As you prepare your home for new renovations, consider adding additions to your home. For example, aside from another guest bedroom or a second living room, adding a skylight or roof window can elevate the house and bring in more natural light. Consider our list on why you should consider installing skylights or roof windows onto your home as a sign you should get one.

Understanding the Terminology

The terms “skylight” and “roof window” go hand in hand, but they often get misconstrued with other similar words. Below are more phrases that can have similar definitions.

Skylight

A skylight is a fixed window that gets placed in the roofline. Usually, the skylight has venting options placed inside, but the window can’t open. (In Europe, many people refer to it as a “rooflite” instead of a skylight.)

Roof Window

A roof window can open by pivoting with an awning-style device. Similar to sidewall awning panels, the roof window can have a screen installed. Many manufacturers call this window type a venting skylight.

Light Shaft

A light shaft refers to a structure’s connection to the skylight or roof window. It acts as a shaft that links trusses and joists to the roof for easy placement. The light tube (or “chase”) is found mainly in one-story homes that have horizontal openings as part of the roof. Keep in mind that the framing system’s price adds up to the cost of installing the window.

Tube Window

The tube window is an inexpensive version of the light shaft, as it lifts a dome-like window from a flexible reflective tube. This skylight style can be seen in small spaces to add natural light to smaller places, such as the closet, bathroom, or laundry room.

Your Skylight and Roof Window Options

There are plenty of roof window or skylight options to pick from. You can also select the best type of glaze and glass for the panes. Other options to enhance the window include the ability to open them with remote control. The motor-powered window is an excellent purchase for properly ventilated windows in a light shaft.

Prevent window glass from breaking by using opt-in or shatter-proof glass. Then, as the weather becomes severe, you won’t need to worry about the windows breaking from hailstorms or tree branches falling onto the roof. Shatter-proof glass also improves your home’s security features.

Installation Options for Skylights and Roof Windows

You can install your skylight or roof window in one of three ways. Below, we’ve listed out three different approaches to install a skylight or roof window onto your home, even if you don’t have experience.

A Homeowner Installation

If you have basic carpentry skills, you can set up a skylight or roof window on your own. It’s even possible to DIY your skylight installation. The same core skills you’d use to install a side window can help place in a skylight or roof window. However, if you have a motor-operated window, hire an electrician. They can ensure the wiring is secured correctly before and after the window is mounted. Before beginning your home setup, consider your strengths and weaknesses to determine an efficient installation strategy.

A Window Company

Looking for window replacement or installation company in your area can lead you to many well-known companies, such as Bear Mountain Custom Painting. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, our services extend beyond house-painting services. We also take time to service areas with our window installation.

With our services, we can equip you with the skylight or roof window of your choice. Before installation, we recommend picking an area that’s fully framed so the installation process can happen faster. After setting up, the rest of the process is up to you.

Hiring a Carpenter or Contractor

A carpenter, contractor, or handyman can install your skylight or roof window for you. This suggestion is inexpensive and, depending on whom you pick to set everything up, it can help you save money. For example, if you decide to use a contractor, they can plan everything with you, from inspection, choosing style choices, and hiring outside help. A carpenter or handyman will do the job solo or bring on one different partner.

Our best advice is to go with a carpenter or contractor who has good recommendations and is trustworthy. Do a quick background check on them and check that you can contact their references for questions or insight on their work ethic.

Roof Windows and Skylights Limitations

With every renovation project, there’s going to be some limitation on what you can do. However, this list is comprehensive and explains more about understanding your restrictions as you dive deeper into your home remodeling project.

• A building code limits you on what modifications get made to the house. Typically, windows grant easy access to escape a disaster like a fire or a flood. Unfortunately, roof windows or skylights aren’t great in these situations; one has a permanent seal and the other doesn’t have enough space to allow others to go through. Luckily, many window companies offer the option for roof windows to have an extra opening that allows for more space. To have an egress window installed, you also need a ladder attached to the side of your home so people can get down safely.
• Skylights are perfect for people who want to save on energy. Unfortunately, no blinds or curtains are included, so you’ll have to buy them separately.

Installing a skylight or roof window is an exciting venture to take when improving your property value and energy costs. However, it’s essential to keep costs in mind before you go and install a window on your roof. There’s more than style to choose from; you can decorate how you want it or even decorate the room to make the window stand out.

