Home Blog Page 275

Ideas To Spruce Up Your Garden For The Summertime

By
Stidac
-

Whilst UK summers can be quite unpredictable, there comes a time where the weather ends up just perfect. We invite friends over for garden parties, stay up late into the starlit evenings and channel feelings of being abroad, sitting around a campfire. It may not happen as often as we’d all like, but that’s as good a reason as any to make the most out of it. Check out these great ideas for giving your garden that added flair for the next time a heatwave rolls around.

Choosing Your Plants

Without the right knowledge or dedication, gardening can be a real challenge. If you’re an avid green-thumb, you’re likely going to skip this paragraph which is entirely fair. But if you’re an intermediate gardener, or even completely new to the game, we might be able to help. To reduce the time spent deliberating over plants and pouring over websites and forums to see why on earth your new flowers are wilting or how to stop everything from eating them, choose hardier easy to care for plants and flowers. Things like eye catching Forsythia and Honeysuckles will resist the often-harsh UK weather cycles and bring a vibrant look to your garden. To fill out those borders or add some privacy, throw in some humble and hardy shrubs and bushes. Consider adding a Buddleia to attract a myriad of different butterfly species too—they just can’t resist!

Seating Area

Patios and decking are top choices for most homeowners looking to reinvigorate their garden. Having a designated area, away from bumpy surfaces like lawns and gravel are important to have that extra level of comfort. You may also want to stick to a patio area as then you could even add a permanent firepit for everyone to sit around. Fire pits and heaters are a great addition to any seating area as, even on the warmer summer days can have unexpectedly chilly evenings. As well as the temperature, keep in mind having protection from other elements such as rain and wind. You could consider awnings that can be used to provide some light shelter so that you and your guests can enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather. Awnings can also be used to provide some much-needed shade too.

Entertainment And Atmosphere

Depending on the type of party you’re hosting; you may want to have some good quality music systems and atmospheric lighting to set the mood. Set up some waterproof outdoor speakers and an outdoor extension cable running to your seating area. This will save a lot of time and effort bringing everything outside every time you have people over. For lighting, choose warm lights or LED fairy lights, or maybe even some pleasant tealight lanterns. Refrain from using bright spotlights as this can detract from the feel of an evening outdoors.

Pools And Hot Tubs

A hot tub isn’t for everyone, and they often require a lot of looking after. But if you’re committed to keeping yours in top shape, they can be an amazing addition to any garden. Being able to relax under the stars in a bubbling jacuzzi, no matter if it’s raining or snowing, is a delight. Outdoor pools are also a fantastic option if you have the funds and the space. Be careful though, adding either of these to your home will make you a key target for hosting every party!

The Perks if Tile Flooring for Your Home

By
Stidac
-

As a homeowner, you have asked yourself this question many times. What do I do with my flooring? Do I go with wood flooring, carpet, vinyl, or tiles? When it comes to flooring ideas for your home, it is best to go with what gives you value for your investment while still improving the aesthetics of your home. Over the last couple of years, tile flooring has increased in demand due to its durability, resilience, and aesthetics. It is one of the most lasting and durable flooring products we have in the market today. Find out more about the immense perks of tile flooring for your home.

Durability

Tile flooring lasts for ages without any signs of deterioration because it is tough and difficult to crack. When installed tile installation in fairfield county, tile flooring can last for up to 20years with proper care and maintenance. Tiles can withstand high traffic areas, which is why even most commercial buildings employ tile flooring. Nevertheless, it is easily repairable if a tile cracks due to high impact, like dropping an extremely heavy object. Tile flooring gives you much-needed durability while improving the aesthetics of your floor.

A wide range of options

Tiles come in distinct designs and patterns to suit the needs of every homeowner. Whether you intend to use one color for the entire floor, different colors, mix-up patterns, etc., the choice is yours. Tiles also come in all sizes, shapes, and textures; from a smooth floor to an earthy texture, you can always choose what is practical for your home. With creativity, tile flooring enables you to create a decorative effect on your home floor.

