Windows are important components of a home’s overall design and functionality. Responsible for letting in light and providing you with protection from the outdoor elements, these panes of glass help you achieve the perfect balance of safety and style. However, no matter how long you’ve had your current windows and how effective they’ve been in the past, they won’t last forever. In fact, the longer you’ve had your windows, the more likely it is they’ll need to be replaced sometime soon. Here are a few important home window replacement tips to keep in mind when this time finally comes.
Decide Whether to Replace or Fix
When you first begin thinking about replacing your windows, take a minute to think about whether you need a full replacement at all. Window replacement jobs typically occur when the window has sustained deep, irreparable damage. The process is often expensive, as it involves replacing the entire window area—including the frame as well as the glass panes. Repair jobs, on the other hand, are more effective for windows with small damages that don’t require you to remove the entire window.
Hire Qualified Professionals
As tempting as performing this task on your own to save a bit of money might be, this is not the project you want to take on as a homeowner. This job deals with areas of the home that have direct contact with the outside weather, so you want to ensure that each possible opening is properly sealed. Otherwise, you could be at a higher risk of sustaining water damage or even allowing pests access to your home. Door replacement jobs work the same way—if you’re looking to complete either of these jobs, make sure to hire a qualified window and door installation professional in Cumming, GA.
Prioritize Function and Energy-Efficiency
Make sure to also put some thought into what type of windows you’ll get to replace your old ones. You’ll definitely want to keep your choice within your price range, but it’s important that your new windows provide you with the functionality you need as well as the energy-efficiency to save on your bills. This is the best way to make the most of the investment and ensure they can hold up to your family’s needs.
Think About Future Maintenance
Another important home window replacement tip to keep in mind is the potential maintenance you’ll need to perform on your new window models. There’s a variety of different types of windows, and each has certain maintenance tasks you’ll need to complete regularly. For example, depending on the windows you pick, you may need to periodically clean or oil their hinges. Because of this, think about the amount of maintenance you’ll be able to keep up with, and use that knowledge to inform your decision.
When it comes to repainting their homes’ interiors, many people prefer the direct color of a solidly painted wall. However, just because it’s more common doesn’t mean it’s the only option you have. In fact, you can achieve many patterns or textures through painting, depending on your personal style and vision for the home. With the right tools and a few qualified home painting professionals in Cumming, you can be as creative as you want with the renovation. Here are a few unique interior painting techniques to spark your imagination.
Feather or Sponge Painting
Have you ever wondered what painting with a feather duster or sponge would look like? In all seriousness, this method of painting is one of the most popular due to the depth of color contrast and texture it creates on a wall. It involves taking a textured surface, lightly dipping it in paint, and dabbing it across the wall to create unique patterns. With a white wall and a bold color to dust on it, you can have a beautiful accent wall in as little as a few hours.
Drip or Splatter Painting
The chaos of drip or spatter painting also makes for incredibly unique designs. Thrust onto the blank wall with nothing but a bit of force and gravity, the bits of paint create a natural abstract look. You can even direct the drips or splatters in specific ways to generate an interesting secondary pattern. Best of all, this technique allows you to layer multiple colors and create a scheme all your own.
3D Press Painting
Another eye-catching and unique interior painting technique is what’s known as 3D press painting. Using a bit of extra paint and a deep-patterned paint roller, the painter can generate patterns that appear three-dimensional. This is often useful for themed rooms, whose designs benefit from a lot of texture. Keep in mind, however, that this method might require some touching up to make your accent features pop.
Stencil Painting
On the other hand, if you have a specific design or pattern in mind for your room, you can also have your painter use the stenciling technique. This method uses established designs to trace and detail unique patterns onto a wall. Using these personalized shapes in your home makes for a lovely and unique style.
The brick surfaces of your home offer a timeless beauty and classic appearance that improve curb appeal and home value. But this isn’t where the benefits end. Brick siding, walls, and even fireplaces are incredibly effective at blocking out external elements and protecting the home from things that could harm it, from moisture to the occasional pest. These things struggle to get past the thick brick barrier, giving you peace of mind.
