Choosing Paint colors for a Living room

One of the most difficult decorating tasks is choosing a color scheme. Once this is done all the other pieces of the decorating “puzzle” fall into place. But many of us struggle with where to begin. Do we just pick a color we like and paint the walls? Or do we choose something safe like white or beige and just live with it? The answer to both of those questions is yes and no. You definitely want to choose a color you like and maybe that color is white or beige. But it is important to choose the “right” color. Let’s see if we can make this process a little easier.
To begin, it is important to know a little about the psychology of color. There have been thousands of studies done over the years on how color affects our moods and our behavior; all too lengthy to discuss here. Even the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui assigns a color to each of five elements, which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. They feel that the combination of the element and color create a reaction to one’s surroundings. With a little understanding of the impact color has on people you will be able to choose a color scheme that will help you create the perfect space for your family and those who visit your home.

The Color Spectrum

Color is broken up into warm colors of red, orange, gold and yellow; cool colors of blue, green and purple and neutral colors of tan and brown. And, although they are not truly a color, black and white are important in any decorating scheme.
The color red is associated with passion, power, heat and anger. It can act as a stimulant so is a popular color for a dining room as it stimulates the appetite and the conversation. This same stimulating effect may not be what you want on your living room walls if you are looking for a peaceful spot to relax, entertain or read. Instead, use red in your accessories and upholstery and choose a more relaxing wall color such as sage or tan.
Blue has always been one of the most popular color choices in home decorating. It is found to have a calming affect on most people. For this reason it is often found in bedrooms for both children and adults. If you are looking for a calm and relaxing living room, choosing the right shade of blue can help you accomplish this. A bright blue with red undertones may not be what you are looking for. But a soft blue with a grey undertone can appear neutral and calming and be a backdrop for upholstery of almost any color.
Green remains a popular color choice in all home décor. It is thought to invoke feelings of tranquility and self-control. As with all colors, choosing the right shade and hue is important. If you are decorating your living room in a tropical theme, for example, a green with a yellow undertone such as lime green or grass green may be right for you. If a calmer and more relaxed feel is what you are seeking, look to the colors of sage and moss. And for a traditional room a hunter or emerald green will work perfectly with the red and blue often found in this color scheme.
Yellow is a difficult color to use. While it can brighten up a dark room it has also been found to increase anxiety in the elderly and the very young. On the other hand, it encourages conversation so is an excellent choice for a living room. Choosing the right intensity is the key to success when using yellow. A deep Tuscan gold looks wonderful next to all your dark woodwork. A creamy white with yellow undertones is more appealing than a stark white wall.
Neutrals such as brown, gray and tan represent wholesomeness and stability. They are associated with the colors of earth and anything natural. During difficult economic times these colors become very popular. Because of the range of color it can be difficult to choose a neutral. The lightest gray can appear almost white and tan can have pink, yellow or gray undertones. A dark brown can have the appearance of a deep moss green. For these reasons, it is important to try many samples before choosing a color.
White is the most common wall color found in most homes. It represents cleanliness and gives a fresh appearance. But if you have tried to match your wall color to your white trim you know that white comes in many, many shades. Held up next to each other white samples can appear gray, yellow or pink. If white walls are what you desire in your living room, be sure to match the color to any existing trim such as door surrounds, baseboards and window trim.
As you can see, color affects all of us in different ways. The only factor you need to keep in mind is how color makes you and your family feel. If a bright red wall in your living room makes everyone happy and stimulated, then go for it. If dark brown walls create the moody effect you are looking for, then paint away. There are no “rules” in decorating. If it works for you, then it works. But having a little knowledge of how color can change the look and feel of your home might help you make the right choice and avoid costly mistakes down the road. We recommend consulting with a paint professional. Call Bart Rafferty of Confident Coating by Rafferty Construction for a free estimate @ 719-492-3176.

All information was copied from http://www.professorshouse.com/Your-Home/Living-Room/Articles/Choosing-Paint-colors-for-a-Living-room/

 

Stucco Crack Repair

Stucco -- also known as Portland cement plaster -- has been around for centuries, and with good reason: it's durable and pretty low-maintenance.

On the other hand, cracks inevitably appear from time to time. But don't sweat it. Repairing cracked stucco is a straightforward and inexpensive DIY project!

Skill Level: Beginner and up.

Time Investment: About two hours: one for surface prep and crack repair, and one for painting.

Cost: $10-$25 for caulk or patching compound; more if you need to buy any of the stuff listed below under "Other Supplies."

Assess the Problem. In most cases, cracks are caused by normal expansion and contraction of the home. Very long and/or deep cracks, however, will let moisture inside your home's walls. These should never be just patched up and forgotten. You may want to call in a pro to diagnose the cause, which could be as simple as poor workmanship or as serious as a structural problem.

Round Up Your Tools and Supplies. For narrow cracks -- roughly 1/4 inch wide or less -- you have a couple of choices: paintable silicone caulk or pre-mixed stucco crack repair compound  -- Both of these options come ready-mixed and can be applied with a caulking gun.

