How to Check the Structural Integrity of Your Home

The term commonly known to identify shelter, which is often used to define housing, has a strong
relationship with the primary purpose of housing throughout the world. The mental image of
shelter is of a safe, secure place that provides both privacy and protection from the elements and
the extreme temperatures of the outside world.

Basically, houses are being valued to keep the people safe from harsh weather as well as to be
able to provide comfort for those occupying them.  Thus, the structural integrity of your home is of
much importance. Routine and regular checking of your house for possible signs of structural
problems will help detect and prevent severe damage that may seriously cost more to repair and
incur additional costs in the future. 

Moreover, Smith Plastering, Inc., for more than two decades, has been the most trusted and
respected company of contractors for providing the best quality of service when it comes to stucco
services, drywall finishes and also metal framing and painting services along Naples, Florida, and
its surrounding locations.

Furthermore, homeowners and even proprietors of business establishments ought to know the
various signs that the structure of their respective homes are at serious risk of impairment or
destruction.  

Here are some signs to guide you:

Bowed Walls. 

Bulging in external walls is a result of decreasing wall stability thus, connotes a possible threat
to the structural integrity of the house. 

Gaps Where Your Walls and Floors Meet.  

Cracks can be very stressful if not being treated earlier.  These holes can further be the port of
entry that will allow for some substances (such as water during the heavy flood) to go inside and
cause damage to your houses. 

Drywall Cracks(Around Door Frames).  

This is a major consideration because they may lead to a more serious issue if not properly
addressed, however small they may seem.  Also, many of these cracks start to occur near
doors or windows.

Nail Pops.  

When you notice a small metal spike with a broadened flat head suddenly pops, you will know
that there is a sure structural concern in your house thus, needs immediate attention in order to
avoid further harm.

Cracked Basement Walls.

-horizontal, stair-step or vertical.

Uneven or Bouncy Floors. 

When floors are not even, this could be a very strong indication of structural problems.  It is
suggested to inspect the floors more often which relate to structural integrity because it is
sometimes hard to spot the slope that is just minimal.

Sticking Windows or Doors.  

This is also a strong indication that there is an existing structural problem in the house when
you observe that some of the windows and/or doors do not open freely.  This may cause
windows to eventually crack.

Sagging Roof Ridge.  

The ridgeline of the roof must and always remain upright and stiff when there are no problems. 
Any possible indication of sagging shows that the roof may be damaged or some sort of stress
on the roof itself.

Structures are not always doomed to fail but, they do usually have a limited useful life.  This is
the reason why we all need to treat our own homes just like any other valued treasures we have. 
Routine inspection is encouraged to enable you to feel secure and safe.   

Summary:

Preventing severe house damage by regular checkups for structural problems like bowed walls,
gaps  (walls and floors meet), drywall cracks, nail pops, cracked basement walls, uneven floors,
sticking windows /doors, and sagging roof ridge, is a must.  

As your professional contractor in Naples, Smith Plastering, Inc. is highly experienced and
skilled in providing top of the line service as your Naples stucco company, Naples stucco services,
drywall contractor Naples, and metal framing Naples services. We also provide excellent drywall,
stucco, and painting services in Southwest Florida.

For other detail information and inquiries, please do not hesitate to call us at 239-594-7537. 
Contact Smith Plastering, Inc. if you need help with all your home improvement needs. You
may also visit our website: https://www.smithplastering.com.

Benefits of Stucco Installation Against Hurricanes

With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prediction that in the “near-normal” hurricane season in 2019, between two and four major hurricanes are expected, will your home be ready by then? Have you upgraded your house defenses, or simply retrofitted to protect your investment against natural disasters? 

 

Smith Plastering, Florida’s trusted and certified expert in exterior and interior finishes of homes, offers why there is a need for installing stucco and its benefits for your house against any storm or hurricane disasters.         

 

What is Stucco?

Stucco is a type of plaster and commonly used on the exterior and interior of a building. Traditional stucco is made using lime, sand, and water, which is extremely strong and durable. However, in today’s modern construction, the most commonly used is made using Portland Cement, sand and water. Stucco is applied to a building using a wire framework or directly on cement surfaces  to adhere more easily and is usually applied in several layers.

 

What are the benefits of Stucco?   

