When it comes to exterior painting in Ellicott City, it’s crucial to choose the right painting contractor. Here are a few key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
If you see a recently painted house that looks fresh and clean, that’s great, but it is not enough. Two things are more important.
First, is the house caulked propberly? Does it have an adequate number of coats to prevent water from causing rot?
Second, how long will the exterior painting in Ellicott City last?
We all know that our area has cold winters and hot summers, so there is a lot of expanding and contracting of siding and trim. If areas are not caulked properly and proper paints are not used, then water can start causing damage, and the paint can fail prematurely.
Neglecting these steps could lead to a premature failure of your exterior painting, potentially leaving your house vulnerable to the elements. These factors will ultimately determine whether the exterior painting will protect your house for a few years or a decade.
With a rich experience of over 30 years in exterior painting in Ellicott City, we have honed our skills and developed foolproof practices. This has enabled us to offer the longest exterior warranties in the industry, ensuring your peace of mind.
These are the 5 key steps that allow us to offer warranties for 2- 10 years!
Using a moisture meter
Choosing the right products.
Using only premium-grade paints
Working in cooperation with Mother Nature
Exterior Painting in Ellicott City: Our Five Key Factors
It Starts With Proper Power Washing
Excessive power washing can cause real damage to your home.
When power washing or pressure washing the exterior of your home, we let the chemicals do the work, not high pressure. We leave the high-pressure to Time Share salespeople.
We use the least amount of chemicals that kill mildew and get rid of dirt and pollen collected on the home.
Our cleaning products will not harm your plants or flowers!
FYI – We insist that the chemical stay on for 15 minutes. That’s the amount of time necessary to kill the mold spores.
If not, the mildew will grow back much faster.
Whether you need your deck and fence power washed or your home. We will be happy to explain the best products to make your project turn out absolutely beautiful.
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Enter your name, email and phone number below. One of our friendly staff members will get back to you within 60 minutes to schedule your free exterior painting estimate. We can’t wait to meet you!
#2. The Moisture Meter
It is impossible to feel the wood and know if the moisture content is low enough to paint. And believe it or not, most painters do not own a moisture meter.
Why this isn’t as important as a paint can opener is beyond me.
FYI – The most likely cause of paint peeling is water.
Almost all paint requires the moisture content to be below 16%.
#3. Choosing the Right Primer
There is no “one size fits all” for exterior primers. Whether you are painting Georgia Pine or pine from Canada, it’s not all the same primer.
What happens if you choose the wrong primer? The paint will peel.
Why?
Because the wood, primer, and top coat of paint are not expanding and contracting at the same rate.
With the sharp changing seasons of Ellicott City, it is important to have all 3 surfaces expanding and contracting at the same rate.
When choosing Klappenberger & Son, we can advise you on which primer will work best with your surface.
Exterior Painting in Ellicott City: Is There Really a Difference Between One Coat And Two?
Besides applying two coats satisfies the warranty, it also extends the paint job’s life for years.
For example, the picture on the right clearly shows where someone brushed the edges and seams and then painted the exterior wall with a roller.
The areas that received two coats have significantly more paint left.
Applying a second coat of paint usually adds about 30-35% to the total cost of the job. Considering it can extend the paint job’s life by 5 years, it is a wise investment.
However, there are times when applying a second coat is not necessary. Areas that are protected from the sun and rain of can be either just cleaned or perhaps just one coat of paint applied.
Your local Klappenberger owner Kenny Lee, will be happy to give the proper recommendation.
#5. Proper Weather Conditions
When is the best time for exterior painting? It depends on the temperature. Most manufactures like the temperature to be lower than 90 degrees and above the mid-’30s for at least 24 hours. If paint freezes before it fully dry, then it can lose its ability to cure fully.
Even if the paint feels dries to the touch, most paint takes 24 hours to cure enough to handle rain. Otherwise, it is susceptible to bubbling.
Therefore it is best not to paint when the chance of precipitation is above 30-40% for the next 24 hours.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company in Ellicott City
Not only do we know the ins and outs of painting, but we also have some terrific carpenters.
Whether you have rotten wood trim boards, a loose handrail, or other exterior maintenance projects we have you covered.
Other services include:
Klappenberger & Son is your one-stop shop!
Whether you have a rancher or a big home, consider Klappenberger & Son as your exterior painting contractor in Ellicott City.
With our 30 years of experience, we can advise you on the best products and methods to ensure your home is protected and beautiful.
In addition to being a painting contractor, we also can do other carpentry and handyman projects around your home.
- Repair rotten wood with wood or composite
- Replace decks and porches
- Bathroom remodeling
This makes us an ideal one-stop-shop to get your most prized position looking awesome!
