How to Properly Paint a House
There are a few things you should do if you plan to repaint the inside of your home. You should seal cracks around doors and windows, clean the exterior of your home and apply heat to the surface. Finally, paint the interior. You should also verify that the paint you’re using does not contain lead. The EPA requires that exterior paint be tested for lead.
Exterior cleaning of your home
It’s a good idea to clean your exterior before painting. It will help the new coat adhere better. It will also keep your home looking beautiful. It will also protect your property from any damage. Finally, it can extend the life of your paint job.
Before you begin, you should decide whether you want to hand clean your house or use a pressure washer. Hand cleaning requires more work, but will give you a cleaner finish.
For the home improvement buff, a power washer should be considered. Low pressure systems are best for achieving the best results. This system provides more coverage, shorter cleaning times, and lower labor costs.
You can also use a pressure washer with a soft bristled brush. The hose and the pressure washer can be used together to remove any dirt or abrasive particles that might otherwise go unnoticed by a sponge.
Protective eye protection and gloves are essential for anyone who uses a pressure washer. A quality ladder might be something you should consider. A ladder that is well constructed will make your job easier and safer.
The moss must be removed from your walls before you paint the exterior of your house. Moss can cause damage to your siding and paint. Moss can also cause damage to your paint job.
The warmest months are the best time to clean your exterior. This is because a warm environment can help water evaporate more quickly. This task can be more difficult in winter months.
An experienced roof cleaner will give you the best results. A professional roof cleaner will be able determine the best pressure for your specific roof type and also recommend the right cleaning materials.
Also, avoid clogging your gutters. This can cause roof leaks.
Sealing cracks around doors and windows
Sealing up cracks around windows and doors is a simple way to maintain the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. These gaps allow air and moisture to enter, and are a source of high energy costs. Caulk can be used to seal them. There are many types to choose from, including silicone or polyurethane caulk. The type of caulk you choose depends on the type of material and shape of the crack.
You can use a latex glue caulk for smaller holes such as those in drywall. Silicone caulk is less likely to crack. If there is a larger gap, a foam sealing agent is a better choice. This type of weatherstripping can be applied quickly and is economical.
Caulk can also fill cracks in glass. Use a caulking gun to get an even seal. Apply the caulk at a 45-degree angle to the area. Let it dry for at minimum 24 hours.
If the crack is large, you might need to smoothen the surface with a sander. Once the surface has been smoothed, you can paint caulk to match your window frame.
Silicone caulk is a great choice for exterior windows. This caulk is easy-to-apply and seals siding, trim and jack studs.
Rubber weatherstripping is another option that can be used to quickly and cheaply fix the problem. This material is available as rolls or tubes. It can be installed by raising your sash. This material is ideal for older windows that are drafty.
Spray foam with low expansion can be used to fill larger cracks in drywall. Spray foam can be used to seal leaks at interior wall joints.
For sealing large gaps, a foam weather-stripping strip can also be used. This product can be found at your local hardware store.
You can also apply Neostik AKRIL. AKRIL is a solvent-free, acrylic-based sealant. You can apply it to slightly damp surfaces such as plaster and concrete. AKRIL will work to fill small cracks around window frames. AKRIL is also suitable for vertical surfaces, such as walls or ceilings.
The EPA requires that exterior paint be tested for lead.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule states that exterior paint must be tested for lead. While it may not be possible to eliminate the hazard entirely, renovations that don’t involve demolition can help to reduce the risk.
The rule also requires that lead-based paint hazards be reported. This is done through reporting under Section 1018 of the real estate disclosure regulations. A pamphlet or information sheet detailing the lead hazards must be provided to buyers by sellers who know about them. They must allow the buyer sufficient time for a lead inspection.
Lead-based paint can pose a danger to both children’s and adult health. In addition, it can cause cognitive problems and behavioral issues. Children under six are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.
Homeowners should make sure that their contractors perform lead-based paint projects in a safe manner. Contractors and renovators who are EPA-certified must follow certain work practices to avoid contaminating the environment.
To determine the presence of lead, an instrument using X-ray fluorescence should be used. These instruments must be programmed to detect a 0.5 mg/cm2 action level. A chip sample must be collected and analyzed by a laboratory recognized by the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program.
The EPA’s Directory of Certified Firms can help you find a certified contractor or renovator. You can narrow your search to an area or state.
EPA-certified professionals are also qualified to test soil and dust for lead. This is especially important for homes built before 1978 when lead was outlawed in paints. Many paints used in residential buildings during the 1940s and 50s contained up to half of the lead in their dry weight. Lead content in some paints for marine use is even higher.
Before you begin a paint job, ensure that the professionals have been certified. Check to see if the company has been accredited by the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program.
Visit the EPA’s National Lead Information Center to find out more about lead-based paints.