Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re exposed to VOCs throughout our daily lives. From within our very own walls to the playground equipment our children play on, VOCs play a key role in the way we use and buy products. However, these vapor chemicals can put us in danger if we’re not careful. Learn the basics of VOCs to protect yourself and your family.

Defining VOCs

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are common chemical solutions that evaporate in standard atmospheric conditions. Whether it’s from burning fuel, drying paint, or melting plastics, these vapors can invade the air in and around our home. VOCs contain a variety of chemicals, and though they’re needed for several manufacturing processes, human interaction with them can result in various health problems.

Sources of VOCs

Although many know VOCs are present in paint products, it’s important to note that they’re used in the manufacturing process of other products as well. Along with paints and paint solvents, VOCs are also present in wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, and even office equipment such as printers and copiers. Regularly using these products means constant exposure to VOCs, and as a result, one may develop a variety of physical symptoms.

Additional sources of VOCs include:

• Cleansers and disinfectants
• Pesticides and weed killers
• Hobby supplies and children’s toys
• Moth repellants and air fresheners
• Stored fuels and auto supplies

VOC Effects on Health

While many believe that the VOC toxins leave a surface as the paint dries, there are types of paint that hold them for much longer. In actuality, according to How Stuff Works, “paint can release VOCs into the air for years following the initial painting.” This can put your family at risk of developing physical ailments such as eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches and dizziness; and even skin rashes. With prolonged exposure, some individuals even run the risk of developing liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.

Fortunately, as researchers learn more about what effects these chemicals have on us and the environment, there is an increased effort to invent alternatives to VOC products.

Possible Alternatives

Though VOCs are present in many of our regularly used items, it’s becoming easier to limit our exposure to them. Recent product developments have produced low-VOC or VOC-free paint options for you to explore as well as education alternatives that let you know what products you should be avoiding. You can also take extra precaution by:

• Occasionally allowing your home to air out
• Testing your water for the presence of VOCs
• Storing unused chemical products in the garage or shed instead of in the home

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we want to create the best possible results for you and your family by ensuring that we use high-quality tools and materials. We train our house painters in Cumming, Georgia, to use these materials and supply you with the knowledge needed to decide which paint is best for your home.

Every house needs work done to it at some point, and many homeowners struggle with deciding how to go about it. They can always take on the work themselves, but the best results and highest efficiency usually comes from a professional paint contractor. However, not every contractor is the right one for your home. Be sure to make note of these questions to ask a paint contractor to learn as much as you can about them.

1. Is the Contractor Licensed?
If your contractor is as reputable as they say they are, they should be licensed by the state to work on home projects. This license guarantees that the contractor meets the state’s standards and basic qualifications and requires them to maintain those standards during every job. If their quality of service were to drop, they would run the risk of losing their license.

2. What Services Does the Company Offer?

Many painting contractors obviously specialize in painting projects, but they may also offer additional services for improving other areas of the home—they can help with everything from small tasks to larger renovations that can increase your home’s value.

3. Do They Offer a Warranty and Are They Insured?

Licensed contractors generally offer warranties for their work to ensure that the results remain high-quality, but double-checking the coverage is still important. It’s also beneficial to ask whether the company is insured to further ensure you’re protected from possible damage.

4. Can the Company Provide References?

Before you hire a contractor, make sure their past clients were satisfied with the work. Getting other opinions and looking through a portfolio of their work will give you an accurate idea of what kind of work they can do for you.

5. What Kind of Materials Do You Use?

Knowing whether the materials used are VOC-free or sustainable could greatly influence your decision to work with the contractor. Their knowledge of how to use those materials is also important. For instance, they should know that oil-based paints should be applied in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit so that they cure properly, while water-based paints need a temperature of at least 50 degrees.

6. How Much Will the Job Cost?

Though the results are quality, hiring a contractor can be expensive. Therefore, you should know how much you’ll be paying before you agree to the project. This will ensure that you don’t end up paying more than your financial situation allows.

7. How Long Will the Job Take?

Getting an idea of how long the project will take will help you organize your schedule accordingly and give you an idea of when you can get your household back in working order.

8. Who Can I Call if I Have Any Questions?

If you have additional questions after the start of your project, you’ll want to know how to get them answered. Upon communicating with a contractor, be sure to request the contact information of someone who can answer these questions so that you can remain aware of the project’s status.

If you’re looking for a contractor to answer all your questions, Bear Mountain Custom Painting can do just that. Our home painting experts in Atlanta are here to answer these questions as well as any others you may have during the process.

Siding is an important part of any home. Offering a series of functions, it’s what makes a home a shelter for those that inhabit it. Despite its importance, many homeowners aren’t aware of the differences between the types of siding or how certain ones could greatly benefit their lifestyle. Do a bit of research and find out which siding works best for your home.

