Why is Caulking Important for Your Home?

Are you seeking an easy, affordable method to enhance your home's comfort, appearance, and energy efficiency? Caulking is a quick and low-cost approach to keeping your house in excellent shape, as well as for guarding against pests and water damage.

Our team, at Country Lumber, has compiled information about why caulking is important for your home. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a first-time homeowner, we can help you understand why caulking should be a regular part of your home care routine.

Learn about how to patch holes in dry walls.

What is Caulking?

Caulking seals gaps or cracks between two surfaces, most often in buildings or boats. It entails applying caulk or sealant to the hole using a caulking gun or another instrument.

Importance of Caulking in Homes

Using caulking in your home offers a wide range of different benefits, including:

1.Water Damage Avoidance

Water damage and mould development can result from leaks near windows, doors, and other structures. You can easily reduce water damage and lessen the possibility of mildew growth by sealing gaps with caulking. It is also important to note that correctly sealed windows and doors can enhance your home's worth and appeal to potential purchasers.

2. Energy Savings

Caulking helps seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to stop air leaks that would otherwise increase energy costs. Sealing in these gaps can also prevent drafts from getting inside, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home, while also improving your house's air quality by lowering the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens that can enter.

3. Pest Control

Pests like rats and insects can enter through gaps and cracks in your walls and foundation. Caulking aids in plugging these openings and deterring utterly damaging pests like termites.

4. DIY Friendly

Caulking is a straightforward and reasonably priced DIY job that most homeowners with minimal tools and abilities can complete.

5. Simple Water or Paint Removal

Caulk is an attractive choice for sealing places exposed to water or paint, like around the shower or baseboards, because it can readily be removed and reapplied.

6. Greater longevity

Correctly sealed windows and doors are less prone to sustain damage and wear over time, resulting in a longer lifespan for these parts.

Our goal, at Country Lumber, is to assist homeowners in locating the ideal items for their home improvement projects. Contact our team for advice if you have any inquiries regarding caulking or other goods for home remodelling.

4 Great Summer Renovation Ideas

Summer is the perfect season to tackle those long-standing exteriors projects that you have been putting off due to poor weather conditions. Whether you are looking to make repairs to your siding, build a new deck, or complete a variety of projects, the possibilities for summer renovations are nearly endless. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which projects are worth your time, effort, and money. As a leading provider of building materials such as decking products, the team at Country Lumber knows how important it is to choose the right projects during this short season. That is why we have provided a list of 4 great summer renovation ideas to help you determine which projects are best for your home.

Learn what to consider when choosing windows for your home.

4 Projects to Complete During Summer

Whether you want to complete a large-scale or a small project, summer is the perfect time to get started. Some high-value projects to complete this summer include:

1. Replacing Windows

While replacing windows sounds like an invasive and complicated task, most products are designed for simple and fast installation. By replacing the windows on your home, you can upgrade to more efficient glass that lets in all the light that you need while insulating against harsher temperatures and providing enhanced security. If you are feeling ambitious, you can also perform some work to install larger windows and enhance the view of your surroundings while increasing the amount of natural light you receive.

2. Constructing an Addition

If you have the time and budget, constructing an addition can greatly increase your home’s value and livability. Whether you want to put in a home office, an extra bedroom, or an entertainment area, home additions are a great renovation idea for houses of all sizes. It is recommended to contact a contractor before starting any work to see if you need any permits or if there are any potential challenges to be aware of.  

3. Fixing Your Driveway

Between the rain and cold weather throughout the rest of the year, it is common for driveways in BC to suffer damage that needs to be fixed. Repairs to the driveway might seem like a minor project, but they can make a big difference for the curb appeal of your home. Summer is the perfect time to get this work done as you will likely not need to worry about rain halting your project.

4. Repairing or Replacing Your Deck

Much like driveways, decks can sustain serious damage from harsh weather throughout the year. If your deck is falling apart, summer is the perfect time to repair it. Alternatively, you can look to replace it with one that is more suited to your current preferences.

