Wood Trim

Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines

Shrinkage of wood trim occurs during the first two years or longer, depending on temperature and humidity. All lumber is more vulnerable to shrinkage during the heating season. Maintaining a moderate and stable temperature helps to minimize the effects of shrinkage. Wood will shrink less lengthwise than across the grain. Wood shrinkage can result in separation at joints of trim pieces. You can usually correct this with caulking and touch-up painting.

Shrinkage may also cause a piece of trim to pull away from the wall. If this occurs, drive in another nail close to, but not exactly in, the existing nail hole. Fill the old nail hole with putty and touch up with paint as needed. If the base shoe (small trim between base molding and the floor) appears to be lifting from the floor, this is probably due to slight shrinkage of the floor joists below. Again, you can correct this condition by removing the old nails and renailing them. You may prefer to wait until after the first heating season to make any needed repairs at one time when redecorating.

 See also Expansion and Contraction.

Parasol Properties Limited Warranty Guidelines

During the orientation, we will confirm that the wood trim is in acceptable condition. Minor imperfections in wood materials will be visible and will require no action. Parasol Properties will correct readily noticeable construction damage such as chips and gouges listed during the orientation.

Exterior

Parasol Properties will caulk and apply touch-up paint to cracks in exterior trim components that exceed 3/16 inches. We provide this repair one time only near the end of the first year. Paint or stain touch-up will not match. We will correct any separation at joints that allows water to enter the home.

Raised Grain

Because of the effects of weather on natural wood, you should expect raised grain to develop. This is normal and not a defect in the wood or paint. Warranty coverage excludes this condition.