Benefits of PVC Trim

Polyvinyl-Chloride (PVC) is the same material that is found in plumbing pipes. It is a solid, reliable and composite material.

Why should you consider using PVC?
PVC is most commonly used for it’s durability. Because is does not decay and can not be damaged by insects, it is used to replace rotted boards or wood that will most likely begin to rot in the near future. Replacing all of the house trim with PVC will prevent all future chances of dry rot or decay, and will require little or no maintenance besides an occasional paint-job. Replacing the trim of a house is becoming a popular course of action for homeowners in the D.C. and mid-Maryland areas, the only preventive for most people replacing all of their house trim with PVC is the cost.

Since paint adheres comparably better to PVC, than to wood, using PVC can improve the visible quality of your home. PVC does not expand and contract as much as wood, which is why it is more durable. Although Azek (a brand name for PVC trim) is more expensive than wood, the lower maintenance is often worth the cost. PVC comes in white, so typically it has to be painted to match any existing trim; it also comes in the same shapes and sizes as wood, so it is virtually indistinguishable from any nearby pieces of wood that have not been replaced. It is possible to not paint the PVC trim, but it does tend to get a bit dirty if it does not have a good coat of paint.

One caution of PVC is that when placed in direct sunlight, the material can warp. To avoid this, just look into using vinyl safe paint colors.

The cost of PVC and the labor to install it are the two downsides of PVC. The benefits do prove to out-weigh the cost, but it is ultimately your decision whether or not you think the product is worth cost.

Hallco Enterprises is located in Clarksburg, MD and can provide our painting customers with a quote to replace and repaint your trim work with PVC. We service the mid-Maryland, Northern Virginia and D.C. metro areas.

What do you think? Have you had experience with PVC trim? Do you like the look? Let us know what questions you have and give us your feedback. 

Should I Paint or Install Flooring First?

Installing new flooring and repainting a room are tasks which are often done in conjunction with one another. Most people say it makes more sense to paint first; however, painting should typically be done last.

If you paint first, there are a couple of probable scenarios to be aware of. One likely possibility is that the flooring installer could scratch or mark the new paint and baseboard trim. Another possible occurrence would be that the new flooring could be thinner than the old, and the paint then would not be deep enough for the new flooring.

If you paint after the new flooring is put in, the most likely problem would be paint being spilled or dripped on the new floor. However, this point should not be an issue if proper set-up techniques are taken, and if the paint is applied by a professional contractor.

If you are doing the projects yourself, it may be wise to paint first if you don’t have the proper materials for floor coverage. If you are hiring professional contractors for these projects, I would suggest starting with the flooring or carpet first. 

Just be sure to consider thoroughly which contractor you choose to work with; make sure they are well-spoken of, and have a reliable, well-trained team.  

Why Would You Hire A Painting Company?

Painting your home can either be an enjoyable, relaxing task, or an arduous and overwhelming undertaking for those who are not artistically inclined. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you are on, we would like to know what would be most important to you in selecting a painting company to paint your home.

We know there are hundreds of painting companies in this Maryland and DC metropolitan area, so your decision is not a simple one. Your response to even just a few of these questions will help us to offer even better service, pricing, and quality.

• What do you mainly look for in hiring a painting contractor?
• What is most important to you in a painting company?
• How can a painting company make you delighted?

           - Great prices? and Special offers?
           - Punctual? Doing as promised?
           - Excellent communication?
           - Helpful with colors?

• Do you typically base your decision on the total price, quality, or reputation of a paint company?
• Would you hire a paint company if their bid was the highest price if they had the best reputation?
• How would you determine if a paint company has a good reputation?
• What things about a company might hinder you from hiring or working with a painting contractor or service company?
• If you had your wish of hiring the “perfect” paint company, what might that look like to you?

Leave a comment to let us know what is most important to you, or post your comment on our facebook page.
 

