Painting FAQs
What is the process once Zenith Painting and Coatings comes to perform an exterior painting project?
- Setup: Set up for exterior painting includes power washing or hand washing the areas to be painted to remove dirt and mildew. Masking as needed and removing any minor obstructions from the painting areas.
- Preparation: The next step includes scraping off loose paint and priming any bare wood areas. Performing a light sanding of glossy areas. Gaps are caulked to prevent water intrusion. We will also replace damaged wood and provide minor substrate repair if needed.
- Painting: We apply only high-quality paint products from the top paint manufacturers in the country. We apply the paint via sprayer or brush and roll depending on customer preference.
- Cleanup: Our crews have been carefully screened and trained to treat your home with the utmost care – just like it is our own. We will replace everything to its original location and finish by cleaning the work area daily. We also perform and thorough job site walk and the end of the installation to ensure we’ve returned collected all trash and job debris.
- Inspection and Walk-thru: Our crews will go through the work area with you to ensure everything not only meets – but exceeds – your expectations. Additionally, a follow-up survey will be sent to you for your feedback.
What is the process once Zenith Painting and Coatings comes to perform an interior painting project?
- Setup: Extensive masking will be done to protect furniture, flooring, and other belongings.
- Preparation: All holes or cracks in walls and ceilings are filled. Stains are sealed and any glossy areas are lightly sanded to accept new paint. We will also repair any minor substrate damage as needed.
- Painting: All repaired or patched areas are primed prior to the paint application. We apply only high-quality paint products from the top paint manufacturers in the country. We apply the paint via sprayer or brush and roll depending on customer preference.
- Cleanup: Our crews have been carefully screened and trained to treat your home with the utmost care – just like it is our own. We will replace everything to its original location and finish by cleaning the work area daily and upon completion.
- Inspection and Walk-thru: Our crews will go through the work area with you to ensure everything not only meets – but exceeds – your expectations. Additionally, a follow-up survey will be sent to you for your feedback.
Do you require a down payment?
We do not collect a down payment. We prefer to earn your trust and our payment through top quality workmanship and great customer service.
What technique do you use to paint?
The spray method has become the industry standard due to its speed of application, performance and even coverage. Some surface types require a brush and back roll painting (rough surfaces, cedar siding or stucco) Trim is almost always completed using a brush and back roll.
Spray & Back Roll is another application that can be used to paint rougher surfaces by spraying a coat of paint and using a roller to work the paint into the rough surfaces. This application can be more costly due to the increased time it takes to ensure quality coverage.
How warm does it have to be to perform exterior painting?
Ambient temperatures need to be at least 40° or above and stay above 32° for 6 hours or more to ensure a quality paint application.
While some offer products for exterior painting for temperatures as low as 38°, we recommend waiting for the weather to be a little warmer to ensure a long-lasting, quality paint job. (Which is never very long here in Colorado!)
What if it rains or storms between the pressure wash and my start date?
No worries! Our paint crews will ensure the surfaces are clean and ready for paint applications before proceeding.
Why do you pressure wash?
Zenith Painting and Coatings always pressure wash exterior surfaces to remove loose debris, any residue, dust, dirt, or mildew. This can be performed up to 7 days ahead of the actual paint application. Our crews will perform a final inspection prior to painting to remove any cobwebs, insect nests or other debris. Best of all, no one has to be home for the pressure washing process; but we need access to your yard and a water spigot.
What kind of caulk do you use?
We generally use a Commercial Grade Elastomeric Sealant.
What is included in the Prep Work?
Scaping off loose paint and performing a light sanding of glossy areas. Gaps are caulked to prevent water intrusion. On interior projects, all holes or cracks in walls and ceilings are filled. Stains are sealed and any glossy areas are lightly sanded to accept new paint.
How long does it take to paint my house?
Weather permitting, typically the whole painting process takes 2-5 days depending on the size and complexity of the project.
What type of sheen do you typically use on painting projects?
A Satin Finish or Flat Finish is most commonly used for exterior paint projects. Matte or Eggshell Finishes are generally used on interior spaces. It’s also common to use a semi-gloss on interior surfaces that are exposed to high moisture (bathrooms & kitchens) or high wear and tear areas like windows, doors, and baseboards.
What brand of paint do you use?
We use most commonly use high-quality paint from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and PPG. Their lifetime warranty products provide you with the best workmanship warranty in the residential painting industry backed up by Zenith Painting and Coatings satisfaction guarantee.
Would it be cheaper to buy the paint myself with my HOA discount?
It is typically more cost-effective for Zenith Painting and Coatings to supply the paint with our industry pricing. We buy in bulk and pass the savings onto our clients.
Do you take off shutters before painting?
We usually remove shutters prior to exterior painting unless they are damaged or severely deteriorated. Often we remove the old, deteriorated shutters and replace them with fresh new ones!
Can you paint my house while I am out of town?
Yes! Exterior painting projects do not require your presence. We will have you meet with a Zenith Painting and Coatings Project Manager to confirm the details of your exterior house painting project. Upon your return, the Project Manager will coordinate a final inspection with you to ensure everything is up to your satisfaction.
Is the warranty transferrable if I sell my home?
Absolutely! As long as the warranty is transferred within the first year of your painting, we will honor the original warranty for the new homeowners.
Do you provide references?
Yes, we are happy to share all of our 5-star reviews and provide the addresses of projects we have completed. Additionally, we encourage you to visit us on yelp.com, facebook.com, and Google to read our reviews.
Is your company insured?
Absolutely, Zenith Painting and Coatings is fully insured with $2 million of coverage in Liability and Full Workers Compensation.
Do you use Oil Base Primer?
We typically use water-based primer but will use an oil base if needed to prevent bleed through. We also use oil-based primers when the substrate requires it.
Can you refer me to contractors you recommend in other home improvement categories?
Yes. We work closely with several top-notch home improvement vendors. Contact us through our website or call the office today.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, Zenith Painting and Coatings offers payment plans with no interest. Typically, we require the customer to pay ½ of the job price upon the completion date, and the remaining balance over a series of 4 equal, monthly payments worked out with the Project Manager.
What do you accept for payments?
We accept checks, cash, and all major credit cards.
Checks can be sent to:
Zenith Painting and Coatings
6950 S Tucson Way, Suite E
Centennial, CO 80112
Credit Card payments can be called into our offices at: (720) 855-7019
FLOOR COATINGS
What brand of coatings do you use?
We are happy to provide the product name for all the products we recommend. You have a right to know what products will be used in your home. When working in and around your home, we use only low order, low/zero VOC products unless others requested.
Do you provide the technical datasheets for the products you use?
Upon request, we can provide you with a “technical data sheet” that describes the characteristics of the product. Beware of any firm that will not willingly give you this document when asked. As a homeowner, you are entitled to have the technical data on any product used in your home.
Are you certified with the coating supplier to apply these coatings? May I please see your training certificate?
Our technicians are constantly undergoing training and certifications with our product suppliers. Our technicians are trained in surface preparation, application, and finishing techniques.
What is the level of volatile organic compounds (vocs) in the products you use?
Today’s premium coatings are environmentally friendly. Zenith Painting and Coatings uses products that have been rated as “Zero” or “Low VOCs” by an approved ASTM International test method.
What do you do on a garage floor when you have a control joint or an expansion joint in the concrete floor?
Our recommendation is to always fill them partially with a highly flexible elastomeric sealant. This will provide an easy to clean, continuous membrane while reducing the risk of having a non-warrantied failure in these joint areas.
What is MVE?
MVE stands for moisture vapor emissions. We refer to this when applying a coating over a concrete slab on grade. When there is moisture beneath the slab it can travel up through the slab as vapor. Usually, the hottest time of the day is when you have the highest levels of MVE. MVE is a leading cause of floor coating failures and should be addressed by applying a specialty MVR (moisture vapor resistant) primer before applying the base coat.
What is the best way to roll the clear topcoat?
We often use an 18-inch no lint roller or rubber squeegee for topcoats. The end result is a uniform film that spread out evenly. If the garage is broken up into 4 sections by control or expansion joints, we will do one square at a time and move on to the next one when the first square is finished off evenly.
Is the surface scratch resistant?
All of our topcoats are considered scratch resistant; however, they are not scratch proof. Zenith Painting and Coatings has done a great deal of research to find high-level coatings that have top-end scratch resistance that will withstand the high wear and tear a garage, commercial, or industrial floor is likely to receive. More importantly, these coatings are very resistant to chemicals and hot tires as well.
Why should I get my roof coated with a reflective coating?
Application of a roof coating system will extend the life of the roof, by helping to mitigate leaks, reducing heat transfer into the building and decreasing thermal expansion and contraction of the roof membrane. Reflective coatings also often reduce heat energy costs and improve the appearance of your roof.
What kind of roofs can be coated?
Almost all types of roofs can be coated. Metal, spray polyurethane, single-ply, modified bitumen, Built-up roof (BUR) systems, etc. are all types of roofs that Zenith Painting and Coatings have experience with. Ballasted and gravel-surfaced roofs require special pre-treatment before roof coating.
What types of reflective coatings are available in the market?
A variety of reflective roof coatings are available with different reflectance rates and values. Most roof coatings applied by Zenith Painting and Coatings include what is commonly referred to as white coatings, which are typically comprised of acrylics, urethanes, silicones, SBS, SEBS, and other types. There are also aluminum roof coatings typically used with asphalt roofs.
How is the coating applied?
Roof coatings are applied by Zenith Painting and Coatings crews of highly trained and certified technicians using rollers, brushes or a spray method.
Do I need a primer?
More important than a primer is a thorough cleaning of the roof surface prior to applying a new roof coating. However, oftentimes primers are recommended or required, depending on the existing roof type and the type of coating being applied by Zenith Painting and Coatings. Ask our Project Manager for more information specific to your roof type and whether a primer will be needed.
How much coating should be put on the roof?
Many factors go into determining how much roof coating is needed on your roof, including the condition and age of the existing roof and the materials used to coat over your existing roof. Zenith Painting and Coatings experience in applying roof coatings allows us to calculate the proper amount of roof coating material specifically needed for each individual roof we coat.
How do you prepare the roof surface for coating?
The roof must be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry completely. This is a critical step to ensure a successful coating application. Zenith Painting and Coating takes special care not to damage the lap seams of your roof during the cleaning process. Additionally, care is taken when pressure washing not to disturb the integrity of the underlying roof membrane, particularly where there are adhered seams.
Should I coat a new roof or nearly new roof?
A new roof can be coated if the building owner wants to reduce energy costs by adding a highly reflective roof coating, which will reduce the heat load on the roof. A drawback to coating over a newer roof is that the original roof warranty will typically become null and void.
What are the energy savings?
This depends on the geographic location, insulation, and cost of electricity. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and several roofing material manufacturers have computer programs that can estimate the savings. A growing number of energy consultants are available to provide environmental regulation compliance information.
What are the building code requirements for roof coatings?
This is dependent on local, state and federal building codes in your area. We work closely with the International Code Council (ICC) which provides detailed information on the status of I-Code adoption throughout Colorado and the broader United States.
Will a reflective coating extend the life of my roof?
Yes. The coating becomes the first layer of UV and waterproofing protection for the roof and helps reduce expansion and contraction of your roof.
Are there any warranties available?
Yes. Roof coating manufacturers offer different types of warranties depending on the specific roof coating material and its application. 10-year, 20-year, up to 50-year warranties are available through specific manufacturers.
How long will the coating last?
Performance and longevity vary depending on type and conditions, as well as the coating film thickness. Anywhere from 10 to 50 years of life can be achieved if the roof coating is applied properly. In most cases, a new roof coating can be applied over a previous roof coating to extend the life even further and a renewed warranty will be issued by the manufacturer.
Can the roof be recoated in the future?
Yes. As the coating wears away, an additional coating can be applied. Most coatings systems are renewable and sustainable as are the warranties.
Do I need a contractor, or can I do it myself?
A roof coating should be applied by an experienced roof coatings applicator like Zenith Painting and Coatings. Our crews are certified and trained to address issues such as existing leaks, wet insulation, damaged roof deck or manufacturers’ warranties.
Can a coating stand up in ponding water conditions?
That depends on the coating. All roofs should be designed and built to have positive drainage and not allow ponding water. Some coatings are designed to withstand ponding conditions; however, not all coatings will withstand these conditions. Zenith Painting and Coatings takes special care to ensure ponding is mitigated, if not eliminated when coating your roof.
In what weather conditions can the coating be applied?
For waterborne coatings, the ambient air temperature should be 50°F or warmer, with no rain forecast for the next 24 hours. Solvent-borne coatings can be applied in colder weather.
How long does the coating take to dry/cure?
Air temperature, wind, roof surface temperature, relative humidity, coating color and the type of coating applied are all factors that must be considered when determining cure or dry time. For example, some coatings are moisture cured and thus humidity assists in its curing process.
Can I coat a rusted metal roof?
Rusted metal roofs can be coated after the rust conditions have been addressed. If the roof is “white rust” (zinc or aluminum) it can be coated after cleaning. If the roof is “red rust” the rust must be removed or treated with a corrosion inhibiting primer. All rusted fasteners should be treated or replaced.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a US Government-sponsored program encouraging the use of energy-efficient products. Roofing materials including coatings can qualify for ENERGY STAR if the coating meets specific solar reflectance minimum criteria.
What is the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is an independent, non-profit organization that maintains a third-party rating system for radiative properties of roof surfacing materials.
Is there a tax advantage or rebate program available?
Some states, municipalities, and utilities offer rebate programs. Roof coatings are typically classified as maintenance, and in many cases can be written off as such in the same calendar year in which the coating application is completed; check with your accountant for specific details on roof maintenance tax deductions.
How do I maintain the coating?
It is recommended that the roof, including the coating, be inspected semi-annually and after a major storm or high wind “event”. Additional coatings may need to be applied to repair damage to the coating and underlying roofing substrate.
What are Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance?
Solar Reflectance is a measure of the ability of a material (roof coating) to reflect the sun’s radiation. Thermal Emittance is a measure of the material (roof coating) to release trapped heat back into the atmosphere.
Will the coating stop my leaks?
While coatings may potentially stop minor leaks, the roof should be properly repaired and dried prior to coating application. Coatings may be able to seal pinhole leaks, which are leaks not visible to the naked eye. If the roof is leaking, the roof leak will need to be identified and repaired prior to any recoating; do not expect the coating to find and seal the leaks.
Concrete polishing FAQs
What is the process for concrete polishing?
Polished concrete has become a very popular option for commercial and residential settings for many reasons and its quick installation is one of them. The concrete polishing process is unique to each concrete floor but has a general step by step process. Even though each situation is different, below you will find a description of what to expect:
- Your floors will be inspected for damages like cracks, holes, chips, and divots where repair work may need to take place. Any existing coatings, paints, or oils will also need to be removed.
- The grinding process can begin shortly after the floors have been inspected and repaired. The equipment and amount of grinding and honing will depend on the shine & clarity you are seeking.
- Once the grinding has been completed, chemical hardeners are applied to your concrete to densify its surface.
- Finally, the polishing process begins. This process also depends on the sheen & clarity desired.
Remember, your concrete is unique and has its own story to tell, steps are taken to polish the floor and end results will vary.
How long can a polished concrete floor last?
A polished concrete floors lifespan is one of many reasons why homeowners are switching over to this option. Because polished concrete floors are highly resistant and are incredibly high-performing floors, their lifespan is 2 or more decades. There are two important factors to consider before this impressive lifespan convinces you into these floors. They will last over 20 years if they are installed by a professional with the proper equipment and if they are properly maintained throughout the years. If these two conditions are met then you will have no problem extending your floors life span over two decades.