However, because your brick protects your home from so many things, it’s only natural that you’ll eventually need to update it. Initially bright and beautiful, brick can eventually wear away with the elements, which robs it of its vibrant colors and dulls the overall appearance of the home. As such, you might eventually find your brick needs a refresh to make it something you’re proud of again when you’re showing off your home. Fortunately, there is the option of painting your brick walls.
An Overview
Before we get into defining the benefits of brick painting, here’s a brief overview of what brick painting entails. The brick painting method involves layering a water-based coating—which will have binders, pigments, and additives mixed in to give it color—over the brick surface. This method has a straightforward application and considerable effects on the appearance of your bricks. No matter what color you use next on your brick walls, we highly recommended hiring painting and remodeling professionals to get the job done right.
Brick Painting
Brick painting is the process of layering a quality paint product over the top of your brick surfaces. This method creates a solid, protective barrier between the brick and the elements while giving the wall a new opaque color scheme. The flat finish the paint provides creates a more modern look, so people often use paint to update and refresh older homes and give them a remodeled appearance.
The Benefits of Brick Painting
Brick painting can breathe life into a brick surface once more. There are many things you can appreciate with freshly painted bricks, one of which is a massive improvement in curb appeal. Curb appeal matters the most to many homeowners such as yourself. Go on and be the talk of your community by coating some fresh paint over your brick siding.
There are many other benefits waiting for your discovery—here’s a perspective on the advantages of painting your brick walls.
Better Protection From the Elements
The worst thing to happen is damage from temperatures, moisture, and the weather. With a new slab of paint on your walls, you can prevent further damage from impacting your job. New paint jobs can limit the chance of fading and creating issues on the home’s foundation.
Simpler To Clean
Brick is made from many of Earth’s finest materials, and its pores, which have a spongy look, allow air to slip through. The best way to prevent air and unwanted germs from coming in is to clean the area often.
After repainting your brick, ensure you have the right tools to properly clean your siding, especially if there’s brick inside of your home. Use a sponge and water to gently dab at the material to wipe away dirt and debris. Then, use a brush to scrub between the brick’s lines.
Brick Painting Is a Permanent Fix
Whether you categorize this as a con is up to you, but know that brick painting is a permanent solution that creates a lasting paint job. However, if you happen to change your mind down the road, you might be out of luck, as repainting brick is difficult and requires more time to redo.
Don’t select a brick painting service until you’ve found the color you like the most and want to use. As long as you have a fair idea of what you’re looking for, our expert exterior painters will ensure your brick is painted precisely with the color you want.
Because the paint sits directly on top of the brick, it acts as a barrier that protects the old, weathering surface from the elements. Certain types of paint can block out things such as moisture and sunlight, which could further damage your brick walls. Paint also comes in a wide range of unique colors that the natural pigments in stains can’t produce. If you want your wall to be a specific color, you’ll have a better selection if you go with paint. This method is also a favorite DIY trend for its ease of application and overall speed in completing the job. There may be setbacks, but do keep everything in mind as you decide on painting your brick walls.
The Setbacks of Brick Painting
It’s also important to mention that since paint doesn’t sink into the brick itself, it’s also subject to quicker decay. This means the elements can damage the paint a lot faster than with a stain, and you’ll need to perform regular maintenance to keep it looking fresh. For this reason, it’s recommended that you repaint your brick every three to five years. Paint also doesn’t allow the brick to breathe once it’s applied, trapping moisture within that can hinder the product’s ability to stick to the surface.
Brick Staining
Brick staining, on the other hand, sinks into the porous brick as it’s applied. This not only allows you to keep the original texture of the surface, but also maintains airflow, which in turn releases moisture. Essentially, unlike paint—which simply covers the wall and all its blemishes—stains act as dyes that keep the original appearance of the brick and only changes the color.