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we do our diligence to ensure all services we provide get adequately done. We let you be the deciding factor when you’re figuring out the style of your windows—or even house painters in Cummings, GA. Now that you’ve read about why you should consider installing skylights or roof windows, contact us for more information. We can help you improve the interior and exterior of your home.

Painting the outside of a home looks straightforward at first glance. A ladder, a few gallons of paint, and a free weekend might seem like all it takes. In reality, exterior painting is one of the most technical home improvement projects you can undertake. Weather conditions, surface preparation, paint chemistry, and application technique all affect how long the finished job will last.

Many exterior paint failures begin months or years before homeowners realize something went wrong. Peeling paint, fading color, mildew stains, and blistering coatings often trace back to mistakes that occurred during preparation or application. Understanding what can go wrong helps homeowners avoid those pitfalls and get a result that protects the house and looks great for years.

Below are some of the most common mistakes people make when painting a home’s exterior, along with practical guidance for avoiding them.

For a quote from the best house painters in Cumming, GA, or if you need interior or exterior painting in Johns Creek, Atlanta, Roswell, or anywhere else in North GA, get in touch.

Some Reasons Why Exterior Paint Jobs Fail

Exterior coatings are constantly exposed to sunlight, moisture, wind, and temperature changes. Even high quality paint will fail if it is applied under the wrong conditions or over poorly prepared surfaces.

It Starts Before Painting Begins

The biggest mistake homeowners make is assuming paint will hide surface problems. Paint is not designed to correct structural issues or cover contamination. Dirt, mildew, chalking, and loose paint prevent new coatings from bonding properly.

If the surface beneath the paint is unstable, the new coating will eventually separate from the siding. That failure may show up as peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint within a year or two.

Local Weather Creates Unique Challenges

Homes in the Atlanta and Cumming areas experience a combination of high humidity, strong summer sun, and frequent rainstorms. These conditions place extra stress on exterior coatings. Humidity slows drying times, and strong sunlight can cause paint to cure unevenly if applied incorrectly.

Spring also brings heavy pollen accumulation in North Georgia. Painting over pollen residue can interfere with adhesion, which is why proper cleaning is so important before beginning a project.

Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is the foundation of every successful paint job. Unfortunately, it is also the step most often rushed or skipped entirely.

Failing to Clean the Exterior

Exterior siding accumulates dirt, dust, mold spores, and airborne pollutants over time. If paint is applied over these contaminants, it cannot bond properly to the surface beneath.

Professional painters usually start with a pressure wash or soft wash to remove buildup. In areas with mildew, cleaning solutions designed to kill mold spores may be necessary. Once the siding is clean and fully dry, the surface is ready for further preparation.

Painting Over Loose or Peeling Paint

Another frequent mistake is applying new paint directly over areas where the existing coating has begun to fail. Loose paint must be scraped away and the edges sanded smooth so that the new coating sits evenly across the surface.

Without this step, the new paint layer will simply follow the failure pattern of the old one.

Ignoring Rot, Cracks, and Damaged Siding

Exterior paint should never be used as a substitute for repairs. If siding boards are rotting or trim pieces are cracked, those areas should be replaced before painting begins.

Gaps between siding boards, window frames, and trim should also be sealed with exterior-grade caulking. This prevents water from penetrating behind the paint film and causing damage to the underlying structure.

Side note: Contact us for deck restoration services if you are experiencing wood rot.

Choosing the Wrong Paint or Primer

Many homeowners assume all exterior paint products perform the same. In reality, paint formulas are designed for specific surfaces and conditions.

Why Primer Is Often Necessary

Primer plays several important roles in exterior painting. It improves adhesion, seals porous materials, and blocks stains from bleeding through the final coat.

Bare wood, patched areas, and repaired surfaces almost always require primer. Without it, the finish coat may absorb unevenly or fail prematurely.

Matching Paint to the Surface

Different exterior materials require different types of coatings. Wood siding, fiber cement boards, vinyl siding, and masonry all behave differently when exposed to heat and moisture.

For example, vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes. Paint designed for vinyl remains flexible so it can move with the material without cracking. Masonry surfaces, on the other hand, often require breathable coatings that allow moisture to escape.

Using the wrong product can shorten the lifespan of the entire paint job.

Understanding Paint Sheen

Paint sheen affects both appearance and durability. Flat paints hide imperfections well but can be harder to clean. Satin finishes offer a balance between durability and aesthetics, which is why they are often used on siding.

Semi gloss paints are commonly used on trim and doors because they resist moisture and are easier to wipe clean.