Requires less maintenance

Unlike other flooring types, tile flooring requires less maintenance, and it will stay looking as good as new. It is the perfect option if you are looking for a flooring option that is easy to maintain and keep clean. Even in high-traffic areas, tiles continue to look great with only regular moping. Besides applying a sealant every 4-5years, you don’t have to worry about maintaining your tile flooring.

Environmentally friendly

Tiles are eco-friendly, unlike wood flooring, which comes from wood. Tiles are made of raw materials such as clay, sand, and glasses mixed with other recycled materials to form ceramic tiles. They also act as insulation for your home against weather elements; hence they can reduce your air conditioning costs. Since tile flooring is a hard and smooth surface, it doesn’t attract allergens, molds, pollen, and other bacteria.

Waterproof

Tile flooring is waterproof. Tiles are made of a glazed protective layer on top, which protects against water and stain penetration. They are resistant to humidity, making them the perfect flooring option for moist and hot areas. It is understandable why many people use them for bathroom flooring.

Cost-effective

Tiles are less expensive to install compared to other flooring types like wood flooring. These days, they are one of the most affordable flooring options since they come in many types and styles. But think of it this way, they are durable and require low maintenance, making them worth every penny. Although high-end and expensive tiles are in the market, you can always get tiles within your budget.

Boosts your resale value

Installing tile flooring in your home increases your home value and will earn you more resale value if you would like to sell the house in the future. It is attractive, clean boosting your home’s value.

The bottom line

Everyone agrees that tile flooring is attractive. Tiles allow you to create a decorative effect on your home floor and last long looking as good as new. With so many perks of tile flooring, it is easy to see why it is a favorite for many homeowners.

Kitchen Renovations Beginner Guide for Ottawa Residents

By
Stidac
-

Owning a house is probably one of those goals that are shared by a lot of people all around the world. It is a very rewarding dream to achieve and the chances of it being a place where the family will gather for a lot of years, just makes it even more fulfilling.

But being a homeowner often involves a lot of responsibilities. Although it is rare for buyers to purchase houses in bad shape, over time, houses will require maintenance, repairs, and of course, renovations.

When it comes to renovations, we all can agree that doing a kitchen renovation is among the most common projects out there, along with bathrooms, front yard, and garden renovations.

The thing is: Not a lot of people are prepared for such a journey, or don’t really know how to start it. For those residing in Ottawa, we got a kitchen renovations Ottawa guide for you, where we will cover what I consider some of the most important aspects of this little adventure. If you are interested, let’s just get right into it!

Make Sure to Understand Your Reasons

The biggest problem people encounter when it comes to renovations is that they don’t actually understand their reasons behind wanting to engage in such a project. This, eventually, will come back to bit them, just because they didn’t take care of their wishes and needs when they could have done it.

For that reason, the first thing you have to do is assess your situation, and what things you would like your kitchen to have, and why.

This will ensure that, during the renovation, as long as your budget can cover it, you will satisfy all your necessities, and the things you will want in the future will be available for you and your family.

What Makes a Good Kitchen, Good

Ideally, a great kitchen should have a good water pipe system, decent ventilation, enough space to work with and locate appliances such as an oven, stoves, a fridge, dishwasher, and a sink.

With that said, a good kitchen should also be aesthetically pleasing to its owners, and provide enough space for the ones that will be in charge of cooking, or the family in case they like to gather around.

Of course, things like space for family members and appliances and the materials used during the renovation will heavily depend on your needs and tastes, and that is why you need to assess the situation with patience.

Understand What You and Your Family Will Go Through 

As mentioned at https://www.thespruce.com/steps-to-a-kitchen-remodel-1822229, a renovation process can be quite stressful. Most of the time, people rely on a contractor just because the whole project can take a lot of time and requires tools and expertise that most people don’t have.