Advantages
The main advantage of using stains lies in the maintenance. Since it sinks into the brick to change its appearance, it’s not prone to chip away or peel like paint. This keeps the color from fading and significantly extends the time between touchups. In addition to this, you also won’t overshadow the beloved textures and appearance of your older brick when you use stain. As such, you can create a more modern color scheme while holding onto the characteristics that attracted you to the home in the first place. You can also better customize the tone of your stain by testing it on a section of brick and adding more pigment to darken it as you go.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, the actual application process of brick stain can be a deterrent for many homeowners. You may need to apply many layers of this product to get the desired effect, and you’ll need to thoroughly clean the brick beforehand. This method also doesn’t work as well on damaged or decaying brick, as you’ll still be able to see those areas through the stain. Plus, take note that you can’t stain all types of brick. Certain types are more porous and better at absorbing the stain than other types. Brick that isn’t as penetrable can’t contain the stain as effectively, and the product will more easily wash off and transfer its color.
Choosing a Method
Knowing the benefits of brick painting can help set you up for success as you search for the right painting service that meets your expectations and desires. For instance, some people who want to update their home may appear indecisive when picking between brighter or darker colors to paint with. When deciding on your paint color, it’s most important to remember that you should always choose what’s best for your home and style. By doing so, you can create a space that’s unique to your needs as well as an eye-catching home to complement the rest of the neighborhood.
Regardless of what new look you want to bring to your brick surfaces, we at Bear Mountain Custom Painting will work hard to achieve your vision. Our experienced professionals know what it takes to provide quality, unique, and beautiful paint and stain jobs on various surfaces. In addition to these services, we also offer other home improvement tasks that will further improve the appearance of your property, such as siding, gutter, window, and door installation.
Summer is one of the most active seasons of the year. Whether it’s heading to the beach or throwing backyard barbecues, there’s plenty to do to keep yourself busy in the sun. Homeowners also often use this time of year to perform certain house upgrades that assist with energy-efficiency and general convenience. So, as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect opportunity to partake in some important summer renovations for your home.
Pressure Wash or Replace Your Siding
From dirt and grime to sun and damage, your home’s siding takes a beating throughout the year. As such, it’s a great idea to wash and repair it for the season ahead. A quick power wash can easily remove any stuck-on substances and leave your siding as bright and vibrant as it was when it was first installed. If you notice damage, however, it’s important that you consider hiring a siding contractor in Cumming, GA to get it properly replaced. This way, you’re both improving curb appeal and maintaining your home’s internal climate.
Replace Your Old Windows and Doors
Old and cracked windows and doors can not only be an eyesore, but they can significantly raise the amount of money you’re spending on A/C during warmer months as well. Because of this, getting them replaced and properly installed saves you money and greatly enhances your home’s appearance and security. Even if you aren’t concerned about energy-efficiency, just the look of a new set of doors and windows can make your home appear refreshed and inviting.
Install Ceiling Fans
You can also help better control the climate indoors during the summer by installing a ceiling fan or two. These devices circulate air throughout the home and, in the process, evenly distribute the temperature so that you don’t need to turn down the A/C. Ceiling fans are also wonderful for creating airflow so that the home doesn’t feel stagnant and stuffy when you’re spending time inside.
Build a Backyard Firepit
Another important summer renovation for your home is to arrange your yard to suit summer activities and needs. For many, this means planting a garden, setting out lawn chairs, and, of course, building a firepit. Firepits are a necessity for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors with their friends and family, as firepits bring additional opportunities for fun. Activities such as roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and even just enjoying each other’s company are great ways to spend a warm evening. For in-ground firepits, make sure you establish a narrow hole for ashes to collect and block it off with rocks to shield you from flying embers.
The color palette you choose for your home is crucial to both maintaining your house’s overall appearance and incorporating personality into its design. Color has the power to turn a once boring and monotone space into something the evokes emotions and makes that area fun and enjoyable. As such, through color, you can create not just a house for people to look at on the surface, but a unique and atmospheric home to invite guests into. These are a few tricks for picking the perfect color palette and fitting it into your current home style.
