mildew | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

28 October 2018

The Right Paint Will Help to Prevent Mildew & Mold on Your Home’s Exterior

Mildew is a thin whitish-colored coating that is found on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces. Everything from plants to paper and leather can invite mildew. However, it is more commonly found in areas that have humid summer weather. So, in areas of the country that are prone to humidity, homeowners should make it a habit to routinely inspect their home by doing a monthly ‘walk-around’.

If you do discover mildew don’t be too disturbed. Chances are with monthly inspections you have caught it early. Why is it important to remove mildew (and mold) from your home’s exterior? There are several reasons. First, mildew can cause the exterior to discolor and may lead to wood rot. Too, mildew can aggravate any existing allergies.

Mildew and mold are both potential problems for home exteriors although they look and act differently. Mildew presents as an almost chalky white or gray or tan substance. It is usually easy to spot. Mold, on the other hand, is fuzzy-looking. It often is first noticeable by its sour smell rather than appearance.

Both are removable but must be done with caution. No matter which you are trying to destroy, the first thing to remember is you should wear protective clothing. That includes the use of gloves and goggles. It is best to ensure you have covered all parts of your body as well. There are commercial mildew removers available at most stores. If you are an environmentalist who does not like using chemicals, then you can make your own mildew-remover solution.

Removing mold from your home may require the intervention of a specialist who is knowledgeable in this area. Mold can creep into cracks and hidden places in your home which makes it difficult to ensure that it is completely eliminated.

It is always a good idea to purchase mildew-resistant paint the next time you want to freshen the exterior of your home. Examples of these are enamel-based and linseed oil-based paints. They may be a bit more expensive but if you live in an area that is prone to humidity, you will likely save yourself money in the long run.

If you want to know more about keeping up your home’s exterior, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

2 August 2018

Repairing and Repainting After Water Damage

interior painting,House Painting Pressure Washing If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ll have to deal with water damage at some point in the life of your home. The causes of water damage vary from the effects of bad weather to frozen pipes to antiquated plumbing. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to do a thorough job of repairing the damage to prevent additional problems in the future.

Consider The Source

Before any repair work can be started, find the source of the water damage. Make sure the repairs are made properly and quickly. Wet materials can begin to develop mold and mildew in as little as 24 hours.

Ceiling Damage

Ceiling damage can cause paint to peel and bubbles to form. Once the source of the water is repaired, examine the damaged area. Remove any peeling paint or bubbles. If the drywall is sagging, let it dry completely. Check to make sure it is still attached to the beams and use drywall screws to restore it to the correct position.

Clean any visible mold or mildew from the damaged area. Use filler or putty to create a flat surface wherever peeling paint or bubbling was removed, then sand it smooth. Next, apply a stain blocking primer to any area that is discolored and let it dry completely. If you don’t apply stain block, the original stain will bleed through the new paint. It’s best to repaint the entire ceiling to prevent patches of different colored paint.

Wall Damage

If the wallboard doesn’t need to be replaced, check to make sure it’s still attached to the studs. Scrape off any peeling paint or drywall putty then clean the surface. If there is any mold or mildew, use bleach and water or a solution specifically designed to combat mildew. Let the area dry completely, then apply a fresh coat of paint. If the existing paint has faded, you may need to repaint the entire wall or room to maintain consistent color.

Repairing water damage can be a time consuming process. Save yourself the aggravation and leave it to the professionals at University Painters. Call or go online to schedule a free consultation today.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

21 July 2018

Summer Time Is Painting Time

exterior painting, home painters Summer can be a great time to complete home improvement projects, especially if they’re outdoor projects. If you’re thinking about painting your home’s exterior, consider the following tips to get the best results.

1. Prepare. For the best results, take the time to prepare the painting surface. It should take as much time to prepare as it does to paint. Wash off dirt or mud, scrape or sand any peeling paint, treat areas that have mold or mildew, repair any gouges, cracks, or other damage. The extra effort will be worth the time spent.

2. Time of day. Spend as much time as possible painting in the morning before it gets hot. Evenings are good a time to paint as well, but even after the sun goes down, the exterior of your home retains heat.

3. Wind. If the weather forecast predicts breezy or windy conditions, postpone your painting. Blowing dirt and debris can stick to wet paint. If that happens, you’ll be back at square one sanding and scraping paint. The same goes for rain. Avoid painting either before or after a storm.

4. Sunlight. Don’t paint in direct sunlight. The sun can increase the temperature of your home’s exterior by 10 to 15 degrees. It may affect how well the paint adheres to the surface. Schedule painting time so you can be in the shade throughout the day. It’s some times referred to as “following the sun”. Take advantage of overcast days to do as much painting as possible.

5. Temperature. The optimal temperature for painting is around 75 to 80 degrees with less than 50% humidity. Avoid painting on the hottest days. If paint dries too fast, which means the water portion of the paint is evaporating too quickly, it can cause cracking or peeling. To slow the rate of evaporation, put ice in the bottom of your paint container, cover it with a plastic liner, and then pour in the paint.

