Protection as well as appearance
Exterior painting keeps moisture out of materials, slows corrosion on metal and holds a building's appearance. Stucco, wood siding, metal panels, steel doors, railings, fascia, soffits and trim all need different preparation and different products.
In a climate with freeze-thaw cycles, small cracks let in water that expands as it freezes. Good preparation, with scraping, washing, patching and priming, is the biggest factor in how long a paint job lasts.
Working with the weather
Exterior coatings have limits. Most need dry surfaces and temperatures within a manufacturer's stated range, and rain, dew, wind and dust can all spoil a coat. That makes scheduling a key part of the job.
Because HSM's painters are part of our own team, we can shift crews to interior work on poor-weather days and return when conditions improve. That keeps people productive and keeps the exterior work on the right side of the product's requirements.
Safety is a large part of exterior work. Our Health & Safety Director, Ghilda Gaber, leads our safety program, which covers working at heights, swing stages, lifts and ladders, and public protection around building entrances.
- Pressure washing, scraping and surface repair
- Priming of bare wood, metal and masonry
- Painting of stucco, siding, metal and trim
- Steel doors, rails and bollards
- Sealant and caulking repairs at joints
What to plan for
The season matters. Late spring through early fall gives the widest window, while winter exterior work is limited to specific products. Planning the work early lets us book the right time.
Access affects cost. Tall buildings may need lifts or scaffolding, and busy storefronts need protection for customers and staff. We work with tenants and landlords to plan hours and signage.
Finally, repairs before painting save money. Rotted wood, failing sealant or rusted metal should be fixed first, and our carpenters, doors crew and interior systems team can handle many of those repairs under the same contract.