melo-powerwashing-and-painting

Benefits Of Window Cleaning

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:36:02 GMT

Clean windows look good, but did you know regular window cleaning has additional perks that benefit both you and your home?

The right windows can add style and value to your home but keeping windows clean will give you even more benefits beyond a beautiful aesthetic. Here, we share with you the top five reasons for window cleaning and why you’ll want to include it in your regular home maintenance plan.

The Benefits of Clean Windows

Why clean windows? Not only will regular cleaning and maintenance help keep windows looking great for years to come, but avoiding dirty windows can also help prevent window damage, protect indoor air quality and maintain your home’s energy efficiency levels. We recommend cleaning windows every one or two months for optimal performance.

Preventive Window Maintenance

Keeping sliding window tracks free of debris and window hinges clean of dirt and grime will ensure your windows are operating properly. Over time, taking care of and cleaning your window will also help prevent window damage, as a full-functioning window system is less likely to break down. Regularly cleaning your windows also offers a time for you to take inventory of anything that might have changed with your window, allowing you to catch a small problem and take care of any necessary maintenance before it becomes a big deal.

Requires Less Cleaning

The obvious clean window offenders are fingerprints and water spots, but did you know windows are prone to smoke film buildup from activities like burning candles, cooking, smoking or using your home’s fireplace? Buildup can occur on blinds and shades as well, so regular cleaning of window coverings is a must. Retain the privacy and energy-efficient benefits of window treatments but help cut down on dust, dirt and other allergens with low-maintenance between-the-glass shades and blinds.

While you’re at it, take the time to clean your window screen too. A dirty screen traps dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens, but a clean window screen can help keep the air flowing into your home cleaner. Refer to our window cleaning guide for more information on how to properly clean your window screens.

Boost Curb Appeal and First Impressions

The beauty you see from the outside of your home, and the sights you enjoy from the inside, are largely affected by whether or not your windows are clean. Ensuring windows are free from fingerprints and grime will enhance your home’s distinctive design and leave a greater impression on guests and passersby.

A dirty window dulls the finish of your window. Use warm, soapy water to clean your window frames and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives. Whether your windows are white, black or any color of the rainbow, keeping both the interior and exterior of your window clean will ensure that the true color of your window shines through and looks its best with the rest of your home. And, if you’re selling your home, clean windows will give you a major curb appeal boost.

Let in More Light

How clean a window is directly impacts how much light can filter into your home. If window glass is not clean, less light will be able to come into the space and the home will appear dark and dingy.

Keeping windows free of hard water, smoke film buildup, oxidation and dirt particles will allow the maximum amount of light to filter into your home and illuminate what’s inside. Plus, the natural light that accompanies clean reflective surfaces can impact your mood and productivity by making rooms appear more spacious and inviting. A brighter, more open space will leave you and your guests feeling relaxed and inspired.

Protect Energy Efficiency

Did you know that keeping windows clean with proper care can help keep Low-E coatings and Low-E insulation functioning as intended? Dirt particles that build up on your window may lower your home’s heating efficiency, so the dirtier your windows are, the less sun is able to penetrate and warm your home.

Windows are an investment, and just like any investment, you get out of it what you put into it. Better enjoy the view, the sunshine and the fresh air through a clean window. Keep window cleaning at the top of your home maintenance to-do list to ensure your window and home investments are as beautiful and functional as possible for years to come.

If you are in need of professional exterior window cleaning in South Jersey, send us an estimate request or call Melo Powerwashing & Painting today!

Signs It's Time To Repaint Your Homes Interior And Exterior

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:43:42 GMT

The need to paint your interior can really sneak up on you. People typically don’t notice that it’s time to repaint until it gets to a point where everyone can see that it’s time to repaint. As we start this new year, a lot of us have the goal of being more proactive. Staying on top of your home maintenance projects, like interior painting, can help you avoid larger costly repairs down the road. In the spirit of addressing issues head on, we’ve got 5 signs it’s time to repaint your interior walls and trim.

No one wants to take on a big financial and disruptive project like painting the exterior of your home. Unfortunately, letting an exterior paint job go an extra couple of years can cause damage to your house. Paint is the first line of defense for your house against the elements. So, here's 6 signs it's time to repaint your house exterior!

