Learning how to board and batten siding can make a huge difference in the value of your home. Many homeowners do not give it much thought until a problem arises, at which time they are astonished by how much older homes look like when they have been properly maintained. In other words, old siding is like a priceless antique. It does not matter what condition the siding is in or whether or not the homeowner plans to sell the home: it will be more valuable if it is properly maintained. The right siding – one that has been properly painted, sealed and maintained properly – will add tremendous value to a home.
The simplest way to understand how to board and batten siding is to picture using wooden battens as the nails for your siding. The nails are long and wide enough that they will penetrate all layers of the siding, ensuring that water and moisture are held inside the walls for as long as possible, which is critical to sturdiness. If the nails are not long enough, boards may be torn from the wall. If nails are too long, the boards will be weakened and the entire wall could become weak. When learning how to board and batten siding, it is important to nail every board to the batten, and never use drywall glue.
There are several different styles of board siding, but each one brings with it its own maintenance requirements. For example, wood siding that has been painted will need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before it can accept the new paint. The surface must also be dried well in order for the new siding to adhere to it properly; this means that it should be hung outside, and the air dried completely between coats. Wood siding that has been cedar-sealed will need to be painted every few years to preserve its appearance. It is possible to learn how to board and batten siding, but it takes time and effort to master the techniques, so it is best left to the professionals.
The good thing about hiring people who know how to board siding is that they will be able to customize the job for your home, no matter what type of siding you have. It is important that the board siding is made from materials that can withstand the weather, such as cedar or redwood. If the siding already exists on the house, then the process is relatively simple. On the other hand, if the house belongs to a remodeling couple, or is a home that has just been built, then the task will be a bit more involved and lengthy. However, with a little bit of research and preparation, it can be done easily.
When learning how to board and batten siding, homeowners must also understand how much time they have to spend on the project. The siding must be installed correctly in order to last for years, and doing the job properly is crucial to the durability of the siding. If the boards are not nailed down or stapled together correctly, it is likely that it will start to loosen and separate, causing major problems in the future. In addition, the job is far more difficult if boards are cut too short, since this results in water damage and rot.
A lot of different things must be considered when learning how to board siding. It is best to hire a professional siding company because they are trained to do the job right every time. They will also know about all the different kinds of siding, which will allow you to customize your project, rather than having to buy ready-made board siding from the store. If you are thinking about learning how to board siding, remember that it is an art form, which means that no two siding projects will ever be the same. Make sure that you invest in quality materials and make sure that you get professional assistance every step of the way.
