DIY Exterior Paint Tips

I hope you are getting to enjoy some time outside with the beautiful weather here in Kansas City.  While doing yard work or grilling outside have you noticed exposed wood, paint wearing off, and you just know it’s been quite a while before your home had its last paint job?  Well it's probably time to paint and Spring is a great time to start!  Exterior paint is best applied when it’s above 50 degrees and when it is not too hot but make sure you refer to the specifications on the paint you purchase. Since it tends to be rainy in Kansas City’s Spring season make sure you postpone applying coats of paint and give your home ample amount of time for drying.  Here are some steps towards a great do it yourself paint job:

1.  Wash the exterior: Power wash or hard hose wash the mildew and dirt off your home.  This will give you a fresh clean starting surface and can also remove any loose paint.  Allow to dry for 24-48 hours depending on your air quality. 

2.  Scrape of loose paint: Lay down drop cloths in your work area this will make paint chip clean up quick and easy!  Use a hand held scraper and scrape off any loose paint.

3. Rough spots: Sand out any rough spots with a pad sander or a hand held sander.

4. Wood rot: Replace any boards with new boards.

5. Holes, Cracks, and Joints: Fill with wood putty and caulk any holes and cracks.  Pay special attention around doors and windows, this can help prevent unwanted airflow.

6. Apply Coats: If you didn’t buy paint that has a primer and you have areas that are stained apply a primer before applying first and second coat.  Apply top coats and second coats as needed. 

Live in the Kansas City area and don’t have the time for DIY exterior home painting?  We can help with that call today for your free estimate (816) 547-1885.

 

 

Spring Gutter Cleaning & Why it's important!

In Kansas City, April Showers brings May Flowers and during the rain showers it is a great time to a take a peak at your gutter and downspouts to make sure everything is flowing properly. 

Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause damages to your home such as;
1. Fascia boards: Moisture trapped inside clogged gutters can cause the fascia boards behind your gutters to rot. 
2. Roof: When gutters are filled with debris water can back up into the edge of your roof damaging the roof sheeting and wear down roofing material leading to leaks and water damage.
3. Foundation: Gutters are there to remove water off of a roof and away from the foundation.  Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause pooling around foundation and can cause cracking and leaking.
4. Pest: Clogged gutters can become a breading ground for mosquitos, birds, and other insects.

Having your gutters cleaned at least twice a year in the Spring and in the Fall can be a simple solution to avoiding further home damage.  Many companies provide semi-annual gutter clean outs, wash outs, and gutter guard services.

In the Kansas City area we provide semi-annual clean outs, washouts, and gutter guard services.  Call today for your free estimate (816) 547-1885.