When we think about repainting our home’s walls, we often imagine the process of slathering a paint product over the surfaces with a brush. However, what many homeowners fail to realize is that this is only one part of the project. In fact, interior painting requires a certain amount of preparation that can easily go overlooked in the interest of saving time. This is the importance of preparing your walls before painting them and what benefits you gain by doing so.

Proper Paint Curing

First, proper wall prep ensures the paint will stick correctly to the surface and be less likely to chip away later on. Years of use tend to leave our interior walls marked up and dirty, and these particles act as a barrier that prevents the paint from fully reaching the porous drywall. For this reason, cleaning off the areas you’re going to paint is crucial to both applying the product and making sure it lasts.

Even Distribution of Color

The importance of preparing your walls before painting is also clear when you consider how evenly the color will be applied. Paint primer is used to help protect the wall and make it easier for the pigment to soak into a material. So, if it isn’t used or allowed to fully dry before being painted over it, it can give the color a patchy appearance when you’re done. Some areas might look like you expected, while some might be darker. As such, prep is key when looking for consistency.

Increased Product Durability

When the paint has what it needs to dry and stick properly to a wall, it also increases the product’s overall durability. The pigment will be much harder to blemish, and the quality of the color will remain for much longer. Preparation can also make the product less prone to cracking or chipping over time, which will retain the new look you love.

A Flawlessly Smooth Aesthetic

Perhaps most importantly, wall preparation will ensure your finished product is smooth in both appearance and touch. This is because anything that could’ve caused bumps or divots in the paint has already been removed. Old, wrinkled wallpaper and damage are usually the main offenders in these situations. Therefore, getting rid of them ahead of time will set the stage for a better aesthetic after the fact.

So, as demonstrated, wall preparation is just as vital to a project as the painting process itself—if not more so. Because of this, you want to take your time with these initial steps and may even consider hiring a professional to do them in a timely and quality manner. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we strive to help homeowners with tasks just like these. Our team of experienced interior home painters in Cumming, GA knows exactly what needs to be done before painting can start and how to get you the best results possible.

With the temperatures quickly starting to rise, it’s apparent that spring is well on its way. This means it’s time to begin the process of deep cleaning your home and spending more time outdoors in the sun. But if you haven’t maintained your backyard deck space for this level of activity, you might soon find that it isn’t up to the task. Use these ways to prepare your deck for springtime to ensure it’s looking and performing its best.

Power Wash the Space

First, take some time to wash your deck’s boards and fencing thoroughly. After months of debris collecting on it and harsh weather patterns wreaking havoc, it’s common for decks to need a good cleaning to remove any harmful debris and reveals and potential damage that could lay underneath. One of the most effective ways to do this is by slowly going over the boards with a power washer. Sweeping will also help remove some loose surface particles.

Fix Any Rotten Areas

If washing brings some apparent signs of wood rot to the surface, you’ll also need to fix these issues for the season ahead. These forms of damage can weaken the structural integrity of the deck’s platform, putting you at risk of falling through the boards when you walk over them. As such, it’s definitely worth investing in hiring a carpentry professional to repair the afflicted sections.

Sand and Stain the Wood

Consider sanding and staining the wood, as well, before you officially start using your deck this spring. Cool, moist weather can have a splintering effect on wooden surfaces after a time. When this happens, a deck can start snagging your feet and even causing injuries. For this reason, it’s best to sand down all the boards thoroughly and repaint to protect them from additional harm.

Consider a Few Upgrades

Another way to prepare your deck for springtime is to give it a few functional or aesthetic upgrades. While very few of us think about installing upgrades on our decks, there are actually several useful and beautiful options to choose from. Some popular features include built-in benches for extra seating and flower boxes to integrate additional greenery.

If you need help bringing your outdoor deck area back to life after the less-active winter months, contact Bear Mountain Custom Painting. Our carpentry team will remove any rotten or damaged wood, while our deck painting services in Atlanta will give it a new look. We also specialize in wood staining, so if you can’t find a paint color you like, you can always go with a more natural sheen. Let us do the work so that you don’t have to this season.

If you’ve ever lived in an older home, the chances are high that you’ve had a popcorn ceiling. Characterized by their bumpy and rough texture, these surfaces are incredibly dated and often loathed by those wanting a more modern style. As such, it’s common for homeowners to search for different methods to remove them. Still, regardless of how badly you want them gone, it’s recommended you hire a professional to take on this task. These are a few of the reasons to hire a professional to remove a popcorn ceiling and the benefits of doing so.