The Purpose of Siding

A home’s siding accomplishes multiple essential tasks. Whether it’s protecting us from the elements or simply adding visual appeal to our properties, our siding is the glue that holds our houses together through the years. In harsh weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and snow, your siding holds moisture and frigid temperatures at bay. This ensures your comfort and protects the more sensitive parts of your home from deterioration.

Siding is also what makes a home look like a home. It is available in many different types, colors, and designs, and it is customizable to fit any style, so you can enhance the character of your home. The materials and the color you choose can greatly affect the home’s curb appeal and value among the neighborhood.

In addition, siding also plays a role in increasing a home’s overall value. When the time comes to sell your home, well-maintained siding is a key trait that buyers will look for. This will also serve to generate more profit for you, as the increased interest in your home will raise the market price.

Siding Materials

There are several different types of siding, and each one has their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these characteristics as you start your search is crucial to deciding which one will best suit your home and environment.

Metal Siding

Sleek and reflective, metal siding is commonly used on homes with a modern design. Aluminum, steel, and copper metals are the materials typically used for this look. While this siding doesn’t mold or rot when exposed to the elements, it does have the potential to rust if it’s not installed properly. Despite this drawback, metal siding is the most beneficial choice for those who don’t want to perform regular maintenance. Some upkeep is required, as this siding is easy to scratch and dent, but overall, it’s the sturdiest siding option.

Wood Siding

Wooden siding is popular for its natural patterns and deep colors. Your choices in wood often include pine, fir, cedar, and redwood, so you have a variety of looks and colors to consider. Cedar siding, in particular, is the most commonly used of these options and is the most customizable. You have to regularly protect this siding with a fresh coat of stain, but your efforts will revive the original luster of the wood and keep it protected from the elements for the next three to seven years. Wooden siding is also considered as one of the most eco-friendly products on the market.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding has been the most popular choice for years. In fact, according to Plastics News, “Some 27 percent, or 213,000 of the 795,000 houses completed last year, have vinyl siding as the primary exterior wall material.” Low maintenance and durable, this siding is perfect for busy families because it only requires an occasional wash. Vinyl is also customizable in both color and layout, which makes it very appealing to those looking for a specific style. It’s important to note, however, that vinyl siding is susceptible to extreme weather conditions and can crack in strong storms.

Brick Siding

With proper maintenance, brick siding can last a lifetime. This, and its distinct reddish hues, make for a classic and sturdy appearance. Though it isn’t often used in current construction projects, this siding offers a rustic charm that still appeals to many homeowners. Unfortunately, this beauty comes with a price. Next to metal siding, brick siding is one of the more expensive options to purchase and have installed. Even so, this siding is extremely weather-resistant and doesn’t need to be repainted or stained.

Fiber Cement Siding

Made from a mixture of wood, sand, and cement, this siding is also a popular option among homeowners. It offers the same look and textures as wooden siding without the weather or insect sensitivity. However, it tends to be more expensive than traditional vinyl siding and it needs to be repainted every decade. Since the paint pigment doesn’t soak entirely into the material, this siding is also prone to chipping under the harsh sun.

Stone Siding

Stone siding is made from a variety of natural stones. Some of these include limestone, granite, and slate. Like brick, this siding is expensive to purchase and install, but it is durable and weather-proof. Stone also doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and can give your home a natural look.

Stucco Siding
Created from mixing cement and sand, stucco siding is applied to a home in a series of layers. These layers are what make the siding strong enough to withstand the harsh summers of warmer climates. This stucco siding, however, doesn’t resist moisture very well and can crack when used in areas that see a lot of rainstorms.

Choosing Siding for Your Home

When the time comes to choose your home’s new siding, it’s important to remember that you have options for a reason. All the different kinds of siding have their preferred uses, as well as their drawbacks, so deciding on the right kind for your home is a matter of your location and lifestyle. As you search, be sure to keep your area’s climate in mind to ensure you purchase a product that can handle it. For instance, some materials have better water resistance than others, so if you live in an area with frequent and heavy rainstorms, it might be best to consider a siding that can lock out moisture.

Other contributing factors often include energy efficiency and cost. In areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, you often have to make use of the air-conditioning or heating units in your home. To keep this energy from seeping out of the siding and going to waste, it’s crucial to search for energy-efficient siding. While this purchase may be a bit more expensive than the standard siding, it will save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

Additionally, you want to consider the material’s durability. While some sidings can last for long periods in the right conditions, others may need to be maintained, repainted, or replaced after only a few years. Be sure to compare durability ratings in your search and ask a professional how well your choice will stand up to the weather, rot, and seasonal insects.

