5 Home Maintenance Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

We love our homes! They are the places where memories are made, a space of comfort and peace for our families, and where our everyday lives happen. However, in order to keep our homes healthy, minor maintenance is necessary. The summertime is a great time to check on the condition of your home. If you are unsure of where to begin, here are 5 places to start with this summer.

Tune Up the A/C

The status of your air conditioning is the most important and often the most forgotten maintenance tip on our checklist. Just as your car needs the occasional tune-up to prevent mechanical damage and malfunction, so does your A/C. This tune-up should consist of an inspection of the refrigerant levels, which ensures that your A/C is running cool and your electricity bill stays low. Check to see if the fan is functioning properly, that the coils are cleaned and the wiring is intact. We advise you to change your air filter at least once a month if your unit is being used frequently.

A Roof Check-Up

Although the roof of your home should be inspected annually, the summer months are the perfect time to get up there. Seeing the condition of the roof yourself (you or a professional) is the most effective way to catch potential problems or minor issues that can be fixed before further damage ensues.

A Gutter Cleanse

We recommend cleaning the gutters of your home twice a year, especially after the fall and spring seasons. Cleaning the gutters frequently will prevent leaking and clogging!

Don’t Forget the Windows

While the A/C is cooling the inside of your home, check the sealants and the condition of your windows to prevent the heat from getting in. If you stumble upon open areas, caulking is a simple way to seal up cracks. Also, check the weather-stripping! If there is damage, replace it immediately.

Even the House Needs a Bath

A routine cleaning is great for the exterior of your home. The easiest and most effective way to do this by pressure wash. Pressure washing is the best way to remove mildew, dirt or stains that have built up over the year. Be sure to cover any electrical outlets, plants, and open windows before the washing gets started. 

Do what it takes to keep one your most valuable possessions looking great! In order to ensure the longevity of your home, pay attention to the little things. After your home has received its summertime check up, consider a fresh paint job! For more information about Hensel Painting and our services, contact us today.

Your Home Can Be the Best On the Block!

Have you ever wondered what type of impression your home gives to visitors and neighbors? Is your home inviting, well-kept and cozy? Or is it visibly in need of upkeep? First impressions do matter and curb appeal is important, so make sure all the aspects of your home are in quality shape. Here are a few ways your home can reach its potential and be one of the best on the block.

It All Starts With the Front Door

Since the front door is one of the first features to catch the eye, it is a very important place to start. As the entrance of your home, the front door should be in quality shape! Whether you like the idea of a bold colored door or the look of a rustic, wooden finish, the front door always sets the tone for the aesthetic of the home. 

Light It Up

A poorly lit home can be ominous and uninviting! Not to mention, that homes with insufficient lighting are at a higher risk for break-ins and vandalism. That being said, it is always a good idea to leave a light source on in your home at all times, especially if you aren't there. Aside from safety, good lighting (interior, exterior or landscape) brings a certain poise and elegance to your home that is pleasing to the eye. 

Fresh Paint

Although a combination of small improvements can make a large impact on the look of your home, a fresh paint job can bring your home back to life in a big way. A fresh coat of paint for the shutters, damaged or faded areas of your home will make a bigger difference that you may anticipate. However, before you break out the ladders and paint, speak to a professional about what exactly your exterior needs. Chance are you will need their help to achieve the look you are hoping for. 

Exterior Accessories

There is nothing more beautiful than a home with beautiful plants and flowers adorning the exterior. If you don’t consider yourself to be much of a gardener, a window box is a simple and colorful way to increase the curb appeal of your home. Another easy way to update the exterior of your home is with a new mailbox! Mailboxes tend to be forgotten, so if yours is old and in need of a touch-up, purchase a new one for as little as 20$.

It is easy to grow accustomed to the appearance of your home. If you care about the look and overall appeal of your residence, consider calling in the help of Hensel Painting. We have had the pleasure of transforming homes in Colorado for decades and would love to help you with your next home improvement project. Contact us today for a free estimate on your home.

Refresh Your Molding With Paint

Although it is a subtle feature in most homes, the molding plays an important role in exemplifying the architectural style of your interior. The current condition of your home’s molding also influences the feel and overall look of your home. Scuffed or dirty trim has a way of making the room feel outdated. Dingey baseboards can turn the most beautifully, freshly painted walls into a visual mess. If you are looking to give the molding in your home a little update, a new coat of paint is both an effective and easy way to do so.

The Classic Approach

White baseboards and molding are simply always in style. Regardless of the color you choose for your walls, white molding will not only accentuate the color but it will look fresh and clean! For the classic look with a twist, consider off-white paint for your molding.

