Exterior paint does more than beautify your house. It is also a coat that protects the walls from damage, especially in extreme weather conditions.
This exposure could lead to various damages. Moisture in the air, dust, and UV rays contribute to such damages. The exterior will not only start cracking and peeling, but it also starts to fade.
When this happens, the options are to repair or do a complete repainting job which can be expensive.
To avoid the expenses, there are ways to extend the longevity of the paint. As a homeowner, take note of these tips to preserve the exterior paint of your property.
Primer Is Essential
At the beginning of a painting project, a quality primer should be applied once the surface is fully prepared. This base coat enhances paint adhesion to the substrate.
As if this is not enough, water absorption could lead to expensive repairs. Dust is also a problem to your walls, and primers are known to prevent issues that could result from this.
Efflorescence is a problem that causes structural damage to properties. Proper primer prevents efflorescence which is moisture build-up and alkali attacks.
Besides, the top paint coats could also be suctioned into the substrate, but a primer reduces the possibility. At the end of the day, you need a strong base for the paint.
Keep the Gutters in Shape
Gutters will not only carry rainwater away from the roof but also away from the foundation and exterior walls. If water is drawn to the walls, it could cause serious damage to the paint.
One of the biggest problems with these parts is that they collect debris, twigs, tree branches, and even dead animals. They become clogged, and water starts spilling over. Damp spots start appearing, and this is a danger on the horizon.
To keep them clean, you should not only clean the gutters but also the roof. A gutter guard should also be installed as it keeps off most of the debris.
The other way to keep them in shape involves preventing hanging.
All these will prevent streaking and damp spots that could be caused by water running down the walls.
Check On Problem Areas Regularly
Once the paint is applied, that is not the end of it. From time to time, it should be inspected to identify problem areas. If possible, you can take photos and compare them to old ones.
If there are issues identified, talk to the painting contractor to help fix them.
Why should you check the exterior paint regularly? Elements and time inflict differences on the paint. It could fade, crack, and even peel.
When these areas are rectified in good time, it will be easy to preserve your home’s exterior paint.
What to Look Out For
There are numerous things that you should look out for. For example, a white film could be coming off the walls. It is known as chalking, which means it is breaking down.
Check if there are mold and mildew as well as peeling areas. If the paint is fading, some work needs to be done.
Clean the Exterior Walls
This is one reason you should use quality materials on the walls. With time, grime settles on the siding. Particulates from animals, plants, and extreme weather build up on the walls.
This is another problem that affects the quality and beauty of the paint. To prevent decay that may come with it, it is advisable to get rid of the particulates.
Power washing the walls at least annually without using harsh detergents is the best way to do so.
Conduct Touch-Up Paint
The paint on the exterior walls will not deteriorate at the same time. Some will peel and crack, others will fade while others will maintain their luster.
How this happens depends on the exposure to wind, dust, and sunlight. It also depends on the substrates beneath them, the treatments, and the coatings applied during painting.
In such cases, a homeowner is required to do touch-painting to prolong the life of the paint.
Trim vegetation around the house
If you are lucky enough to have a home surrounded by greenery, you will need to protect the paint. The vegetation does a great job in the provision of fresh air and natural beauty.
However, the same beautiful vegetation could be damaging the paint on the walls. The longer they become, the more dangerous they will be. The branches could be rubbing against the walls causing damage.
Hire a Professional
When painting the exterior walls, it is essential to hire a professional painting contractor. It is because they understand the importance of surface preparation and the use of quality materials.
By using their technical expertise, they only work with quality products to ensure the paint will be in good shape for years to come. They also adhere to best practices which includes surface preparation, primer application and good techniques.
Whether it is the original paint being applied or it is repainting, always hire a skilled professional.
Conclusion
Preserving your home’s exterior paint can be a daunting task when the property is exposed to extreme weather conditions. Dust, sun, and wind lead to residue setting on the walls. It must be cleaned otherwise, with time, it will take a toll on the paint.
If there is vegetation around the house, it should be trimmed down to prevent physical damage.
Inspecting the paint from time to time, doing touch-ups annually, and power washing are ways of maintaining your home’s beauty.
Besides, do not underestimate the importance of hiring an expert in maintaining the walls. A professional contractor uses their knowledge and expertise to make sure the paint lasts for a long time to come.
If there is a need to repaint, hire someone with experience and expertise.
Gutters and downspouts could also be damaging your exterior paint. If they are not functioning properly, rainwater will backup and this leads to overflow. It then runs down your walls to the foundation.
The moisture is a risk to the paint. For this reason, make sure that downspouts and gutters are well maintained.