Still, regardless of the way the renovation will be done, you will have to understand that it will be a rather stressful situation with lots of noise and awkwardness caused by random workers moving around your house, so before you renovate, make sure to be ready for it!

Budget and Value

Now, it is true that the things that the renovation will be able the cover and the materials that will be used are completely decided by your budget.

Inevitably, more expensive materials are often better looking and durable or provide more value to your property, and the more things you add, the better (at least on most occasions) but if your budget is unable to cover all the expenses, you will usually need to sacrifice certain aspects of the renovation or leave them for future projects.

Taking this into consideration, we can say that there will be times in which renovations will certainly raise the value of your house, but this depends on various circumstances.

Renovations often increase the value of a property when the renovations that are being done are solving a specific issue of said property. For example, a faulty water piping system, broken floor tiles, or damaged walls. This is directly fixing this problem, increasing the value by solving a problem that reduces it.

For that reason, renovations hardly ever count as increasing the value of a house, since multiple factors are influencing this aspect of properties, as shown in the previously mentioned link.

Do It for You and Your Family 

Still, renovations are often done because of one single thing: comfortability. If you believe that a renovation will bring more comfort for you and your family, you shouldn’t worry too much about the selling opportunities it will bring, but the joy and happiness it will cause in you and those surrounding you!

5 Quick Home Improvement Jobs to Give the Experts

By
Stidac
-

Have you come into some money and would like to upgrade your house? Not all of us want to spend our weekends tackling DIY projects, nor should we. Some jobs are best left to the experts for the sake of our safety, security, and our wallets. If you are thinking about some quick home improvement projects where you don’t need to do anything besides pay the bill, then you’ve come to the right place. Check our top choices for ways to quickly upgrade your home without a lot of fuss.

Home Inspection

If you intend to buy a home, you should always call a professional inspector to get an independent opinion. However, few people consider doing it for the home they already own, yet it can be incredibly worthwhile. The up front cost is relatively small compared to the long-term benefits. It is also unobtrusive, and the assessment can be completed relatively quickly. A home inspection can advise any possible issues pertaining to:

  • Pests or insect infestations
  • Structural issues
  • Roofing
  • Electrical
  • Windows
  • Heating and air conditioning systems
  • Appliances
  • Plumbing
  • Drainage or water damage

Garage Door Replacement

A garage door is a large part of the façade of your home. If the original owners of your house put in a poor-quality door made with sub-par materials, or if it was poorly maintained, then you could be spending more on energy bills than is necessary. Despite the potential to add significant resale value to your home, few people realize that replacing your garage door can be quick and easy when you call in the experts.

Upgrade Your Driveway

Getting an expert to upgrade your driveway will vastly improve your home’s curb appeal. Asphalt Paving Contractors can also advise on how to solve various problems that may have led to the demise of your original driveway. It’s worth paying for the professional experience, which will get the job done quickly, efficiently, and with minimal mess.

Tree Removal

Removing an unwanted tree might seem like a simple job, only requiring a steady ladder and a saw. However, depending on the tree species and its size, disaster can quickly follow if you don’t know what you’re doing. An expert will know about root formations that could interrupt the structural integrity of your home and take precautions for electrical wiring. Moreover, they will have the correct equipment to get the job done quickly and have business insurance in case of any unexpected damage. Lastly, don’t forget that all of that wood now needs to be removed.

Painting Your Cabinets

Painting your kitchen and bathroom cabinets is one of the quickest ways to revamp your home and give it a modern feel. That is if you call in the experts. Doing this yourself would be painstakingly laborious since you need to take off each cabinet door and drawer before cleaning and sanding them.

Painting the cabinets and drawers might be considered the easy part, seeing as everything needs to be reassembled afterwards. A professional team will offer helpful advice, get the job done swiftly and clean up after themselves. You can then get cooking in your upgraded kitchen within the week.