Interior Painting

Trim Wear and Tear

A real estate agent once told us that you should always look at the baseboards of a house to determine how it was taken care of. If the baseboards are dingy, dirty, or not well maintained then the rest of the house probably wasn’t either. The truth is, trim tends to be where paint fails first because of the wear and tear it sees year after year. If you look at the trim around your home right now you might see raw edges, chips, scuffs, and a lot of dirt that can break down the protective coating. Be sure to inspect other areas along with your baseboards like in the kitchen and around doors where traffic is high.

If your trim boards have seen better days you have a couple of options. You can either repaint just the trim to breathe a little life into it or you can repaint everything. Painting just your trim can make your walls look quite dingy in comparison, so be sure to check out the following tips before making any decisions.

Walls That Need Patching

We all have wall patches. They’re usually the aftermath of trying to hang new artwork, photos or shelves. Sometimes you can get away with hiding these blemishes, but if you have wall patching or holes that need to be repaired then it is absolutely time to paint. If your walls need to be repaired it doesn’t necessarily mean your entire home needs to be painted. If you have a room or wall that has some patching needed you can often get away with painting just that room or even a single wall. Just be wary of fading. If you haven’t painted within the last two years it might be best to repaint all of the walls for color continuity.

Fading Paint Color

We all know exterior paint fades, but we often don’t think about the paint inside our homes fading. The fact is, the interior paint on the walls and trim of your home will fade as well. This is especially true for rooms with south or west facing windows that take in a lot of sunlight. Choosing lighter paint colors can be really helpful to combat fading paint, but it’s not always easy to tell when your paint has faded. Obviously, if the color looks different than when you first painted then it’s likely faded. But there’s another great way to check––take some of the artwork or pictures off your wall and see if there is any discoloration on the walls. If your paint has faded you can easily fix this with a fresh coat.

Wall Stains You Can’t Clean

Just like any surface, paint has the ability to become stained over time. If you’ve got stains that you can’t seem to clean no matter what you use then a new layer of paint might be just what you need. Do a thorough inspection of high traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, game rooms, and kids rooms. These spaces tend to get smudges, marks, and fingerprints easily, which can make the space look unmaintained. If this is an issue you battle with constantly because of your kids or pets then we highly recommend upgrading your paint to a product like Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane. This paint contains stain-fighting technology that will help keep your paint looking fresh and clean!

Clashing Colors

One of the number one reasons people paint is to change their paint colors. This might seem like a trivial reason to paint your interior but if you’re looking around and hate your paint colors then you aren’t creating a comfortable space. Your home is a reflection of you, and your paint colors play a huge role in creating a “feeling” within a space. If you don’t feel confident choosing your own colors then you should absolutely explore hiring a professional color consultant like Melo Power Washing .

In the spirit of the new year, let’s all make a conscious effort to check these projects off our to-do list and protect our homes. Homes are often our largest investment and staying on top of maintenance allows you to protect that investment and enjoy your home to its fullest while you’re there!

Exterior

Wear and Tear

If the paint has started to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to consider a paint job. Physical signs of wear include cracking, peeling and bubbling. Any of these show that the paint is no longer adhering to the house. Moisture is being allowed to penetrate the paint film and cause issues beneath. It’s best to have a professional assess the issues and potential damage that lies beneath.

Fading

Faded paint, while not a terrible issue, can make your house look sad and tired. If the house is faded more on particular areas, the sun is leaching the pigments from your paint. It’s probably a good idea to paint. Even though there is no physical damage happening, your house can still be a sort of an eyesore.

Selling

A fresh exterior paint job can increase your curb appeal and potentially bring you some bucks at the closing table. Before you list your home, it’s a good idea to at least get a consult from a professional. They will be able to tell you if the cost of an exterior painting outweighs the cost associated with it.

Gaps

If you are seeing areas around your home where it looks like the house is pulling away from door and window frames, it’s probably time. Most likely you will need your home caulked to fill in the gaps. A professional will be able to tell you if moisture has leached into the wood and caused any issues you should be concerned with. Any place where you can see gaps should be addressed.

