The size and grade of individual framing members provide a safety factor beyond what is required to withstand potential stresses they will be subjected to according to the geographic design criteria.

All wood will shrink and all houses will settle. To minimize the adverse effects of shrinkage and settling, a break-in period is required for a new home. During this period maintain the temperature and humidity levels of the home to be as constant as possible. To minimize rapid contraction and joint separation, an interior temperature of between 68 and 70 degrees is recommended.

Masonry

Masonry is an extremely low-maintenance material; however, periodic inspection is necessary to check for cracks resulting from normal settling. Small weep holes were created at regular intervals at the bottom of masonry walls to allow moisture, which accumulates between the interior surface of the masonry and the sheathing material behind the masonry, to escape. NOTE: These holes must be kept open.

Wood Fencing and Wood Gates

It is natural for wood fencing and gates to absorb water (swell) and then dry (shrink). This process will cause nails and other attachments to loosen over time and require occasional re-tightening to maintain firm attachment to supporting members. Some “curling” and “cupping” of wood is to be expected.

In areas where wooden gates and fences are painted or sealed with stain, you must maintain these finishes to prevent deterioration. Generally fences require more maintenance than other wood surfaces on the exterior of your home because they aren’t protected by the eaves of the roof overhang and bear the direct brunt of wind and moisture. We recommend staining your fence. Refer to your HOA packet for stain color and additional information.

Mildew and Mold

Mildew is a fungus that spreads as microscopic spores carried by the wind. When spores land on a surface, they feed either on the surface itself, or on organic dirt that has accumulated on the surface. Mildew can lay dormant until the appropriate environment evolves. Growth is encouraged by moisture, warmth, and a source of nutrient materials, such as a new coating of paint. During rainy periods, mildew can appear on previously unaffected areas. To the unaided eye, mildew frequently resembles dirt. Mildew may be black, green, red, purple or gray.

Mildew thrives in warm, shady locations, such as under the eaves, near or behind bushes, shrubbery and trees, on soffits and siding that is frequently obscured from the sun. However, during humid and/or rainy periods, mildew can obtain a foothold on virtually any exterior area, painted or unpainted. Mildew is not limited to the exterior of the home. The interior of a home can show mildew growth in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, closets, bedrooms and basements. All areas provide a hospitable environment for mildew growth.

It is usually easier to eliminate mildew from a painted surface. There are limits, however to the degree of mildew resistance of any paint. Many paint companies incorporate as much mildewcide as is allowed under the legal and technical limits. If the conditions are favorable for its growth, mildew will reappear even though the best preventative procedures are used.

You can keep the surface of your house clean and free of dirt or other contaminants that provide a food source for mildew. Cut back trees and shrubbery from the house. Additional mildewcide can be added to the paint before application. If you want this, consult your paint company.

To identify if mildew exists, clean the surface by scrubbing the affected areas with bleach and cleaning solution. A quick method of identifying mildew is to place a drop of household chlorine bleach on the discolored area. If the discoloration remains unaffected, it is dirt.

To kill mildew and keep the surface clean, scrub the affected areas with the following bleach and cleaning solution:

• 1 quart household bleach
• 6 – 8 oz of non-phosphated detergent (such as Shur-Stick All Purpose Cleaner)
• 3/4 gallon warm water
• Apply solution and let set for 15 – 20 minutes. Do not let dry on surface. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Use this solution with adequate ventilation.

Warning: Water down all shrubbery, trees and flowers near areas where the solution is being used. Protect your eyes with goggles, hands and arms with gloves and a long sleeved shirt. Before adding a detergent to any household bleach solution, read the labels to see if they contain ammonia or ammonium compounds. Bleaches should never be mixed with any detergents or cleaners containing ammonia. These mixtures can cause the formation of harmful vapors. Wait until the surface is completely dry before applying a new coat of paint or primer.