Painting - Preparation is the Key

Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." While this is applicable to many aspects of life, it is particularly apropos to our philosophy at Beach Painting Contractors. More often than not, poor preparation leads to a significantly shorter lifespan when it comes to repainting your house. Conversely, diligent preparation can extend the life of your paint job.

 

To protect your home, your painting contractor needs to account for the following:

1. Cleaning: Paint will not adhere to a dirty surface. It is imperative that a house be chemically treated to kill mildew and power washed to remove dirt and peeling paint.
2. Scraping/Sanding: After sufficient drying time, any remaining peeling paint needs to be addressed by scraping. If not, the original paint will continue to peel after the new paint is applied. It is also critical to "feather" sand the rough edges where paint has been removed to diminish the chances of further peeling.
3. Repairing Surface Flaws: Cracks and dings in your siding should be repaired with exterior spackle, caulk, or wood putty to prevent further deterioration and improve overall appearance.
4. Caulking: This is a critical step in preventing moisture infiltration. Any caulk that is cracked or separating from the surface must be removed. A high grade exterior acrylic latex or elastomeric caulk must be applied to these areas. Special attention should be applied at all window, door, and corner trim.
5. Rust Treatment: Rusty fasteners should be treated with a rust-inhibiting primer after removing loose rust scale.
6. Spot Priming: all bare wood should be primed with an exterior stain-blocking primer. All rust primer and repair areas should also be spot-primed before painting.
7. Wrapping: landscaping should be covered with drop cloths or plastic. Air conditioning units, decks, and any unpainted surfaces should also be covered with drop cloths. Window and door openings should be covered with plastic prior to spraying. Cardboard shields are typically used along the roof line when painting fascia boards.

One major distinction between a reputable painting contractor and a less-than-reputable one is the amount of preparation that is included in a painting proposal. My experience is that 40-50% of the labor required in an exterior painting project is the prep work described above. If the house exterior hasn't been routinely maintained, the percentage of prep work will be higher.  

 

If you are collecting quotes for a project and find one of your bidders is significantly less than the others, one reason may be that he has not included the prep work required for a quality paint job. All too often, this leads to paint failure within 2-3 years.

The old adage that we get what we pay for rings true, especially when it comes to painting preparation.

 

Give us a call at 800.663.4944 to request an estimate or visit our website to learn more about Beach Painting.

When Is It Time To Replace My Siding?

Americans have clad their homes with siding since colonial times. Siding affects the appearance of your home as well as the energy efficiency. It’s one of the most important architectural systems on your home. 

So, how do I know when it’s time to replace my siding?

Most types of siding are durable and should last a long time, but if you see evidence of fungus and wood rot, separated seams, warped or split boards, missing shakes, or you find yourself painting the exterior of your home every three to four years…it could be time to replace your siding.

What types of siding are available?

Wood siding was really the only option available until the 1920’s. Asbestos siding and asphalt siding became popular alternatives to wood until the advent of aluminum and steel siding in the 1940’s. These systems all had drawbacks and eventually fell out of favor with homeowners.

Vinyl siding and fiber cement board first became available in the 1950’s and gained immense popularity in the decades that followed. Significant technological improvements have made these systems the most commonly used siding in new construction. Composite (or engineered) wood siding has also become popular in recent decades.

Which type of siding is best for me?

Every siding system has advantages and drawbacks. It’s important to realize the installation and maintenance costs before you commit.

Wood

In my opinion cedar siding looks the best. Whether you install clapboards, panels, or shakes, you will need to protect the wood from the elements and from insects. You’ll likely have to repaint the cedar every 4-5 years. If you choose to go with a more natural look (i.e. clear sealer or semi-transparent stain) you’ll still need recoat the surface according to the severity of the environment you live in. If properly maintained, wood siding (cedar, pine, spruce) should last at least 20 years.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is the least expensive to install. It doesn’t peel or corrode, which makes it very popular. Most vinyl siding manufacturers also offer insulated panels, making them a good choice to the energy-efficient homeowner.

However, vinyl siding is less aesthetically pleasing than other types of siding, and its color will fade over time. Even if installed properly, it doesn’t seem to hold up well on the OBX.

