In the heart of Georgia lies Alpharetta, a city that perfectly marries Southern hospitality with modern innovation. Known for its thriving community spirit and rich historical charm, Alpharetta is not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.
Alpharetta’s appeal starts with its dynamic downtown area, where quaint boutiques and contemporary eateries blend seamlessly. Peachtree lovers can stroll along tree-lined streets, discovering gems that range
from artisanal coffee shops to locally owned galleries. On weekends, the Alpharetta Farmers Market becomes a lively hub, offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods that celebrate the best of local traditions.
For those who savor the great outdoors, Alpharetta doesn't disappoint. From the sprawling Big Creek Greenway ideal for biking enthusiasts to the tranquil shores of Lake Windward suitable for a leisurely afternoon, there are countless ways to bask in the natural
Alpharetta, Georgia
4 | HelloAlpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue
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beauty that Alpharetta is so well-known for.
Education here is a top priority, with excellent schools and numerous opportunities for lifelong learning. Plus, with its active community programs and cultural events like the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, there’s always something inspiring happening around town.
If you’re searching for a place where innovation and tradition go hand in hand, allowing...
Alpharetta, Georgia
Alpharetta, Georgia: A Vibrant Southern Gem
In the heart of Georgia lies Alpharetta, a city that perfectly marries Southern hospitality with modern innovation. Known for its thriving community spirit and rich historical charm, Alpharetta is not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.
Alpharetta’s appeal starts with its dynamic downtown area, where quaint boutiques and contemporary eateries blend seamlessly. Peachtree lovers can stroll along tree-lined streets, discovering gems that range from artisanal coffee shops to locally owned galleries. On weekends, the Alpharetta Farmers Market becomes a lively hub, offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods that celebrate the best of local traditions.
For those who savor the great outdoors, Alpharetta doesn't disappoint. From the sprawling Big Creek Greenway ideal for biking enthusiasts to the tranquil shores of Lake Windward suitable for a leisurely afternoon, there are countless ways to bask in the natural beauty that Alpharetta is so well-known for.
Education here is a top priority, with excellent schools and numerous opportunities for lifelong learning. Plus, with its active community programs and cultural events like the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, there’s always something inspiring happening around town.
If you’re searching for a place where innovation and tradition go hand in hand, allowing for growth while keeping a neighborly heart, Alpharetta, Georgia, is calling your name.
FEATURED STORY
Simple Habit That Keeps Georgia Bugs Out
by Shane Blackwell
In Georgia, the tiniest gaps in a home can create big problems. A cracked window seal, a missing door sweep, or an unsealed attic vent may seem minor, but for pests they are open invitations. Roaches, ants, spiders, and even rodents use these openings to make their way indoors. Many homeowners believe bugs are drawn mainly by crumbs or clutter, but in truth, most infestations start outside. The real issue is access.Exclusion is the process of keeping pests out by sealing entry points, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent infestations in Georgia homes.
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Shane Blackwell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shane Blackwell is a Service Tech at Daniel & Lawson Pest Control.
Georgia’s warm climate creates ideal conditions for insects and rodents year-round. Roaches and ants thrive in the humid summers, while rodents seek shelter indoors during cooler months. Because so many pests remain active across all seasons, homes are at constant risk of invasion. Unlike chemical treatments, exclusion focuses on prevention. A cockroach cannot enter through a door that is sealed tightly, and a spider cannot crawl in through a vent covered with fine mesh. For this reason, exclusion is often the first step recommended by pest control professionals.The entry points that cause the most trouble are
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Simple Habit That Keeps Georgia Bugs Out
In Georgia, the tiniest gaps in a home can create big problems. A cracked window seal, a missing door sweep, or an unsealed attic vent may seem minor, but for pests they are open invitations. Roaches, ants, spiders, and even rodents use these openings to make their way indoors. Many homeowners believe bugs are drawn mainly by crumbs or clutter, but in truth, most infestations start outside. The real issue is access.
Exclusion is the process of keeping pests out by sealing entry points, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent infestations in Georgia homes. Georgia’s warm climate creates ideal conditions for insects and rodents year-round. Roaches and ants thrive in the humid summers, while rodents seek shelter indoors during cooler months. Because so many pests remain active across all seasons, homes are at constant risk of invasion. Unlike chemical treatments, exclusion focuses on prevention. A cockroach cannot enter through a door that is sealed tightly, and a spider cannot crawl in through a vent covered with fine mesh. For this reason, exclusion is often the first step recommended by pest control professionals.