For more substantial cracks, pick up a quart-sized bucket of pre-mixed stucco patching compound. DAP and QUIKRETE both offer versions that are convenient and easy to apply. Because these types of synthetic stucco are made of acrylic latex, they are also quick-drying, flexible and paintable.

Tip: Don't buy an enormous bag of dry stucco mix to fill cracks. You won't need anywhere near this much. Save those big bags for major patching projects; the kind caused by your teenager reversing his car into the house, for instance.

Other Supplies:
- Chisel or screwdriver
- Hose and/or bucket of water and a sponge
- Wire brush
- Small broom or stiff-bristled brush
- Bricklayer's trowel
- Priming and painting supplies: Exterior acrylic primer, exterior acrylic top coat (to match existing paint color), 1 small paintbrush (1 inch wide or less), stirring stick, and plenty of water for cleanup.

Directions:1. Surface Prep. Gently pry away loose pieces of stucco using the chisel or screwdriver. If the area in or around the crack is dirty, scrub it down with the wire brush. Brush with the broom or stiff-bristled brush to remove dust.

2. Wet the area thoroughly. Existing, dry stucco will suck the moisture out of freshly applied wet stucco or patching compound, preventing it from bonding properly. Wetting the work surface discourages this problem.

3. Repair the Crack. Pack the exposed area with caulk or stucco repair compound. Smooth with your fingers or a damp cloth. Next, take the trowel and roughen up the surface a little bit, just enough so that it matches the wall's overall texture. If you used silicone caulk, you can actually press a little sand into the top layer to make it look more stucco-like.

For a deep crack extending all the way to the base layer (or "scratch coat") fill a quarter inch deep and allow it to cure for a day or two. Depending on the product, you may need to mist the area with water now and again. Finally, fill it the rest of the way and add texture with the trowel.

Tip: To encourage an even tighter seal, first apply a masonry bonding agent inside the crack then fill. Alternatively, if recurring cracks have been a problem in the past, try skipping standard caulks or stucco repair compounds altogether and try a masonry repair product with added flexibility.

4. Cure and Paint. Unlike real stucco, pre-mixed repair compounds dry quickly. The time needed to cure varies from product to product. Just follow the instructions, allowing adequate drying time, then add a layer of primer. Allow to dry then paint to match the rest of the wall.

Hopefully you'll achieve an exact match. If not, the patched area may stand out, in which case you should consider repainting the entire wall.

This all sounds easy enough and is for small cracks. But  for more prominant cracks you will want a professional stucco contractor to do the job as they will have more experience with tecnique and color matching. If you want that perfect, matched, not repaired, look call Bart Rafferty of Confident Coatings by Rafferty Construction @ 719-492-3176 for a free estimate.





All info copied from a 3rd party website

Wood Shingle Replacement

Replacing a damaged or missing wooden roof shingle can allow you to avoid leaks and resulting water damage as well as help prolong the lifespan of a roof that is becoming compromised by age. If more than 20 percent of the shingles are damaged, consider replacing the roof altogether. But when just a few tiles are compromised, making timely repairs will ultimately save you time, money and a lot of headaches. However, bear in mind that while replacing a wood shingle is a job a handy do-it-yourselfer can take on, it is challenging, and safety protocols must be followed strictly. Be sure to enlist a friend to help, in case you run into trouble or take a tumble and need emergency assistance. We recommend you call a local professional contractor. Bart Rafferty of Confident Coatings is a trusted reliable contractor call hin for a free estimate @ 719-492-3176

What You Need

• Extension ladder
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Hacksaw or shingle ripper
• Small pry bar
• Replacement shingles
• Roofing nails (use hot-dipped galvanized or electroplated nails for attaching wood tiles)
• Wood block
• Roofing cement

Step by Step Instructions

1. Check your crawlspace or attic for leaks and visible points of light along the ceiling, both of which indicate a problem with the shingles. Also check the roof from the ground using a pair of strong binoculars. Look for cracked or broken shingles, paying close attention to the area around chimneys.
2. Position the extension ladder at a safe angle. This means the bottom of the ladder should be placed roughly one-quarter of the distance between the ground and the roof’s edge out from the house, with the top of the ladder propped several feet higher than the roof. Do not attempt the repair if the roof is wet from rain or snow because it will be slippery. Have a partner stand at the base of the ladder to spot you while you climb.
3. Remove the damaged shingle by carefully splitting it along the wood grain with a hammer and chisel, then extracting the fragments. Next, use a small pry bar to raise the shingle that lies above the one you just removed until you can reach the nails that held the damaged shingle in place. Carefully cut the nails with either a shingle ripper or a hacksaw. Pull out any remaining pieces of the damaged shingle.
4. Measure the space you will need to fill. Replacement shingles can be purchased at a hardware store or roofing supply center. Always buy a few extra in case you make a mistake with cutting or installation.
5. Cut a replacement wood shingle approximately 3/8 of an inch narrower than the measurement. Shingles expand when wet or when the weather is humid and this will allow for a good fit.
6. Insert the replacement shingle. It should protrude no more than 1/2 inch beyond the adjacent shingles. Notice where the shingle you just installed meets the lip of the shingle just above. Along this point, drive two roofing nails into the new shingle at a 45-degree angle.
7. Place a wood block along the lip of the replacement shingle. With hammer in hand, repeatedly strike the wood block until the replacement shingle is even with the adjacent shingles. The nail heads should slide beneath the shingle above. Using the wood block as a buffer will prevent the shingle from being damaged by the hammer’s impact.
8. Use a small amount of roofing cement to cover the exposed nail heads and further weatherproof your roof.
9. Have your partner make sure the ladder is secure as you climb down

Again, this all sounds simple enough but we recommend calling Bart Rafferty @ 719-492-3176 for a free estimate.