Fiber Cement Board (Hardie Plank)

Fiber cement board is relatively low maintenance and looks nicer than vinyl siding. It’s available in a number of profiles. From a distance it looks like wood. It’s fire resistant and is not prone to insect damage.

It doesn’t require painting as often as wood, but the boards are heavier, which means they come in shorter lengths and are more difficult to install. Over time, fiber cement boards have a tendency to crack. They also have a tendency to wick up water if installed adjacent to a driveway or deck where water can pool.

Composite or Engineered Wood

Composite wood siding is made with wood fibers/chips and epoxy resin. It is impervious to moisture and insect damage. It looks nicer than vinyl siding. It’s also much easier to install and less expensive than fiber cement boards. It appears to be the most durable siding option available today and has become increasingly popular on the OBX over the last few years.

Installation practices

Regardless of which siding system you choose, the siding must be properly installed. After removing your old siding, your contractor should check everything visible before installing the new siding. Plywood sheathing should be checked for rot and insect damage.

In most cases, house wrap should be replaced. We prefer to use 30-lb asphalt felt paper rather than polypropylene fiber. It is more durable and has no chemically adverse reactions to different types of wood or metal.

Flashing should also be inspected. During the building boom on the OBX, there were a lot of slipshod construction practices. Step flashing and Z flashing were often times improperly installed and sometimes omitted completely. This is a huge factor in the amount of wood rot we are now finding all over the OBX. The correct type of flashing with compatible fasteners and back caulk is a crucial step. Any roof lines that terminate into the siding MUST be properly flashed, as well as all sills, decks, and decorative trim pieces (i.e. “beauty bands”).

Windows should also be sealed with window tape prior to installing the siding. It’s an inexpensive step that is often overlooked. The house will also need to be caulked at every joint and every trim piece. A high-performance exterior acrylic latex caulk will outlast most paint jobs.  Cheaper latex caulks are less resistant to UV exposure and will yellow and crack.

As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Take your time and do your homework before committing to a major home improvement project. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. We are more than happy to give a free estimate and consultation on your siding replacement. Find out why Beach Painting Contractors is becoming the preferred siding contractor on the OBX. 
 

800.663.4944

www.beachpainting.com

info@beachpainting.com


Serving the OBX Since 1995

 

Wood Rot - What Every Homeowner Should Know

Photo: Advanced Structural Rot

There are two words that strike fear into any homeowner - "wood rot." On the Outer Banks it's a problem we deal with every day. Usually, by the time we find wood rot on a house, it has reached a stage where it is completely pervasive. This leads to high unexpected costs for the homeowner.

What Causes Wood Rot?
The main cause of wood rot is water. If water gets into cracks or beneath your siding and doesn't dry out, it creates a perfect environment for certain wood-decaying fungi. Once the rot takes hold, it spreads rapidly. If left alone it will eventually lead to major structural damage.

But that's not all. The dampness becomes an open invitation for termites and carpenter ants to inflict further damage. The bottom line is this: your house has a lot of wood - siding, plywood sheathing, trim, and framing - so there is a lot to protect.

Photo: Rot Discovery at House Trim

How Do I Identify Wood Rot?
Any place where two pieces of wood come together is a potential place for water infiltration. Excessive paint peeling on house trim, window trim, butt joints in siding, fascia, or near roof lines may indicate water infiltration. Stained or peeling siding directly above or below your deck may also be an indicator. Interior drywall staining near windows, doors, or where your ceiling meets an exterior wall may also be a sign of rot.

Take a screwdriver and gently probe the wood. If your screwdriver goes through the wood, you have rot. You'll want to call a rot repair specialist to examine further.

Beach Painting Contractors will typically begin by probing further and removing trim or siding that has rot. We then inspect the plywood sheathing at these locations to determine if the rot has spread. If the rot appears to be widespread, we develop an action plan for the homeowner.

How Do I Prevent Wood Rot?
First of all, homes should be inspected annually for signs of wood rot. This is especially critical in extremely harsh environments like the Outer Banks. A full-service painting and construction contractor can do this for you. As part of a maintenance agreement with Beach Painting Contractors, we offer power washing and inspection of your siding, trim, roof, and caulking. Nearly one third of our annual revenue comes from our construction division (which specializes in rot repair). We know what to look for.

