Should You Consider Painting Your House During Winter?

Should You Consider Painting Your House During Winter?

House painting is typically done during mild weather, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do it any other time of the year. Here are the reasons why roof painting during the winter season is not a bad idea.

It’s Easier to Find a Good Contractor

Summer is the peak season for building, Jacksonville roofers, and remodeling contractors. This means if you are planning on any kind of home improvement during the summer break, you need to book it months ahead. Otherwise, your list of available professional painters will be very short. Having your house painting done during off-peak season will give you a better selection, perhaps even on short notice.

If you choose to paint your house yourself, you have to take certain precautions to make sure you get the best results, particularly when exterior painting is involved. Keep an eye on air and surface temperatures as most types of paint need to cure at about 35 degrees or higher. If upper-story walls are part of your exterior painting project, you’d be risking injury unless you have safety training and equipment. It should be left to professionals.

Paint Dries Faster

Humidity levels are generally low during the winter season, which helps paint dry faster. This is ideal when you’re painting your home’s exterior and have a limited window of time to paint, or you are indoors and need to open the windows for ventilation. You may have to allow for a bit of heat loss as your paint dries, but the tradeoff – quicker drying means fewer fumes – is worth it. Comparatively, humidity levels are high during the summer season.

You’ll Be Up to Date With Color Trends

Design publications typically announce upcoming trends towards the end of the year. Doing your house painting around the same time gives you the option to be ahead of the curve by incorporating the trendiest color combinations into your home’s color palette.

Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is your leading provider of roofing and home exterior waterproofing services. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Common Causes of Waterproofing Failure

Common Causes of Waterproofing Failure

Waterproofing your home is extremely important. Waterproofing failure can result in water intrusion in critical areas, such as the basement and house foundations. Today, we discuss the common causes of waterproofing failure.

Wrong Product Selection

Waterproofing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. With a standard waterproofing installation, a membrane is installed between the bare soil and the house foundations. A primer or adhesive is applied onto the membrane to make it adhere to the foundation slabs and walls. The wrong combination of primer and membrane can result in debonding, which, in turn, results in the membrane losing its adhesion and creating gaps in the seams that will ultimately allow moisture to penetrate the structure.

Using the right waterproofing membrane also matters in home exterior waterproofing. Inexperienced contractors substitute materials like ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) – both of which are commonly used for commercial roofing – as waterproofing membranes. While these materials are water-resistant, they are not suitable for use for below-grade waterproofing.

Poor Preparation  

Proper preparation is important in waterproofing as there will be no chance for a do-over once the slabs are laid into the ground. To ensure proper waterproofing membrane adhesion, foundation slabs need to have even surfaces, without moisture or contaminating substances like oils and dirt. Improperly prepared slabs can result in poor adhesion, resulting in water infiltration. Incorrect installation methods, including improper overlaps, can likewise result in waterproofing failure.

House Movement

A house may settle because of the ground shifting or because the composition of the soil has changed. The latter is usually due to improperly routing water from the gutters either due to overflow or leaks. As the soil absorbs the excess water, it becomes softer, resulting in parts of the house settling into the ground. If this happens, the waterproofing membrane would get torn apart, resulting in gaps where moisture can get in.

Ultimately, the solution to these problems is simple: work with an experienced exterior waterproofing contractor. Building-appropriate solutions like waterproofing coatings can be used when needed

Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is your leading provider of waterproofing and other home exterior renovation services. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636.

Reasons to Waterproof the Most Vulnerable Parts of Your Home

Reasons to Waterproof the Most Vulnerable Parts of Your Home

Waterproofing is essential in both residential and commercial structures. It’s also one of the best things you can do to care for your home, especially if it has multiple levels.

A Stronger Structure

Concrete waterproofing extends the lifespan of a structure by minimizing water penetration through ceilings, walls, or floors. Ensuring these parts of your home are safe from water infiltration can prevent rust, rot, corrosion, and deterioration.

Higher Home Value

Mold and water damage can reduce your property value by up to 25%. On the other hand, waterproofing increases your home’s protection and overall value. If you’re thinking of waterproofing your home, then you must hire a skilled contractor to do the job.

Mold Prevention

Waterproofing can also help in improving indoor air quality and avoiding health risks. Moisture that settles in the ceilings and walls can cause mold to grow. Mold can trigger allergies and asthma as well as compromise your immune system.

Lower Maintenance Costs

You can save on costly repairs by investing in waterproofing your home. A home that doesn’t have moisture-related issues is easier to maintain. Keep in mind that water damage can result in issues with electrical systems, paint jobs, and wooden components. A small amount of water is enough to cause cracks in concrete.

Sump Pump Protection

Sump pumps can greatly help with basement waterproofing, but sometimes they can experience issues. Additional waterproofing in the basement can provide added protection to your home in case the sump pump stops working.

For reliable waterproofing services, turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. We are one of the area’s most experienced roofers and providers of home exterior services. Our team will make sure that your home stays protected from moisture-related problems, including mold and mildew. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.

How to Prevent Mold Before It Even Starts

How to Prevent Mold Before It Even Starts

There are only two things mold needs to grow and spread through your home: moisture and organic materials. Your house is made up of drywall, wood, and other natural materials, making it susceptible to mold growth. Mold won’t only make your home unsightly, it can also trigger allergies and cause respiratory health issues. So, you must prevent mold growth.

Prevent Moisture

You’ll need to address the root cause of the moisture problem. Eliminating cold surfaces and lowering humidity can help control moisture buildup. Your HVAC system can also help with this since electric and gas surfaces use dry heat to lower humidity. The air conditioner naturally cools the air and also reduces moisture levels. Ensure proper airflow by keeping the register unlocked.

Reduce Humidity 

Proper ventilation is essential in minimizing humidity levels in the attic. Insufficient ventilation can cause warm outdoor air to enter and get trapped in your attic. Other parts of your home like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room also produce a lot of moisture.

Humidity can quickly reach the attic if you don’t have enough insulation between your home and the attic. Over time, it can cause mold and mildew growth. You must work with a roof repair expert to ensure you have the proper type of ventilation for your home and sufficient vents for your attic.

Address Roof Leaks

Excess moisture can get into your home through roof leaks. Check your attic for black streaks on the wood and mold or mildew growth. Immediately contact your roofing contractor if you suspect that your roof has a leak. Usually, it’s hard to detect roof leaks without the help of professionals.

For quality roofing and home exterior waterproofing services, turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. We specialize in roof repair, replacement, maintenance, and more. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or complete our online form to get a free estimate.

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