Ignoring Weather and Environmental Conditions

Weather is one of the most important factors in exterior painting. Even high quality paint cannot perform properly if applied under poor environmental conditions.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Most exterior paints perform best when applied between roughly 50°F and 85°F. Temperatures outside this range can affect how the coating dries and cures.

High humidity slows evaporation, which means paint may remain soft longer than expected. If additional coats are applied before the previous one has cured properly, the finish may wrinkle or blister.

Direct Sunlight Can Cause Application Problems

Painting in direct sunlight may seem convenient, but it can create problems. Surfaces heated by the sun can cause paint to dry too quickly, leaving lap marks or uneven color.

Professional painters often work around the house as the sun moves across it, keeping application areas in the shade whenever possible.

Rain and Moisture Risks

Exterior paint needs time to dry before exposure to rain. Sudden storms can wash uncured paint off the surface or cause streaking.

Checking weather forecasts and allowing adequate drying time is essential for a successful project.

Using the Wrong Tools or Techniques

The tools used during painting can influence both the appearance and durability of the final result.

Brushes, Rollers, and Sprayers

Each painting tool serves a specific purpose. Brushes provide precise control for trim work and edges. Rollers help apply thicker coatings on textured surfaces. Sprayers allow painters to cover large areas quickly.

However, spraying alone may leave thin paint layers if not followed by proper back rolling.

The Importance of Back Rolling

Back rolling is a technique where a roller is used after spraying to work paint into the surface. This helps push the coating into small crevices and ensures a consistent thickness across the siding.

Without back rolling, the paint film may be too thin in some areas, which can shorten the lifespan of the coating.

Rushing the Painting Process

Exterior painting is not a project that rewards speed. Skipping steps or hurrying through the work can cause problems that show up later.

Allowing Time Between Coats

Paint must dry and begin curing before another coat is applied. Applying additional coats too soon can trap solvents within the paint film, which may lead to bubbling or wrinkling.

Manufacturers provide recommended drying times, and those guidelines should always be followed.

Applying Paint Too Thickly

Some people try to complete the job with fewer coats by applying paint very heavily. This often leads to sagging, runs, or uneven coverage.

Two properly applied coats usually provide better durability than one thick coat.

Overlooking Long Term Maintenance

Even a professionally applied paint job benefits from periodic inspection.

Typical Lifespan of Exterior Paint

The lifespan of exterior paint varies depending on the surface material and environmental exposure. Wood siding often requires repainting every five to seven years, while fiber cement siding may last closer to ten years.

Homes exposed to strong sun or frequent moisture may require more frequent maintenance.

Small Repairs That Extend Paint Life

Cleaning mildew, touching up small chips, and maintaining caulking around windows and trim can extend the life of an exterior paint job. Addressing minor issues early prevents larger repairs later.

When Professional Exterior Painters Make Sense

While many homeowners attempt exterior painting themselves, larger homes and complex surfaces often benefit from professional experience.

Multi Story Homes and Safety Considerations

Painting second and third story areas requires ladders, scaffolding, and safety equipment. Professional crews are trained to work safely at height while maintaining consistent application quality.

Professional Preparation and Materials

Experienced painters understand how different siding materials behave and which coatings perform best in specific conditions. They also have access to professional grade tools and products that can improve the durability of the finished project.

When preparation, materials, and technique all come together, a properly executed exterior paint job can protect a home and maintain its appearance for many years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Paint a Home’s Exterior in Georgia?

Most homes in Georgia need exterior repainting every six to ten years depending on siding type, sun exposure, and the quality of previous paint jobs.

What Is the Best Exterior Paint for Humid Climates?

Acrylic latex exterior paints are widely used in humid regions because they resist mildew growth and maintain flexibility during temperature changes.

Do You Always Need to Pressure Wash Before Painting?

Cleaning the surface is strongly recommended before painting. Pressure washing removes dirt, mildew, and chalky residue that would otherwise prevent paint from adhering properly.

Can You Paint Over Old Exterior Paint?

Yes, but only if the existing paint is still firmly bonded to the surface. Loose or peeling areas must be scraped and sanded before repainting.

What Temperature Is Too Cold for Exterior Painting?

Most paint manufacturers recommend avoiding application when temperatures fall below about 50°F, although some specialized formulas allow slightly lower temperatures.

How Long Does Exterior Paint Take to Cure?

Exterior paint may dry to the touch within hours, but full curing can take several days depending on humidity, temperature, and paint type.