Time For Spring Exterior Painting

This season is a great time for exterior painting. As the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, and as the weather is becoming warmer and milder in the Maryland and D.C. Metropolitan area, it is a perfect time to spiff up the external paint of your home.

It is always the “right” time to paint, but whether your home needs general upkeep, or whether you’re getting ready to put it on the market, or if you just want to revamp your home, this season especially is the right time of year for repainting home exteriors.

A home always has a first impression, even to passers-by. To keep your home fresh and inviting, a new coat of paint always helps to make your home look it’s best.

If you have any questions about exterior painting, or if you would like to take action on a job you have in mind, give us a call at: (301) 831-3679. 

What type of paint is best to use in a bathroom?

The best type of paint to use in a bathroom today is a high quality arcylic latex enamel. If you live in Maryland, D.C. or Northern Virginia, you will have success finding a good bathroom paint at Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore or McCormick Paints. One of the products that is new on the market yet gets very good reviews from consumers and painters is Benjamin Moore's Bath & Spa. This is a very expensive product, about $65 per gallon and only comes in a Matte finish. However, this paint is supposed to keep from getting those ugly paint streaks bathroom walls are prone to get after a number of hot showers. So if you have the extra cash, try the Benjamin Moore product. I think it is worth it as your walls will look cleaner and nicer: longer!

If you'd like help, Hallco Enterprises provides painting services for homeowners and businesses throughout the DC Metro area. We also work in Frederick and throughout Howard County. We'll use the right products for the right surface. Don't forget that preparation is the key. So before using an expensive paint, make sure the surfaces are properly prepped. 

What questions do you have about painting? We'd love to answer them on our Facebook page or on this blog. Please let us know. We are here to help. 

Color Ideas For Spring 2011

As the weather in our Maryland and Washington, DC area is warming up and starting to excite everyone about Spring, it’s time to think about making your home ready for Spring as well. A simple and practical way to give your home a fresh new feel is to change the color of a room.

Popular colors for interior Spring makeovers are light colors and subtle tones, such as light green, lilac-gray and beige. Going along well with the light paint color schemes are saturated and vivid colors, which will be popular for decorating trends in 2011. Sharpen a room by accenting with bright colors like dark red or brown-purple.

When choosing paint colors, it’s helpful to know that interior room colors can have a significant effect on a person’s emotions. Take this into account to ensure that you choose an appropriate color for the room you want to repaint. For the most lived-in rooms of your home: light colors can cause interior objects to appear more elegant and inviting, and more neutral bright colors can create a sanguine and relaxing atmosphere.

If you want to brighten your home by giving it a Spring makeover, talk to one of our Hallco professionals to start on your project. We will give you a free estimate, and would be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
 

Why Does Paint Peel?

Do you ever wonder why paint begins to peel? It can be frustrating to see part of our home beginning to peel or blister, and not to know the cause of the peeling paint, or how to repair it. In order to prevent paint from peeling, there are a couple of key contributing factors to know. The most common reason is moisture. Proper house ventilation is vital to prevent excessive moisture, which can be very damaging to walls. Other problems, such as discoloration or fungal growth can also happen when walls are exposed to excessive moisture. Although, none of these problems should be applicable if the moisture in your home is properly controlled.

During the winter, moisture more easily accumulates in homes since they are closed to retain heat. The higher the room temperature, the more moisture the air will hold. Some of the main sources of moisture are leaky water lines in the walls and the use of faucets and showers; dryers can also contribute to excessive moisture if they are not adequately vented outside the house. Moisture gravitates toward areas of lower vapor pressure, such as cold wall cavities, which makes it important that walls be properly protected by vapor barriers. Other common reasons for moisture to enter walls are faulty caulking around entryways, leaky roofs, rain gutters, and loose metal flashing at base foundations.

After 1978, building contractors have been required to take more precautions, such as using double felt barriers in walls and FHA weep hole metal flashing at the base of a foundation so the house can breath and moisture can escape properly. However, homes built before 1978 are more subject to ventilation problems because the builders were not required to follow the new precautionary specifications.