What are the benefits of polished concrete floors?
Residential polished floors and commercial polished floors reap the same benefits even if they are for different reasons. The point is, the benefits of concrete polished floors are universal and can apply to any setting.
The benefits include but are not limited to:
- Cost efficiency: in a residential setting this is crucial for families who are newly building homes or who are repairing their current home. The affordability extends beyond installation, this is concerning the little to no maintenance in the future as well. Both commercial and residential areas can benefit from a floor that will not cost much to keep beautiful after it has been used.
- Life cycle: when properly maintained and installed, a polished concrete floor will last well over 20 years. These floors are not vulnerable to common damages that would ruin other flooring systems.
- Aesthetics: beauty has no limits. With endless design opportunities, a polished concrete floor can be installed in a variety of colors and designs to reflect your creative vision.
- Resistance: many commercial spaces enjoy this perk because it means foot-traffic will not damage the concretes floor strength or shine. The fewer damages concrete floors are prone to the less money and time is spent on repairing them and more time is spent on growing their business.
- Polished concrete floors are highly resistant to water damage; therefore, they do not create environments where mold, mildew, or bacteria are likely to prosper.
Why does concrete crack?
There is not a singular cause for all the cracks that are bound to happen on your concrete, however, there are some that can be avoided.
- Too much water in the concrete mixture will reduce your concretes strength. As concrete dries, it also begins to shrink this means, the more water that is in your concrete mixture, the more water will be evaporated as it dries and the more it will shrink.
- Drying your concrete too quickly will cause cracks to form on its surface. There is an important chemical reaction that takes place when concrete goes from a liquid to a solid and if this is sped up, it throws the reaction off balance.
- Some concrete needs to be installed at differing degrees of strength. This is an important reason why it is wise to hire a professional.
- As the weather becomes colder your concrete will shrink and as it warms your concrete will expand. This is something that is not under your control, so you will have to be observant and repair cracks as they happen.
- Outdoor concrete cracks not only with the freeze-thaw cycle but as tree roots begin to grow, they will damage the concrete from the bottom up. Again, this is not under your control and will need to be repaired accordingly.
- Indoor concrete in facilities and garages can begin to crack if it is overloaded with pressure.
What kind of maintenance is associated with polished concrete floors?
Maintenance for a polished concrete floor is quick and easy:
- Use a microfiber pad to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of your floor.
- When mopping, do not use harsh cleaners that contain acidic properties.
- Never use soapy cleaners because they will leave streak marks across your floors dulling their shine.
- Wash spills and stains immediately after noticing them.
- Sweep daily and mop weekly.
- Do not let any cleaners dry on your polished concretes surface.
Can concrete polishing remove oil stains?
Yes and no. Polishing concrete can help completely remove some stains through the grinding and polishing process but there are some cases where the stain cannot be fully removed. However, this does not mean that it cannot be dulled through the concrete polishing process. Each case is very different and should be evaluated by a professional.
Why should I polish my concrete?
Polished concrete floors offer benefits that cannot be found with other flooring systems, including strength and beauty. If you like saving money, you enjoy a fast installation process, and you love rarely repairing or replacing your floors, then a polished concrete floor is the best choice for you.
Can you add color to a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete floors can be installed to reflect your individual style and flooring needs. They offer endless possibilities and design opportunities including colors, pattern, and design.
Can you polish a damaged concrete floor?
Before the concrete polishing process begins, a professional will inspect and evaluate any damages that must be repaired. Cracks and surface damages can be repaired or replaced to ensure the polishing process is successful; however, if there are extensive damages to the subfloor a different approach may be needed. This is why having a professional come in to install your floors is important. But overall, most damaged concrete floors can be polished, but each situation is unique and must be approached as such.
Can all concrete be polished?
As previously stated, each concrete job represents new and different circumstances, so each situation will need to be approached differently. But it is safe to say that any structurally safe slab of concrete can, in fact, be polished.
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