Most of all, you need to find siding that fits with the aesthetic of the home itself. In fact, color and texture combinations are a powerful way to convey your own personal style. It’s important to remember, though, that while you might like a certain texture, certain sidings such as brick or stone have limited color pallets. Keep this in mind while you narrow down your options and it can speed up the decision-making process.

Reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting for more information on siding products and siding installation services in Atlanta. Our trained professionals will walk you through the process to choose the perfect siding for your home.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median age of homes in the U.S. remained at 37 years as of 2016. This age varies across states—for example, the fast-growing state of Nevada boasts a median age of 21 years, while “half of all owner-occupied homes [in Georgia and Arizona] were built in the last 25 years.” It’s clear that many homeowners live in older houses, which may need freshened up with a fresh coat of paint sooner rather than later. It’s important, therefore, that homeowners know how to get the best results when their houses inevitably needs repainted. Here are a few of the many reasons to hire a professional paint contractor and the benefits of doing so.

Efficient, Quality Results

Allowing a professional paint contractor to take on your project will provide you with quality results in a timely manner. These professionals know how to best get the job done. From helping you choose the right paint finish to applying that paint, they have the experience to walk you through the entire process without sacrificing time. You can always paint your walls yourself—but professional paint jobs are proven to increase the overall value of your home.

Insurance and Clean-Up

Professional contractors are also insured to protect the quality of the job. No matter how much experience a professional may have, accidents can happen—insurance ensures that the contracting company will cover the costs of any damages so that you can remain worry-free throughout the duration of the project.
Contractors also offer clean-up services upon the project’s completion. These services ensure that you get the benefits of a quality job without the additional stress of cleaning up any debris around your home.

Design Suggestions

Because these professionals know the ins and outs of the trade, they can educate you on what design choices would best suit your personal style. They’re also up-to-date on the latest design trends and technologies, so they can tell you what you need to achieve your desired look. This includes helping you choose the right color paint and crown molding design to emphasize your home’s charm.

Additional Services

Many contracting companies also offer more than just painting services. From door and siding installation to window replacement, contractors can assist you with a variety of home improvement projects, which can come in handy if you have more than one project to take care of.

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we aim to provide you with the best results for a variety of home improvement projects. Our painting, siding, carpentry, and window replacement experts in Atlanta, Georgia, will get you a few steps closer to your dream home.

Your gutter system plays a key role in maintaining the quality of your home. Old or new, these systems make it easier to keep your home protected from prolonged exposure to water. According to Hunker, “Most gutter systems, including galvanized steel and aluminum gutters, have an expected lifespan of 20 years.” Even though they can last for a while, it’s important you take notice when they begin to decay. Be on the lookout for these signs you need to replace your gutter system.

Visible Erosion or Damage

Just like any other part of our home, gutters become more brittle with time. This makes them more susceptible to damage in harsh conditions. Holes and rust spots can form on your gutters, which will weaken them and prevent them from doing an effective job. You should keep an eye out for these signs of damage, as they could keep your gutters from properly protecting your home.

Gutter Separation

You don’t need to be on a ladder to notice this issue. Broken gutters won’t sustain the weight of snow in the winter months and will then sag or pull away from the house. Once the snow melts, these signs are evident in the way they look and channel water. The gutter panels could also separate from the rest of the channel. This will prevent them from serving their purpose, as they won’t even hold rainwater.

Water Damage to the Home

Malfunctioning gutter systems are also evident in the condition of the home itself. If the gutters do not funnel water away from the home properly, that water will run down the siding. Over time, this can result in the growth of mold as well as cause wood to rot. Additionally, the exterior paint will also show signs of peeling and bubbling as the water will separate the paint from the siding.

Soil Erosion and Foundation Problems

When water isn’t directed away from your home, standing pools can form near your foundation and lead to a collection of additional problems. Before this damage happens, be sure to watch out for pockets of soil erosion. This means the water spills out from the gutters and pushes the soil away. If you already have some foundation damage, you’ll notice mildew forming in areas of your basement. The mildew will weaken the foundation further and make your home susceptible to flooding.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs on your property, you don’t need to dread getting your gutters replaced. Bear Mountain Custom Painting’s gutter installation services in Cumming have the professionals you need to get the job done right.

Quality doors are an essential part to any home. Whether you abide by an open-door policy with your neighbors or prefer to stick to yourself, a sturdy defense between you and the outside world is crucial. Strong exterior doors will keep you and your family safe from outdoor dangers, while interior doors are required for privacy and personal space amongst the home’s residents. Learn about the different kinds of home doors to find the ones that appeal to your home, neighborhood, and lifestyle.