A savvy homeowner knows when to consult professionals to get a job done quickly and correctly. You’ll be happy you made the call to do any of these quick home improvement jobs that will make your house more comfortable and add to its value.

How to Keep Squirrels from Damaging the Attic

By
Stidac
-
A Grey Squirrel hugging a peanut filled bird feeder. The garden pest is looking in to the camera, with it's claws wrapped tightly round the nuts. In sharp focus against a blurred green background.

Squirrels may look cute and silly from a distance, but these are crafty animals that can seriously damage the attic. They get inside by taking advantage of vulnerabilities on the roof, then ruin the insulation with urine, feces, and debris. The holes they leave in the roof may also expose the attic to the elements, damaging it further with mold.

Protecting your attic from squirrels is a good idea. Here are some tips on how to keep squirrels out.

Trim tree branches away from the roof

Squirrels use tree branches to get to the roof. See if there are tree branches hanging over your roof and cut them back, so they are 4 feet away, at a minimum. This will help keep squirrels away from the attic while avoiding some serious damage. Tree branches risk breaking off in the winter, falling onto the roof and costing a fortune in repairs.

Clean the gutters

One of the simplest things you can do to keep squirrels out of the attic is to clean the gutters. Squirrels will nest in the gutters when they are blocked with leaves and debris. From there, they may enter the attic. Scoop out the debris in your gutters every spring and fall. Use a hose to clean everything out and ensure that water flows smoothly.

Maintain the yard

Squirrels are drawn to attics not only for their warmth and security but for their proximity to food. Don’t leave any fallen fruit on the ground and cover your vegetable garden with mesh. You can also protect your bulbs by burying them with a wire mesh on top. In the fall, rake the leaves. Limit anything that a squirrel could eat or use to build nests.

Reinforce soffits

Squirrels will use any gap they find to reach the attic. Check if there are gaps between your soffits and the walls of the home. If there are, seal them shut with caulking. Squirrels can fit through remarkably tight spaces. You should also reinforce the soffit panels above the downspouts with steel mesh. Squirrels use the downspouts for leverage, standing on top of them and chewing or pushing their way through the soffits above.

Repair gaps in the roof

While standing on a ladder, carefully examine the edges of your roof. With time, the edge of the roof may have split away from the framing of the house, leaving a gap for squirrels to chew or crawl through. Many older houses have these gaps. Seal them shut with mesh or metal flashing.

Cover your roof vents and chimneys

Squirrels have incredibly powerful teeth that can chew through plastic, vinyl, rubber, and aluminum. If a squirrel wants to get into your attic, it can chew its way through your plastic roof vents. Cover these with a 16-gauge, galvanized steel mesh. Screw the mesh right into the roof to keep squirrels out. You should also cap your chimney with the same material. Cover the rubber mats surrounding your plumbing vents with mesh, too.

Get rid of the bird feeder

Feeding the birds means that you are also feeding the squirrels. Squirrels are highly agile creatures that can reach most bird feeders. Even if you use a hanging feeder, seeds fall onto the ground and attract squirrels. Squirrels will continue to come back to your yard for this food source. Consider putting the bird feeder away or using it only in the summertime.

Call a wildlife removal specialist

Squirrel-proofing the roof is a lot of hard work. Thankfully, many squirrel control experts offer guaranteed exclusion services. They can inspect your roof for vulnerabilities and points of entry, then address them for you. Professionals use high quality meshes and materials that keep squirrels out. If they find a squirrel nesting in the attic, they can evict is safely and humanely.

The Reasons Why You Have to Install Tacoma Furnace

By
Stidac
-

It doesn’t always snow in Tacoma. However, the cold air makes it impossible for you to go through the day without heating. Therefore, make sure you choose a good and correct Tacoma furnace installation.

There are many companies that provide good service. That way, you can be sure that the new furnace in your Tacoma home will last for a long time.