To ensure that your house is free from these problems, there are a few cautionary steps you can take:
1. Have a roofer check for leaks in your roof and, if necessary, add roof vents and rain gutters.
2. Keep your home properly ventilated; keep the kitchen and bathroom windows open when in use.
3. Check for decay in old stucco, wood siding, and vapor barriers, and check for rust in metal flashing.

If you have any questions, or would like one of our specialists to come and check out your home, call us at: (301) 831-3679.
 

Stink Bug Removal Service is Coming to Maryland

Hallco Enterprises has some very exciting news about Stink Bug removal! We have a secret weapon that will be deadly to these irritating creatures. A friend and Hallco client is in the early stage of developing this nifty stink bug eliminator. We will have more details to report in the next few weeks, so please bookmark our blog and check back soon to be one of the early customers who can take advantage of reducing your stink bug infestation in 2011.  

Boys Room Decorating with NFL Team Colors

Some of you reading this post may not like the Pittsburg Steelers, but you have to be impressed wtih how cool this room looks! If your child sees this post, he will be pestering you until his room looks this amazing. Regardless of which NFL team you like, you can decorate your son's bedroom with his favorite NFL team using paint and Fathead graphics.

This room to your right was completed by our Hallco Painters this month. We used Benjamin Moore Aura matte finish and the NFL Fathead Steelers graphics. Because we selected Ben Moore Aura, we were able to paint these walls with just two coats. If you went to your local hardware store and get a gold color off the shelf, you'd be applying 3-4 coats of paint. Benjamin Moore carefully eye matched the Steeler Gold for us, and then we used their standard black for the accent wall. 

So get out the checkbook. You know you don't want to hear your kid(s) begging you everyday! Just do it! What's that? You don't have a son? A daughter? That's ok. We can create a princess room or her favorite music group color scheme! No excuses!

Call 301-831-3679 or email us

How To Make A Chalkboard Wall

Want to create your own fun, reusable notepad? You can make a neat and handy way to jot down notes and reminders and maximize space by turning part of your home or office wall into a large notepad.

You can turn virtually any surface in your home or office into a blackboard. You apply it just like any other paint, invest in a box of chalk and an eraser and you have your own reusable, eco-friendly list maker, drawing surface, calendar — you name it!

Hallco Enterprises, located in Clarksburg, MD, has the creative painters in house to do this project for you. If you are interested, call us at: (301) 831-3679. If you’d like to tackle this project on your own:

Follow these simple steps:
1. Purchase some chalkboard paint from Krylon (which can be found at Sherwin Williams or Home Depot) or from Benjamin Moore.
2. Thoroughly clean and dry the surface area you would like to turn into a chalkboard.
3. Make sure the wall surface is smooth, very smooth. If it isn’t, you may need to apply some lightweight spackle. Once it is dry, use 280-300 grit sandpaper to sand the spackle patches. (If Hallco does this for you, we’d typically use drywall mud, which is a little more difficult to work with for most homeowners, as it requires more tools and practice.)
4. Once the walls are prepped and sanded, mark off the space you want to paint with painter’s masking tape. I would suggest the blue-core from 3M.
5. Apply one prime coat of Zinsser Cover Stain or a similar primer (ask your paint store for a good drywall primer).
6. Apply at least 2 coats of chalkboard paint evenly to the whole area. (allowing the proper drying time between coats).
7. Let it dry for two days minimum, then carefully remove the painters tape.

You can also make your chalk board magnetic by using magnetic latex primer (which can be purchased at your local Home Depot).
Insert these steps in-between steps 5 and 6 of the previous directions:
I. Paint 2 to 3 coats of magnetic paint on the desired space. Allow the paint to dry completely in-between coats, and follow the manufacturers directions for drying time.
II. Test the magnetic strength of the wall by placing a few magnets of various sizes onto the surface. If the strength isn’t what you want, then add another coat and repeat the test after the paint is dry.
III. Let the paint dry completely and then pick up at step 6 of the previous set of steps.

