Posted by admin on March 22, 2009 under Services | 
There is a hole in the wall and you don’t know whether to patch up the hole or replace the entire piece of drywall. If you patch up the hole, the texture on the wall used might not match the interior color of the wall. And if you are like most people, it is very important the patched surface exactly matches the prevailing wall color. We realize the value of restoring the wall to its initial color and texture and a Portland drywall repair person and texture professional can quickly determine whether a simple texturizing patch up job is possible or whether the entire piece of drywall will need to replaced.
What is Drywall?
Drywall, gypsum wallboard, sheetrock, wallboard and plasterboard as the common associated drywall names. Drywall is a construction material used to create walls and ceilings. It is used to create various kind of structures and is very easy to install. Incredibly durable and inexpensive, drywall is used to conceal beams, wrap columns and section off rooms. Additionally, drywall offers a safety feature of being fire proof.
Damaged Drywall
Replacing the Drywall
If damaged area is too large to be simply repaired with a texture, the entire piece of drywall will need to be replaced. To replace the affected area, a Portland drywall repair person will locate the two studs holding the piece of damaged drywall using a stud detector. It is important to remove the entire piece of drywall due to the way it is nailed to the wall and for future stability. A straight edge chalk line is drawn on the wall to make sure an even cut is administered to the wall. Nails, screws, compound and any obstructions are removed from the site. Next, a new piece of drywall is cut to the exact dimensions of the wall and nailed to the wall with screws and nails. Finalizing the drywall hanging includes taping and mudding the joints.
Texturing Drywall
Texturing the Wall
Texturing is accomplished by manipulating the joint compound. Most texturing jobs include patching small nail holes or wall scrapes. A Portland texture specialist will access the type of job and add the proper amount of joint compound. Essentially, joint compound is a “white substance similar to plaster used to seal joints between sheets of drywall, primarily in building construction. It is often referred to simply as “mud”.” [Joint Compound - Wikipedia]. The importance of getting the proper consistency of joint compound lies in getting the right balance of water and compound, creating a cream like concoction. After the compound is created, water is sprayed on the surface of the wall and a texturing sponge applies a small amount of compound. A small paint roller might also be administered to apply the compound if the damaged wall has a large enough hole.
If for any reason the Portland texture specialist did not apply the proper amount of joint texture, it can simply be removed and the whole process can start over again. The appeal of the compound is that it quickly dissolves in water and can be simply wiped clear with a sponge or cloth.
Once the compound has dried, the next step is to blend the edges of the compound with the prevailing wall, ensuring the thickness and consistency match exactly. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the compound to dry and turn from a gray to white. Once the compound is complete, a primer is applied to the wall before the final matching interior color is added to the wall. Depending on the hue of the wall, several paint applications might need to be applied before an exact match is reached. To read more on interior painting - Portland interior painting.
Please contact a Portland Drywall and Texture specialist for more a free quote.
Posted by admin on March 12, 2009 under Services |
What is Dry Rot?
Dry Rot, by definition is black mold or mildew on the surface of wood. While visually it might not appear to be damaging the wood, it is actually tiny species of fungi encasing the wood, digesting everything it its path. You can test for dry rot by firmly pushing against the suspect spot. If the force creates a slight indent and feels moist, then most likely dry rot is the problem.
Dry Rot should not go left untreated. If left untreated, it can cause thousands of dollars in replacement damages. Another reason to repair and/or replace damaged dry rot is dry rot can not be painted over. The moist wood cannot absorb the paint evenly. It will leave darkened spots and unequal coats of paint. Dry rot is particularly prevalent in Oregon and Washington.
Repair or Replace?
A member of the Portland Painter team will access the damage to determine whether small repairs can be administered or whether it is better to replace the entire section. If the problem can be repaired, a Portland Dry Rot repairman will scrape away the rot with a specialized tool and fill it with a wood filler. To mitigate the chance of the dry rot reappearing, a fungicide and wood oil treatment will be applied to protect the wood.
If an entire replacement is necessary, a dry rot treatment specialist will detail which pieces of wood need to be cut and removed. After the problematic area has been removed, the old wood is replaced with a pretreated, water resistant stained wood. To maximize protection, our Portland dry rot specialists will try to replace the wood when conditions are driest. Sometimes this is not always possible for Portland and surrounding areas during the Winter and Spring seasons but we will always look for the driest conditions.
Beaverton Interior Dry Rot
Dry rot is quite common in damp basements
Lake Oswego Deck Dry Rot
Dry rot has claimed this deck
Painting Afterward?