Access To the Proper Tools

Firstly, professionals often have many more tools at their disposal. This means that they’re always prepared for these specific jobs and have several years of experience using them. Since popcorn ceilings often require scrapers of a different sizes, professionals will always know which piece of equipment will be best suited for the situation. Being equipped with the proper tools ensures the process will be handled in the most effective manner.

Damage Prevention

A professional hand is also helpful for reducing the chances of damage. It requires a lot of brute force to remove popcorn ceilings and, often times, accidents can occur when a homeowner tries to do it themselves. Professionals are familiar with exactly how much pressure is needed to smooth out popcorn ceilings and can do so with minimal damage to the ceiling itself.

Less Exposure To Toxic Materials

Another important reason to hire a professional to remove a popcorn ceiling is the risk often involved in it. Old-fashioned popcorn ceilings will typically have asbestos or lead directly beneath the surface. As such, the dust that’s generated from the removal process can be toxic and dangerous to breathe in. Professionals are well aware of these risks and will bring the necessary safety gear to protect themselves during the job.

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we make it our mission to provide a wide array of services to meet all of our client’s needs. This even includes the removal of something as specific as popcorn ceilings. Our professional interior house painters in Cumming, GA also specialize in this project and can do so in a safe and timely manner. So, not only can we get this job taken care of, we can repaint the ceiling as well.

Mold is a frequent problem experienced by homeowners. Not only does it seem to develop out of nowhere, but it also often causes more damage than you realize at the time. Fortunately, by understanding what form of mold you have, it is possible to get rid of it and keep it from coming back for good. These are some of the most common types of mold in homes and how to identify them on your own property.

The Importance of Eliminating Household Mold

Mold is a form of fungus that reproduces in colored spores that travel through the air. Upon latching on to a surface, they begin to thrive and grow into visible spots along a home’s walls, floors, and ceilings. Since these spores can fully permeate the air when present in large quantities, mold is considered a health hazard and individuals are discouraged from living near it. This substance has been linked to a series of health issues including respiratory diseases, skin irritation, and even cancer in more severe cases. For these reasons, identifying the kind of mold you have and getting rid of it is the key to a healthy and happy home.

The Different Types of Mold

There are several different subset species of mold. However, only a few regularly occur in the home and are considered a threat. For this purpose, we’re going to only cover the most damaging varieties and what you should look out for when trying to identify them. These are the most common types of mold in homes and each of their characteristics.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a form of mold that can grow in thick layers along walls and ceilings. It spreads very quickly and can contribute to severe allergy-like symptoms when present. Since there are over a hundred different species of this mold, it can also appear in an array of colors—such as white and tan or brown and yellow. This can make it more difficult to identify than some other types. Additionally, aspergillus doesn’t need as much moisture to thrive, and is most often found along inner walls.

Alternaria

Alternaria is also an allergenic type of mold that triggers health-related symptoms like headaches or respiratory infections. However, unlike aspergillus, this species needs moisture to reproduce—meaning that it’s dominantly found in places that don’t dry well, like under the sink or near the edge of the bathtub. It’s dark green or brown in appearance with a velvety texture. On the plus side, Alternaria doesn’t spread very far past the source of water. Though you should still act fast when you notice it to prevent developing an asthma-like condition.

Cladosporium

Another type of mold to be aware of is Cladosporium. This species often takes up residence in fabrics or in darker, mustier areas of your home. It can cause you to develop allergy-like symptoms as well—especially when present in your favorite comfy seat. Cladosporium can also be found in damp floorboards, which they weaken similarly to wood rot. This fungus is an olive green or dark brown color and possesses a suede-like texture. Make sure you avoid handling this mold directly to prevent skin irritation.

Stachybotrys

Also known as black mold, stachybotrys is a toxic form of mold that is infamous for being dangerous to breathe. The symptoms associated with this species go beyond what’s commonly associated with allergies—including things like itching or burning of the respiratory system, and even rashes in some cases. Like their nickname alludes to, stachybotrys is black in color and has a fuzzier appearance. This mold also requires consistent and frequent water exposure to grow. So, make sure you’re checking around your shower tub and sinks.

Tips for Treating and Preventing Mold Growth

Mold isn’t something you want to let grow unhindered. This is why we’ve also compiled a short list of tips to help you get rid of it and keep it gone for good. These are a few things you should keep in mind.

Get the Afflicted Area Removed

When mold has been allowed to grow for a certain period of time, it becomes difficult to remove without taking some of your home along with it. Eventually, these substances can seep into the cracks of your home’s wooden frame and cause some serious structural damage. So, should this happen to you, it’s important that you’re prepared to hire a professional to remove the molded area and replace it with new materials. This will ensure that the area is fully clean and stop any remaining mold nearby to spread further.

