Killing Mildew Before Painting
Painting over mildew just feeds it. Our prep includes:
- Applying a mildew-killing wash and letting it work
- Soft washing or pressure washing at the right pressure for the surface
- Rinsing thoroughly and allowing full drying time
Learn more about our pressure washing service.
Defending Against Wood Rot
Shaded, damp homes often hide rot in the bottom courses of siding, porch posts, deck-adjacent trim and window sills. We probe these areas, replace damaged wood and consider rot-resistant trim such as PVC or fiber cement in the wettest locations. Proper clearance between siding and the ground or deck also helps keep wood dry.
Coatings for Damp, Shaded Settings
We recommend high-quality 100% acrylic latex with mildewcide additives for wood and siding, and breathable or elastomeric coatings for masonry where suitable. Lighter colors on heavily shaded walls tend to show mildew less. On lake-facing elevations that see full sun, UV resistance matters just as much.
Keeping the Finish Clean
A gentle wash every year or two removes early mildew before it stains the paint. Trimming branches back from the house and keeping gutters clear helps walls dry faster after rain. See our Sardis gutter services for that side of the job.
Typical Cost in Sardis
Client-stated figures run about $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot of exterior surface, or roughly $4,000 to $8,500 for a typical Sardis home. Heavy rot repair and multi-color schemes cost more. Weekend and lake cabins with detached decks, boathouses or outbuildings can be added to the same estimate so everything is finished in one trip.
Common Questions
What prep matters most for painting in Sardis's humidity?
Killing mildew, thorough washing, complete drying and repairing rotted wood before priming. Skipping any of these shortens the life of the paint.
How does painting a traditional or older Sardis building differ?
Older buildings often need more scraping, trim repair and possibly lead-safe practices, so prep takes longer.
What paint holds up best to sun and mildew?
High-quality 100% acrylic latex with mildewcide additives. Masonry may call for breathable or elastomeric coatings.
Do you repair wood rot before painting?
Yes. We replace rotted trim, siding and sills and can switch the wettest areas to rot-resistant materials.
How often should a lake-area home be washed?
Every year or two is a good rule for shaded or lakeside homes. A gentle wash removes early mildew and algae before it stains the paint, which helps the finish last much longer.