Summer is the Time for Exterior Home Maintenance

June 5, 2014 By

Deck Painting Wilmington NC

Our customers frequently ask us what time of year is the best for tackling certain exterior jobs such as painting, pressure washing, staining or sealing outdoor flooring and making general small repairs.

Although here in southeastern N.C. we experience some of the best weather in the country, we think that late spring/early summer is just about ideal for addressing your home’s exterior maintenance needs.

If you are considering a fresh coat of paint for your home’s siding and trim, giving it a good pressure washing beforehand serves several purposes. It will thoroughly clean all  of the surfaces, trim, steps, walkways, and  easily remove any flaking paint or stain.

Prep

Take it from us, prepping for an exterior paint job with pressure washing is quick, easy and mess-free! We have even had customers discover that their home was not due for a paint job at all; it just needed a good cleansing blast from the Colour Solutions team!

Paint

As for painting, the good news is that the pollen is gone and the temps are seasonably mild, yet sunny. Which means quicker drying times, plus the days are longer so there’s more time to complete the task. The same applies to staining and sealing wood decking and porch flooring.

Another pro is that the kids won’t be out of school for a few more weeks, so no little footprints should hamper the progress! Then, when those long, lazy summer days finally roll around, your place will be ready for full-on family enjoyment!

Spruce

Sprucing up your home’s exterior provides immediate gratification. However, please don’t neglect other “to-dos.” There are plenty of spots that fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. However, though they are not exactly exterior areas,  the attic, crawl space and basement needs your attention too.

No summer home maintenance check-list would be complete without this entry:

Check for Leaks and Rot

After the much more frigid and wetter than usual winter we had, it is imperative to check all the areas of your home for any signs of moisture, mold, mildew or rot. If that is out of your area of expertise, just give us a call. We have heard stories from more than one customer about the damage caused by burst pipes.

The unfortunate twist is that homeowners were often unaware there was a problem at all. Please remember that in addition to our usual services, we also do small repair jobs and are experienced in diagnosing issues before they get out of control.

Drier summer weather allows areas that are prone to moisture retention to dry out a bit. Thankfully, that makes it much easier to fix any problems that may have arisen. Replacing wood, fiberglass or insulation that shows signs of excessive dampness is the best way to remove mildew and dangerous mold from getting a foothold.

When you have the piece of mind that your home is impeccably maintained (maybe with a little help from Colour Solutions) it will be a snap to take in every available bit of summer fun: beach days, bike rides, boat trips, barbeques…
Please call 910-686-3067 to find out what we can do for you.

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Exterior Trim – Color Choices and Replacement Options

November 7, 2013 By

Home exterior - spring cleaning.Think of your home’s exterior trim as you would an accessory, such as a necktie or scarf. The idea when choosing a paint or stain color is to compliment rather than detract or overpower the general appearance. The architectural style of the home is also a consideration. There are some styles, such as Colonials, Queen Anne Victorians or Arts and Crafts bungalows that follow a suggested color palette for achieving historical accuracy.  See: Classic Paint Colors Ideal for Wilmington NC.

For more traditional residences, a good rule of thumb is to pick a color that contrasts from the whole house color. For example, with homes painted in light shades like crisp white, pale gray, beige, or buttercream yellow, dark choices are popular such as black, cranberry, dark green, or gun metal gray. Another approach is to use trim colors that are either a few shades darker or lighter and in the same color family as the base shade. Earthy tones often look better with another only slightly contrasting natural color. For example, a tranquil moss green or rich beige could handle a trim choice that’s only a few shade variations from the base color.

Unless the neighborhood dictates which colors you may use, the bottom line is that trim color choices are a matter of personal taste. When in doubt, go for dark trim with a light background and light trim for a dark exterior shade. Of course, the designers here at Colour Solutions will also be happy to help guide you in the right direction!

Best Wood for Replacement Trim

When it’s time to freshen up a home’s exterior trim, a homeowner may discover that some of the wood needs replacing. The elements, along with mold, fungi, and mildew can wreak havoc on the thin strips of wood that trim your home.

Builders often prefer southern yellow pine (SYP), cedar, mahogany, and redwood for exterior trim. Although poplar is frequently used for interior trim, it simply can not withstand changeable temperatures and moisture for very long. There are also a wide variety of synthetic trims on the market these days. Before making a selection, it is advised to read reviews and discuss the matter with both a qualified builder and painter.

To maximize the life of the trim, it is advised to always prime it on all 6 sides.

Save time by having the experts at Colour Solutions handle your trim painting for you.  Give us a call today to learn more: 910-686-3067.

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Beach House Paint Colors

October 14, 2013 By

Beach House Paint ColorsThe fall season is often a time of reflection for homeowners along the southeastern coast of N.C. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the weeks are typically filled with trips to the beach, time on the boat, barbeques and numerous house guests.

When autumn finally rolls around, many who own coastal properties notice some serious sprucing up is in order. The summer heat and humidity can wreak havoc on your home’s painted surfaces, inside and out. At Colour Solutions, we agree with the old adage, that dollar for dollar, painting your home is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. With fall’s cooler temps and dryer air, perfect painting conditions are here, so why not freshen up your beach house with some favorite coastal color combinations?