Cracked Caulk

Caulk is used to seal areas between the walls and windows or doors. It’s used to keep your home sealed tight. Over time, it gets brittle, loses elasticity and can crack and fall away. Any area where there was caulk and now is not should be corrected. There is paintable caulk for cracks that will show immediately if repaired. You will have to paint over them to mask the repair.

Time

If you are lucky and your paint doesn’t show signs of failure, it could still be time to redo it. Even if you don’t see these signs, repainting is a good idea if the appropriate amount of time has passed. It means that the paint has done its job and protected your house with a good paint film for years. If you can’t remember when your house was last painted, or it’s been a decade or more, call a professional to avoid damage.

So how often does your house need to be painted?

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and craftsmanship it was painted with last time.

Here are some guidelines based on exterior surface:

Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years.
Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.
Stucco should be repainted every 5 to 6 years.

If you’re seeing any of the failure signs, give us a call. We offer free, in home estimates for paint jobs. Contact us today to set up an estimate request .

Remember when you last painted the exterior of your home? Or gave your deck a nice new coat of stain? It felt so great just looking at the finished work – your home looked renewed and refreshed. Wouldn’t it be nice to look at your home and enjoy that feeling again?

But it’s been a few years; most of us can’t quite remember how long ago it really was. So how do you know when it’s time to repaint your home’s exterior?

Maybe you’re inspired by a great new color combination that caught your eye, and you think it would be perfect for your home. Or perhaps you’re just tired of the current color and want to make a subtle shift. Either way, we can help!

If you’re still happy with the color, painting may be necessary due to your home’s condition. Melo Power Washing ^® recommends doing a walk around your home’s exterior and keeping this checklist handy:

Are your soffits, trim, or fascia cracking, peeling or flaking?
Is your siding fading or chalking (a cast that can be noticed when you rub your fingers across the surface)?
Is there any discoloration on the siding, especially on the sunny side of the home?
Are there any signs of wood rot? Look for soft spots in your wood siding that have more exposure to water.
Is your front door color looking dirty or dull?

Any of these conditions may indicate the need for repair and repainting your home’s exterior. Protect your investment and send us an estimate request or contact Melo Powerwashing & Painting for all of your painting needs!

How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 08:43:42 GMT

Gutter cleaning is an essential task for home improvement. Having clean gutters not only improves the look of your home but prevents water damage, freezing concerns and pest infiltration. You may not be sure how often you need to clean them. This blog can give you a few pointers on when it’s best to break out the ladder, and how you should clean your system.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Speaking in general terms, you should make a point of cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. Depending on what sort of foliage you have near your home (such as pine trees), you may want to clean once every three months.,

Rain and Storms

There are some additional factors to consider. Heavy rainfall and a mix of gutter clutter can make for lasting damage to your house’s fascia. It could even begin to seep into crawlspaces, your foundation or into the basement of your home. A home that has trees or is in a wooded area may require you to clean the gutters more regularly, especially if you experience heavy rainfall. At the very least, you may want to check your gutters if you know that poor weather is on the horizon.

The Impact of Pests

Collections of water also create the potential for pest infestations. Mosquitoes can breed in concentrations of waters, and carpenter ants may scuttle in for any debris that spends too much time in your gutters. Taking the time to check your gutters once a month can make you aware of any pests before they start to take up space in your home.

Cleaning Your Gutter System

Cleaning your own gutter system can be a lengthy task, but a necessary one. First, you’ll need to collect the right protective gear. You’ll need a pair of gloves, a dust mask to protect you from any of the particles coming from your cleaning and some safety goggles. A ladder is going to be essential, and you may want some sort of equipment to stabilize the ladder if you’re going to do it without help.

Some people may think they can avoid standing on a ladder by crawling around on the roof instead. This is not a safe option. A ladder can at least offer a stable surface to plant your feet on. Your rooftop, regardless of the material, could be a slippery mess to navigate. You could fall and damage your roof, or, worse, yourself. Please avoid cleaning your gutter system while standing on your roof.

A garbage bag is useful for debris disposal. Once you’ve gathered up the big pieces, you should then use a hose to push the remaining refuse towards where your downspout is. A high-pressure hose or attachment is a good option to move the refuse, but take care not to damage your gutter system. You’ll also need to find or install a means to prevent a clog in your downspout, as a serious clog can prevent water flow and even rupture your downspout.

