Birds singing, sun shining, and people out and about are all signs that spring is here. You go outside to enjoy the weather, take a look at your house and can see what Mr. Winter Weather did to your exterior. There are several things you may notice: chipping and peeling, mildew growth, caulking problems, gutter issues, and worn stain on decks, fences, pergolas and trellises; these are all things that could be potentially harmful to your home.

Chipping and Peeling

There are two signs you need to spruce up your exterior paint; there are obvious mass coating failures, or there are small amounts of chipping and peeling, which expose the wood underneath. These are both signs your top coat isn’t protecting the wood from weathering. Paint works the same at protecting your siding and trim as the way your skin protects your body.

There are several other ways to tell if your home needs to be painted and renewed; the color is fading and is noticeably lighter, the light colors are turning gray, and/or deep colors are losing their base and depth. Also, if you find chalking on the surface of the paint, it may mean you need to get your home power washed and painted. To test for chalking, rub your hand over the siding surface; if it leaves paint residue on your hand this is a sign the paint is breaking down and ready to be re-coated.

Caulking

Caulking failure can also be extremely dangerous for your home. The caulk can pop-out or split open leaving you with three potential problems:

1. Loss of energy efficiency.
2. Weather and insects can enter where failure occurred.
3. Moisture can get behind the wood and paint, which leads to peeling of paint, rotting of wood and mildew growth on the surface and inside the home.

Caulking is also important cosmetically; if it is done properly, it will look seamless with your paint and will be tight and secure. The look will be more complete and your home will instantly benefit from a solid and intricate caulking application.

Other Problem Areas

During the winter months, snow and ice can settle into your home’s gutters with the potential of moisture getting behind the fascia. A few ways to tell if your fascia needs a new paint job are: water stains, peeling and blistering of the paint, and bowing of the wood. If you notice these warning signs, it is best to have someone come out and fix problem areas.

The snow, ice and cold weather can also be a detriment to the staining on decks, fences and trellises. Seeing exposed wood means it is time to protect the wood for spring; you may see heavy wood graining or see fibers in the wood, but they both require the same maintenance.

Final Recommendations

The tips outlined above are a good guideline to use when determining what type of work your home may need after a harsh winter. Whether it is a new paint job or getting your home power washed to eliminate mildew along with a few “touch-ups” to take care of those problem areas, each improvement you make will help your home stay beautiful longer.  A good painting contractor will provide an honest and detailed quote for what painting and preparation your home may need.  Quotes should be free and you should always meet your contractor to walk around your home, so that the contractor can point out and explain issues and solutions.

                                                 SPECIAL!!!!

PAINT THE WALLS OF THREE ROOMS GET THE 4TH ROOM PAINTED FOR FREE*!

Applies to all projects commenced by Karen’s Company before May 31, 20112  * 4th room to be equal or lesser value than the first three.

Special applies to Karen’s Company Labor Charges Only.  Paint, Glazes and other materials for all rooms will be charged at our cost.  Labor for free room must be equal to or less than labor for each of the other three rooms.

Things are sure to fill up fast so be sure to give us a call now to reserve your spot on our calendar!

Karen received a very lovely Report Card from Sandy. Karen’s Company painted two of her Bedrooms.

Sandy Reported:

“I love it. Thank you for a job really well done & quickly completed. I’ll be calling you again & will definitely recommend you.”

What would you like our future customers to know about us? “How efficient & focused on the task you were.”

What did we do that you especially liked? “Your helping me pick colors was very appreciated. How quickly you got the job done too.”

Karen received a Report Card from Gary. Karen’s Company painted his Guest Bedroom & Rec. Room.

Gary Reported:

“Very happy!! Will recommend!!”

How satisfied were you with the clarity of your estimate? “Excellent”

How well were you informed about the on going process of our work? “Excellent”

How well was your property cared for by Karen’s Company? “Excellent”

Karen received a nice Report Card from Kelsey. Karen’s Company painted her Living Room, Master Bedroom, Loft, and part of her stairwell.

Kelsey Reported:

What would you like our future customers to know about us? “That you Rock!“

What did we do that you especially liked? ” Very detailed & helpful!”

Karen just received another Report Card from Naomi. Karen’s Company painted her Kitchen and Dining Room.

Naomi Reported:

What would you like our future customers to know about us? “Excellent, careful work in a timely manner.”

What did we do that you especially liked? ” The fact that Karen came out and talked the process over and had excellent follow through.”

Karen received another nice Report Card from Janice & Gary. Karen’s Company painted their Master Bedroom and Living Room.

Janice & Gary Reported:

“Thanks for a fast, efficient, good looking job!”

What did we do that you especially like? “Changed from a one color job to a two color job without any delay.”

Karen just received another Report Card From Matt & Robbie. Karen’s Company painted their Living Room, Hallways, and Entry Area including stairs.

Matt & Robbie Reported:

Did you find our crew to be friendly and respectful? “Excellent”

What would you like our future customers to know about us? “Professional and Prompt”

What did we do that you especially liked? “Excellent attention to detail.”

Karen received a Report Card from Marilyn & Dick. Karen’s Company painted their Master Bedroom and Entry Way.

Marilyn & Dick Reported:

How satisfied were you with painting of the Faux Painting/ Decorative Painting? “Excellent”

How satisfied were you with painting of the walls? “Excellent”

What did we do that you especially liked? ” The faux on the ceiling in the bedroom. It really looks great. Really didn’t expect it to look so wonderful! Better than expected!”

Karen recieved a lovely Thank you card from Eric & Julie. Karen’s Company painted their Family Room, Kitchen, and Hallways. in addition, Karen’s Company did some Faux work on parts of their house.

Eric & Julie reported: “You and your crew were wonderful. The paint looks fantastic and the crew was professional and kind. We appreciate your hard work in making our home look fantastic.”