For the best results any time of year, contact University Painters. We’re experts in our field and are prepared to tackle your painting project. Call us today for a free estimate.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 June 2018

Painting Wood Shingles

exterior painting, home painters Wood shingles, especially cedar shingles, can be a popular choice for the exterior of your home. With proper stain, they are long-lasting, weather and insect-resistant. You do have the option to paint shingles, but special preparation is needed. Wood absorbs paint faster than other surfaces and has to be specially primed. Even the best paint will soak into the wood without the proper base.

Because shingles may weather differently, check to see if any are damaged and need to be replaced. Shingles also mildew rather quickly and should be cleaned thoroughly before painting. To prepare singles for painting, the shingles need to be washed to remove dirt and mildew.

To clean wood shingles, a sponge, household bleach, and water are what’s called for. Using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, apply the solution to mildewed areas with a sponge and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Let the shingles dry and be aware that it can take up to two weeks for shingles to dry completely.

When the shingles are dry, use a scrub brush to remove any old wood or dirt and brush the residue off with a wide paint brush. Next, apply a stain blocking primer with a four to six inch brush. Shingles need to be coated evenly. If you choose to use a sprayer, use even strokes moving in different directions for complete coverage.

The final step is to paint. Acrylic latex exterior paint is a good choice and will last for many years. As with the primer, the paint should be applied in all directions and completely cover the shingles. Work in a limited area, approximately 20 feet square, and then move to the next section.

University Painters are licensed, qualified, and knowledgeable about all types of finishes for the exterior of your home. We can work with you to create the look you want for your home. Contact us today at 1-800-390-4848 for an appointment.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

10 June 2018

Get Your Deck Warm Weather Ready

home painters, painting, interior,exterior Follow these steps to make sure your deck stays in good condition.

Clean between the boards to loosen and lift out any dirt, mud or other debris using a putty knife. Don’t use anything that would damage the wood. Sweep the deck thoroughly. Ensure that you’re using the correct cleaner for your deck. Some require that the deck be wet before the cleaner is applied.

Apply the cleaner with a brush-style broom, garden hose sprayer, or a paint roller. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Don’t forget to clean the railings, beginning from the bottom up, and the stairs then rinse thoroughly. If you’re planning to reseal the deck, wait at least two full days.

Check the deck for any large gouges, loose boards, or other signs of wear. If nails have popped up, take them out and replace it with a slightly longer wood screw. If there are any boards with rot or significant signs of wear, replace it. Check railings as well to make sure they’re secure.

Remember to periodically move furniture or planters to clean underneath and prevent rot. Plants should never drain directly onto the deck. Keep a tray underneath each item to catch excess water. Protect the deck from furniture scratches with nylon pads similar to what you would use in the house. Don’t use any natural fibers that can mildew or rot.

If you have a grill on your deck, take a few precautions. Make sure there’s sufficient space around the grill so air can circulate and the heat won’t damage the deck. Protect the wood under the grill with a spatter mat, specifically manufactured for that purpose. Again, clean under the mat regularly to keep dirt and grease from building up. Clean up any spills as soon as they occur.

University Painters are experts in the treatment and maintenance of exterior surfaces. Contact us today for a free appointment at 800-390-4848 or visit our website at universitypainters.com.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

10 January 2018

Most Common Causes Of Peeling Paint

Paint may start to peel off of interior walls or exterior surfaces of your home regardless of when it was applied. Here are some possible causes and how you can fix the problem:

Poor Adhesion

Paint will start to peel off when it does not adhere properly to the surface underneath it. This happens when the wall was not cleaned and primed correctly.

Mildew, oil, dirt and dust need to be thoroughly removed before painting. If you are painting a wall covered in old paint with a glossy finish, you must use an abrasive cleanser to clean and dull the wall to improve adhesion. If you are painting over a wall with an existing paint type, you need to choose the same type of paint. Oil, latex and water-based paints do not mix well together.

Moisture

The paint will not dry correctly if it is applied to a damp surface. This can lead to premature peeling of paint.

Paint That Has Gone Bad

Peeling can happen if the paint used has already gone bad. Latex paints may no longer be usable when they are left stored in open containers in the garage. They start to develop a strong odor and leave a rough finish on the surfaces that can cause peeling. Cheap paints may also fail and peel sooner compared with higher-end paints.

New Wood

New wood has natural oils that can cause paint to peel off regardless if the wood appears dry when you paint it. Cedar is particularly susceptible to this. Wood that was not properly cured may contain too much moisture.

A wall with peeling paint is an eyesore, as well as a health risk, since areas in your home with flaking paints can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Ensure you make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Fixing peeling paint requires removal of the chipped paint, use of a patching compound, sanding, then use of an oil-based primer. An easier option to repairing peeling paint is to entrust the job to an experienced professional.

University Painters can help fix peeling paint in your home. Our expert painters can remove old and peeling paint layers then repaint the surfaces using tried and tested techniques that can prevent peeling from happening again. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you repair peeling paints in your home.

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