Transform Your Home’s Exterior with Professional Painting
Introduction:
A beautifully painted exterior enhances curb appeal and protects your home from the elements. At Intserv Painting, we specialise in expert exterior painting services for homes in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and surrounding areas. Let us help you refresh your home with a durable and attractive finish.
Why Exterior Painting Needs Regular Attention
Paint Deterioration:
Over time, paint on your home’s exterior naturally deteriorates due to exposure to the elements—wind, rain, and sun. The first signs of this deterioration often include a loss of gloss in painted surfaces or the formation of powdery residue on emulsion paints. Regular repainting every 5 years is typically recommended to maintain both aesthetics and protection.
The Best Time for Exterior Painting in the UK
Ideal Seasons for Painting:
The key to successful exterior painting is timing. The best months for painting are during the warmer, drier periods of the year:
- Late Spring (April & May): Moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall make these months ideal for exterior painting.
- Early Summer (June): Warm weather continues, offering favorable conditions for drying and curing paint.
- Early Autumn (September): A great time to paint, though be mindful of colder or wetter weather as the season progresses.
Tip: Always check the weather forecast before starting your project to ensure a stretch of dry weather for optimal results.
Preparing for Your Exterior Painting Project
Before You Buy Paint:
- Consider Your Surroundings: When selecting your colours, ensure they complement your neighborhood and blend with surrounding houses, especially if you live in a terraced or semi-detached property.
- Calculate Paint Quantities: Measure the surface area to determine how much paint you’ll need. Remember that rougher surfaces like pebble-dash require more paint than smooth ones.
- Paint Type: Choose the appropriate paint type based on the surface material. Exterior wood and metal require high-quality gloss or satin paints, while masonry paints are better for walls.
Estimating Paint Quantities:
Use the following formula to calculate the amount of paint needed:
- Measure the Wall Area: Multiply the wall length by the height of the house to get the total area.
- Subtract Door and Window Areas: Deduct areas of doors and windows from the total wall surface area. For example, a typical 1930s detached house (9m width, 9m length, 8m height) will require around 38.4 liters of paint to cover two coats. Adjust this depending on the size of your home.
Choosing the Right Paint
Consider the Weather and Surface Type:
- For wood and metal surfaces (guttering, downpipes, doors, windows), use exterior-grade gloss or satin paint.
- For masonry walls, opt for a smooth or textured emulsion.
Tip: Always use the same batch of paint for consistency, and choose a micro-porous paint for bare wood to allow moisture and air to escape.
Ladder Safety: Protecting Yourself on the Job
Ladder Safety Tips:
Working at height poses risks. In 2022/23, falls from ladders accounted for 40 fatalities in the UK. Ensure you follow ladder safety guidelines to avoid accidents:
- Inspection: Check the ladder for damage before use.
- Setup: Place the ladder on a stable, level surface. Use the 4:1 ratio for proper angle.
- Three Points of Contact: Always maintain three points of contact when climbing the ladder.
- Short Tasks Only: Ladders are best for short-duration tasks. For longer tasks, use scaffolding.
Where to Start and the Proper Painting Sequence
Step-by-Step Guide:
When painting your home’s exterior, always work from the top down. This will prevent accidentally ruining surfaces you’ve already painted. A typical painting sequence includes:
- Bargeboards, Fascias, and Gutters: Start from the top.
- Soffits and Walls: Work your way down.
- Windows and Doors: Finish with the more detailed features.
Need Help with Your Exterior House Painting?
Get in Touch with Intserv Painting Today
Transform your home’s exterior with the help of a professional painting service. Contact us for a free consultation and quote, or call 07969 007 445 today!