There are several benefits that you will get from installing Tacoma Furnance:

1. High Energy Efficiency

The furnace is a very efficient heater. Furnace efficiency is denoted by an AFUE rating or “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency”. The higher the percentage of Annual fuel Utilization Efficiency, the more heat is supplied.

2. High Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is something that needs to be considered. Because this will affect your health.

For those of you who install a furnace at home, you should no longer worry about indoor air quality. In the furnace, you can install a humidifier, air purifier, and others in this system.

3. Fast Heat

What’s interesting about using a furnace is, the house can feel warm in a matter of minutes. Furnaces can work very quickly. This system has a faster start time. So, no need to wait for a long time to get maximum home warmth.

4. Saving Your Cost

Furnace installation is quite expensive. However, after that, you will feel the lower costs. Furnaces can last 15-20 years. And in that time, the fuel used saves you a lot of money.

To keep the furnace running optimally without consuming a lot of fuel, make sure you do regular service or maintenance.

Conclusion

The cold air does not really allow you to live without a heater. Granted, snow in Tacoma is rare. However, cold air can still make your home uncomfortable. Therefore, make sure you install the Tacoma furnace. There are many companies that provide good installations. With this, the furnace can last for a long period of time. If you always do the service regularly, the furnace can last about 15-20 years. And during this time, you can enjoy the benefits that a Tacoma furnace will bring to your home.

How To Clean Your Mattress Well

By
Stidac
-

I’m order to ensure that your mattress lasts, you should understand how to clean a mattress. If you have allergies or dogs, you should clean your mattress regularly in particular. Mattress Cleaning Hobart recommends cleaning your mattress once a season, that is every six months. More regular cleaning is recommended for those with allergies or asthma.

Keep your sleeping area clean by following these easy measures.

1. Clean all your bedding:

Remove all linens, including your mattress protector, and wash in the machine. Spills or stains should be cleaned on a cold cycle to prevent the colours from setting in the fabric and causing permanent damage. Dust mites can be eliminated by washing all bedding in hot water. Mattress Cleaning specialist suggested that you may be able to wash your pillows as well, depending on the type.

2. Vacuum dust from the bedding:

By Using the upholstery attachment on the vacuum cleaner, you can clean the mattress from top to bottom, including the edges. If dirt or dust is hiding in seams, use a crevice attachment for an easier wash.

3. Steam the mattress:

Mattress Cleaning services always recommend steaming as it works wonders over mattresses. If you have a garment steamer, use it to go over the mattress, keeping the nozzle as close to the fabric as possible. The penetrating steam will kill dust mites on the surface. To eliminate them entirely, vacuum the mattress once again.

4. Use a stain remover to remove tough stains:

Water or cleaning solution should never be soaked into a mattress or directly applied to it. You can eliminate stains that are persistent or have developed over a period time in a few methods. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using a store-bought mattress stain remover. You can also make your mattress cleaner by mixing your regular dishwashing liquid with warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes after spraying or applying it to the stain before softly rubbing with a clean cloth. Allow the mattress to air-dry once you’re done with the process. 

5. Deodorise:

After you’ve cleaned up any spills or stains, give your mattress a thorough cleaning and get rid of any lingering odours. Baking soda can be used to do this. Sprinkle baking soda lightly over the mattress and leave for about an hour. After this, all you have to do is vacuum.

This mattress cleaning tutorial is focused chiefly on do-it-yourself mattress cleaning techniques. Mattress Cleaning Hobart is also an option when you don’t want to go through the hassle to do this by yourself. With specialised techniques and affordable rates, Carpet Clean Doctor pledges to provide the best service in town.

Contemporary Adobe Stucco Home Renovation Ideas

By
Stidac
-

Over time, stucco has proven to be a predominant wall system for both residential and commercial construction, especially in regions with warmer climates. It has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations, and is still much adored today in modern architecture.

