Exterior Painting in McLean
Fact: Finding a painting contractor that can do quality exterior painting in McLean is not as easy as we would all hope.
Moreover, neither you, me, nor any other painting expert can look at a freshly painted job and tell how long it will last!
So, why do we ask our friends who just got the exterior of their home painted if they were happy? It’s like asking a GM if he is happy with his recent draft picks.
“We love our picks!” is what they say, but what they are thinking is, “I’ll tell you in a few years.”
Klappenberger & Son has been painting exterior homes in McLean and surrounding areas for 30 plus years. I want to share how to make sure your paint job lasts as long as possible.
The 5 Keys to a Successful Exterior Painting in McLean:
- Power washing properly
- Using a moisture meter
- Choosing the right primer
- The right amount of topcoats
- Working in cooperation with Mother Nature
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company of McLean
Whether you have a rancher or a big home, consider Klappenberger & Son as your exterior painting in McLean.
With over 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 can do other carpentry and handyman projects around your home.
- Repair rotten wood with wood or composite
- Replace decks and porches
- Remodel Projects
This makes us an ideal one-stop shop to make your most prized position look awesome!
Proper Power Washing Techniques
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 firemen and timeshare salespeople.
We use the least amount of chemicals that kill mildew and eliminate dirt and pollen collected in 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.
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 16%.
Choosing The Right Paints
There is no “one size fits all” for exterior paints. Sherwin Williams, for example, has over 20 exterior paints listed on their website. There are even different paints for different types of wood!
The paint label says it can be applied to wood doesn’t mean that it’s the best paint for that type of wood.
What happens if you choose the wrong paint? The paint will peel.
Why?
Because the wood, primer, and topcoat of paint are not expanding and contracting at the same rate.
With the sharp changing seasons of McClean, it is essential to have all three surfaces expanding and contracting at the same rate.
Exterior Painting in McLean: One Coat or 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 five years, it is a wise investment.
Proper Weather Conditions
“When is the best time to paint my exterior?” It is a common question we often hear. It depends on the temperature.
Most paint manufacturers like the temperature to be lower than 90 degrees and above the mid-’30s for at least 24 hours. If paint freezes before fully dries, it can lose its ability to cure.
Also, if it rains shortly after the surface is painted, the rain can seep through the paint, causing bubbles.
Our Policy is not to paint when the chance of rain is above 40%. Unfortunately, this can increase the days it takes to paint a house. However, moisture getting behind paint is the number one reason paint peels. Also, when we prime as needed and apply two finish coats of premium grade paint, we warranty our work for 5-7 years, depending on the substrate.
Carpentry Services
In addition to being a painting contractor, we can do other carpentry and handyman projects around your home. Repair rotten wood with wood or composite Replace decks and porches Remodel Projects This makes us an ideal one-stop shop to make your most prized position look awesome!
Carpentry Services
Replacing wood with new composite materials ensure it never rots. When moisture cannot penetrate the surface of the paint, it last much longer. This paint job should last a minimum of 10 years before the color starts look tired.
Carpentry Services
Whether you have rotten wood or need an entire deck replaced we have the skilled carpenters to do the job. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company in Mclean
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:
GET YOUR FREE HOUSE PAINTING ESTIMATE NOW!
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!