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.

How to Replace a Doorknob

A broken doorknob can be a major inconvenience and safety risk for your home, especially if it is the doorknob for your front door. Whether you are looking to replace a broken unit or update the look and feel of your doors, it is important to understand how to replace a doorknob before starting any work. As a leading provider of quality door products, the team at Country Lumber knows that replacing a doorknob can sometimes be more difficult than it appears. That is why we have compiled some information to help you get the job done right.

Learn how to patch a hole in drywall.

4 Steps to Replace a Doorknob

The exact steps required to replace a doorknob may vary based on the type of doorknob, lever, or handle being replaced. Exterior doorknobs are usually a bit more challenging to replace for the sake of added security, while interior doorknobs are typically easier to replace as they are often a cosmetic change. In most cases, the following steps will need to be completed to successfully replace a doorknob:

1. Remove the Old Doorknob

First, you will need to locate and remove the screws holding your current doorknob in place. While screws can be in a variety of different locations depending on the doorknob, they are typically covered by a plate that will need to be carefully removed. Once this plate is removed, you can then remove each screw with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you will be able to pull the old doorknob off the door on each side.

2. Remove the Old Latch

With the old doorknob removed, you should be able to see the inner latch of the doorknob in the door. The latch is held in place inside the door by a plate, which can be removed by unscrewing the fasteners on the edge of the door. Once the plate is removed, you can easily slide the latch out.

3. Insert the New Latch

Before inserting the new latch and doorknob, be sure to inspect each unit and ensure that you are inserting them in the right direction. Some latches can be extended or recessed to better suit a door frame and not cause damage to a strike plate, so it is important to determine which type of unit you are working with. Insert the new latch into the slot at the edge of the door and screw the new latch plate in place.

4. Insert the New Doorknob

Your new doorknob will feature a piece for each side of the door. One of these pieces will have a spindle extending from it, so you will need to locate it before inserting the new doorknob. Push the spindle through the new latch, which can be seen inside the door. Assemble the other piece of the doorknob onto the open side of the spindle and use the provided screws to fasten the doorknobs together. If a cover plate was provided with your doorknob, fasten this in place to hide the screws.

To learn more about our selection of doors, doorknobs, or 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 the details of your project.

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.

Tips for Fixing a Leaky Sink

At Country Lumber, we know that fixing a leaky sink can seem like a daunting task but, in reality, it often can be fixed with a little bit of effort and a few simple tools. Rather than hiring a plumber every time you notice a leaky sink in your home, consider tackling the problem on your own by using this list of tips for fixing a leaky sink from our team of professionals.

Locate the Problem

The first step in fixing a leaky sink is to assess the problem. To do so, you will need a large container, a flashlight, and a towel. Make sure you empty the sink and turn off the faucet before starting. Next, place a container under the faucet to collect any dripping water. Doing so will make it easier for you to determine if the faucet is leaking or if there is another problem.

You should then check under the sink using your flashlight. If there is leakage when the sink is not in use, then the problem might be coming from the water supply line. Turn on the faucet and then check under the sink for any signs of leakage. Make sure to check for loosened joints, broken pipes, and damaged sealant.

Fix the Leaky Sink

When fixing your leaky sink, it is extremely important to first turn off the main water supply to avoid flooding. There are various reasons why your sink could be leaking, such as:

Water Supply Line Problem

If the leak is constant even when the sink is not in use, the problem is most likely the water supply line. To fix the water supply line, first try tightening the retention nut. If the leakage continues, it may be necessary to replace any valves that might have loosened due to contraction, expansion, or age factors.

Water leakage can also be a result of damaged water supply pipes. You can fix this problem by applying a pipe sealant that stops the leakage. If the dripping does not stop, you might need to change the entire system.

Burst Pipe

If a pipe bursts, you will need to immediately close the shutoff valve or the main water supply. You can temporarily stop the leaking by wrapping the burst section of the pipe with duct tape or you can use a sleeve clamp or hose clamp to secure the pipe for a longer period of time. The best solution is to simply replace the entire pipe.