To learn more about the materials we offer or to inquire about our other products, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or your project.

The Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows

Today, most homeowners opt for energy efficient windows because they can help save a considerable amount of energy and money in the long run. If you are unsure what the benefits of energy efficient windows are, the team from Country Lumber would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Some of the benefits of energy efficient windows include:

1. Environmentally Friendly

One of the primary reasons to have energy efficient windows installed in your home is because they are environmentally friendly. Since energy efficient windows will allow your home to maintain a consistent temperature, your home's heating and air conditioning systems will not have to expend as much energy to make your home feel comfortable.

2. Lower Costs

Energy efficient windows are designed with energy saving attributes that will significantly lower your energy bills. They lessen the energy expenditure, making it healthier not only for your environment but also for your pocket.

3. Low Maintenance

Oftentimes, you may need to do regular maintenance in order to give you windows a sparkling new look; however, energy efficient windows require very little maintenance because they minimize energy transfer. This, in turn, decreases the formation of mold and dust since the buildup of condensation is lowered. Furthermore, energy efficient windows have a UV-resistant coating that prevents the buildup of dust and water spots.

4. Great Insulation

If you are looking for an effective way to maintain the right temperature in your home, then energy efficient windows may be the solution. This is because these windows serve as an insulator, forming a barrier against hot and cold weather.

5. Reduces Noise

Another benefit of energy efficient windows is their capability to reduce the sound of noise from outside leaking in. Energy efficient windows are specifically recommended for houses near highways or houses that are too close to each other.

6. Protects Items Inside

Energy efficient windows have a UV-resistant coating that acts as a barrier against harsh sun rays that can damage things inside your house or office, preventing furniture and other items from fading.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of energy efficient windows, or if you are interested in our selection of windows for sale, please contact Country Lumber at 604-533-4447. Our dedicated team members would love to help you select the right windows for your specific wants and needs.

Winter Home Improvement Project Ideas

As the months get colder and wetter, most people stop doing maintenance and upgrades on their home’s exterior and shift their attention indoors. There are many different ways to improve your home’s interior to make your living space more enjoyable. If you are looking for some winter home improvement project ideas, it might be worth talking to one of the knowledgeable team members at Country Lumber.

Indoor Home Improvement Ideas for Winter

Whether you are planning to hire an experienced contractor to improve your home or are looking for DIY projects to get into during the winter months, it can help to know where to look for project opportunities in your home. Some ideas for winter home improvement projects include:

1.     Install Crown Moulding

Crown moulding is a beautiful addition to nearly any home’s interior. It can help to give the space a finished, classy look, and there are many different crown moulding profiles available.

Learn more about how to install crown moulding.

2.     Install New Vinyl Flooring

If you have old flooring that you have been wanting to replace, vinyl is an excellent option. Vinyl floors last longer than most other types of floors and look incredible when installed. While hardwood, tile, and carpet are somewhat complex to install, many people with rudimentary tools and expertise can install vinyl flooring.

Find out how to install vinyl plank flooring.

3.     Improve Your Home’s Temperature Retention

Many homes have poor heat retention due to bad seals around windows, doors, and vents or poor insulation in certain areas. Sealing off ducts and gaps or resealing windows and doors can make a big difference in how well your home keeps drafts out and keeps heat in, saving you money on energy. Many homes also have sections that are not properly insulated, like the attic or foundation, that could benefit from insulation being installed.

4.     Freshen Up Cabinets

Cabinets throughout your home serve an important function for storage and they can be made to look extremely attractive. A new coat of paint or new hardware can make a big difference in how you feel about your living space. Many people even choose to replace the doors on their cabinets with a different texture or material.

5.     Change Lighting or Plumbing Fixtures

New lighting and plumbing can make a surprising difference in how new a space feels. Outdated fixtures also tend to be less efficient, so new fixtures can save you money in the long run.

