So far, 2020 has been full of the unexpected, the difficult, and the unfortunate. Everyone is trying to keep their spirits up and plan for better times right around the corner. But seriously, who's ready for summer?

While we have a bit more time around the house, those maintenance projects that we have been putting off are more center-stage than usual. We are also in a normal time where we leave the winter behind, get a little sun on those winter legs, and make sure our siding, floors, decks, gardens, and other home features get their annual upkeep. In that spirit, here are a few maintenance ideas that are ideal to do before summer arrives, letting us completely tear summer up when it comes.

Wash that Wood Siding

Washing our home is kind of a foreign concept to most people. But regardless of whether you have a lap sided, shiplap, beveled, or chinked siding, washing that is one of the simplest and also most beneficial things you can do to improve the life expectancy. Using a light detergent product, Like Perma-Chinks Log Wash will really help remove sticky pollen where lot's of little bugs can start growing.

Finish Maintenance

Most wood finishes require consistent, regular maintenance. If you have been keeping up on your maintenance, this is not a huge deal. Clean up the surface. Look closely for issues that have developed since you last performed maintenance; examples include mechanical wear from a tree or shrub that has grown to close to the structure, or severe UV damage on a south-facing wall, and get ready to apply the correct product. 

If there is more severe wear, or the finish is in worse shape from a little neglect, then you may be looking at more removal of the existing covering and starting over. If that is the case, looking into a modern lower maintenance covering system is a good idea. There may be a little more cost with this, but it will lower the opportunity for damage going forward.

It's not just exterior products that benefit from maintenance. Is the Spring sun showing some wear on your flooring? Many modern finishes can be updated pretty quickly. Marks Lumber always recommends the Bona Mega Floor Finish, for our Circle Sawn Douglas Fir flooring. If you used the Bona system, making your floor shine like new is as easy as doing an extensive cleaning, lightly roughing the existing finish with sandpaper, and applying another coat (or two) of the Bona Finish over the top.

Beyond Maintenance – Planning Your Upcoming Summer Project

Planning summer projects early really helps them go smoother when you and your contractor are ready to go. Marks Lumber has the materials and supplies to help you make your project look the best and have that authentic Montana feel. Are you building a loafing shed or horse barn? Check out Marks Lumber's rough sawn and rustic grade siding products.

Maybe you are building your dream home this summer? Check out Marks Lumber's custom Timber Frame services, in addition to our sustainable, renewable siding, circle-sawn flooring, trim options. Perhaps your summer project will involve building a pergola or an outdoor living space? Check out Marks Lumber's rough-sawn Douglas Fir products.

Making the Most of the COVID Recovery Period

Whether you are stuck at home under quarantine, laying low, or just planning for your summer projects; Marks has some great products to help you get stuff done, while demands on your time may be lower. Using this time to do some critical maintenance and planning for upcoming projects is a great way to use some downtime productively! Contact us today if we can help you get your project underway.