More About Stucco

Made up of sand, Portland cement, lime, and water, stucco is one of the most durable exterior materials to date. It can withstand fire, heat, and the harsh elements of nature. When installed and maintained correctly, a stucco facade can even last for half a century! On top of that, you can apply it to both the interior and exterior, providing a versatile and stylish option. Available in different colors and texture options, it’s no wonder why stucco has become the go-to for most modern houses.

Are you excited to install stucco on your home? Here are some renovation ideas that will give your dwelling the appeal it deserves.

Wood Siding Over Stucco

To elevate your home’s aesthetic, try an accent with wood siding over stucco. This addition provides warmth and a charming vibe.

How do you pull this off? Apply wood over a portion of the stucco. This offers a natural contrast against the stucco that can feel cold and industrial. Adding wood also creates a homely house with a more inviting atmosphere.

Thanks to technological advancements, wood can now be treated to increase durability. Plus, there are thousands of options available in the market so you can choose the color, pattern, texture, and feel you want to achieve.

Mix Different Textures

Aside from protecting your home from the elements, stucco can instantly change the curb appeal by transforming a plain wall to a more exciting backdrop with an array of textures you can choose from. Whether you go for cement or an acrylic base, stucco always starts as a sticky paste. This consistency allows it to be put into the walls to achieve a variety of textures. You can have it sleek and smooth, but also you can opt for it to be rough, giving it depth and texture.

 

Give Your Walls A Fresh Coat

If you have had stucco walls for quite a while, chances are the color may have faded due to its exposure to sunlight, elements, and, of course, time. But no worries! A little paint job will do the fix.

You can never go wrong with neutrals, specifically white and shades of brown. Darker, cooler tones like charcoal and grey give off a modern yet chic aesthetic. If you’re looking for a hippish vibe while still keeping it up-to-date and stylish, terracotta with hints of teal is a great combination. It’s up to you to try and experiment with color combinations.

Trim

Windows and doors are like the eyes of a person’s face. They are the focal point of your facade into the otherwise plain wall. The eyes instinctively are drawn to whenever passing a house. It does, after all, give us a glimpse of what’s inside.

Adding stucco in the form of trims enhances the entrances to your home. Trim in either the windows or doors to make it look bigger and more interesting. Incorporating trim of a different color that contrasts your walls will also add appeal, making it more pleasing to the eye.

Clean Your Siding

With all the renovation ideas, one can easily overlook the simplest way to improve stucco’s appearance: keeping it clean! Although the material doesn’t require much maintenance, it is not invincible to the rain and dirt that accumulates over time. Molds and insects might creep in, too. That’s why it’s always worth cleaning your exterior or making minor repairs at least once a year to keep it in tip-top shape.

Extra Tip

Unless you have studied and put on the hours installing stuccos yourself, it will be best to hand the project to professionals. Skilled experts had gone through lengthy training to learn the trade. Stucco is commonly applied in three layers over a mesh wire to have a surface to adhere to.

If you don’t have the time to learn or execute the operation, consider hiring expert contractors to achieve the finish you’re aiming for.

Ready To Renovate?

It’s easy to see why adobe stuccos are popular in the construction industry. Its durable, versatile, and looks aesthetically lovely. That said, incorporating stucco is one of the best options one could add to enhance any house, including yours. Make good use of the ideas above so you can turn your home into a much better place.

7 Important Repairs to Make Before Selling a Mobile House

By
Stidac
-

A well-maintained and clean mobile house boosts its market value, attracts potential customers, and makes it sell faster.

However, minor damages like chipped floor lamination can make you suffer from selling your mobile home for less.

With a few professional repairs, you can grab a good deal on your mobile house.  Herein, we are sharing a list of important repairs to make before selling the mobile house:

1. Peeling paint

The saying “  The First Impression is the Last Impression ” goes well here.

Peeling or chipped paint on walls may seem like a minor issue, but can cause your sale to fall through.

