First Congregational Church
Commercial Case Study
First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake, IL
CertaPro Painters® of McHenry, IL was contacted for the comprehensive project of renewing the exterior of a historic church in Crystal Lake. The church building, erected in 1867, has housed the congregation for over 150 years, serving as an important landmark in the community. Because of the age of the building, it had been painted with lead-based paint, so safety measures were critical.
Our team applied long-lasting paint to ensure durability. Special attention was given to intricate details like stained glass windows and historical elements to avoid damage. Using a 60 foot articulated boom lift our team worked at elevation to cover all sides of the building, completing the project in the specified time frame.
View a selection of images from the project below, detailing our process from start to finish.
Before
The worst portions had alligator texture, and needed to be scraped before new paint could be applied.
During
Tarps were laid down 20 feet out from the building, ensuring any scraped lead paint debris was captured.
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT:
The exterior painting of the church involved several crucial steps to ensure a high-quality finish. Initially, all areas with peeling or cracking paint were carefully scraped off to create a smooth surface. Damaged wood sections with holes were treated using Bondo to restore their structural integrity. To further prepare the surface and prevent future peeling, a layer of PeelRx primer was applied. Finally, the entire exterior was painted using white Super Paint, chosen for its durability and vibrant finish. The meticulous preparation and choice of quality materials ensured a long-lasting and visually striking result.
CHALLENGES:
This was a particularly challenging project as it involved handling lead-based paint, which required strict adherence to safety regulations. To comply, the ground was covered with tarps extending 20 feet out from the building before paint removal began. This was crucial for containing any lead particles that might be dislodged during the process.
Additionally, the project was complicated by windy conditions, which required extra precautions to ensure both the safety of the workers and the integrity of the job. Tarps were either heavily layered or tied and weighed down to prevent blowing away. The boom lift provided stability for the workers as they painted at elevation.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT:
Adapting to the specific challenges of this project, our team chose the best materials for the job, outlined a plan of action, and followed through with the job in a timely manner. The result is a beautifully painted and vibrant church that ideally will serve the community for another 150 years!
PROJECT TIMELINE: 6 days
