Composite decks offer low maintenance option

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/05/2010 (5663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Q: We have a one-year-old metal door on our front entranceway with white vinyl trim around the glass window that has turned yellow where the sun hits it. Is there any way to clean the yellow off and prevent it from discoloring again?

A: All metal doors when purchased have a primer coat unless otherwise specified. The plastic trim on steel doors will turn yellow if not painted within six months. This is caused by the ultra violet rays of the sun. Once the trim has yellowed you cannot clean it. The only remedy is to paint it. 

To finish steel doors, first wash it with my Home Cleaning Formula using a scotch brite pad (not steel wool). Wash both sides and rinse with clear water. Remove hardware, select your colour and paint with a best quality exterior semi-gloss acrylic latex (EcoLogic available through Cloverdale Paint would be a good choice). It’s important to note that I do not recommend an oil/alkyd paint since it will not resist the expansion and contraction of the metal caused by the sun. This will cause the paint to crack and peel.

Q: I recently returned from Ontario where my sister and I want to add a deck to our family cottage. We called three builders and got three different suggestions.

1) He could get a good deal on white cedar…I’ve never heard of this and wonder if it is any good?

2) Build it using pressure-treated wood and on top place a thin layer of red cedar.

3) Build it out of red cedar. I have no idea what we should use and I am hoping you could give me some advice. Also, what upkeep will it involve?

A: Ontario white cedar will be fine. If your deck is going to be within 18 inches of the ground I recommend that you use treated joists. Any natural wood deck is going to require maintenance every two to three years. You may want to consider installing a composite deck such as MoistureShield, which will add not only a new deck but be maintenance friendly as well. If you decide to use the white cedar please finish all four sides and the ends with a quality sealer before fastening it down to the joists.

Shell Busey can be heard every Saturday morning from 8-10:30 a.m. on Winnipeg’s CJOB AM680. Go to www.TheHouseSmart.com for more home improvement tips and information.