Exterior Painting in NW DC
Whether you need exterior painting in Georgetown, Chevy Chase, or Palisades, Klappenberger & Son is your highly experienced exterior painting company.
Here is a question that is worth chewing on before signing a contract to have the exterior of your home painted in NW DC:
What steps can we take to ensure the paint job lasts as long as possible?
Besides dramatic seasonal temperature changes, which can cause paint to peel, we also have pollution, such as brake dust.
Klappenberger & Son has been painting homes in NW Washington DC since 1989.
We understand what it takes to protect and beautify your home, and we do that by employing these five principles.
The 5 Principles to a Successful Exterior Painting Job in NW DC:
- Power washing properly – brake dust and pollen need to be removed.
- Use a moisture meter – if the moisture content is over 16%, the paint may peel -soon!
- Proper prep – using inexpensive fillers won’t last years.
- Choose the right primer – the primer is the glue that bonds the paint to the substrate.
- Apply the correct number of topcoats. Our work comes with a 5-7 year warranty.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company of NW DC
Whether you have a rancher or a big home, consider Klappenberger & Son as your exterior painting contractor in NW, Washington DC.
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 and projects around your home.
- Repair rotten wood with wood or composite
- Replace decks and handrail
- Install windows and doors.
This makes us an ideal one-stop shop to get your most prized position looking awesome!
Exterior Painting in NW DC: What Do We Do Differently?
#1. Proper Power Washing Techniques
When power washing or pressure washing the exterior of your structure, 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.
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!
#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 NW DC, 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.
#4. Exterior Painting in NW Washington DC: 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 5 years, it is a wise investment.
#5. Proper Weather Conditions
We are often asked what season is best 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 dries, then it can lose its ability to cure fully.
Also, if it rains shortly after the surface is painted, the rain can seep through the paint, causing bubbles.
Therefore it is best not to paint when the chance of rain is above 30-40% for the next 24 hours.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company in North West Washington DC
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!