Pick Your Sheen

No matter what color you chose to paint your baseboard, they won't be able to stay beautiful very long without the proper sheen. In order to keep the baseboards, window casing and doors intact and in good shape, use high gloss or semi- gloss interior paint. This paint has enough sheen to keep the surface of the molding durable and intact.

Should You Repair or Replace?

No coat of fresh paint can fix the look of molding in need of total replacement. You should expect to find an occasional scuff and scratch on the trim and baseboards of your home, however poorly installed or damaged areas of your molding means it's time for a full replacement.

Here at Hensel Painting, we strive to bring the dream you have for your home to life! We have the experience it takes to take on any job that comes our way. If you are looking for some professional hope for your next home improvement project, contact us today.

The 411 On Painting With A Roller

Contrary to popular belief, painting with a standard paint brush and painting with a roller do not produce the same results. If your newest home project requires the work of a roller, but you are unfamiliar or new to using one, there are a few things you should know before the painting begins.

The Proper Tools For The Job

Quality work comes from working with good quality tools. In order to tackle your next painting job with a roller you will need:

• Extended Handle

• Roller Cover

• 5-gallon bucket

• Bucket screen or a Painting tray

• Paint Roller Frame

Refrain from purchasing the paint roller kit sold at most hardware stores. This seems like a great purchase (and an affordable one), however cutting corners on this type of equipment will end badly. A high-quality roller cover and frame will give you the best results. Purchase a shed-resistant roller cover with a plastic core instead of cardboard. The cardboard will absorb the paint and eventually break down.

Rolling Paint Onto Your Walls

Before you get to painting, remove any loose fibers from your roller, even if you bought a shed-resistant roller. With a little bit of tape, you can easily remove any loose fibers. Next, roll the cover into the paint which is either in a bucket or a tray. Do this multiple time to ensure the roller is completely covered. In order to ensure full coverage, work in a “W” pattern when rolling the paint onto the wall. It is also a good idea to paint in two to three-foot length sections. Move your pattern to fill in any unpainted areas until the wall is covered.

Extra Tips

• Start at the top of your wall and work down.

• Avoid applying pressure to the roller when painting. If you find yourself pressing hard just to get the paint to stick, it's time to add more paint to the roller.

DIY home projects are fun but the final product may not end how you envisioned. If you are looking for some assistance on your next home improvement project, call Hensel Painting. We are here to help! Call us today for your free estimate.

Tips For Choosing A Color Palette You Wont Regret!

As a homeowner, choosing the color palette of your new home can be tough! Although this aspect of the painting process is important, it shouldn't drive you crazy.  In order to help ease any confusion over which color pallet may be best for your home, here are a few things to consider when it comes time to finalize the color scheme. 

Visualize the Whole Home

When choosing the palette, think about the entire home instead of a room by room basis. In order to keep the colors consistent throughout the home is to limit your palette to five colors:

• Neutral: Perhaps a gray, tan, or blue! Something that you know blends into staple furniture piece in your home.

• White: Use the exact same color that was used for the doors, ceilings, and moldings

• A Personal Favorite: Pick a color that you really like

• A Complementary Color: This would be a color that coordinates well with your personal favorite color

• Another Coordinating Color: The final color should go well with the personal favorite and the complementary color

Consider Your Surroundings

The most beautiful homes have owners and designers who take into consideration the color values of the outdoor surroundings when planning the color scheme. The landscape and environment surround your home should be brought into play. If you used this technique when choosing both the colors and the decorations, the room will look naturally put together. 

Consider Your Decorations

Is there a piece of furniture in your home that really makes a statement? How about a colorful rug that occupies a large area of your home? By taking the colors already present in your home and finding a way to complement them is a great way to create a pattern or a theme. A common color is a great way to effortlessly tie separate areas of the home together. 

Consider Balance

A great rule of thumb when discussing color is the 60:30:10 ratio. 60% of the room should be the dominant color found on your walls, 30% should be a secondary color, and 10% should be an accent color. 

If you are struggling to choose a color for your home, we can help! Our years of experience has enabled us to feel confident in our ability to assist you in every area of the home remodeling process. Call us today for more information about our services or for your free estimate. 

What Hot Weather Means For Your Next Home Painting Project

It is not uncommon to assume that warmer weather means improved outdoor painting conditions. Although this is true, there are some complications that come along with painting in warmer weather. Since Colorado weather tends to be on the dry side, humidity is one less factor that we as painters have to take into consideration. When taking on any residential painting project during the spring and summer months, we consider a few factors before the painting begins.