Interior Doors

Interior doors come in a series of shapes, sizes, and designs to fit with any home’s style. Even so, navigating their models can be overwhelming. These are the basic types of interior doors:

Accordion Doors

Accordion doors consist of a set of panels that fold in on themselves and rest against one side of the door frame. Since they don’t take up much space when folded, these doors are ideal for closets and entryways. This is also the reason why they’re generally used in smaller homes and apartments.

Bi-Fold Doors

This model of door consists of four-door panels attached by hinges. The tops of these panels are attached to a track in the doorframe which allows for a smooth and easy motion. There are two ways to open bi-fold doors depending on where the hinges are located: from the far side, like accordion doors, or from the middle. Some common areas where these doors are used are closets, laundry rooms, pantries, storage rooms, and other smaller rooms in a home.

Sliding Doors

Consisting of two, overlapping panels attached to doorframe rails, sliding doors are another popular option for those who don’t have the space for hinged doors. An additional perk to these doors is that they could double as full-length mirrors for those who wish to conserve a bit of floor space. It’s important, however, to remember that even though the full set takes up the space of double doors, only one side can open at a given time.

Hinged Single Doors

Hinged single doors are the most common type found in a home. The model consists of a single panel attached to one side of the doorframe by a set of hinges. In order to use these doors effectively, though, you need to ensure that there’s enough space around the door for it to swing open unobstructed.

Pocket Doors

This model door is more commonly found in older homes but has returned to popularity in recent years. This is another option for those who want to save a bit of space, as this model allows for the doors to disappear into your walls. Be aware, however, that this door requires that the surrounding walls not have any wiring in them so the door can slide without issue.

Exterior Doors

Whether you’re learning how to flip a home or a home owner partaking in renovations, a stable front door is a crucial part of any renovation project. Though exterior doors aren’t as diverse as interior ones, they’re made to be solid and sturdy, as well as stylish. These quality doors will surely keep you, your loved ones, and your possessions safe in the event of an emergency.

Wooden Doors

Not only are wooden doors known for their sturdiness, but they’re also a beautiful complement to the manicured landscape of your yard. This makes this type of door among the most sought after by home owners. Wooden doors are not without their drawbacks, though. Doors made with real wood tend to be more expensive than those made of alternative materials. Wood will also warp over time, as it’ll be exposed to a variety of weather conditions. You need to keep up with repainting and staining to protect it.

Fiberglass Doors

Entryway doors made with fiberglass have become more popular in recent years. They’re extremely durable and energy efficient, which makes the price worth it in the long-run. These doors also come in a variety of finishes to ensure that you can find one with a look that suits the rest of your home. These doors also don’t warp like wood does and are also resistant to dents and scratches.

Steel Doors

If you need maximum security, steel doors are the way to go. A step up from fiberglass, these doors offer all the energy efficiency of previously mentioned models with the doubled security and stability of solid steel. If you aren’t a fan of the cool gray finish, don’t worry, steel doors come in a series of looks—including wood grain finishes.

Sliding Patio Doors

The most common style of patio door, sliding glass doors are available in a plethora of materials. From aluminum and wood to vinyl and heavier metals, these doors are made for a series of climates and tastes. It’s important, however, to remember that these doors, according to Energy.gov, “lose much more heat than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator.”

French Patio Doors

If you want the versatility of patio doors but with an added touch of elegance, you may want to consider getting a set of French doors to complement the property. These are sturdier than traditional patio doors and can open inward or outward.

Types of Designs and Finishes

The different kinds of home doors come a variety of designs and finishes for a homeowner to choose from. These styles offer multiple options that complement the overall look of any home.

Slab

This pattern consists of several square or rectangular patterns etched into the door. This is typically the most common design seen in homes, as the pattern itself is neutral. You can customize these doors with rounded slabs rather than rectangular ones as well.

Barn

Characterized by several overlapping bars, this design is loved for the authentically rustic vibe it can give to a home. They can come in two basic styles: an “X” shape, which is considered the classic barn look, and a subtler “Z” shape.

French

This design is highly decorative and usually comes in a set of double doors. Each door features frames around several, small window panels, which give adjacent rooms plenty of light. These doors are typically used as entryways to large, entertainment rooms or outdoor areas.

Dutch

Dutch-style doors are known for their split design. With the ability to open the top and bottom sections separately, these doors are commonly seen in kitchens or serving areas. They also function as baby or pet gates to block off areas that are unsafe.

Flush

These doors have no decoration, though they’re easy to customize. They can be painted, stained, or coated in wallpaper to give a stylish flair to your home.

If you require professionals to install one of these products, Bear Mountain Custom Painting has the people you need. Our trained professionals know how to use more than just a paintbrush; we also offer door insulation and repair services in Cumming GA to those living in the Atlanta area.