Exterior Painting & Siding Repair in Plano, TX – Chase Oaks
The exterior of this Plano residence in the Chase Oaks neighborhood was revitalized through combined carpentry repairs and painting services using premium protective coatings. Our inspection uncovered compromised wood and failing seals, which were addressed by installing weather-resistant fiber-cement siding and professional-grade sealants. The project concluded with a full-strength application of high-performance paint, resulting in a vibrant finish that provides long-term defense against the elements. The property now stands fully protected and visually renewed, backed by a five-year workmanship warranty.
Before and After – Painting & Siding Project in Plano
Chase Oaks – Plano
Project at a Glance
- Location: Plano, TX
- Neighborhood:Chase Oaks
- Property Type: Two-Story Single Family Home
- Project Scope: Extrior trim and siding repair and painting including carpentry repairs, chimney re-siding, pressure washing, and professional caulking
The Challenge: A Chimney Showing its Age
The most visible problem on this Chase Oaks home was the chimney. Years of North Texas sun and rain had taken a toll on the siding surrounding it, leaving the kind of wear that makes a homeowner start wondering whether a paint job alone will actually fix anything. The trim around the property told a similar story — not dramatic damage, but the slow kind that gets worse the longer it sits. The real risk wasn’t how it looked. It was what painting over it would have meant. Putting a fresh coat on top of failing wood and aging seals doesn’t solve the underlying problem — it just hides it for a while, until moisture that’s already finding its way in causes rot, invites pests, and eventually reaches framing that’s far more expensive to fix than the siding ever would have been.
The Discovery: What was Hiding Under Old Paint
The chimney’s condition was already on the radar before work started. What wasn’t obvious until the pressure washing began was how much of the surrounding wood had failed underneath layers of paint that still looked intact from a few feet away. Once that old paint came off, the full picture became clear — traditional wood components around the chimney had deteriorated to the point that patching wasn’t a real option. The team also found that the front door’s wood jamb had reached the same point, with moisture damage compromising the seal at the entry. Between the chimney and the door, this wasn’t a cosmetic refresh anymore. It was two separate failure points that both needed to be rebuilt before any paint could do its job.
The Solution: Rebuilding the Chimney then Finishing it Right
The chimney siding came off entirely and was replaced with HardiePlank Select Cedarmill — a fiber-cement product chosen specifically because it doesn’t share wood’s vulnerability to rot, fire, or insects. At the front entry, the damaged jamb was replaced with Southern Yellow Pine fitted with a PVC stop, giving the door frame a seal that won’t fail the way the original wood did. With both problem areas rebuilt, the team applied Benjamin Moore Aura at full strength in Cocoa Whip — a premium coating chosen for its ability to hold color and resist weathering through North Texas summers, applied at full strength rather than thinned down for easier coverage.
The Results: Fixing Two Problems for One Finished Look
What used to be the most visibly weathered part of the house — the chimney — is now finished in fiber-cement that won’t repeat the rot that caused the original problem. The front door closes against a sound, properly sealed jamb instead of one that was slowly failing. And the Cocoa Whip finish ties it all together with a look that’s noticeably more refined than what was there before.This wasn’t a project where painting created the improvement — the painting is the visible result of fixing two specific things that were actually broken. With a 5-year workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on materials, the homeowner isn’t just getting a better-looking house — they’re getting two repaired failure points that won’t need to be revisited anytime soon.
Our Proven Process
How we handled every step of this project — from first inspection to final sign-off.
Step 1
Inspect & Document
Assessed chimney and trim, identifying 105 square feet of compromised siding requiring immediate structural replacement.
Step 2
Advocate & Confirm
Reviewed findings with homeowner, agreeing to replace wood with durable fiber-cement and PVC materials.
Step 3
Prepare & Protect
Pressure washed surfaces with TSP and masked windows to ensure a clean, protected workspace.
Step 4
Install & Restore
Applied Benjamin Moore Aura paint at full-strength and installed HardiePlank Select Cedarmill chimney siding and Benjamin Moore paint in Cocoa Whip.
Step 5
Clean Up
Completed full property cleanup, hauling off all construction trash and debris from the worksite.