All info taken from http://homerenovations.about.com/od/houseexteriorframework/a/artreplacewoods.htm

Caring for Wood Siding

Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding—and one of the most expensive. If you’d like to avoid repairs that could cost thousands of dollars, and you’d like to keep your clapboard, shingles, or board-and-batten lasting for decades, regular upkeep and maintenance is critical.

Finish, protect wood siding
Wood must be properly finished with a paint, stain, or clear sealer. Left unprotected, it’s susceptible to rot and decay caused by moisture. Of special concern is the fact that wood expands and contracts with normal changes in humidity and temperature. These fluctuations may cause paint finishes to chip and crack, and over time puts stress on caulked seams around windows, doors, and at corners. If the caulk separates and fails to keep out moisture, wood rot may develop. Even species of wood that have a natural resistance to rot, such as redwood, cypress, and cedar, may decay if not properly protected from the elements.
Paint comes in unlimited colors and can be changed at any time. A house with wood
siding must be repainted at least every five years, or as soon as the paint finish begins to deteriorate. A DIY paint job requires about 60 hours of labor.  We recommend letting a professional, local painter handle the job. They are more efficient if you've never painted more than 1 more before.


Stain is a good choice for wood because it allows the beauty of the grain to show through. Stain penetrates wood fibers and helps seal them against moisture; it’s also resistant to the cracking and chipping that affects paint. Because stain is a penetrating sealer—not a coating, like paint—it’s difficult to change the color of previously stained wood. Staining a house is less labor-intensive than painting because prep work is minimal. Expect to pay $2,000-$4,000 for a pro crew to stain a two-story, 2,300-sq. ft. house. Using a rented paint sprayer, a two-person DIY team can re-stain a two-story house in 4-5 days for about $500, including the stain.
Clear sealers prevent moisture damage and allow wood to retain its natural color, but they must be reapplied at least every two years. Clear sealers are formulated to help slow the process that allows ultraviolet light to turn wood silvery gray. However, all natural wood, regardless of species, eventually turns gray when exposed to years of sunlight. Using a rented paint sprayer, a two-person DIY team can refinish a two-story, 2,300 sq. ft. house in a 3-day weekend for about $500, including the finish.


Clean stains on wood siding
Dirt is the most common cause of discoloration on wood siding. Clean annually using warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Divide your house into 20-foot sections, clean each section from top to bottom and rinse before moving on.
Mildew appears as black spotty stains. Clean the area with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Wear eye protection and protect plants from splashes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Rust stains often appear as dark black splotches and vertical streaks. They’re usually caused by a metal fastener, such as a nail or screw, that wasn’t galvanized. Contact with moisture causes the fastener to oxidize, leaving streaks. To remove the stain, dissolve 4 oz. oxalic acid (available at hardware stores and home improvement centers) in 1 cup warm water.
Wear eye protection and acid-proof gloves; avoid splashing the mixture onto adjacent surfaces. Apply the mixture to the stain and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with water. Refinish the spot if necessary. Problem nails must be replaced with a galvanized or stainless steel fasteners.




Restore the color of natural wood siding
Siding that has discolored with age can be restored to its original color by applying a wood cleaner or brightener. These products often are intended for use on wood decks, but they work well on natural wood siding. They’re available at hardware stores and home improvement centers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Replace wood siding
Replace wood siding that show signs of damage. The most common damage comes from accidentally hitting the siding with sticks and stones thrown from a lawn mower, or from objects, like baseballs. Occasionally, wood siding may crack due to changes in atmospheric moisture. Repairs to wood siding require the expertise to remove the damaged siding while leaving surrounding siding intact. Unless you have the skills, hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor. Expect to pay $200-$300 to replace one or two damaged siding panels.
Prevent damage to wood siding
A house with wood siding is most vulnerable to water infiltration where siding butts against windows, doors, and corner moldings, says Frank Lesh, a professional house inspector in Chicago and past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Look for caulk that has cracked due to age, or has pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps.
Reapply a color-matched exterior caulk during dry days with temperatures in excess of 65 degrees F.
Lesh also stresses that no bush, tree branches, or shrubbery be allowed to touch the house siding. Foliage conducts moisture that can find its way into cracks and tiny openings in siding. “You should have enough room to comfortably walk between your house and any plant materials,” he says.


To get a free estimate from a local Colorado Springs painter, call Bart Rafferty of Confident Coatings by Rafferty Construction @ 719-493-3176.




Info from http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/roofing-gutters-siding/wood-siding-care-and-maintenance/