Consider This When Having Exterior Painting Performed On Michigan Residential Homes
Painting your Michigan homes exterior is a big job with great rewards. The work requires minimal investment with greater rewards. Exterior painting jobs increase your property value. Caulking and painting is the first line of defense against snow, rain, and ice.
It is good to repaint as soon as you start noticing paint cracks, blisters or peels. When you ignore the problems, they become extensive and expensive to repair. There are two types of exterior paints: the oil-based alkyd and water-based latex paint.
Latex paint is easy to clean as you just need soap and water. The paint dries quickly and remains flexible for long. Besides, it has low odor hence less likely to crack. The best quality latex paints have acrylic resins.
Alkyd paints must be mixed with paint thinners for cleanup. The paint flows smoothly, and the painting job can last for years. Moreover, the paint is stain-resistant. The paint dries with fewer brush marks. However, alkyd paints dry slowly and have a strong solvent smell.
Exterior painting is a home improvement that deserves seriousness. Adopt a steadfast mentality if you want a good job. Choose the right paint that gives you the best results. A good painting job makes your home look beautiful. Concentrate on getting a quality painting to improve the appearance of the home.
Identify your palette
Consider the materials in the house like the roofing, stone, brick or concrete. Earthy tones complement well the stone materials as cooler shades coordinate well with wood finishes. Play up your architectural details. A home with both horizontal and vertical siding should be painted in two tones. Otherwise, a neutral house just needs bold colors. Remember to consider the environment. Do you reside in a wooded area or it is open? What color is predominant in the neighborhood?
Check the weather forecast
The weather will affect the work and how the paint adheres to the surface. Do not paint the home if the temperatures are below 50-degrees or if it is very foggy. Reschedule painting if the forecast says you are going to get showers.
Do annual maintenance
Maintenance is necessary if you want to extend the life of repaints. Experts agree that power washing the home with care and removing cobwebs and dust at least once every year brightens the exterior appearance of your home.
Benefits of painting your home exterior
Prevents termite damage
Painting seals off areas that are prone to termite and others wood-eating pests.
This protects the property from damage.
Protects the property from harsh winters
Extreme temperatures have a significant effect on home exteriors.
The ice and salt can wear out your home with time.
Getting a fresh protective paint coating adds a useful barrier between your home and the winter.
Extend siding lifetime
Vinyl siding is durable and can last for up to 50 years. However, everyday tear and wear can cut down the property lifetime. Painting keeps the vinyl siding looking fresh and saves you maintenance cost.
Increases home appeal
A nicely painted home has a better value in the real estate market. The painting job charms buyers and makes it sell fast.
Maintains structural integrity
Mildew and mold growth can break down the wood surfaces of your home structure. Unprotected surfaces absorb water from dew and rain then starts to swell, soften and decay.
Better aesthetics
The fresh paint job makes your home looks more appealing in the neighborhood. Fresh paint makes your siding look newer and gives the house a new appearance.
Considerations before painting
Are there neighborhood restrictions?
Check with neighborhood homeowner’s association to see if there are color restrictions that apply.
Some areas limit paint color to only a few shades.
Otherwise, you will pay steep fines and still repaint your home exterior.
Prepare the landscape
Exterior painting can be messy. Therefore, cover the landscape before you start and avoid stray drips that can mess your beautiful flowerbeds.
Should you go professional?
Exterior painting is a major project to handle. If you are not sure you can handle the task well hire a house painting professional to do the work. It is never wrong to get a little help.
Quality over cost
When buying paint and choosing a professional painting contractor, consider quality over cost do not cut corners as it may affect the final product.
Consider the weather
Exterior paint job needs time to dry. Avoid painting during humid or damp days as they affect drying. Never paint during the hottest or coldest times of the year.