Specifications for Exterior Painting

When it's time to repaint the exterior of your home, there are a lot of things to consider.

Specifications for Exterior Painting

When it's time to repaint the exterior of your home, there are a lot of things to consider.

• What is the goal of the project?
  
• Are you staying in the house or are you repainting to sell it?
  
• What type(s) of siding do you have?
  
• What type of paint is on the house now?
  
• What condition is the paint in? Will extensive surface preparation be needed?
  
• Are there areas where the paint has failed, and if so, why did it happen? 
  
• Do you know what new paint and coating products are available and might be worth considering?
  
• Are there any access difficulties?
  
• Are you happy with the color or do you want to change it?
  
• If you're changing color, do you need help to choose it?
  
• Do you want to do the work yourself, or will you hire a professional?
  
• What is your timeframe for completing the work?
  
• Do you want a large crew doing the work or would you prefer using a smaller firm?
  
• Do you know the elements of a quality exterior painting project?
  

These are just a few of the things you should consider.

What is the Goal?

If you're planning to stay in the house for some time, consider a top quality job because it will protect your investment and save you money in the long run. Whether you're staying in the house or planning to sell, it always pays to do the best job you can afford to do, including buying the best materials.

What Type of Siding?

The type of siding on your home can limit the paint choices you have. Types of siding include wood, vinyl, aluminum and modern cement fiber products such HardiPlank®, to name a few. If you have a specialty product, it's important to determine what restrictions there may be on the type of paint you can use. For instance, some vinyl products shouldn't be painted a darker color than that applied at the factory because it can cause warping, and cement fiber siding can only be painted with 100% acrylic products (not alkyd). Do your homework.

Existing Paint or Stain

What type of paint or stain is on the house now? If the existing coating is alkyd or oil base, there can be compatibility issues that need to be researched before you choose the new paint. It's always advisable to read the technical information on the paint you plan to use and to discuss it with the experts at the paint store.

Preparation

Preparation is the name of the game, and the first step is one of the most important. The house needs to be clean and free of mold before it's repainted, and in many cases this will involve using a specialty cleaner and a pressure-washer. Even if there isn't loose, flaky paint, the old paint could be degrading and forming a chalky film on the surface that needs to be removed before the new paint can be applied.

The next step is also very important. Sanding is crucial, not only to remove loose paint and develop a smooth surface for aesthetic reasons, but also to promote adhesion of the new paint by creating a mechanical bond.

The next step in the process is priming. If the existing paint is in good condition, priming may not be needed. However, if there are areas with rusty nail heads or you're planning a major color change, you should apply a coat of primer, and it's important to use the right primer for the surface you're painting.

After the house is primed it's time to caulk the cracks. Choose a top quality, paintable exterior caulk that is suitable for the surface where you plan to use it. Proper preparation with the right caulk has at least three major benefits. It will protect the surface from deterioration by retarding water intrusion, it will increase energy efficiency by blocking the flow of hot and cold air through the cracks, and it will make it more difficult for pests and insects to get in.

Types of Exterior Coating Products

Among the choices you have today are standard and better quality paint products, the new premium coatings and the so-called lifetime coatings.  The factors you should weigh when you decide which product to use include: how long you plan to stay in the house, the type of siding you have, the condition the siding is in, exposure conditions and your budget. We're strong advocates of buying the best paint you can afford, as the most expensive part of the work is labor, not materials, and better quality materials will last much longer and look much better.

Color

Are you happy with the color of your house? If you plan to make a change, see Choosing Exterior Paint Colors for a discussion of how to choose exterior colors.  Choosing Exterior Paint Colors - A Questionnaire. Remember that we can help you find the right colors for your house, and the service is free when we do the painting.

Access Issues

If your house is on level ground and one story high, you can most likely do the work yourself, if you want to. However, if your house is on the side of a hill or it has multiple stories, you'll probably want to hire a professional. If the business you hire has employees, be sure to get evidence that they carry workers' compensation insurance.

Doing the Work Yourself or Hiring?

How do you find a quality business to do this important work for you? If you're planning to get estimates, it's best to provide a written scope of work so that all bidders will know what you expect and all will be bidding on the same basis. It's also going to be easier for you to evaluate the bidders. Be sure that every bidder specifies in writing that their terms are based on the scope of work you provided, or they have noted any exceptions.

What about finding people to bid your project?

Getting a referral from someone you know and whose judgment you trust is often the best way, but always request a list of references and check them. You also can talk with the people at your local paint store and ask if they can suggest someone qualified for your type of project. Some of the more professional painting contractors have web sites you can visit to learn more about their business. If not, consult the Yellow Pages. If you're comfortable with the way the contractor handles your inquiry, ask for an estimate. You also can check with the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.

Evaluating the Bidders

Once you have the bidders, here are some ways to evaluate them. Keep in mind that there are many qualified contractors who have less than perfect business skills.

• Did the estimator arrive on time for the appointment?
• Was the estimator neat, clean and polite?
• What was the condition of his vehicle? This is an indication of how well he'll care for your property.
• Will he provide a written estimate?
• If he has employees, can he provide evidence of workers' compensation insurance?
• What about a list of references?
• Is this person established in the community?
• Is the person doing the estimate the same person who will be doing the work? If not, what are that person's qualifications?
• If time is of the essence, does he have a skilled crew who can meet your schedule?
• Can he help you with colors if you need it?
• Does the bidder seem knowledgeable? Ask questions.
• Are you comfortable having this person work on your home?
• What payment schedule is the bidder proposing? Never pay in advance to fund material purchases or make the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work.

What are the Elements of a Quality Exterior Painting Project?

To help you define your expectations, here are some of the elements of quality exterior painting: The more perfection you expect, the higher the cost. On the other hand, painting that is well done protects your home, adds to its value and greatly increases the enjoyment of living there. If you want a first rate job, here's what to specify:

• Careful protection of landscaping, hardscaping and other surfaces adjacent to the work, including the glass on windows and doors.
• Agreement on removal of door knobs, hinges and other hardware; removal or dropping and covering of light fixtures.
• Discuss removal of miscellaneous items and reach agreement on whether these things are to be painted or just reinstalled at the end of the job.
• Meticulous surface preparation and cosmetic repairs, including treatment of any mold or mildew, thorough pressure-washing as appropriate, sanding, patching holes. Priming over a patched area with an oil base product creates a moisture barrier that will retard water intrusion and make the patch last long. This phase of the work is crucial.
• Specify caulking of cracks and crevices with the appropriate type of caulk. Bear in mind that the weep holes in windows shouldn't be caulked, nor should the panels in certain garage doors, as it could void the warranty.
• Use of premium materials that are appropriate to the project as specified in the scope of work.
• Using the correct primer where needed.
•  Sufficient number of coats to produce a uniform appearance per the scope of work.
• No holidays or missed areas, no drips, runs or sags in the finished work. No obvious brush or roller marks.
• Thorough cleaning at the end of the project.
•  Written specifications of the materials that were used, including any special color formulas.
• Appropriately labeled touch up paint(s).

Yes, there's a lot to think about when you plan to paint the outside of your home, and we hope this information will help you get the results you want. For further information, or for a free estimate, just call our office and talk with Sandy.