D.I.Y. - Minor Drywall Repairs

Minor drywall repairs are not as daunting as they may seem, even when we're talking about holes that are three to six inches in diameter. Following the PDCA's operating procedures, you can repair your drywall like a pro.
 
Tools and Materials:

Mud Pan

 

All-Purpose Joint Compound

 

Self-Adhesive Mesh Repair Screen or Tape

 

Drywall Knife

 

 

Sanding Block

 

Procedure:

• Take the mesh screen or tape and cut so that it overlaps the hole sufficiently enough to support.
• Attach the screen or tape over the hole.
• Apply joint compound to thinly cover the metal screen or tape and overlap 2 inches onto the wall from the edge of the screen. Allow to dry.
• After sufficient drying time, lightly sand the joint compound.
• Apply 2^nd coat of joint compound, extending approximately 4 – 6 inches onto the wall from the edge of the screen. Allow to dry.
• When dry, sand and inspect the patch. Repeat as many times as needed. A lightweight joint compound can reduce the amount of sanding required.  
• When coverage is sufficient, sand the area with the sanding block to blend into the existing wall area. Make sure to use a fine grit block when sanding the final coat.
• Apply primer and paint to match existing.



 

Back to School, Back to Work

Whew! Another rental season almost in the books. It’s time for the kids to head back to school and time for many residents here on the OBX to resume the laid-back lifestyles of island dwellers…but for all of us here at Beach Painting Contractors, it’s time to get busy again.

It may seem a bit early to start thinking about the next season, but if you suspect you have moisture and rot problems, you won’t want to wait. Water infiltration is more likely to be problematic in the Fall and Winter months and could lead to prolific damage. If your house requires extensive repairs, it may be difficult to complete the work before the rental season if you wait until Spring.   

It appears counterintuitive to paint or repair the exterior of a house in the Winter, and that may be so in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest; however, the average fall and winter temperatures on the Outer Banks are typically conducive to exterior painting. Sure, we are occasionally slowed down by a protracted cold spell, or even a dusting of snow, but for the most part we perform exterior work year round.  

 

 

So why wait to schedule your work? You can rest easy while the painting and repair work of other rental properties reach a frenetic pace from February to May. Some folks may find it difficult to have their work done by a competent contractor, if they wait too long. There will always be people working for beer money who may be able to help, but is that really a homeowner’s ideal situation?

Paint Problems - Chalking

Chalking is a loose, white powdery pigment residue on the surface of a coating accompanied by a loss of sheen and color. This can be expected to occur over time and is a normal way for paint film to wear. In some cases, this is a self-cleaning feature designed into the coating. However, excessive film erosion can result from heavy chalking and result in the need for a premature repaint.

So now you know what chalking is...you may be asking "what causes chalking?"

According to the Master Painter's Institute (MPI), the main causes include:

1. Paint spread too thin, or thinned too much
2. Low quality or highly pigmented paint
3. Indoor paint used on an exterior substrate.

How do you fix this problem? Well, the first step is to remove as much of the residue as possible with a careful power washing. Check for remaining chalk by running your hand over the surface after it dries. If chalk is still present, apply a quality oil-based or acrylic latex primer. Repaint the surface with a high quality exterior paint. If little or no chalk remains and the old paint is sound, then priming may not be necessary.

For a technical evaluation of chalking, reference ASTM Method D659.

Curb Appeal (and selecting the right painter)

Curb Appeal (and selecting the right painter)

Whether your property is for rent, for sale, or just for you, curb appeal can make all the difference in the world. With so many rental homes and homes for sale on the OBX, the market is more competitive than ever. The curb appeal of your home can either make or break you in terms of how many rentals you book or how soon your home will sell. If you are skeptical, just ask any rental company or real estate agent.

The most cost effective improvement a homeowner can make to improve curb appeal is paint.  A good paint job can cause prospective renters or buyers to overlook other deficiencies, whereas a bad paint job can lead them to over-scrutinize the property. This can lead to lost rental income and lost sales.

 It’s easy to understand why painting is the most frequently requested type of work in a massive home improvement market. The cost of painting is relatively low if you hire the right contractor. However, beware of bargain specialists - your “savings” won’t mean much if you receive a low quality product without after-sale service.

So, how do you select a painting contractor? Here on the OBX there is a never ending supply of people who call themselves painting contractors and promise the same job at a lower price.

A good place to start is with trade associations and references. Is your painter a member of the Chamber of Commerce? How about the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)? Membership in these organizations indicates that a contractor is serious about his business, his community, and industry standards. It’s one simple way to start the vetting process.

While every company promises to deliver value, statistics show that this market is sorely lacking in professionalism. If you are still unsure after talking to all bidders, contact the PDCA or the local paint stores. Do your homework, develop relationships with reputable companies, and you’ll sleep better knowing that your property has the curb appeal that makes it stand out from the others.

Beach Painting
PDCA
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce