House Painting in Wellington
EXTERIOR PAINTING IN WELLINGTON
Protecting your home - exterior house painting
Exterior paint does more than change the appearance of a house. It forms an important part of protecting the underlying surface from Wellington's rain, wind and weather. Keeping the exterior properly prepared and painted helps protect the home and prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones. Southerleigh handles the preparation, repairs and house painting as part of the same job.
More than just a coat of paint
Thorough preparation of the surface
Cleaning, scraping, lichen/mould removal and sanding help ensure the new paint has a sound surface to adhere to.
Weathered, cracked or UV damaged paint & sealant
Loose, flaking or deteriorated paint can be associated with timber damage underneath, so we check for these issues before applying the new finish. Sealants also deteriorate through UV exposure and normal movement caused by wind and seismic activity. Cracks and gaps can allow moisture in and may need attention before painting.
Timber repairs
Weatherboard ends, corner boards, soakers, trims and other elements are vulnerable spots, especially if not well primed last time. We make repairs wherever deterioration has occurred. Where the damage is more extensive, we'll discuss the necessary additional work with the homeowner before proceeding.
The details matter
Window frames, doors, fascia, soffits and other exterior trim all form part of the finished job. We prepare and paint these areas carefully to give the whole exterior a consistent, well-finished appearance.
Scaffolding without the extra hassle
We own our own scaffolding, giving us greater control over access, scheduling and the cost of the house painting job. It provides a proper working platform for high and difficult-to-reach areas, allowing us to prepare and paint them properly rather than rushing the work from ladders.
No shortcuts at height
High areas are easy to overlook, but they still need the same level of preparation and paint coverage as everything at ground level. We take the time to properly access and prepare high walls, soffits, eaves and other difficult areas, rather than rushing the work simply because it is harder to see. A thorough job at height helps ensure the protection and finish are consistent across the whole exterior.
The story beneath old paint
Many of Wellington's older homes have had to cope with decades of wind, rain, shade and damp conditions. Steep sites, surrounding vegetation and areas with limited sun can make it difficult for timber to dry out properly, and over time that can take its toll.
Underneath the layers of old paint we often find weatherboards and other timber elements affected by moisture, wet rot or borer damage. In some cases the deterioration extends beyond the weatherboards into the framing, so simply scraping and repainting isn't enough.
There's another consideration when painting older homes: the paint itself. Lead-based paints were commonly used in the past, and older houses are likely to contain lead-based paint, particularly on timber joinery and weatherboards. When old paint needs to be scraped, sanded or otherwise disturbed, we consider what may be underneath before starting work.
Where we've tested and found lead-based paint to be present, we treat it differently from ordinary paint. Appropriate preparation and precautions help protect the people doing the work, the occupants, their pets and the surrounding property. We can then get on with the repairs and preparation needed to give the home a sound surface and a durable new finish.
Making up for Decades of neglect
This Aro Valley home had gone well beyond simply being old. Years of deferred maintenance had left the exterior with failing paintwork, weathered and deteriorating timber, moss and lichen, and areas where moisture had taken its toll. The owner initially thought that only basic house painting was needed, but the work involved much more than applying a fresh coat of paint — damaged areas need to be repaired, surfaces properly prepared and the underlying problems addressed before the new finish goes on. The aim is to bring the exterior back into good condition and give the home the protection it has been missing for years.