Benefit No. 1: Weather Resistant and Longer Lasting

Stucco is one of the most durable siding alternatives available when it comes to exterior finishes, as it can withstand different weathering conditions and both hot and cold temperatures. With the right applications, it may last for over 50 years, as it can expand, contract, and resist temperature changes from snow, rains, and winds.   

 

Benefit No. 2: Free of Maintenance

When it comes to home improvement costs and expenses, stucco is perfectly a cost-saver compared to other materials like sidings. Stucco does not need repainting or re-installation, and the best part is that there is no need to worry about the upkeep of its finish.

 

Benefit No. 3: Fire-Proof / Decay-Resistant

Besides being durable, stucco is also fire-resistant. By adding only on any surface, whether it be brick, wood or any other material, a one-inch layer of stucco could effectively add a one-hour fire rating to a wall.

Also, stucco is resistant to mold and mildew. Over time, it does not crumble or flake and is highly suitable to different types of climates.

 

Benefit No. 4: Adds More House Value and Aesthetic Style

Stucco’s popularity and classic style will surely increase your house value. It is ideally best for future investments when you plan to put your home up for sale. Stucco has several designs available, with different textured options to choose from, like coarse, pebbled, raked, smooth and swirled, where options of creative styles are unlimited.     

 

Benefit No. 5: Energy-Efficient

Stucco finishing can save you money from monthly energy bills, by acting as a thermal insulator that maintains the desired temperature for your home or business. It is ideally best during winter where it can reduce your heating bills by acting as a double-layered insulator.       

  

Hurricane season is here, so hurry up and call Smith Plastering, Inc., for your home improvement and protection against natural disasters. You can contact us at 239-594-7537; we can provide stucco services in Naples, stucco upgrades and be your Naples stucco company and also as a Stucco contractor Naples for your Stucco services in Naples, Florida.      

 

We also specialize in exterior and interior finishes of homes such as stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing. For other details, please visit our website at https://www.smithplastering.com/. 

Home Improvement Tips for the Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are the most damaging of all natural disasters. Based on the Congressional Budget Office 2018 report, it is estimated that 1.2 million Americans living in the coastal areas are at risk of substantial damage from hurricanes. Also, as of 2016 report, estimated government costs for hurricane damages are $28 billion a year. Florida contributes to 55% of that, and Texas and Louisiana add 13% and 9%, respectively. 

U.S. hurricanes form in the Gulf and the Caribbean areas, and unfortunately living in Florida comes at a cost because Florida is within the hurricane track. Many hope that they would not deal with such disaster but it still pays a little to be prepared for the worst to come. Preparation is the key to survive a natural disaster, which is why hurricane-zone homeowners must maintain vigilance and must always be on high alert especially for daily weather reports. Preparation like protecting the vital parts of your house; it may cost extra, but all is worth for every penny.

First and foremost, have a hurricane-proof roof. A hurricane’s strong winds can pull buildings apart starting with the roof, the weakest part of the house. New construction approaches like the fastening system is a must for every house. Several concepts like tie-downs to lateral anchors, hold-downs to embedded connectors, and continuous load path (roof tie-down) systems have been implemented and built by most hurricane-zone homeowners.   

Next, secure doors and windows. Safeguard the entrance and exit of your house. High winds and flying debris can have devastating impacts. Installing shatter-proof, wind-resistant windows and hurricane-proof doors help a lot, which may cost some extra dollars if high-grade quality product models are installed.         

Finally, upgrade garage doors. According to studies, “80 percent of residential hurricane damage starts with wind entry through garage doors.” Most homeowners upgrade their garage doors by installing hurricane-proof garage doors that are made of steel with add-on reinforcement posts in order to withstand forces and have a strong foundation to prevent giving in and collapsing.

Let Smith Plastering help you for your home protection and improvement against natural disasters. With our 20 years of experience of construction services in Florida, nobody understands Floridians more than we do. Smith Plastering also specializes in exterior and interior finishes of homes such as stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing.

Call us at 239-594-7537! We can provide painting services in Naples, drywall upgrades as your Naples drywall company, and also offer stucco services in Naples, Florida.      

Make it happen today; contact us directly at https://www.smithplastering.com/contact-us/. Smith Plastering provides excellent drywall, stucco, and painting services in all of Southwest Florida.

Benefits of Professional Painting Services in Naples, Florida

Most people think painting is a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) task. By handling the brush and some paint, they can finish the job in no time. True to some sense for small painting works; however, only professional and licensed painters can deliver an efficient and effective painting job with less-stress for you and your family.   