Hot Weather Painting Techniques & Tricks:

• The health and safety of our crew and the residents in the home is our number one priority! In order to cut down on the diffusion of fumes or unwanted smells, we like to begin all painting projects as early in the morning as possible. 

• As the day heats up, paint fumes have a tendency to linger or find their way throughout the home. With the help of fans, we can better manage air circulation and control the dispersion of any fumes from freshly painted areas of the home.

• We always work from east to west! By staying with the natural pattern of the sun we can avoid direct sunlight from blasting the fresh paint. It is in the project's best interest to apply paint in the shade.

The Positive Aspects Of Painting In Warm Weather

• Warm weather allows the primer, spackling and joint compound to dry at the same rate! This significantly cuts down on the time we have to spend on prep!

• Heat causes the paint to warm up, which is great for application

• The paint dries more quickly

Each season presents its own benefits and challenges to the painting process! However, no matter the season, Hensel Painting is prepared for and ready to handle whatever the may job bring. Contact us for a free estimate on your next project today.

Let Us Help Prepare Your Exterior For Spring!

Spring is a perfect to revisit the exterior of your home. The warmer and sunnier months bring optimal conditions for painting outside, which allows us to do some of our best work. Although our painting approach is custom to each project,  we abide by the same preparations steps every time.

Start From A Fresh Slate

We begin each painting project by establishing a clear and clean space. Temporarily removing items affixed to the walls of the home, such as light fixtures, decorations or house numbers is the best place to start. In order for the painting process to begin, outdoor furniture, planters, and shutters are relocated.

Avoid A Mess

Even for the most experienced of painters, the job site can get messy. In order to avoid a large amount of cleanup, we take precaution by placing tarps and drop cloths under areas of the home that will come in contact with our tools and our paint. Since the stain on your porch and decking won't look their best with splatters of paint, we proceed with extreme caution in these areas.

Exterior Prep

Before applying a fresh coat of paint, the surface of your exterior must be free of contaminants. First and foremost, grease, mold, mildew and loose paint are scraped from the exterior with a wire brush or power washer.

Although the removal of any exterior contaminants may seem like a manageable, DIY job, it is best to hire a professional for this important step. Not only are professionals great at diagnosing exterior containments, but they are equipt to deal with the removal of paint that may contain harmful substances like lead.

The Final Evaluation

Once your home is debris free, we can truly assess the areas of your home that require the most attention. Our final evaluation process gives us the opportunity for touch ups before we break out our brushes. It is during this last look where we find the majority of cracked walls, exposed nail heads, and old caulking. The final outcome of your exterior paint job hinges on us locating and correcting these problem areas.

Springtime is here and we are ready to bring your home transformation dreams to life. At Hensel Painting we believe that commitment to quality work, integrity, professionalism, and customer satisfaction is the keys to our success. After you receive your free estimate today you will be one step closer to having the home you’ve always wanted

3 Common Painting Mistakes

Even if your home was recently painted, you could still be seeing signs of faded or peeling paint. It is our job as painting professionals to investigate and avoid practices that can cause mistakes while on the job. Regardless of the space or style of your home, there are strict procedures to follow in order to ensure longevity and a quality outcome.

The Use Of Poor Quality Paint

The use of poor quality paints tend to require a premature re-paint. These paints tend to be less flexible, have poor adhesive properties and are often altered by temperature change. Low quality paint contains more solvents than solids, making the paint thinner, less pigmented and less durable. Although lower quality paint is cheaper, more paint, time and money will be needed in order to achieve the look of a higher quality paint.

Inadequate Prep Work: Pressure Washing & Priming

We have discussed the importance of thorough prep work in previous blogs! However, we cannot stress its role in the overall outcome. Prep work done in less than ideal weather conditions will create surface inconsistencies like bubbling, cracking and peeling. Both power washing and priming are key elements of the preparation process that must be done in the correct conditions and environment. Too much moisture, high wind or drastic temperatures will prevent seamless prep work from occurring.

Improper Paint Application

Misapplication is the most commonly made mistake in homes painted by an inexperienced crew or in the case of a DIY (Do It Yourself) homeowner. Misapplication can range from spreading the paint too thin, to overspreading or painting done in a setting without the proper lighting or temperature.

Don’t compromise your wallet or the beauty of your home by going it alone or hiring an unskilled crew. Here at Hensel Painting we understand that mistakes can happen. However, these types should not! Expecting professionalism and a quality outcome is not asking too much. Our twenty years of painting experience sets us apart from most companies in Northern Colorado. For more information on our experience, contact us today and a receive a free estimate!