A lot of the time, the exterior of our homes can take quite a beating. Especially around Toronto and other parts of Ontario, we’re exposed to all sorts of weather. You have your spring and summer rain storms, which often produce lots of wind and sometimes hail. Then you also have the extreme heat and moisture in the air throughout the summer months as well. Plus, did we mention all the snow that piles up from November right through until sometime in April?
With all of that, along with normal aging, if you have porch crown moulding, there will likely be some damage over time. On top of that, you might even find that some of the wood in the crown moulding on your porch cover could be rotting out. This is exactly the time for a little exterior porch crown moulding repair project. We have all the steps right here for you, too. Let’s get started!
Understanding Crown Moulding
Before delving into the how-tos, let’s take a quick look at what crown moulding is. Crown moulding is a decorative trim applied where the walls of a room meet the ceiling. It is typically used for capping cabinets, pilasters, and interior walls without significant functional benefits, but with an impressive aesthetic touch. When placed on a porch, this accessory becomes more exposed to wear and tear and thus may require regular upkeep.
The Need for Repair and Painting
Over time, due to constant exposure to harsh weather conditions, your porch’s crown moulding can deteriorate. It might crack, warp or rot, depending on the material used. Painting not only improves the appearance by concealing these imperfections but also acts as a protective seal against further damage.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Porch Crown Moulding Repair & Painting
Materials Needed:
- Crown moulding
- Wood base strips
- Hammer
- Nails
- Caulking material
- Sandpaper
- Circular saw
- Measuring device
- Paintbrush
- Paint tray
- Primer
- Paint
Step #1: Removing rotted wood
The first step in exterior crown moulding repair is to locate all of your rotted wood pieces. After all, they are the ones with water damage, so they need to be removed to be able to start fresh. A happy thought would be to just remove the rotted pieces, but sometimes there is just too much going on to salvage your previous exterior crown moulding. So, you’ll likely find that you want to get down all of the crown moulding and install it brand new. That way, you’ll be sure that your exterior crown moulding will last you for several years.
Step #2: Exterior Crown Moulding Installation
Once you have all of your rotted wood down for your crown moulding repair, it’s time to begin again! This is when you get your new wooden bases and crown moulding and get up on the ladder to measure for exact specifications. Once you have your measurements for the base and moulding, you can start cutting.
Once everything is cut precisely how you need it, you can get on your ladder again and begin crown moulding installation. It’s best to use a hammer and nails to secure your base as well as your moulding securely into place.
Step #3: Caulking, sanding & priming
After you’ve completed your crown moulding repair and installation, it’s time for the caulking. If you go with an exterior caulking like Quad Outdoor Sealant and go along the seams of your crown moulding and trim, it will help to keep the moisture out and protect your wood.
Then it’s time to fill in any of the tiny holes in the nails. Then you can sand everything down so it’s nice and smooth. Once you have your sanding complete and your crown moulding looks pristine, you can go in with some primer. A good one is Sherwin Williams Exterior Latex Wood Primer. Once you get a nice coat of that on your porch crown moulding, it’s time to paint!
Step #4: Painting Exterior Crown Moulding
Now comes the time for the final step in your crown moulding repair: painting! Feel free to add in a little personality for this step as well. After all, you ended up saving loads of money doing your own crown moulding repair work. So, you might as well really go to town and show it off beautifully.
Black Satin is gorgeously muted black and looks amazing if you have grey or even reddish bricks. If you want to go lighter, Waynesboro Taupe is nice and warm and still gives an updated look to your front exterior entryway. Whatever exterior paint you choose for your porch crown moulding, just be sure it complements your brick, siding and door nicely to really create an impact.
DIY Vs Professional Service: Assessing Your Crown Moulding Repair Needs
Deciding whether to undertake crown moulding repair and painting as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or to hire a professional can be challenging. Let’s explore these two options in detail:
DIY: The Self-Reliant Approach
Choosing the DIY route can be an economical and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to note that this approach is not for everyone. Here’s what you need to consider before deciding on a DIY project:
- Skills and Experience: Are you comfortable with manual work? Have you done similar repair tasks in the past? If you have basic handyman skills and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, DIY might be for you.
- Time Availability: DIY projects can be time-consuming, especially if you are new to the task. Make sure your schedule allows for the extra time needed for learning, preparation, and execution.
- Equipment Availability: Reliable repairs require the right tools. Apart from basic tools, you might need specialized equipment for crown moulding repair and painting.
If you’re confident with your skills, have the tools necessary, and are prepared to invest the time, the DIY approach can be a viable option.
Professional Services: The Expert Solution
While DIY can be fulfilling for some, many homeowners prefer professional services for wall repairs and painting. Here are the key advantages of hiring professionals:
- Expertise: Professionals have the experience, knowledge, and training to deliver high-quality work. They are often better equipped to handle complicated damage scenarios.
- Time-Efficient: Professional services typically can complete the job faster as they have the manpower and skills to perform the task efficiently.
- Work Guarantee: Hiring professionals often come with workmanship warranties, which can assure you of the quality of the repair.
If you’re short on time, prefer expert work, or the damage is extensive, it may be wise to hire professional services.
Making the Decision: DIY or Professional Service?
Here are some questions to help you assess your repair needs:
- What is the extent of the crown moulding damage?
- Do you have any experience handling similar repairs?
- Do you have the necessary tools and equipment?
- Can you devote enough time to a DIY repair?
- What is your budget for the repair work?
Assess your situation based on these factors before making the decision. Whether you choose DIY or professional services, the primary goal should always be to ensure a long-lasting and quality repair of your porch’s crown moulding.
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If you aren’t feeling up to the extra work, why not let Home Painters Toronto take a load off your back! With over 35 years of experience in home painting and renovations, allow our professional house painters to handle the hard work for you. Call us NOW at 416.494.9095, or email us at Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get a FREE estimate for your exterior painting project and consultation about what paint to choose. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
