East Tennessee is hard on paint. Long humid summers keep siding damp, the valley cycles above and below freezing all winter, and the heavy tree cover across West Knoxville means plenty of shade, pollen and mildew on the north side of a house. Paint that goes over a dirty or chalky surface peels within a couple of seasons. Paint that goes over clean, sound, primed wood lasts.
How an exterior job runs
- Wash the house first to remove dirt, chalk and mildew. See pressure washing.
- Scrape and sand loose or peeling paint back to a sound edge
- Replace or fill soft spots, then caulk open joints and seams
- Spot prime bare wood and stains
- Two coats of exterior grade finish on siding, trim, soffits and fascia
- Walkthrough with you, touch-ups, and cleanup of every paint chip on the ground
Front doors, shutters, railings and fences
Not every exterior project is a whole house. A new color on a front door and shutters changes how a house looks from the street for a fraction of the cost. Metal railings and gates get wire brushed and coated with a rust inhibiting primer before the topcoat. Wood fences and porch railings are washed and allowed to dry before they are painted.
Why the north side goes green
If one side of your house has a green or black film on it, that is mildew and algae growing where the sun does not reach. Painting over it traps it under the new coat. It has to be washed off and treated first, which is why exterior painting and washing are usually quoted together. There is more on that in our post on why north-facing siding turns green.
Timing in Knoxville
Most exterior paints need dry surfaces and temperatures above roughly 50°F through the drying window, so spring and fall are the busiest seasons. Summer works with early starts, and mild stretches in winter can work for smaller jobs.
Exterior Painting FAQ
Do I need to be home while you paint the outside?
No. Most homeowners are at work during an exterior job. Billy will confirm access to water and power and walk the finished job with you when it is done.
Will you wash the house before painting?
Yes. Every exterior is washed before it is painted. Paint does not bond to dirt, chalk or mildew.
Can you paint brick?
Brick can be painted, but once it is painted it stays painted. Billy will talk through the tradeoffs before you decide.
Does the 10% offer apply to exterior painting?
Yes. Exterior repaints over $2,500 get 10% off, with the workmanship guarantee included.