The team from Country Lumber is always happy to talk about your winter home improvement project ideas and help you find the best course to execute your plans. Feel free to stop by or call us and we can ensure that you get the materials and expertise you need.

Shed Building Supplies in Abbotsford

If you are building a shed for your home in the Fraser Valley, it is important to know where to find the materials that you will need. There are many different ways to build a shed and plenty of different types of materials that can be used, and the experts at a local building centre, like Country Lumber, should be able to help you find what you need for shed building supplies in the Abbotsford area. 

What Materials are Needed to Build a Shed?

Most sheds follow a fairly rudimentary design, since they are typically used for tool and garden supply storage and little else. If you are putting together a checklist of some of the shed building materials that you will need to begin your Abbotsford project, the list below might be useful to consider:

Lumber

The material that will likely be needed the most is lumber. Most of what will be needed are 2x4 SPF boards. The other dimensions of lumber that will be required will depend on the shed’s design plans. Make sure that you have a list written of how many of each length will be required for your shed. It is also likely that you will need a few sheets of plywood for the walls, roof, and any shelves you wish to install.

Concrete

If your shed is going to have a strong concrete foundation, it is important to know this ahead of time. Many shed designs use wood platforms and rest on rock, but these sheds are typically less stable and do not last as long. Another problem with sheds built on wooden platforms is that animals have a tendency to seek shelter under them.

Fasteners and Hardware

You will need a healthy supply of screws, nails, and other hardware in order to build your shed.  A nailgun can make the job much easier as well, so make sure that you know where to get all of the hardware that you will need and collect more than you think you will use.

Windows and Doors

Many sheds use a framed piece of plywood for a door and factor out windows altogether. Having a window in your shed can make it easier to see and provide much needed ventilation, especially if the shed will house chemicals and gasoline. Although it can be cheaper to make your own door out of plywood and 2x4, this can lead to major problems down the road as these doors can fall out of square and stick in the frame.

Roofing Materials

Installing a proper roof to fend off moisture is important. You should make sure that you have tarpaper and shingles or whatever other type of roofing material you plan to use on hand.

Siding

There are many different types of siding that can be used but, ultimately, most people tend to use the same kind of siding that they have on their house, especially if the shed is located in a visible place. When purchasing siding, be sure to look into the kind of trim and fascia that will be used as well.

Paint

Once the shed is built, it will need to be painted. The paint colours used should typically be the same as those used on the house. Many people already have a bucket or two of paint leftover from the last time they painted their house. If this is not the case, most local paint shops can colour match your home’s paint colour.

If you are interested in finding out more about where to find shed building supplies in Abbotsford and the kind of supplies you will need, or if you would like to learn more about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Where to Find Rough Cut Timbers

Whether you are building a new house, renovating a commercial space, or working on any other kind of project that incorporates natural wood accents, it can be extremely useful to know where to find rough cut timbers in BC’s Lower Mainland. At Country Lumber, we provide a wide variety of different types and sizes of rough cut timbers that can be used in all kinds of construction projects.

Rough Sawn Timber Supplier in BC

If your next building project includes a rustic look in the design plans, rough cut timbers are a good way to achieve that aesthetic. Rough cut lumber is wood that has been cut on a band saw in order to achieve a rough yet even wood surface. There are many different types of rough sawn lumber, and each of the different types offer varying benefits.

Types of Rough Cut Timbers

Two of the most popular types of wood to use for rough cut timbers in BC are Douglas fir and cedar. Both are excellent for use in construction and are popularly used for exposed beams and other elements. Douglas fir and cedar timbers both have long, straight grains that allow them to be used for structural and aesthetic projects without warping too often. Although both products are frequently used for both indoor and outdoor applications, cedar does better when exposed to the elements due to its superior rot resistance.