Here are some benefits as to why hiring professional painters is the best choice for your home or commercial painting works:

Benefit No.1: Deliver high-grade quality end results
Professional painters have the expertise and skills to deliver perfection. With years of training and experience, they can deliver high-end quality painting works. If you are upgrading your household property and planning to sell the house in the market, the work result of professional painters is a big factor in closing the deal when it comes to the selling price.     

Benefit No.2: Professionals have licenses, insurance, and warranties
A professional painting company is a licensed painting company with all its members as licensed painters, which means that they had passed the testing and approval standards as a professional painter. Since they are certified as experts in their field of expertise, they know the in-and-out intricacies of any painting workload situations.

A licensed painting company always has insurance policies. Insurance gives peace of mind for any painting job that may possibly go haywire. Moreover, any professional painting company is armed with documents of warranties. They give assurances that any painting work will be covered against uncertainties like unwelcoming accidents and hazards of any painting jobs.

Benefit No.3: Expertise with colors and patterns
With years of color-wise experience, professional painters have the abilities either to make a painting tranquil or vibrant, dramatic or stark, or whatever you want to them to be. They not only work with your color choices but also they can also build passages of color side by side or over one another, like making a picturesque meaning over a whole canvas over your whole project. Additionally, professional painters are the masters of patterns. Patterns are repetitions of specific visual elements where they can add a sense of strong character and a wide variety of art styles.

Benefit No.4: Training with safety measure standards
Most professional painting companies know that it is a wise investment to train and certify its personnel and to use the right tools and safety equipment. To be in the painting business, safety is a top priority. As the motto goes, safety first. always! 

Benefit No.5: Adhere strictly to scheduled time frame
Professional painting companies stick to the scheduled plan. Usually, they work as a team, with each having an own time frame. They cope up with any delays, like unpredictable weathers and major additional repairs, by adjusting to the solution options like additional manpower and other alternative courses just to finish a certain deadline.

Benefit No.6: Peace of mind
Employing a professional painting company removes the burden of anxiety and other sorts of negative what ifs off your chest. Professionals have a systematized management plan in any painting project. From the moment you start dealing with them until the post-service, they will assure you that the painting project will go smoothly without hassles.         

As your professional painting contractor in Naples, Smith Plastering is highly experienced and skilled in providing top-of- the-line Naples painting services. We also provide excellent drywall, stucco, and painting services in Southwest Florida.

As your Naples painting company, Smith Plastering, Inc. specializes in exterior and interior finishes of homes or commercial establishments such as stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing. Contact us now and have a FREE QUOTE for your home improvement needs at 239-594-7537.

Top Renovations for Your Summer House in Naples, Florida

Summer is coming and you may have thoughts to renovate your home.  Here are top unique suggestive ideas from Smith Plastering Inc you can consider in renovating or remodeling your home this summer!   

Suggestion No. 1: Painting makeover.
Painting is the most effortless way of doing a renovation on your summer house. You can have Smith Plastering Inc do this for you so that your new summer house can already be used in just a short span of time. Use glowing and bright colors to create a summer ambiance. Also, painting your summer house inside out can creates spatial balance. 

Suggestion No. 2: Add a summer deck.
This would be your top priority. Sparing a small amount of your budget for that ‘dream’ summer deck can add more value to the house for possible options of future investments. Most people build summer houses to find tranquility and peace of mind, and a deck is the ‘dream’ place that everybody wants to be in.     

Suggestion No. 3: Redesign the ambiance for summer.
You may change the interior design setup to have a new outlook and you can add more refreshing vigor as though you can feel where your money has gone. You can either have a close setup where you might need an air conditioning or heating system or an open setup, letting fresh natural air come in. The choice is yours!

Open-setup adjustments can be done by installing new designs of light-colored curtains, using more blinds for privacy purposes, and adding shades for more sunlight protection. A close setup requires sealing out the heat and cold, which requires functional testing of the cooling and heating system and making repairs if necessary.

Suggestion No. 4: Upgrade the landscape.
There are several outdoor improvement options that you can do like planting trees, growing gardens, and sprucing up the lawn. Plant shrubs and other flowering plants that grow fast so you can enjoy their vibrancy and life-like beauty in a short amount of time. Trim the lawns neatly and it would be better if you can install sprinklers for the irrigation system of your floral projects.   