Keep Your Home Dry

Next, try to keep your home as dry as possible. Most species of mold thrive in environments that have a continuous supply of moisture. Because of this, you want to do what you can to limit the amount of resting water in certain areas of your home. This is particularly crucial in the bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Even something as minor as a leaky pipe can spur mold growth. As such, taking the time to perform routine inspections now can make all the difference later on.

Clean Damp Surfaces Regularly

You’ll also want to get into the habit of cleaning mold hot zones. These spores can only take root and grow if you allow them the time and resources to. For this reason, keeping these areas clean and dry is a great way to prevent your problem from returning. Make sure you wipe down and disinfect your shower at least once a week. This will remove any spores from its surface and stop them before they can reproduce. You should also clean your kitchen regularly for the same purpose.

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we understand how serious of an issue mold can be in a person’s home. In fact, we’ve seen many of our clients suffer structural damage as a result of mold spores and eventual wood rot. This is why our team of experienced carpenters in Cumming, GA seeks to help you fix these broken-down areas and bring back the home you first fell in love with. From rotten wood replacement to window repair in Cumming, we can help remove weakened material and improve the health of your environment. Don’t be afraid to give us a call for more information about our services.

Snow is one of the most damaging forms of precipitation for a home. In fact, its weight alone can crush surfaces that don’t have the proper reinforcement. Regardless of whether your area gets a lot of winter storms, it’s still vital that you’re ready for when one hits. Home gutters are especially susceptible to snow damage—even going so far as to crack your roof in more severe cases. Here is how to protect your gutters from snow and ensure they’re fully functional no matter the climate.

Keep Them Clean and Clear of Debris

First and foremost, keep your gutters clean and clear of any debris they’ve collected over the past few months. From twigs and leaves to dirt and grime, your gutters compile a lot of different things that can potentially clog their piping. Adding snow to this can cause gutters to freeze and burst, resulting in more damage than many homeowners can fix themselves. So make sure you stay on top of this task if you know a storm is approaching.

Use Gutter Guard Accessories

You can also protect your gutters from snow by equipping them with additional accessories. Gutter guards cover most of the top opening of a gutter system. A small gap in the cover allows water to drain properly, while the rest of the guard prevents debris from entering and clogging up the pipes. They’re a very popular choice when trying to keep ice or snow from collecting in your gutter drainage.

Install Gutter Reinforcements

It’s best to install gutter reinforcements as well. When snow starts to soften, it will often slide into your gutters, where it will collect and refreeze. This creates what’s known as ice dams, and they can be extremely heavy—even enough to pull your gutters away from your roof. Fortunately, proper reinforcement materials can mitigate the effect this weight has on your gutters and keep them in better condition overall.

While Georgia isn’t a state known for frequent snowstorms, you never know what the forecast could throw your way during the winter months. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we set out to ensure that every home in the Atlanta area is safe from this environmental hazard. As experienced home gutter installation contractors in Cumming, GA, we’ve helped clients replace their old home gutter systems and educate them on how to preserve their gutters’ lifespan. Let us do the same for you.

The winter chill may have limited our time outdoors, but it doesn’t have to stop us from getting things done. In fact, this season is often one of the best to pursue projects that focus on maintaining and repairing our homes’ interior. These are a few great indoor improvement projects for the winter to keep you busy and productive.

Paint Your Walls

It doesn’t need to be warm outside for you to try out a new color scheme. Painting is actually one of the best ways to completely transform an interior space regardless of the weather. Rain, shine, or snow, you can paint one wall or your entire house to make an incredible impact. Just be sure that you’re using the right paint for your needs.

Install Crown Molding

Winter is also an excellent time to install crown molding. These pieces of beautifully-carved wood can add the perfect accents to a room’s architecture—making it appear more sophisticated or traditional. Crown molding is incredibly affordable and easy to install, so you’re sure to find something that suits your design tastes, time, and budget.

Reseal Your Windows

Another great indoor improvement project for the winter is to spend some time inspecting and resealing your windows. Window drafts are one of the primary ways a home loses precious heat in the winter—costing us hundreds in the process. As such, you can use this time to ensure you’re getting the most out of your energy consumption. Depending on the state of your windows, this could mean simply resealing with a bit of caulk or replacing your windows entirely.

Replace Damaged Drywall

Use this season to finish some outstanding work with your interior drywall. This is especially important if your walls have recently sustained damage or you’ve installed new insulation. If you redo these sections of your home now, your home will be looking its best come springtime.

If you have a list of projects that you want to tackle this winter season, you’ll need to find qualified and experienced professional help to do so. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we specialize in various home painting and remodeling tasks. Whether it be repainting a bedroom or replacing your windows, we’re confident that we can create the results you need. For more information about our services, give us a call.