Rough Cut Timbers from Country Lumber

Since there are so many uses for rough sawn lumber, it is a good idea to make sure that your lumber supplier carries a wide variety of sizes. The rough cut timbers from Country Lumber are available in many sizes to suit any project, from building a shelf to framing a house, from indoor moulding to deck building materials. Kiln dried rough hewn timbers are also available from Country Lumber for projects that need wood of exceptional quality. Kiln drying reduces the chances of distortion or other imperfections, meaning that your building project can move forward more efficiently.

If you are interested in finding out more about where to find rough cut timbers for different projects, or if you would like to learn more about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Repair Damaged Fascia

Because fascia boards rest on the most prominent edges of your home, it is common for them to become damaged from impacts. The primary job of the fascia on your house is to protect the roof and walls from moisture, so water damage is also incredibly common. Fascia is a prominent aesthetic element on most homes and it can rot or deteriorate if not cared for properly, so it is important to know how to repair damaged fascia. At Country Lumber, we sell a variety of different types and sizes of fascia and our experienced team is always ready to help you find what you need to complete your home repair job safely and efficiently.

How to Repair Damaged Fascia Boards

Since fascia boards sit at some of the highest points of your home, it is important to exercise extreme caution when replacing them. Extension ladders are not usually the best choice, as they cannot rest on the section of fascia being replaced. It is usually best to use scaffolding or a stepladder, if possible. The steps to fixing damaged fascia are as follows:

1.     Evaluate the Problem

Different types of damage will require different solutions.  In ideal cases, you might not need to actually replace the damaged fascia board. If the damage is small enough and rot has not yet set in, it is often possible to fix it with an epoxy filler. If the board has begun to rot, it is usually best to replace it.

2.     Put Up Brackets

Before removing the damaged fascia, it can be helpful to install angle brackets behind the boards. These brackets should rest against the existing fascia so that you can more easily install the new boards in the same position.

3.     Remove the Damaged Fascia Board

Removing old fascia boards can be a bit of a hassle in some cases, depending on their position and what kind of gutter system is being used. Disassemble and remove any gutters that are in front of the fascia being removed. Most fascia is nailed to the ends of rafters, so you will likely need a pry bar in order to get the fascia loose. Once the fascia is removed, check the rafters underneath for signs of rot and, if you find some, make sure you call a professional for help with what to do about rotting rafters.

4.     Install New Fascia Boards

If there are no signs of rot in your rafters under the fascia, you can now install a new fascia board. Mark the placement of rafters along the fascia with a pencil so that it is easier to nail the new board in place. Getting the fascia board in place might be a two-person job. Once the fascia is secured to the brackets, nail it to the underlying rafters. You are now ready to paint it and reinstall your gutters.

If you are interested in learning more about how to repair damaged fascia, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Benefits of Treated Lumber

One of the biggest issues with building with wood is that most types of wood have a limited lifespan when left out in the elements. Sun and moisture tend to take a toll on most types of lumber. In order to mitigate this issue, one of the most commonly used types of wood for outdoor construction or landscaping purposes is treated lumber. Treated lumber, also frequently called pressure treated lumber, uses intense pressure to force a chemical compound into the grain of the lumber that makes it resistant to rot and decay. At Country Lumber, we know when the benefits of treated lumber make it a necessity to use for building projects and our knowledgeable staff can help you to get the right type of wood for your upcoming project.

Advantages of Pressure Treated Lumber

Although treated lumber often costs more than natural wood, it is more than worth the extra money that it might cost in many circumstances. Some of the best reasons to use treated lumber for a project with exposure to the elements include:

Moisture Resistance

The best reason to use treated lumber is for its resistance to moisture. While most types of natural wood will absorb moisture and soften, treated lumber will repel moisture. Moisture in wood provides ground for many different microorganisms to grow and cause the wood to rot, so using treated lumber is a necessity in areas where moisture will be present, such as landscape features, decks, gazebos, bridges, and even docks and piers.