There is no denying that summer house renovations would either cost you a fortune (costly) or cost you next to nothing (inexpensive). While there’s a lot of benefits you can gain from its cost, the real benefit can be derived from small improvements.

If you are still planning for your summer house renovation to happen, call Smith Plastering Inc., specializing in exterior and interior finishes of homes such as stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing.

Call us now at 239-594-7537! We can provide painting services in Naples. Drywall upgrades can be done as we are also your  Naples drywall company. Also, as a Naples  stucco contractor , you can trust us for Stucco services in Naples, Florida.     

Make your renovation happen today by requesting a FREE QUOTE. Smith Plastering Inc. provides excellent drywall, stucco, and painting services in all of Southwest Florida. You can also directly contact us at https://www.smithplastering.com/contact-us/ and for other details and inquiries, click on our website at https://www.smithplastering.com/.

What to Consider When Choosing Stucco Finish for Your Florida Home

There’s no place like home. As much as possible, we strive to make it strong, clean, presentable and happy all the time. Is there a secret formula in getting a  strong, clean, presentable and happy home in Florida?

Good news! The team at Smith Plastering can help you achieve it to the fullest with a stucco finish. Stucco installation is quick and works on a number of different homes and gives you great power over the decor of the exterior of your home. Stucco by Smith Plastering has become the most popular finish for many years because it is one of the most reliable plasters you can go with for your structure.

Let us give you some factors to consider with Smith Plastering for your stucco finish of your Florida home:

1. Climate in your area. Check the climate in your locality to make sure that a stucco finish for your home is suitable for it.

2. Your personal taste. Stucco is a beautiful material for finishes but your personal preferences add to the uniqueness of the design you would like to implement. Do not be afraid to try something new!  Smith Plastering will present you with many options.

3. Your allotted budget. Stucco varies in costs, but it wouldn't hurt to spend  on a material that is well-known for its durability and longevity.

4. A trusted company to get the job done. Choose Smith Plastering, an experienced contractor for your stucco installations to ensure that the job is done properly, quickly, and efficiently.

Stucco, or also known as render, is a material made of aggregates, a binder, and water. It is created from cement, lime, and silica applied in several layers over wood or metal lath. It is used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings, and as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture. These layers basically create a cement layer around the house.

With over 20 years of local experience, Smith Plastering provides the finest stucco finish on the exterior of your project.  A stucco company in Naples, Florida  and we are catering services for contractors who wish to have stucco used for their projects. So, if you are looking for a stucco company in Naples or in Collier and Lee counties, Smith Plastering is the best company for you! Call us at 239-594-7537 today for a FREE quote on your upcoming project. We all hope to see you again soon!

The Best Interior Design Ideas for 2019

Thinking about building a new home or having a renovation? Before you get excited to contact a Naples painting company or a Naples drywall services,  knowing the design that can exude the ambiance that you are looking for is important to make it worthwhile, timewise and moneywise.  If you are still considering what design will you get for your interiors, check out these hot designs this 2019 from Smith Plastering and Stucco.

Statement Ceilings

Sometimes, the ceiling may be the most neglected part of the house. But this year, it just might be the star of your home. It is now a trend to modify ceilings – from eccentric designs to lacquered finishes or simple elegant paint jobs accentuated with industrial fixtures. If you are already thinking of changing up your ceiling, then you are in the right track.  Smith Plastering will go over all your options with you.

Natural Elements and Eco-Friendly Designs

2018 marked technology-based design but 2019 is gearing up for the more natural materials – granite, stone, copper, concrete and more. This, combined with eco-friendly ways to build your home. Leftover materials marble and granite can be recomposed or re-purposed. Adding plants to your homes will also be a nice touch this 2019 as the need to go back to nature and protect it as much as we can become imminent.

Matte Finishes

Matte is not only becoming popular in beauty products, it is also now a hit when it comes to interior design. Glossy polishes are dramatic, but matte finishes are relaxed. And this is what people are looking for this year. Whether it’s the paint on your walls or your furniture, the matte finish will give a sleek look to your home.

These are just some of the best interior designs that are trending this season. If you need to refurbish your home or build a new one, finding a Naples painting company or professionals offering Naples drywall services to execute these ideas is necessary to get the best result. Smith Plastering provides excellent stucco, drywall, metal framing, and painting services in Southwest Florida. Contact us for your home improvement needs this 2019! 239-594-7537. Or, you can contact us and check our services by visiting us at https://www.smithplastering.com.