Should Exterior Paint Be Sprayed or Rolled?

Many professional painters spray paint for speed and then back roll the surface. This technique helps ensure even coverage and proper paint thickness.

What Causes Exterior Paint to Peel or Bubble?

Peeling and bubbling usually occur when moisture becomes trapped under the paint film or when the surface was not properly cleaned and prepared before painting.

Say goodbye to ordinary swinging doors and say hello to sliding barn doors. Barn doors are a new modern approach to use in a home because of their functionality, space-saving abilities, and much more. Read on to discover our list of the benefits of installing sliding barn doors.

Barn Doors Save Space

Do you need a new system to help divide rooms into separate areas? Sliding barn doors are what you need. Having barn doors can allow tight spaces to feel more spacious rather than swinging doors that take up an entire room. You won’t need a ton of floor space when you have a barn door since it rests up against the wall. Barn doors are especially ideal if you have a tiny home or apartment.

Barns Door Are Easy To Install

Compared to other door types, barn doors don’t need to get measured before installation. Measuring for a traditional door requires cutting down the doorway before placing the door in, but a barn door is installed in a simpler way. Because it’s simpler to install, attaching it to your wall won’t take a long time.

Barn Doors Are Functional

Your space can become more open due to the functionality of barn doors. They’re made from lightweight materials and are easy to open if you have your hands full. With them, your doorway develops into a walkway that doesn’t require you to prop the door open. They’re also useful when you need to move furniture or other items through the doorway.

Barn Doors Match Every Style

They’re chic, fabulous, and entirely up for interpretation on taste. A barn door is multifunctional and can suit every homeowner’s style; they range from rustic to shabby chic. They can even match different finishes, configurations, and wall colors.

When you’re looking for door and window replacement services, consider replacing your doors with barn doors. They match every home style and make life easy. Our contractors at Bear Mountain Custom Painting are more than happy to help you learn more about the benefits of installing sliding barn doors. Contact us, and we’d be glad to help discuss more options for you and plan your next door replacement.

Kitchen remodeling is a difficult task that can take a while to complete. Inexperienced people fear they might waste money on a professional, so they try to remodel it themselves. This isn’t a good idea. It’s essential to seek guidance from professionals who can help tailor a suitable layout of proper steps to follow when remodeling your kitchen. Speak with your kitchen remodeler about your budget, time frame, aesthetic, and more, and if you need help from an expert bathroom designer as well, feel free to mention that. Many contractors have a designer they partner with on projects.

These steps can range from getting inspiration to finishing the project.

Get Inspiration and Plan

The first step in a revamp project is finding your inspiration and building your dream kitchen based on the design you want. Planning a layout is key to finding what areas need replacing and what you can fix later. As you develop your design layout, make any necessary changes when required.

Plan a Door and Window Replacement

Map which windows or doors you want to replace. Maybe you want to knock down a section so you can add more windows to access natural light. Or perhaps you want to replace your ordinary aluminum steel door with a glass-paneled French door so the kitchen will feel bigger. When you’re looking at windows and doors, write down the correct measurements, so you don’t accidentally get any that are too small or big.

Plan Replacement Countertops and Sink

Figure out what you’re replacing your countertops and sink with. Countertops create strains in a budget, especially if you’re open to spending a lot. If you want to avoid paying a lot on countertops, consider inexpensive options such as laminate countertops until you can afford something a little more expensive.

Secondly, your sink doesn’t need replacing right away; in fact, it can be considered the last step to follow after completing the countertops and flooring. If you aren’t sure how else to plan your replacement countertops and sink, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting, one of the leading home improvement companies in Atlanta. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we pair you with one of our many talented contractors who can help plan out your next countertop replacement.

Replace the Flooring

The biggest mistake to make while renovating is prematurely replacing the floor by yourself. If you aren’t confident in replacing or installing new flooring, one of our contractors at Bear Mountain Custom Painting can help you with all the questions you have. Before you lay the tiles down, draw out measurements and tile or wood types you’d like to have.

Remodeling your kitchen takes time, but we’re here to help you in every way and answer every question you have. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we take every floorplan seriously. We look forward to helping you with yours as you learn the proper steps to follow when renovating your kitchen.

Fall is upon us, and unlike spring cleaning, we’re going to do some autumn renovating. To us, fall is more than leaves changing color; it’s about trendy new home improvement projects to try this fall. On a side note, you can accomplish these projects in one afternoon or on the weekend. But, if you need extra help, hire a professional contractor to do the tasks for you so that you’re ready for winter.