Consider installing seamless gutters on your house. Seamless gutters are not prone to leaking (thereby causing damage to fascia and soffits). You'll want to make sure that your gutters remain clear of debris.

Photo: Advanced Rot and Insect Damage

Roof and deck flashing are critical. If flashing is installed incorrectly (or not installed at all) water will flow directly behind your siding. Typically, flashing can be installed easily with minimum removal of siding and roof shingles.

Look for failed caulking. This is a primary line of defense against water penetration. Cracked or deteriorated caulk should be removed and replaced with a high quality acrylic latex exterior caulk.

Address your peeling paint. If your trim or siding have peeling paint, you'll need to scrape, apply primer, and re-paint the area that is peeling. As mentioned above, you'll want to probe any wood that is peeling.

Maintain and trim your trees and shrubbery. Any limbs touching your house can provide a conduit for water infiltration.

If you suspect you have wood rot, call us today! We'll perform a visual inspection and provide a free consultation.

Painters and Rot Repair Specialists

 

252.441.8224

www.beachpainting.com

info@beachpainting.com

 

Interior Design and Paint Color Advice

When it comes to decorating or redecorating a room, choosing the right paint color can sometimes present a challenge. The following tips may help.  

 

Exercise Patience
It's always a good idea to collect paint chips and samples when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available myriad colors, tints, shades, and tones. It’s the easiest element to change in a room, and the least expensive.  After area rugs, window treatments, and furniture are finalized, make your decision on paint color.

 

Photo: Sherwin Williams Concepts in Color

A Tried and True Formula for Color Selection
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces. More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, baseboards, and trim. 

 

Choose the Right Sheen for the Job
Consider which sheen might be best for your project. Flat sheens hide wall imperfections while satin, eggshell, and glossier sheens will reflect more light. Be cognizant of how much natural and/or incandescent light is in the room. Also be aware that while a flat sheen is great at hiding the imperfections of your drywall, it is also the least durable.



Photo: Example of cool color with warm accent colors

Color “Temperature”
Colors are often referred to as "warm" or "cool." Oranges, reds, and pinks are considered warm colors. "Cool" is ascribed to blues, greens and violets. Similarly, winter sunlight and fluorescent lighting are considered cool while summer sunlight and incandescent lighting are warm. Knowing the theory behind color can help you select the right tone for the ambience you're trying to achieve. See my blog post from last October to learn more about light reflectance value and the impacts of natural vs. artificial light. Understanding how the human eye perceives color can go a long way in guiding your decisions.   

 

Photo: Example of warm color

Custom Colors
If you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique color, your local paint store can provide custom color mixing. You can bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other color reference, and have a paint color created as a perfect match. It’s truly as simple as a quick scan and a computer-generated formula.

 

Give it a Test Run
When you think that you've really chosen your perfect color, buy a pint of paint to do a test patch. Most paint stores will even provide you with a free sample. Paint a 2-ft to 4-ft square directly on your wall. Look at it during the day and during the evening. See how the color appears at sunrise and sunset. If it just doesn’t look right, don't get discouraged. Get another sample and try again. Sometimes I’ll apply two or three test colors before making a final decision. 


Cross Contamination
After you have a painted wall sample, scrutinize the color you're testing and whether it is adversely impacted by other colors in a room. Again, understanding color theory and how the human eye perceives color will be a helpful. Depending on the amount of light, the type of lighting, the light reflectance value (LRV) of the paint, your test color may get completely “washed out” by the other colors in the room. It may even appear to be a completely different color at different times of the day.  


Call Us - We Can Help!
For helpful paint advice, contact your full-service painting contractor. Tell him about your project and what you hope to achieve. Ask which paint products are recommended for various applications and why. A painting professional will be more than happy to share the information (as well as his opinion!). Ask about specialty paints such as low-odor/low-V.O.C, stain-killing primers, washable paint, and more.

 

Give It Time
Wet paint always looks different from dry paint. Don't panic when you first see the paint applied to the wall. Let it dry. A new bold color may take some time to grow on you. After your furniture, area rugs, and wall treatments are put back in place, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised to see how well your new color harmonizes with these elements.

 

Contact us today to see what we can do for you!

 

1496 Colington Rd.
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
800.663.4944 / 252.441.8224 
252.449.8729 Fax

www.beachpainting.com

info@beachpainting.com

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