The entry points that cause the most trouble are often small enough to escape notice. A gap as thin as a credit card can allow roaches to slip inside, and mice can squeeze into holes the size of a dime. Doors with worn sweeps, window frames with cracked caulk, and attic or foundation vents without proper screens are some of the most common problem areas. Small spaces where plumbing or wiring enter the home are also frequent access points. Inspecting these areas a few times a year can stop problems before they start.
Because different pests appear at different times, seasonal checks make a real difference in Georgia. During spring and summer, ants and wasps are more active. In the fall, rodents begin searching for warm nesting spots indoors. Winter tends to drive pests like spiders and silverfish inside as temperatures drop. A simple routine of walking the perimeter of the home and checking windows, doors, and vents can reveal issues before they become costly. Replacing weather stripping, re-caulking frames, or repairing screens are small tasks that have a big impact.
Exclusion also works best as part of a larger pest control plan. Even when homeowners rely on routine treatments, sealing entry points provides long-term protection that chemicals alone cannot achieve. It also saves money over time. A single call for roach treatment or rodent removal may solve the immediate issue, but if gaps remain open, pests will continue to return. Once sealed, those same gaps stop future infestations and reduce the need for repeated treatments.
One common misunderstanding is that pests appear only because of poor housekeeping. While food crumbs and clutter may attract them once they are inside, even the cleanest homes can face infestations if cracks and gaps are left unsealed. Moisture also plays a role. Georgia’s humidity creates damp areas around crawlspaces and foundations, and these conditions attract termites, ants, and other moisture-loving pests. Sealing gaps in these areas is especially important, since pests are naturally drawn to them.
Making exclusion a habit keeps families more comfortable and protects property over the long term. Insects and rodents can chew wires, damage insulation, and spread allergens, all of which pose health and safety risks. Prevention reduces those dangers significantly. The practice does not require complicated tools or training. A flashlight, a tube of caulk, and simple replacement materials like door sweeps or vent screens are often all that is needed. For larger or hard-to-reach areas, professional pest control companies can help with more advanced sealing methods.
Even the smallest details can make a major difference. By sealing up what matters, Georgia homeowners can avoid many of the frustrations that pests bring, and they can do it with one straightforward habit: keeping the outside, outside.
Even the cleanesthomes can attractpests if smallcracks and gaps areleft unsealed.
often small enough to escape notice. A gap as thin as a credit card can allow roaches to slip inside, and mice can squeeze into holes the size of a dime. Doors with worn sweeps, window frames with cracked caulk, and attic or foundation vents without proper screens are some of the most common problem areas. Small spaces where plumbing or wiring enter the home are also frequent access points. Inspecting these areas a few times a year can stop problems before they start....
Best Practices for Painting Stucco & Concrete Siding in Georgia
Painting stucco or concrete siding in Georgia requires more than just a fresh coat of paint. The combination of humidity, rainfall, and temperature swings across the state makes these materials difficult to protect. Without careful preparation, paint can fade, chalk, or peel within a few short years.
The real key is understanding how to prepare the surface properly and choosing coatings that can handle Georgia’s demanding climate.Every lasting paint job begins with a clean, sound surface. Stucco and concrete collect dirt, mildew, and efflorescence that interfere with adhesion. Start by
8 | HelloAlpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue
Best Practices for Painting Stucco & Concrete Siding in Georgia
Painting stucco or concrete siding in Georgia requires more than just a fresh coat of paint. The combination of humidity, rainfall, and temperature swings across the state makes these materials difficult to protect. Without careful preparation, paint can fade, chalk, or peel within a few short years. The real key is understanding how to prepare the surface properly and choosing coatings that can handle Georgia’s demanding climate.
Every lasting paint job begins with a clean, sound surface. Stucco and concrete collect dirt, mildew, and efflorescence that interfere with adhesion. Start by pressure washing with a mild detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow the wall to dry completely. Avoid using excessive pressure, which can damage soft stucco or drive water into cracks. If mildew remains, apply a diluted bleach solution, rinse again, and let the wall dry for at least twenty-four hours.
A concrete primer formulated to block alkalinity should always be applied to cement board or stucco surfaces, since these materials naturally carry a high pH. This primer neutralizes the surface and creates a consistent, stable base for coating. It prevents color damage from pH burn, one of the leading causes of discoloration and early coating failure on concrete or stucco siding.