If You Can’t Do It Yourself

It’s understandable if you don’t feel safe trying to clean out your gutter system on your own. Home improvement and DIY projects can be intimidating. You can always send us an estimate request form or call the professionals at Melo Power Washing & Painting for help instead! You can be assured that we will assist with any difficulties involving your gutter system.

Why Outdoor Mold Is Harmful And How Pressure Washing Can Help

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:04:03 GMT

Indoor mold can be a health hazard. It can cause breathing problems and destroy parts of a home. But what about outdoor mold? How much do you know about it? The problems it poses are very different but still dangerous and destructive in their own way. A good way to deal with it is through power washing.

How Does Mold Grow Outside?

Mold and mildew will grow in a variety of conditions. It's not just dark, wet corners that can grow it either. It can grow on concrete or any other surface. It can even grow in areas that get some sun. It just needs an anchor of growth and enough wet conditions to let it spread.

This mold and mildew can utterly ruin surfaces and poses its own health problems. It's not as dangerous as being stuck indoors with a mold situation, but you will breathe it and track it in regularly.

Mold and mildew feed on dust, sugar aerosols produced by plants, organic detritus, and various minerals. That's not even a complete list, but it covers a number of food sources that can be found on patios, paths, and walkways.

It still needs water, so what happens if you keep the area dry? Well, are you sure it's dry throughout the day? An area that gets morning dew or light mist accumulating on it has enough water to feed mold and mildew growth. That area can appear dry again by noon, but that doesn't mean it's dry 24-7.

It doesn't take long for mold or mildew to grow, either. Within 48 hours of having a food source, it can start to grow in a partially shaded area.

Power Washing Mold and its Food Sources

This is where power washing comes in. Power washing blasts concentrated amounts of water at a surface. This clears the surface not just of mold and mildew, but of the foods that lead to mold and mildew growth.

Winter and spring often lead to a build-up of organic debris. Materials that get stuck against a surface before winter and ground into it. Spring storms may wash away some of it, but you've probably seen all types of organic litter post-storm: petals, leaves, twigs, seeds, sticks. Storms spread a lot of the foods that mold and mildew rely on to grow and, of course, they deliver a ton of moisture.

Power washing delivers water at a stronger pressure than a storm does. It's also not cutting through the trees, bushes, and flowers. You aim it at the ground a few inches away. It can be destructive if not finely tuned, so it's best to have it professionally done. Different psi (pounds-per-square-inch) settings are appropriate for different surfaces and can clean them without causing damage.

An Efficient Clean

This eliminates the organic detritus and food sources that mold and mildew rely upon. It eliminates mold and mildew that may be feeding on them. As a bonus, it even clears away ground in dirt and grit that you wouldn't be able to clean in any other way. Often, people are shocked that the gray sidewalk they just power washed is actually white in color. They were so used to it being that dirty that they'd just assumed that was its color.

Power washing can be used to wash mold, mildew, and their food sources off most surfaces. The key is adjusting the pressure precisely for each surface. Concrete surfaces are obviously made to withstand quite a bit, where a wooden deck would require a much lower setting.

Again, this is why these matters are best handled professionally. Every power washer is different, and types of wood, stone, concrete and other materials have different hardnesses and durability. Experience in power washing is needed to ensure you get the best and most long-lasting result.

How to Treat Surfaces After a Power Wash

After a power washing, you might wish to treat some surfaces with a copper sulfate solution to prevent future mold and mildew growth. Make sure to do this after an area is cleared, as this prevents future mold growth but won't really solve a current mold problem.

A diluted copper sulfate solution can protect concrete and cement. Wait for it to absorb and then dry before walking on it. You don't to track it into your home or for pets to end up getting on their feet. There are copper sulfate solutions for wood, but you'll want to be precise with these. Other treatments may be preferable here.

Again, make sure you don't just treat surfaces when they're still dirty or have mold or organic debris ground in. Power wash first, then treat.

If you are in need of expert pressure and power washing services in South Jersey, send us an estimate request or call Melo Powerwashing & Painting today!

This is a quote for you new post. To change it, simply click and start typing.

John Doe

This is a text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. After adding your content, you can customize it.