Wall painting is one of the common and inexpensive ways to add a splash of beauty to any outdated space.

And the best part is that you don’t need any professional to make things work for you. Put a creative hat, dip a brush in paint, and get started on your own.

As it is said,” Lighter is Brighter”

Use neutral colors like cream, grey, or white as they are more appealing and can spruce up dull walls.

2. Electrical issues

Electrical issues can be a major deal-breaker as they can pose life-threatening risks.

Before listing your mobile house for sale, fix minor to major electrical issues like:

  • Faulty or frayed wiring
  • Improperly wired electrical panels
  • Broken lighting fixtures
  • Flickering bulbs and tubes
  • Damaged switches
  • Tripping circuit breaker
  • Power sags and dips
  • Uncovered junction box
  • Loose outlet plugs

3. Plumbing problems

Whether it is a leaking tap or running toilet, even the smallest plumbing issue can put off prospective buyers.

So, it’s advisable to fix any minor to major plumbing issues like:

  • Clogged drain
  • Water damage
  • Dripping taps
  • Slow draining sink
  • Faulty water heater
  • Low water pressure
  • Leaky pipes

4. Broken knobs and handles

Major or minor dings are a big no-no. Doors, drawers, and cabinets should open and close smoothly.

Their handles or knobs must be in good condition.

In case any of the knobs are broken, get them replaced.

5. Damaged roof

One of the things a buyer probably will notice is the condition of the roof.

And if your roof is leaking, falling, cracking, or missing shingles, you might lose a potential deal.

The best solution is to get your roof repaired or replaced before putting your manufactured home on the market for sale.

This will boost the curb appeal of your property and will make it easier to sell.

6. Damaged flooring

Cracked floors, torn carpets, or broken titles make your mobile home look old and can also make a buyer scratch off your property from their list.

The good idea is to install hardwood floors to create a seamless feel throughout else a fine polishing will get the job done.

Also, make sure to replace the old floor carpets or rugs with new ones.

7. Defective windows or doors

Does your house window make an annoying creaking sound? Do the doors don’t really open and close smoothly?

People often list their property assuming that no one will notice the improperly working windows and doors.

But this is a big mistake and can do a lot of damage in return. So, make sure to fix the issues ahead of time.

In the end…

Preparing your mobile house for sale may sound like a big deal but it is totally worth it.

Making important repairs will increase the property value and justify a higher selling price.

Tips for Painting The Outside of Your House

By
Stidac
-

Painting the exterior of a house can seem a mammoth task when faced with the prospect. However, this exterior project doesn’t have to be as tumultuous as made out to be, breaking the project into separate sections breaks up the time taken. Painting the house in sections separating into exterior masonry, then windows and doors is the appropriate breakdown I would do.

Before starting to paint the exterior of your house you must first factor in the weather forecast for the day you have in mind to carry out the painting project. It is essential that you understand the impact the weather has on an exterior paint job, failure to plan properly for the elements could end with a poor finish on your exterior with the conditions tampering with the projected result.

This will eventually result in you having to complete the task again to achieve the desired results which is not only tedious to repeat the task but also time consuming amongst other jobs that are on your to-do list.

This guide will give you some essential tips on how to paint your house correctly ensuring that the DIY job you are doing is a successful one.

Mature couple (40s) painting exterior of house.

Painting the Exterior of the house

The largest job when faced with painting the exterior of your house when painting masonry.

Before starting to paint the exterior walls of your house it is strongly advised that you wash the outside of your home, doing this will ensure one that the exterior is clean and free of any moss, algae, or mould and that the paint will adhere far more efficiently to a clean surface. In washing the surface of the exterior using a pressure washer is advised as the most time effective and thorough method of cleaning the surface. Alternatively, if your property isn’t too large you could clean the surface using a masonry cleaner, specifically an anti-fungal wash. Using a stiff brush this would work effectively to clean your exterior but as mentioned will take considerably longer than a pressure washer especially if your house is on the larger side.