Once the surface is primed, look carefully for cracks or small openings. Hairline cracks often form as stucco or concrete cures and expands with temperature changes. These cracks must be sealed before painting. Use a flexible elastomeric patch or masonry crack filler. It will stretch slightly with the wall instead of breaking apart. For deeper voids, use a cementitious patching compound that cures fully before continuing.
When sealing joints, avoid caulking between butt joints in the middle of a wall, since most siding manufacturers advise against it. Caulking these joints can seal the wall too tightly and trap moisture inside, which shortens coating life. Instead, seal only around windows, doors, and other penetrations where water can enter.
The primer you choose determines whether the new coating will last. A bonding primer designed for masonry provides the best base. It penetrates the surface and anchors firmly to concrete or stucco, improving adhesion of the topcoat. Avoid general-purpose latex primers that can lose grip over time. Apply primer evenly with a sprayer and roller back for full coverage. Allow the primer to cure completely before applying the topcoat.
When it comes to topcoats, a breathable ceramic coating performs best in Georgia’s environment. These coatings contain microscopic ceramic particles that form a durable, water-resistant barrier. The coating resists liquid water penetration but still allows vapor to pass through. This breathability is vital in Georgia’s humidity, where trapped moisture can cause paint to bubble or peel. A breathable ceramic coating lets vapor escape, keeping walls dry while blocking rain and surface moisture.
Use the correct application method for a uniform finish. Spray and back-roll the coating to achieve the proper thickness. Two thin coats are better than one heavy layer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time, temperature range, and film build. Applying paint during extreme heat or high humidity can trap moisture or cause uneven drying.
Color selection also affects performance. Lighter shades reflect heat and help prevent surface expansion that can lead to cracking or fading. Dark colors absorb more sunlight, which increases temperature stress on the coating. Choose pigments formulated for exterior use with UV stabilizers that resist Georgia’s strong summer sun.
Proper maintenance helps extend the life of your coating system. Once a year, inspect the surface for new cracks or chips. Clean the siding with a mild detergent and water to remove surface contaminants. Prompt touch-ups, where needed, will keep the protective barrier intact. With this level of care, a quality ceramic coating system can last up to 25 years before reapplication is required, while traditional exterior paints often last only three to five years.
Stucco and concrete siding may seem permanent, but their porous nature demands attention. Moisture moves in and out of these materials every day. The coating you apply must protect against rain and humidity while allowing vapor to escape. When you clean, neutralize, prime, and seal properly, you create a system that works with the material, not against it. The result is a stable, attractive finish that stands up to Georgia’s sun, storms, and seasons year after year.
The cost of good preparation and quality coatings may seem high at first, but the long-term savings are significant. Paint jobs that fail early need costly remediation and can even damage the underlying structure. A durable, breathable coating saves labor, reduces repaint frequency, and protects the building from the inside out. That is why professionals focus on preparation, chemistry, and compatibility rather than shortcuts.
When the job is done right, the difference is visible. The finish remains bright, consistent, and intact even after years of southern weather. Proper preparation and the right materials turn an ordinary paint job into a long-lasting exterior protection system that preserves both appearance and structure for the long term.
Jeff Ecklund
concrete primer formulated to block alkalinity should always be applied to cement board or stucco surfaces, since these materials naturally carry a high pH. This primer neutralizes the surface and creates a consistent, stable base for coating. It prevents color damage from pH burn, one of the leading causes of discoloration and early coating failure on concrete or stucco siding.Once the surface is primed, look carefully for cracks or small openings. Hairline cracks often form as stucco or concrete cures and expands with temperature changes. These cracks must be sealed before painting. Use a flexible elastomeric patch or masonry...
pressure washing with a mild detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow the wall to dry completely. Avoid using excessive pressure, which can damage soft stucco or drive water into cracks. If mildew remains, apply a diluted bleach solution, rinse again, and let the wall dry for at least twenty-four hours.
A breathable ceramic coating lets vapor escape, keeping walls dry while blocking rain and surface moisture.
About the Author
Co-owner Jeff Ecklund has led Rhino Shield by Georgia Coatings, Inc. for over 20 years, bringing dedication, customer focus, and trusted craftsmanship to every project. Jeff especially enjoys visiting with customers on-site.
