This is our FAQ page. Or Frequently Asked Questions!
     
How often do I need to paint my house?
Your house exterior should be painted every 3-5 years. Even if it does not appear to be in bad condition, the paint has usually started to lift and expose the wood to moisture. Most try to wait until it is visibly lifting. This may lead to wood damage such as warping and rotting which would need replacing. A potentially costly extra.

What is Power Washing?
Power washing refers to using a jet stream of a special cleaning solution mixed with water to remove dirt and grime and to kill any existing mold or mildew. Using a power stream like this will also vibrate the existing layer of paint lifting and exposing the areas in need of special attention.

Why is my paint peeling and flaking after just 1-2 years?
There are many conditions, but usually one cause. Moisture. 

1) Priming - If the siding was improperly primed or sealed behind, then moisture can get in from behind the siding and affect your paint job.  Only in recent years have they started to pre-prime the siding prior to hanging.  

2) Vapor Barrier - I have found several houses which were built without vapor barrier paper.   This is another cause for excessive moisture due to condensation.  

3) Smooth Clapboard - Clapboard has a rough and smooth side.  The desirable look of a smooth surface made a lot of builders and customers to choose the smooth side of the clapboard.  The problem with this is the "Mill Glaze" which is an extra smoothness caused by a fast cut, sealing the fibers.  This causes the surface to be impenetrable for the primer coat.  This smooth surface needs to be roughed up via sanding prior to priming.

How often does a deck need to be re-stained?
Typically a deck should be re-stained every 2-3 years. Re-staining keeps the deck wood in good condition and prevents cracking, splintering and warping. A deck should also be power washed. This remove any existing mildew and old deck stain. It prepares the surface to accept and hold the new application of stain.

Which is better, Oil or Latex?
I prefer oil based primer for all surfaces to be painted.  However, for the finish, the latex is better.  Latex clean up is much easier.  Oil based paint contains linseed oil which promotes the growth of mildew.  Oil based paint yellows with time and has very low color retention.  Latex paint should never be placed over oil based paint. However, it may be used in conjunction with an oil based primer.

How hard is it to slap on a coat of paint?
Any good paint job begins and ends in the prep work. Anybody can apply paint to a wall.  However, it's not everyone who knows how to prep it right.  We recommend to sand the surface prior to painting.  Patch the holes and cracks.  Caulk any gaps between trim and walls.  Prime spackled areas.  And, very importantly, after the spackle is sanded make sure the surface is dust free.  Water stains, rust, grease, etc need to be treated with a special primer to prevent it's re-surfacing.

Why does my wall keep cracking?
Plaster walls have a tendency to crack with age. Spackling and sanding can fix the problem sometimes permanently, but more often temporarily. The cracks are caused from stress on the wall.  A good way to repair it is to use a fiberglass mash tape.  Your other alternative is tearing down the wall and replacing it with drywall.