(BPT) – There is an insidious enemy that every homeowner dreads: moisture and the damage and degradation it can cause if left unchecked. Luckily, home improvement manufacturers have discovered new ways to prevent moisture from penetrating the home in the first place. With new home product innovations, there is no reason to suffer the costly and damaging effects of rain, snow or ice.
Unique fasteners add longevity to decks
Innovative fastening methods can extend the life of your deck and provide a beautiful fastener-free surface that also stands up better to weather and moisture. Although there are several kinds of deck fasteners that conceal the fastener, edge fastening is the latest method. ‘With edge fastening, which delivers real screws into the edge of the deck boards with a series of unique guides and drill bits, fastener-related splitting and cracking can be eliminated,’ said Greg Palmer, Director of Marketing at National Nail’s CAMO Edge Fastening. ‘This can add to deck life because moisture is not seeping into those cracks and splits, causing accelerated degradation.’ He adds that the company has also expanded its warranty to cover the deck boards, as well as the screws. ‘Edge fastening works great for composite, PVC and all types of wood decks and creates a safer, fastener-free surface.’
Exterior cladding that resists moisture
When searching for alternative exterior products that have beauty and curb appeal, make sure they repel moisture, especially near the foundation or near the gutters at the roof line. It is now possible to have the look of rich wood cedar shake or a variety of stone looks to cover foundations or to upgrade the ugly space under decks. New technology enables polymers to actually be stained or finished to be indistinguishable from the real thing. ‘There are new levels of realism in shakes that resemble true cedar,’ said Ralph Bruno, president, Tando Building Products. ‘Beach House Shake” by Tando is an example of this superb realism – it installs easily and is impervious to moisture with little to no upkeep.’ He adds that homeowners can keep moisture at bay and have luxurious exteriors without sacrificing beauty.
Protect your home in every season
As if heavy spring rains and winter’s melt-off didn’t threaten homeowners’ properties enough, the hurricane season is expected to be more erratic than in years past – with a predicted early start and activity right into late fall. Thankfully, there are new, affordable technologies to quickly remove standing water from homeowners’ properties, keeping it away from their foundations. ‘Having both dependable sump pumps and multi-use pumps are the first lines of defense against storm damage,’ said Jeremy Cantor, VP of Marketing for WAYNE Pumps. ‘One example is the innovative WaterBUG Submersible Water Removal Pump, which can remove large volumes of standing water quickly and easily from flat grassy yards, basement floors, and even tight spaces like window wells because it has both top and side water flow.’ He emphasizes that having reliable multi-use and sump pumps in your home can save thousands of dollars in property damage and basement repairs.
Seal it or patch it to keep water out
Water damage doesn’t have to happen, and by having the right caulks, sealants and hand tools, homeowners can easily do the job themselves and save on contractor costs. And, if moisture gets ahead of you, there are ways to repair the damage and prevent it from happening in the future. After winter, check windows, under door frames, gutter lines, concrete and other vulnerable areas that need sealing or patching. Very often, the simple act of sealing these areas with the right type of caulk can make a big difference in keeping out moisture. ‘One of the most popular sealants on the market is LIFETIME Ultra, which is a perfect solution for outdoor fix-ups after winter’s damage,’ said Alan Crupper, VP of Marketing, Red Devil, Inc. He added that premium acrylics like this work very well and are paintable, unlike silicones. ‘You need a caulk that has a tight seal, won’t sag or crack no matter the temperature and especially for outdoors, one that adheres well to any surface.’
No matter the season, moisture can put your home and valuables at risk, so don’t delay in taking preventative action or repairing damage where it starts. With innovative new technologies on the market, you can easily protect your home from nature’s wrath.