Leaking Sink Drain Traps

Leaking sink drain traps are only noticeable when the sink is in use. If your sink has plastic drainpipes, you might be able to fix the leak by simply tightening the nuts by hand. If the leakage continues, add sealant or silicone grease to the pipes. If the drainpipes in your sink are metallic, you should be able to tighten the pipes using pliers; however, If the dripping continues, the best thing to do is replace the pipes.

If you would like to learn more tips on fixing a leaky sink, please contact Country Lumber. Our team would love to answer any questions you might have.

Using Wood to Create a Feature Wall

Feature walls are a great way to distinguish your home and add value to a space. They offer a personal touch to a room and create something that will stand out in the mind of visitors. There are many different ways to create a feature wall, including paint, trim, wall decals, and wood. At Country Lumber, we know that using wood to create a feature wall is one of the most effective and versatile ways to make a room pop with creativity. We sell a wide variety of wood products that can be used to help you create a unique feature wall for your home, including cedar and dimensional lumber.

Ideas for Wood Feature Walls

Wood can be used in a variety of ways to create a feature wall in your home. It can easily be installed over drywall, meaning that many types of wooden feature walls make great DIY projects. Some ideas for feature walls made of wood could include:

Cedar Plank Feature Wall

One of the easiest feature wall designs that can be used for nearly any space is a solid wood cedar plank layout. Planks can be laid on the wall in any direction or they can be applied in different patterns, such as herringbone. Stains can be applied to the cedar boards to complement your room’s overall aesthetic. Shiplap or tongue in groove can be used to eliminate gaps between the cedar boards.

Modern Art Feature Wall

One way to use wood to create a feature wall is to apply thin strips to create a modern looking pattern. Simple square sticks of wood can be fastened to the wall so that they create a unique interwoven, angular pattern.

Classic Wood Trim

If you prefer to stick to tried and true designs, using wood to create board and batten, wainscoting, or any other type of classically trimmed feature wall can be a very attractive way to go.

Rustic Wood Feature Wall

The right finish work can give wooden boards a distressed, rustic look. When cut at short, uneven lengths or applied in overlapping patterns, this can give a wall a rough, natural, reclaimed appearance.

If you would like to learn more about how to use wood to create a feature wall in your home, or to learn more about the products and services offered at Country Lumber, please contact our experienced team so that we can help you find what you are looking for.

How to Fix Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular option for many homes in BC due to its resilience, affordability, variety, and ease of installation. Another great reason to use vinyl siding for a home is how easy it is to replace and repair when damaged. While some types of siding require intricate patches or full board replacements, vinyl siding can be fixed with a few simple tools and steps. At Country Lumber, our team can help you find all the supplies you need to fix your home’s vinyl siding if it is damaged.

How to Fix Vinyl Siding

The method that you will need to employ in order to fix your vinyl siding will depend on the size of the repair that needs to be done. If the hole or damage is small enough, it might be possible to use caulk to patch the siding. There are also many patch kits available for small holes; however, if the damage to your siding is extensive enough, you will need to replace a section of the siding panel. For many people, this is a preferable method to patching the siding anyway, as it allows for a more uniform looking repair job.

Before you get started on fixing your siding, make sure that you have a piece of replacement siding ready to use. There are many different brands and profiles of vinyl siding, so it is important to look around before you get started. Replacement siding can often be found at a local building centre, such as Country Lumber. The following steps can be used to replace vinyl siding:

1.     Separate the Damaged Siding Piece

Replacing a piece of damaged siding is easiest when you have the proper tool. Siding replacement tools have a flat hook that allows them to pry the bottom edge of a piece of vinyl siding loose from the piece below it. These tools function like a zipper, as you can run them along a piece of siding, and they separate the two horizontal pieces.

2.     Remove the Damaged Siding

Once the top edge of the damaged siding is exposed, pull the piece of siding above it away so that you can see the fasteners securing it to the wall. Use a pry bar or screwdriver to remove the fasteners and pull the damaged siding off the wall.

3.     Install the Replacement Panel

You may wish to paint the new piece of vinyl before installing it if necessary. Cut the new vinyl siding panel to the right length and push it into place. Fasten the panel in place using the appropriate fasteners.

4.     Hook the Panels Together

Once the new vinyl siding is in place, use the vinyl siding tool to hook the bottom edge of the siding panel above the replacement back over the new panel’s top edge.