Note: We’ve heard reports that sometimes the magnetic paints do not work when used with chalkboard paint. So if you really want to do your own magnetic chalkboard, to ensure successful results, we’d suggest following the suggestions on this blog: http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/02/magnetic-chalkboards-dos-donts.html

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Small Bedroom in Maryland

The cost to paint a small bedroom if you live in the mid-Maryland or D.C. area will depend on a couple factors. Let me try to give you some ideas below. 

Some of the scenarios below are less than a day's work. To clarify, a professional paint company typically does not do 1/2 day painting projects. They want to keep a painter busy for a full day if possible. Why? Because they are not like plumbers who get several service calls a day with an average of 1-2 hours per appointment. Most average paint projects tend to be several days. The only way to have a painter do a half day project is if you know of a friend of neighbor nearby who also needs a small room painted too. 

Walls Only, Same Color (No furniture)

If your bedroom is empty and the walls are in good shape, a painter can typically prep, clean and paint 4 walls in less than 4 hours. You'd probably need to budget about $200-250 for labor and the paint. This is assuming an empty room no larger than 12x15 with standard ceiling heights (8-9 feet). You will only need 1 gallon of paint. 

Walls Only, Same Color (with furniture)

If the bedroom has a bit of furniture to move and protect, this can add a good hour to the project and sometimes more. So if the walls are in good shape but a painting contractor has to protect the furniture, You'd need to budget closer to $325-400 for labor and materials. 

Walls, & Trim (Changing Colors)

Now lets assume you are painting a room like the picture in this blog (from white to pink). This would include painting the doors, windows, the crown, walls, and baseboards. This would require two coats of finish and a lot of brush work! We'd also have to protect the furniture, bedding and wood floors. If you were using a high quality paint from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, you'd probably need to budget between $800-1,000 to do a through job. 

Walls, & Ceilings and Baseboards (Typical Paint Job)

Most of the time when a client ask us to paint a bedroom, they want to change a color and freshen up the walls, ceilings and baseboards. The time for this would be about a days work for one quality painter, costing around $500-525.

Now some may ask why does it cost $500 to have a painter in my house? Can't anyone paint? The answer is simple. A professional painting company, like Hallco, has full-time professional painters working for them. The painter drives a company vehicle, is trained in the proper ways to prep, prepare and paint all surfaces of a home and has all the proper insurance. It takes many years of practice to get good at painting too. So, you will definitely notice a different on the finish produce when you hire a good paint company. Also, Hallco charges a lot less than most roofers, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors. You will typically be spending $70-100 an hour when hiring one of those trades while only spending $50-60 an hour hiring a quality painter. 

We hope this information helps when budgeting for your next paint job. If you live in Frederick, Montgomery or Howard County, give Hallco Enterprise a call: 301-831-3679

Snow Removal and Roof Repairs Frederick MD areas

Hallco Enterprises is a full service painting contractor who also helps our clients with other home repair and maintenance needs. We service Frederick, Montgomery and Howard Counties of Maryland. If you need snow removal services, roof repairs, drywall repairs or any other home maintenance needs, please contact Hallco Enterprises today. If our staff cannot perform your request, we work with a number of local professionals who can get your repairs completed right away. 

Call 301-831-3679 and speak with Ted Hall. Or email us. 

Model Home Painting in Clarksburg MD by Hallco

Hallco Enterprises recently completed the painting of a new model home in the Clarksburg MD area. Hallco works with some of the most respected builders in the Maryland area. This model home was completed by Craftstar Homes. Model homes always look so inviting with the perfect color schemes and interior design. If you are needing interior painting work on your maryland home, Hallco can help with the color selections and of course the painting!