Resistance to Microorganisms

Pressure treated lumber is designed to repel moisture so that there is no ground for microorganisms to gain a footing on, but it is also designed to repel the microorganisms themselves. The chemical compounds used to treat lumber are all copper based in order to create an environment in which fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms are unable to survive.

Insect Repellence

Insects such as carpenter ants or termites can cause big problems for wood structures, especially if the wood is prone to moisture. Many types of treated wood are designed to repel insect activity. Not only can treated lumber repel insects that can cause structural damage, but it can also work to keep bugs that are a nuisance, such as spiders, from becoming a problem.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of treated lumber, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Best Roofing Materials for BC Homes

There are many different types of roofing available that can work well for homes in any area, but some types are better suited for certain climates than others. In British Columbia, certain kinds of roofing last longer and provide better value in the moist, mild weather that is common to our province. At Country Lumber, we provide all of the best roofing materials for BC homes in a wide assortment of styles.

What are the Best Types of Roofing for BC Homes?

Whether you are building a new custom home or your existing home needs a new roof, it is good to know what the best type of roofing is for the area in which you live. Some of the best roofing materials to use in BC are:

Cedar Shake Shingles

Western Red Cedar is one of the most useful woods for building in the Pacific Northwest. Its naturally water-resistant, rot-resistant, and mould-resistant properties makes it ideal for use in British Columbia. It is also exceptionally strong, incredibly long lasting, and looks great.

Laminate Shingles

Laminate shingles are a type of heavy-duty asphalt shingle that use multiple layers of more refined asphalt in order to last longer, insulate better, and provide better durability. Despite their slight increase in price, laminate shingles are better suited to stand up against the type of weather that British Columbia homes are subjected to than regular asphalt shingles. Using laminate asphalt shingles can help homeowners to save money in the long run, as their lasting properties can mean that homes do not need to be reroofed as often.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are not just for agriculture and commercial uses. Metal roofing is an incredibly popular and sensible option for BC homes due to its durability, weather resistance, and attractiveness. Metal roofs are known for standing up to damage from weather and debris that would have completely destroyed any other type of roof. They are available in a massive selection of styles and colours to suit any home’s aesthetic.

If you are interested in learning more about the best roofing materials for BC homes, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Should I Use Cedar or Treated Lumber to Build a Fence in Vancouver?

If you are looking for a good spring project for your home in Vancouver, replacing an old fence or building a new one can be a great way to raise your home’s curb appeal and improve your yard. For many people looking to build a fence in the Vancouver area, it is common to ask the question “Should I use cedar or treated lumber to build a fence?” At Country Lumber, we sell a wide variety of dimensional lumber that can be used for fences as well as other fence products, and our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you find the right products for your home improvement needs.

Cedar vs. Pressure Treated Wood for Vancouver Home Fencing

Making sure that a fence is able to stand up to moisture is incredibly important, especially when your home receives as much rain as is common in Vancouver. For this reason, the two best types of wood to use for fencing are usually either cedar or pressure treated lumber. Some of the various benefits of the two different types of wood include:

Benefits of Cedar for Fencing

Red cedar is one of the best woods to use outdoors because it is naturally resistant to decomposition and mould. It also does not typically warp in the sun and its tight, straight grain makes it a strong option for long boards. Cedar does not usually stand up as well to being immersed in soil as pressure treated lumber does, so it is often best to encase posts in concrete before putting them in the ground. Cedar is well-known for its beautiful colour and aroma and it can be stained easily, making it compatible with the various aesthetics of many Vancouver homes.

Benefits of Pressure Treated Fencing

Pressure treated fencing is typically made from pine that has been chemically treated in order to protect it against rot, insects, and moisture. It is an incredibly popular choice for many fences as it can last for a long time, although it does not usually last as long as cedar and needs to be recoated every few years to ensure that it does not lose its weather resistance. Pressure treated fencing tends to be cheaper than other types of fencing.

If you would like to learn more about whether to use cedar or treated lumber to build a fence in Vancouver, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.