Preparing the exterior surface prior to painting is an extremely important aspect when planning to paint an exterior. After cleaning the surface extensively, the next task is to make sure that any remaining loose paint is removed from the surface. This is done so that new paint can be applied effortlessly to the surface and adhere effectively. Additionally, if there are any rough spots on the surface of the wall sanding them down may be a beneficial idea to aid in the application and adhesion of paint to the surface.

After making sure the exterior surface of your house is fully prepared, adding an oil-based primer is the appropriate primer to use for masonry. Using a primer adds a protective layer to the surface from the elements and supports adhesion of the paint to the surface. To apply the primer, it is advised that a long pile or masonry roller are used as these allow greater ease when covering the entirety of the wall and work effectively to apply to the exterior masonry surface.

When the primer has been applied sufficiently and has been left to dry for 3-5 hours, you can begin to think about painting your house’s exterior walls.

Choosing the right paint is very important to the overall finish of your exterior walls of your house. For painting exteriors, it is highly recommended that masonry paint is utilised as it is designed for that surface specifically.

Painting should be done starting from the top and working down, while starting from the top it should be advised to also paint  the fascia boards and soffits as these are genuinely neglected when completing exterior paint jobs. Using a ladder may be needed for these areas and the higher regions of your home, just be careful and make sure if used the ladders are properly supported and sturdy before using.

When painting the exterior of your house either using a roller or a spray gun is adequate, a spray gun is quicker and covers a large surface, but a roller is more precise and can get the nooks and cranny’s you can’t target with a spray gun.

Applying two coats to the exterior walls will suffice, after doing so leave the wall to dry for a perfect finished product.

Carpenter painting Newly Made Victorian style Windows in his workshop – builders hand and paintbrush in the foreground

Painting Windows and Doors

After first painting the largest area on your exterior, next is the more delicate task of painting the windows and doors.

These exterior features tend to be made of UPVC material, which can sometimes prove difficult to paint on if not previously done so. With UPVC discolouring over a period these features can either be replaced which is expensive or painted over. Painting on UPVC is easy if the correct paint is utilised to match the surface and its properties.

Preparation is key with any painting task on the exterior of a house and painting windows and doors is no exception. Before anything is applied use a low-key sandpaper to sand down the UPVC surfaces to create a more applicable surface for the paint to be applied to. For preparing UPVC windows masking tape can be used to reduce the mess created and limit paint getting onto the windows. When preparing doors all additional features should be removed (door handles, doorknobs) this aids you in limiting obstacles when painting and allows you to paint on a clear surface.

After a thorough preparation of the surface, priming the surface is the next essential procedure. The benefits of priming are that it helps sustain the paints life especially when painting on UPVC, it also helps adhere to this difficult to paint on surface.

When the surface has been primed and been left to dry you are ready to paint your door or window.  As mentioned, using the right paint is essential for UPVC doors and windows. It is widely suggested that acrylic or polyurethane based paint should be used to avoid cracking of the paint and that this paint adapts to UPVC’s expansion in different temperatures.

When painting using either a roller or brush would be adequate for this surface. First apply a thin coat onto the surface and allow for it to dry. After leaving the surface to fully dry a second thicker layer can be applied. Be careful of brush marks left after application, therefore it is a helpful tip to not use a cheap brush as this may affect the finish and increase the likelihood of brush marks.

I hope this guide answered your queries on how to paint the exterior of your house covering how to paint the exterior walls of your house and the additional exterior features.

1...274275276...522Page 275 of 522

Recent Posts

Posts You Might Like

RooHome.com is home design portal that help people to find out suitable design to what will they design. We are here providing best design plan from best home designer.
Contact us: [email protected]
Facebook Instagram Pinterest RSS Tumblr Twitter Youtube
© 2016 - roohome.com & Supported by Rumah Daerah | TheGardenGranny | HomesFornh