Lead Paint | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

8 July 2018

How to Know it’s Time to Paint Your House!

exterior painting, House Painters Have you been pulling into the driveway lately and feeling that the house staring back at you seems a bit worn? Is it looking dull? Do the other homes in the neighborhood seem newer and more modern? Perhaps all that you really need is a fresh coat of paint to spruce up the place and make it feel new again – and the same is as true for the inside as outside! Putting a fresh coat of paint on the house or inside is like updating your wardrobe! Here are some sure-fire ways to know when it’s time to paint!

You know it’s time to paint when you see the paint cracking or bubbling. This could actually signal more significant problems underneath the paint such as dry rot or mold. Both of these are issues that will cause long-term and significant damage if they are not addressed.

Check the caulking on the windows outside (and inside). Dried and cracked caulking is also an indication you need to take a closer look at the condition of the home and spruce it up. Upkeep is often cheaper than letting things deteriorate so badly that they cause costly damage to the overall structure.

Is the color of the paint looking dingy? Faded? Perhaps one side of the house gets more sun than the other and that causes discoloration. Weather plays an important role in how the outside of your home holds up. Do a monthly or bimonthly walk around as a way to identify problems with the paint and/or structure.

Paint your home – just because. Because you have lived there for a few years and want a change. Because you found a color you like better and think it will give the home greater curb appeal (you want curb appeal even if you are not selling the home as it keeps its value elevated). Or because it hasn’t been painted in 7 years or more – the recommended amount of time between paint jobs.

While these are the main reasons for painting the exterior, you may decide to do it simply because you want a change. One sure way that can happen is by putting on a whole new color! Whatever your reason for choosing to paint, when the time comes we hope you will call the professionals at University Paint. We would be happy to provide a quote and provide the highest quality service. We look forward to speaking with you.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 February 2018

Preparing Your Home For An Exterior Paint Job

Nearly half of the painting process for painting the exterior of your home is preparation, so make sure to follow these steps to guarantee that the exterior paint will look great and last.

Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Wash your house’s exterior from top to bottom prior to having it painted. A thoroughly washed surface can maximize the adhesion of the new paint to the exterior surfaces. Consider renting a power pressure washer, which can save you hours of time and effort you would otherwise spend with hand washing. You can wash your exterior with regular tap water; use clean additives only when there is mold and heavy stains. Allow your home to dry for at least one day prior to having it painted.

Make Repairs

Paint isn’t the solution to damaged or rotten surfaces of your home. It will only cover the unsightly marks. Repair any damaged areas of your home first prior to painting it. You may do this on your own but there are instances when you have to seek help from a carpenter or a handyman. Get professional help when the job calls for replacement or repairs of crucial parts of your house, such as stairs or overhangs.

Trim Nearby Plants And Trees

Be sure to trim the trees, plants and bushes close to your home before getting your exterior painted. This will provide enough space to work outside around the house without the painters having to brush off branches and thorns that can potentially injure them. Trimming plants that are in close contact to your home can also prevent foliage from hitting the wet paint once applied.

Scrape Away Flaking Paint

After washing your home’s exterior, you need to scrap and sand away any loose paint. Taking off this old flaking paint may involve a lot of work but this is a crucial step. The condition of the surface that needs to be painted will determine the success of the project.

Houses built before 1978 may also have lead paint, so scraping and sanding the exteriors of these homes need to be done with care.

Prepping your home prior to a painting job will require a lot of work. Fortunately, these tasks can be included in your painting project when you hire a professional. This can help you save a great deal of time, effort and money. Contact us here at University Painters for professional painting services.

Regular Post

Written by Josh Jablon

2 January 2018

Home Issues That Homeowners Should Not Ignore

Homeowners do not have to fix minor cosmetic issues around the house right away but it is important to know how to identify problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Here are some of them:

Pest Damage

Many homeowners think that pest infestations are a mere annoyance but rats and termites do not just bring germs and other pathogens into your home. They can also cause tremendous amount of physical damage to your home in a short period of time.

Water Leaks

Figures from the United States Geological Survey agency show that a slow leak can cost a family more than $200 a year in wasted water. Besides wasting money on your utility bill, water leaks will damage virtually everything that it touches.

Broken Garage Door

A broken garage door can pose a safety risk to your family. Thieves can easily break in if you have an unfixed garage door. A garage door that does not close all the way also gives easier access to pests.

Damage To The Roof

A damaged roof can decrease the value of your property. It can also result in structural problems when rainstorms occur. Homeowners need to check the roof and the attic for signs of water damage at least twice a year.

Frayed Wires

Many homeowners ignore repairing damaged wiring unless they run into important home appliances such as the refrigerator. Frayed wires are unfortunately one of the most common causes of house fires. The condition can create short circuits that may possibly escalate into a fire hazard.

Flaking Paint

Colors can transform your house into a home. Adding an extra coat of paint will not only increase the value of your property, it can also improve insulation and protect the structure of your home.

Peeling paint is a common problem for ceilings and bathroom walls because of possible water leaks and high humidity. Flaking paint can be an eyesore in what could be an attractive bathroom but there is another reason why peeling paint warrants attention: areas with flaking paints serve as a prime breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and mildew.

If your home was built before 1978, it likely used lead-based paint so it’s a good idea to hire a professional who can handle the repair. University Painters can provide you with the professional painting services that you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your painting issues in your home.