If you would like to learn more about how to fix vinyl siding or what supplies are needed for the job, be sure to call the experienced team at Country Lumber and we can help you find what you need.

Simple Home Projects Using Cedar

If you are looking for an easy new project to do around your home with inexpensive materials, it is worth looking into some simple home projects using cedar. Cedar is a great material for most home projects as it is easy to work with, inexpensive, and resistant to rot and mould. At Country Lumber, we provide a massive variety of cedar products for all kinds of uses. Whether you are looking for a large load of cedar fencing or a couple of small boards for some home projects, we can help.

Ideas for Simple Cedar Projects

The projects that you will be able to complete will vary depending on the kind of cedar you use, the tools you have on hand, and your skill level, but there are some very basic projects that can be done around the house using cedar boards. Some great ideas for cedar woodworking projects that use minimal tools include:

A Cedar Feature Wall

A feature wall can be done very easily with only a saw, some cedar boards, and a drill. There are many patterns for cedar feature walls that can be pursued, so select a feature wall strategy that suits your space and skill level.

Raised Planter and Garden Boxes

Due to its moisture resistance and long-lasting properties, cedar is used all the time for planters and flower bed boxes. It is possible to create a rudimentary yet beautiful raised garden bed using simple tools and cedar.

Shelving

Shelves are another project that can be made easily using cedar. Cedar can look either rustic or refined depending on how it is finished, so it can suit nearly any home aesthetic. Whether you are creating standalone shelving units or mounting shelves on a wall, there are many options using cedar.

Outdoor Bench

Create some extra outdoor seating space with a simple outdoor cedar bench. You can experiment with designs in order to create something truly unique, or make your bench double as extra storage space for outdoor toys or equipment by setting a seat on a hinge and making the base a box.

Pet House

Depending on the size of your pet and your level of ambition, you can create a truly unique or completely conventional shelter for your dog, cat, or other animal using cedar and some very simple designs.

If you would like to talk more about your next home project or find out more simple home project ideas that use cedar, feel free to contact our knowledgeable team and we would be happy to help you get the information you need to get started.

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.

Interior Painting Tips for DIY Painters

Painting the interior of your home can do a lot to freshen up your living space. Although many people will elect to hire a professional to paint their home, others will elect to do the work themselves in order to save money and have better control over the work being done. If you are planning to paint the interior of your home, it can be useful to know some interior painting tips for DIY painters. At Country Lumber, we provide solutions to make work easier for people looking to get started on painting their home’s interior.

Interior Painting Tips

Most people know to move furniture to the centre of the room, cover everything with drop cloths, and tape over any wall fixtures that they do not want painted, but there are some tips and tricks that most DIY painters might not be aware of. Some tips for painting your home’s interior include:

Use a Primer

A primer can help to save you money, as it is typically a very cheap first coat. In most cases, you will need to apply numerous coats in order to have your paint look right. A primer can help to limit the number of coloured coats needed, often saving you work and money – especially if you are painting a light colour on top of a dark colour.

Paint in the Proper Order

Following a specific order when painting a room can help you avoid needing to repaint certain areas. Most professional painters follow a specific order when painting a room. Start with the ceiling, and then move on to the trim. Once that is done cut in the edges of the walls and then finish up by painting the walls with a roller.

Paint in Large Strokes

It is easier to avoid streaking and unevenness by painting in large strokes with the roller. Paint full strips of the wall with every stroke, and then overlap the next stroke with the previous one so that you do not miss spots and so that the coat is applied evenly.

Use a Paint Pen for Touch-Ups

Paint pens can be loaded with the paint colour being used in order to touch up missed spots or paint that gets peeled off when tape is removed. These pens are worth investing in, as they can be used for up to a year after they are loaded with paint.

Use the Same Paint as What has Been Used Before

If you have oil-based paint on your walls currently, make sure that you only use oil-based paint to cover it up. Likewise, latex paint should be used on walls previously painted with latex paint. If the wrong paint is used, it can result in the paint not adhering to the wall and the paint will peel.

If you would like to learn more interior painting tips for DIY painters, 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.

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.