Step 6
Walkthrough & Sign-Off
Reviewed siding installation, door jamb replacement, and painting results to ensure satisfaction.
Materials Specification
| Material Category | Brand & Product Specification | Quantity / Square Footage |
|---|---|---|
| Siding | HardiePlank Select Cedarmill 5/16 in x 8 in | 105 SQFT |
| Exterior Paint | Benjamin Moore Aura Low Lustre (Cocoa Whip) | 3 Gallons |
| Trim | HardieTrim 1x6x12 as Fascia | 6 EA |
| Trim | Soffit Cap HardiePanel Cedarmill (Triangle) | 3 EA |
| Trim | HardieTrim Frieze Board 1x4x8 | 2 EA |
| Door Trim | Brick Moulding PVC | 1 EA |
| Door Frame | Southern Yellow Pine Jamb 2x8x8 plus PVC Stop | 2 EA |
| Sealant | DAP DYNAFLEX – Lifetime Caulk | 1 Pkg |
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Preparation is the foundation of any long-lasting paint job, especially in Plano. On this project, we performed a thorough pressure wash with TSP to remove environmental contaminants and used surface-specific primers to ensure the best possible bond for the topcoat. We also resealed all seams and joints with premium DAP DYNAFLEX sealant rather than just spot-caulking visible cracks. This comprehensive sealing prevents moisture from getting behind the new paint, which is critical for avoiding premature peeling and protecting the underlying wood.
Materials Selected for Long-Term Performance
The materials for this project were selected specifically for their ability to endure North Texas’ extreme heat and unpredictable weather. We chose James Hardie fiber-cement siding for the chimney because it resists warping and cracking better than traditional wood or composites. Additionally, Benjamin Moore Aura was selected as the primary coating. This premium paint is designed for excellent weathering, ensuring that the Cocoa Whip color remains vibrant and the protective barrier stays intact even after years of intense sun exposure.
The Phillips Approach
What sets this project apart is our “Total Reseal” philosophy and our commitment to using full-strength products. While corners can be cut by using cheaper paint or only caulking where a gap is clearly visible, that’s not The Phillips Way. Our team applied Benjamin Moore Aura at full-strength for maximum durability, and caulked all edges. We also substituted failing wood with rot-proof PVC and fiber-cement, advocating for long-term solutions over quick fixes. Our process is designed to provide the most value for the homeowner’s dollar through thoroughness and superior material selection.
Questions Related to this Painting & Siding Project
Q: How does the team identify rotten wood?
Phillips Home Improvements utilizes a rigorous multi-step inspection process during the preparation to help uncover problem areas. Before any paint is applied, the team performs a thorough pressure wash which often reveals compromised wood by blowing off old paint that might have been masking decay. Visual inspection along with push tests also help reveal trouble spots. In this specific project, the team identified 105 square feet of chimney siding that needed to be completely replaced with HardiePlank Select Cedarmill to ensure the structure was sound. By identifying and replacing these “bad” boards, our team ensures the new coating is applied to a healthy, solid surface rather than just covering up a problem.
Q: Why is fiber-cement siding recommended for chimney repairs instead of standard wood?
Fiber-cement products, such as the HardiePlank Select Cedarmill used on this residence, offer superior resistance to the elements compared to traditional wood. Wood is susceptible to warping, cracking, and rotting when exposed to the moisture and temperature fluctuations common in Texas. On this project, our team replaced the existing chimney siding and finished it with new trim boards to provide a much more durable solution. Because fiber-cement is resistant to these weather-related issues, it provides a longer-lasting repair that maintains its appearance and protective qualities far longer than wood siding ever could.
Q:What steps are taken to protect the property during the painting process?
Our team employs extensive masking and surface protection protocols that go far beyond just using drop cloths. We use a combination of tape, plastic film, and masking paper to shield surrounding surfaces such as brick, windows, and light fixtures from overspray or drips. For example, on this project, the team specifically masked two sets of windows set in the siding on the right elevation to ensure they remained clean. Additionally, if a home has a pool or expensive landscaping, our team covers those areas as well, ensuring that the property is returned to the homeowner in pristine condition.