Familiarize Yourself With the Color Wheel
In order to figure out which color palette will fit best with your existing design, it’s important that you understand which colors traditionally look good together. Taking a minute to analyze the color wheel and see which colors naturally complement one another is a wonderful way to get ideas and keep your color scheme consistent. If you know you want a shade of blue, for instance, but don’t know what other colors to pair with it, a color wheel can show you what other colors are in the same family. So, in this circumstance, you could choose to use something slightly green or purple in hue.
Consider the Classic Pairings
It’s also important that you consider some of the more classic color pairings to give yourself a solid color foundation. By using a palette that already works and making it your own, you can not only generate a new look, but also one that’s unique to your home. The combination of black and white is particularly popular because it provides a timeless look that you can customize to fit your needs. With the contrast of these two colors seeming to rival each other in a design, it’s also a lot easier to incorporate a third accent color to create a splash of excitement in the design.
Try the 60-30-10 Rule
For many homeowners, the issue might not be in choosing the colors as much as it is in incorporating them into the space. This is why another useful trick for picking the perfect color palette is to plan your room’s new appearance by the 60-30-10 rule. Typically, most home color palettes follow a three-color rule—with one color being dominant and two others acting as secondary and accent colors. The dominant color on the walls will make up 60 percent of the room, the secondary color for fabrics is 30 percent, and the accent color for decorations is 10 percent. All these colors are generally in the same family and directly complement one another when applied. So, no matter which colors you ultimately choose, you need to ensure that they’re alike enough to balance one another out.
For additional assistance picking out a color or with the overall painting process, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting. As professional house painters in Atlanta, Georgia, we seek to offer you our knowledge and expertise in a way that gets you the results you’re after.
Though current times have made many families want to do anything but travel, it always helps to be prepared. This way, you can have your home vacation-ready just in time for when they want to begin another adventure. For those that have an extra bedroom or two, or those leaving town for a while, renting is often the perfect option to earn some extra cash. As a cheaper alternative to staying in a hotel, many vacationers will jump at the chance to stay in a home for their extended trip. However, in order to properly rent it out for a season, it’s crucial that your home is in tip-top shape. Learn how to turn your home into the perfect vacation rental and be ready for whatever the next season throws your way.
Clean it Up
For your home to be guest-ready, it needs to be clean and organized enough to store their personal belongings. As such, it’s key that you take the time to clean and declutter your own possessions so that there’s extra space around the home. Along with getting rid of extra items, it’s also important that you keep all surfaces clean and sanitized to ensure that it’s the best possible environment for a family. This process might even involve taking on a home interior painting project to brighten up the home and make it appear even more welcoming to guests.
Make Sure it’s Not Too Personalized
It’s also important that you remove any personal items or mementos before you allow guests to stay in your home for an extended period of time. This ensures that your most valued possessions are safe and your renters don’t have to worry about damaging any of your belongings during their visit. Creating a blank slate in your home also helps your renters feel more comfortable, as they won’t be surrounded by mementos they don’t recognize.
Upgrade Your Security Systems
Whether it’s installing a smoke detector or setting up keycard access on your door, upgraded security systems make guests feel safer and ensure that your property is protected. This way, both parties can go about their vacations worry-free. Even if you already have these precautions in place, it’s always a good idea to regularly upgrade these systems to keep them working properly when you need them most.
Create a Set of Ground Rules
Though you’re leaving your home in the care of renters, it’s still your property and you have a right to protect it. As such, it’s perfectly reasonable for you to set several ground rules that your guests need to follow if they’re going to stay. This agreement should include appropriate conduct, damage fees should you need to enforce them, and pet policies if you choose to allow them. With this in writing, you won’t need to be as concerned about your property being damaged and you can ensure you’re protected, should the need arise.
