Expert Tips for Homeowners: Revamp Your Deck and Garden

Homeowners looking to refresh their outdoor spaces can benefit from practical advice on deck maintenance, tool selection, and resolving unpleasant odors in the home. Recent inquiries highlight common challenges faced by many, such as the removal of old coatings, the effectiveness of cordless tools, and the management of household plumbing issues.

Removing Old Deck Coatings

One homeowner sought guidance on how to effectively remove an old elastomeric coating from a wooden deck. Despite the power of pressure washers, they often fall short unless paired with a water-soluble chemical stripper to soften the coating. Steve Maxwell, a home improvement expert, recommends switching to sanding as a more efficient method, particularly since much of the existing finish has already worn away.

Using a six-inch random orbit sander equipped with an 80-grit abrasive disk can significantly expedite the process. Maxwell notes that while five-inch sanders are more common, the six-inch model proves more powerful for removing stubborn finishes. Homeowners should stock up on sanding disks, as they can quickly become clogged. Once the old coating is fully removed, applying the Eco Wood Treatment will be much more effective.

Choosing the Right Chainsaw

Another inquiry involved the practicality of cordless electric chainsaws for pruning tree limbs. Maxwell confirms that these tools are suitable for tasks involving trunks and branches up to four or five inches in diameter. However, for larger jobs or extended use, traditional gas chainsaws may still hold an advantage.

Cordless chainsaws can overheat during heavy use, leading to downtime as they cool. For smaller branches, he recommends using a hand-held pruning saw, which is ideal for reaching higher branches. The convenience of a pole saw—available in both gas and cordless models—can facilitate trimming without the need for a ladder.

Addressing Sewer Gas Smells

A common concern among homeowners is the development of foul odors, particularly sewer gas smells in basements. Maxwell explains that these odors are often linked to microbial infections in drains rather than plumbing changes. A simple and inexpensive solution involves using three percent hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the affected drains.

Homeowners can pour an entire bottle down each drain before bedtime. This method is effective and safe, helping to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria quickly. Maxwell, who shares numerous home improvement articles and videos on his website, emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance to prevent such issues.

By addressing these common challenges, homeowners can enhance their outdoor spaces and maintain a fresh indoor environment. For more detailed guidance, visit Maxwell’s site at baileylineroad.com, where he offers a wealth of resources tailored to the needs of Canadian homeowners.