Okay, so this ad isn’t exactly selling paint, just using it to make a fun point. Enjoy Sony’s marketing efforts to promote one of their new products.

A deck can add both beauty and function to any type of home. The true beauty of a wooden deck is experienced through a properly stained project. Over time, wooden decks lose some of their appeal due to harsh weather and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The amount of longevity possible from a deck finish is dependent on the initial preparation, choice of deck stain, and the amount of exposure to intense sunlight and weather.

Having your deck re-stained every two to five years will keep it looking rich and elegant, no matter what conditions you may live in.  For decks in dire need of some TLC, it is recommended that the preparation of the surface include pressure washing and sanding.

 

In most cases, latex paint is the best choice for your home. Generally speaking, latex paints are more durable than oils or solvent-based alternatives. Latex paints are less prone to yellowing over time, have longer color-retention ability, and withstand prolonged exposure to the sun better when compared to oil-based paints.

In addition, latex paints are more porous, allowing water vapor to escape from underneath the paint’s surface which in turn prevents blistering and flaking. Latex-based paints dry faster, have fewer odors, and are more easily cleaned up than oil-based paints. For most scenarios, latex paint is a superior choice to oil-based alternatives.

Mildew is a type of airborne fungus, capable of living on and/or under many surfaces. It requires moisture, warmth, a food source, and a surface in order to thrive. Warm, humid conditions, low air-circulation, and darkness will accelerate the growth of mildew.

Mildew looks like accumulated dirt on the surface of walls, floors, baseboards, etc. and may be green, brown, gray, or black in color. Before any painting project, it is important to remove all mildew from the work surface. If the existing mildew is not taken care of, the fungus can grow and start new colonies in other areas.

 

Mold and mildew have been found to cause several health problems, such as chronic fatigue, sinus problems, respiration problems, sleep difficulty, and an impaired immune system. By keeping your home’s paint fresh and conducting yearly inspections of your home for mold and mildew, problems stemming from mold and mildew can be avoided.

Mildew and mold is most commonly caused by heavy moisture, poor ventilation, and lack of sunlight. A combination of these conditions will provide an ideal habitat for mold and mildew to thrive and grow. Some of the most common areas on the exterior of your home where mildew may grow include the underside of soffits, eaves, and similar shaded areas.

Mildew is easily recognized as dark green, brown, or black splotches on the paint surface, and is usually found in damp, shaded areas. Mildew is actually a living fungus which feeds and grows on paint film. Mold spores can float through the air and form new colonies where they land.