If the finishing touch requires a paint job, a Portland Painter member will service the wood with acrylic paints and primers which adhere to the pretreated service. The project should leave a beautiful shine and most importantly, last for years to come.
Please contact us for a Free Portland Dry Rot Specialist quote.
Posted by admin on March 8, 2009 under FAQ |
Do you want bright eccentric exterior paint colors or do you want your home painted in more traditional off whites and common colors? Is matching the color scheme of your local neighborhood important to you? Should you consider your existing colors when selecting a new color? These questions are common to Portland home ownersand several points of interest should be taken into consideration when selecting a paint color for the exterior and interior color of the home.
Neighborhood
Lake Oswego Neighboorhood Homes
Neighborhoods typically offer similar exterior colors
Choosing the right paint color which fits into general look and feel of your neighborhood is important. If you live in a conservative part of Portland or Vancouver, you may wish to consider a combination of lighter blues and grays, accented by a yellow or magenta. Take a drive around the neighborhood to generate ideas. By selecting colors which standout and do not fit the status quo, you may receive scrutinizing looks from your neighbors. Individuality is important but it is easy to go overboard.
Existing Color
Exterior Home Paint Color
The light pink harmonizes with the gray roof
The exisitng clor of the exterior of a home are often overlooked when embarking on a quest to go in an entirely new direction. It is important to choose colors which harmonize with the existing framework of the house, including the roof, mortar and other exterior elements (more information on exterior house painting). Often a homeowner will fail to take these existing colors into consideration before it is too late. Careful planning and preparation are keys to avoiding regrettable decisions.
Interior Colors
Interior Home Paint Color
Soft greens and whites give a welcoming feel
Selecting a paint color which fits the neighborhood feel plays a role in determining the interior color combination. Just as you would be cognizant of the exterior elements, it is also key to selecting colors which harmonize with the tagible interior characteristics of a home, including furniture, cabinetry, paintings and light fixtures. If deciding to upgrade the paint on the exterior and the interior of the home, the interior selection process should come second. You will want interior paint colors which not only integrate well with the outside but also make the interior warm and inviting. Specific to Portland, with the dreary weather and constant ominous clouds, brighter colors offer a great feel for interior paint works.
Please visit the common FAQ Portland Painting questions for more answers, including selecting the right paint for a NW home.
Posted by admin on under Services |
Portland House Painters are experts with exterior painting jobs. For the past 20 years, Portland Painters have been the gold standard in Portland for professional paint jobs, serving the surrounding areas, including Beaverton, Tualatin, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro and Gresham. We use quality paints, offer superior workmanship and excellent service.
So when do you know when your home is in need of fresh coat of exterior paint or a change of color? Whatever your reason may be, a new coat of paint will increase value of your home and protect against the changing weather elements. Portland House Painters realizes your home is an important asset and proper paint allocation will keep it looking new for years.
Before beginning any exterior painting job in Portland, Portland Painters will meet with the prospective clients to access the condition of the exterior. Peeling and cracking are common with homes in the Portland OR / Vancouver WA area. If you house was recently painted and this is occuring, you may want to follow up with your previous painter to find out why. For more information on potential signs of poorly done work, see the Portland Painter Frequently Asked Questions . The siding, trim, windows and looking for rotting wood will give a better understanding of the exterior condition. To remove dirt, mildew, chipped paint and other unsightly elements, a thorough pressure wash of the property is sometimes necessary.
The other comon reason for an exterior painting job is the home owner is ready for a change of pace and simply wishes to change the exterior paint color of their home. Portland house painters understands the exterior color of house is an extension of a homes personality and it as important to us as the home owner they get exactly the color they have in mind. It is sometimes important to consider the Portland neighborhood paint colors when selecting your paint preferences. Did you know most homes exterior surface is painted in a combination of three colors? We work closely with our clients to help select paint for the (1) siding (2) windows, doors, railings and accents and (3) trim, molding and eaves. We will make exterior painting suggestions based on the color of the roof, mortar and other exterior color surrounding the home. Also a fresh coat of paint applied in the proper combination of colors not only enhances the charm but it may hide blemishes or structural issues. Ultimately, it is entirely up to the homeowner to decide the color choice but we are there in every step of the selection process guiding and offering support.
If you would like a Hassle-Free, No Obligation quote, please contact Portland Painters for a Free Portland Exterior Painting Estimate.