For exteriors, classic choices are a solid winner. Along the beaches of N.C., lots of homeowners choose shades that blend and compliment their surroundings. Timeless matches are rich grays, sandy beiges, butter cream yellows, pale shades of sage and light blue, all paired with crisp, white trim.

Recently, there’s a trend to opt for the bold and cheerful Caribbean color schemes. Vibrant hues of pink, orange, aqua, blue, and yellow can totally transform an older beach cottage. Whimsical contrasting pops of color for the trim, doors, windows, and shutters, are also very popular.

To maintain an airy feel inside the home, light colors are always a good choice. Whitewashed walls with accents of bottle blue, sea glass green, beach sand, or pelican gray are effective for achieving cottage chic. Painted ceilings and floors are another easy way to make rooms bright and breezy.

The idea of painting old knotty pine paneling that is in some older beach houses, would make some cringe, however, there’s no better way to lighten up. The same goes for brick fireplaces and mantels. Changing the finish from tired red clay to serene oyster white works wonders and is an easy way to update.

For more ideas, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to discuss paint and stain options. Please call us today at 910-686-3067 or contact us online.

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How Does Humidity Affect Your Home’s Painted Finishes?

August 8, 2013 By

How Does Heat and Humidity Affect Your Home's Exterior?Most homeowners are aware that weather and changing temperatures can directly impact the wear and tear on their homes. However, the severe temperature dips and harsh precipitation associated with the winter months are what most homeowners focus on. Although in some parts of the country, the summers are warm and dry, there are many states in which high humidity and heavy amounts of rain wreak havoc on homes’ painted or stained finishes.

In the greater Wilmington area, the combination of high humidity and rain can wreak havoc on exterior materials such as wood, masonry, and metal.  Excessive moisture can result in mildew and algae. Check your exteriors for signs of these culprits and clean them a soon as possible. A solution of 2 parts water, one part bleach, and one part a mild detergent, such as Borax, is recommended.

If you live in or around Wilmington, NC, contact the experts at Colour Solutions to discuss which paints and stains are mildew-resistant and which ones are better suited for your application-oil-based or latex.  Colour Solutions will be able to match the best quality paint for your application for the ultimate protection and beauty of your home or business.

Be aware that moisture and humidity can creep inside and create problems for a home’s interior as well. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are the most susceptible. Rule out leaks or rotten wood to ensure that these issues do not get out of hand. For most homes that have a mild problem with interior humidity, a simple clean up and the ventilating with air conditioning, fans, or open windows, is all it takes.

If a DIY painting project is in your future, here are a few suggestions for success:

  • If it is not warm enough outside to dry laundry on a clothesline, it’s not warm enough to paint.
  • Wait before you paint if water splashed on cement does not dry quickly or in 15 minutes. You could also test this by brushing water on the area you want to paint or stain.
  • Light breezes are perfect, however, windy conditions can ruin your perfect application with tiny debris and cause the job to dry unevenly.
  • Do not paint outside in very hot weather or in direct sunlight. It can cause blistering. Painting “in front of the sun” is frequently suggested, which means painting in the direction the sun is moving, just ahead of its path.
  • Overcast, but warm days, with no chance of rain are ideal for exterior painting projects.
  • Before breaking out the brushes and drop cloth, call our team at Colour Solutions.  You may find that hiring the pros will be well worth the time and resources it saves you!  Plus, you’ll know that your home will look beautiful and the painting will done in a flash.

Call us today to request a quote or complete the form on the right side of this page: 910-686-3067

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Replace Rotted Wood and Repaint Home’s Exterior

August 1, 2013 By
Say No to Wood Rot!

Don’t let this happen to your home!

Wood damage caused by rot can result in big headaches for homeowners. It is a tough issue to deal with because it can occur in so many areas, such as the structural timber, eaves, garage doors, entry doors, window casings, and anywhere else that wood was used in construction. Wood rot is most often attributed to pests, like termites or carpenter bees, and/or excessive exposure to moisture. Wood decay fungi, which are a common source of the problem, can only grow on wood with a high moisture content.  That’s why the key to prevention is to  use paints, primers, and stains with moisture barriers.

Homeowners faced with wood rot will want to have an experienced professional assess the situation before proceeding with a replacement project. The root of the problem must be determined before any work takes place to ensure the wood rot is eliminated once and for all. Ongoing leaks or the presence of wood-eating pests are usually the culprits.

After the cause has been eliminated, the replacement wood should be primed on all six sides before it is installed. Sealing all 6 sides with primer, or “back-priming,” is necessary to hopefully keep this from happening again. Our painting professionals at Colour Solutions would be happy to discuss which products are best suited to your job.

Ongoing and preventative maintenance are also vital in keeping wood rot at bay. Cleaning your home’s exterior, along with re-caulking and painting every three to seven years is a step in the right direction. Exterior paints and stains are like your home’s coat of armor against the elements. Failing to paint or stain the exterior and trim on a regular basis can set the stage for further damage. It is vital to apply a sealant regularly to the timber used on decks and porch flooring so moisture and rot will not set in.

Take control of your preventative home maintenance by getting on a schedule with Colour Solutions painting company based in Wilmington, NC.  Don’t let your house painting go by the wayside – contact Colour Solutions for a free quote today! 910-686-3067

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