Painting a three-story exterior, safely

A three-story exterior is a different job from a one-story ranch. The painting itself is the same careful work, but getting a crew and their tools safely to every surface takes real planning. Here is what goes into it.

Plan the access first

Before any paint is opened, we walk the house and figure out how to reach every section: which areas can be done from the ground, which need extension ladders, and where balconies, porches or landscaping change the setup. Getting this right up front keeps the job moving and keeps everyone safe.

The right ladder, set up the right way

• Use ladders rated for the height and weight, and inspect them before every use.
• Set the base on firm, level ground, using levelers on slopes.
• Keep the angle right: about one foot out for every four feet up.
• Use standoffs so ladders rest on the wall, not on gutters or trim.
• Keep three points of contact and never overreach. Move the ladder instead.

Protect the house and the yard

Landscaping, walkways, windows and fixtures are covered before work starts. Drop cloths go down under every work area, and anything that can be removed, like shutters or house numbers, is taken down and handled separately.

Prep is the same at any height

Scraping, sanding, caulking and spot priming happen on the third story just as carefully as on the first. It is tempting to rush the hard-to-reach areas, but those are often the ones taking the most weather. They need the most attention, not the least.

Watch the weather

Exterior paint needs the right temperature and dry conditions to cure well, and wind matters more the higher you go. We plan around the forecast so every coat goes on in conditions that let it last.

Have a tall home that needs fresh paint? Book a free consultation and Dan will walk the property with you and explain exactly how the job would be done.