Clear Out the Gutters

Hearing you need help with a home improvement task is music to our ears. We enjoy nothing more than helping someone out with gutter inspections and cleaning. If you want clean gutters and resistance against foundation damage and flooding, you should clean your drains of debris. Also, you must remove any nests that rodents or other small animals have made in them. You can clear out your gutters in one afternoon.

Care For Your Roof

If you clean your gutters, you might as well have your roof checked for damages and any possible fixes. When you hire a roofing company, its professionals come out to inspect every nook and cranny. They’ll also fix any damages that they notice. If a roofing service can’t do a task, they usually recommend other specialized businesses that can complete that work for you.

Insulate Your Attic

Attic insulation is vital for winter, so why wait until December to do it? Right after you fix your roof, the next part to fix is the attic. Cold air can slip through cracks, causing the entire house to freeze. Free up some time this week to get a crew down to help put insulation in your home. Insulation traps warm air and can lower your monthly financial expenditures on energy.

Paint Your Exterior Walls

Painting is a relaxing activity to complete at any time of day, making fall the right time to get this task done. While the temperatures are comfortable outside, the paint won’t cause your siding to warp or chip. While you’re making decisions on paint colors, consider hiring a professional house painting service in Cumming, GA to do the job quickly so that they can give you the space to focus on other tasks to do throughout the season.

Prepare Your Fireplace

If you have a hearth in your home, you should have a professional chimney sweep check and clean it once a year. Otherwise, you risk soot accumulating on the flue, which can cause an inability for smoke to rise. With that in mind, get your chimney clean to have a warm room to come home to after you get off work.

Organize the Garage

Even though a garage is the last thing you’d think about cleaning, it’s important to have room to store lawnmowers, bikes, and even cars. However, if you have trouble organizing everything in the garage, consider purchasing storage containers and ceiling hooks to keep things tidy. For starters, if you have tools lying around, install a cabinet or get a workbench to help manage them. For other things like bikes, ensure that the hooks you purchase are sufficient to hold their weight. As for your car, keep the entire area where it parks clear. This way, you won’t risk running anything over, and you won’t accidentally hit anything while backing in or out.

Install Smart Home Upgrades

Nothing says trendy new home improvement projects to try this fall more than some smart home upgrades. Your home will have many jaws dropping and take the breath away from many guests when it has devices ranging from a smart thermostat to a self-cleaning stove. Start small when getting new home upgrades. Begin with a smart home thermostat and a security system. Before installation, ensure that the products work with your home correctly.

Upgrade Your Closet

Your closet becomes more cramped with all of those clothes piled in it. In this particular situation, you end up facing two options: declutter the space or upgrade it. We think you deserve a bigger closet. Knocking down a few walls can help make the closet feel expansive and more accommodating to your needs.

Replace Your Outdated Fixtures

Not many people like having outdated fixtures in their homes. A home can look aged if you don’t change its style now and then. To do this, consider switching out your light fixtures for new ones with refreshing designs. Go with a more neutral style and also think about eco-friendliness. However, if you’re looking to retain some of the home’s character, go with floor lamps while removing the ceiling lights.

Install an Elegant Wet Bar

You’ll need to add a special place for wine or other fancy drinks to incorporate more modernity into the home. A wet bar can be a perfect addition, especially if you want something sleek, easy to install, and chic. A simple installation in your closet can help make a dream of having a wet bar come true. Not only that, but you’ll have easy access to your favorite wine.

Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

You should update your porch often. Staying on top of this can help increase your property’s value if you’re looking to sell it. If you want to up your curb appeal game, consider painting your front door, replacing hardware, getting new street numbers, or changing your outdoor lighting fixtures. Additionally, don’t be afraid to dress your porch up a bit with fun fall decorations. Also, don’t forget to change your garage door if you’re looking for something new there.

Take Care of Your Lawn Maintenance

If the grass is tickling the back of your knees, it’s time to do some yard work. Upgrading your landscaping can help improve your curb appeal and make life more meaningful. To beautify the yard, consider adding plants and decorative rocks to bring visual variations to it and help it stand out. Also, make sure to rake up any leaves and throw them away correctly when taking care of your lawn.

Fall is the ideal time to carry out maintenance and improvements. Have your yard work and all of your home improvement projects completed through Bear Mountain Custom Painting. We can help make your dream home become a reality.