Clarksburg Maryland is located just minutes off the well-traveled 270 freeway, north of Washington D.C. Call us for a free quote: 301-831-3679.

How To Reduce Stink Bugs Infestation Using Caulk

The last two years, us Marylanders and N. Virginia residence sure have had our share of pesty house guests: Stink Bugs! It is now January, and I still see a few of these critters crawling around certain areas of my home. I truly hate these nasty bugs. I tried extra hard this past fall to reduce the infestation. My first attempt was to hire an exterminator company. It cost about $225 for two separate eco-friendly spray downs of my property. I definitely noticed a difference, and will probably do this again. However, I think I was a little late when I called them.

Next, I found a few areas in my soffits, which leads to my attic, that stink bugs could crawl into, therefore making a nice cozy place for themselves during the winter. I then noticed they were pouring into my master bathroom and bedroom daily. After spraying my house and reducing the current population of stink bugs, I then got out my gun. Yep! My caulking gun that is. I put a full paintable caulking tube in place and began caulking cracks around my windows and vents. I noticed a night and day difference after I caulked up my windows in my master suite. I could see them crawling through the tiniest cracks in my windows. Once I caulked them all up, no more stink bugs!

Well, this past weekend, I had over a half dozen in my bathroom. So I got out the caulking gun and caulked the vents and solar tube up even more. So we'll see how that works. The window caulking truly helped!

Finally, I also replaced the weather stripping around our entry door and made it an airtight seal. Before I did this, they were marching right through our entry door. Caulking and weatherstripping has truly worked wonders. My one problem is my house is not new. So, I keep finding little places a bug can crawl through. When I do, caulk is installed right away! I think I already had a lot of stink bugs living in my attic before the winter set in, and that is why they keep coming out of my vents. If I started my caulking project before these bugs arrived, I may not have had as many this year.

Tip: If you are comfortable with a caulking gun, go to work in the Spring or early Summer to caulk the exterior surfaces of your home. This will keep spiders, bees, wasp, bats, birds and stink bugs out of your home! Then go indoors and see if you missed any areas: like vents and the windows. Hallco Enterprises also will perform caulking under our painter for a day program. (Word of caution: don't caught your windows so you can't open them. Just look to see if the window glides have holes big enough for a bug to crawl through. I had them and caulked them shut: no more bugs).    

How to Remove Paint Streaks from my Bathroom Walls

Over a year ago, I had one of our Hallco painters paint one of my small bathrooms with a very high quality paint called Natura, from Benjamin Moore. Natura is a zero VOC paint, which means it does not smell. It works pretty well in bathrooms, although I did start to notice some "aging" after the 1 year mark. The paint itself is not failing, but it is getting some funny streaks in the paint. This is pretty normal for bathroom painted surfaces. Streaks in waterbase paint happen from all the moisture when taking showers. Typically these streaks have a slight yellowish tint, which is released from the paint ingredients. One way to avoid these streaks would be to use oil base, but oil base doesn't smell too good! 

So, how do you get rid of these streaks? Well, yes, you can just repaint it, but who wants to repaint their bathroom every year? I sure don't! The best way to to make sure your walls are streak free are 1) Always use the highest grade paint possible for your bathrooms (don't go cheap) ie. A brand that will resist (not bullet proof but in most cases works) these streaks is called Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa. Selecting a high quality bathroom paint will just make it easier for suggestion #2 which is 2) Use an antibacterial microfiber cleaning cloth dipped in warm water. Don't use any chemicals. Wipe down the walls every 6 months or as needed and your walls should look as good as new. High quality paints are easier to keep clean than cheap paints.

Bathrooms do take quite a beating with all the moisture, especially if you don't have windows, like mine. Therefore, I recommend a fresh coat of paint probably every 3 years. Having a fresh coat of paint will help keep the paint looking its best and will avoid mildew and cracking paint.  

- David Chism, Marketing manager for Hallco