The Importance of Exterior Painting
Why Painting Your Exterior Isn’t Just About Aesthetics
Spring is here and we all have the fever to get outside! Sun is shining (as it does much of the year here in Colorado), flowers are in bloom and the energy is high. Homeowners are in full swing to get their landscaping and houses looking superb. But the one thing that is often overlooked is one of the most important in keeping one of your biggest investments in tip-top shape….Paint!!
Not only does the paint contribute to your homes beauty and curb-appeal, but it’s the suit of armor for the structure underneath. We’ve all seen it. Peeling, chipping, cracking, flaking paint on the siding. We think nothing of it at first. Fighting the urge to pick at it. Just a small patch here or there. This is the start of the breakdown of the protective coat of your house. The crazy fluctuation in weather we see in Colorado, where it snows on Monday and we’re swimming on Wednesday, can cause the wood to contract, making the paint crack and peel. When moisture gets into those compromised areas, the potential for rot, mildew and even mold increases.
While Colorado isn’t prone to humidity and moisture, there’s another element that wreaks havoc on the painted surfaces of your house. The incredibly powerful sun! Exposure to UV rays causes the paint to fade and break down. Blistering can occur which lead to peeling and flaking. Another side effect from sunlight is chalking, that powdery residue when you touch the surface. It’s caused from a chemical reaction from the UV light and the binders in the paint causing the paint to become duller and thinner and in turn, weaker.
While you can’t prevent the elements from affecting your house, you can take precautions in protecting it . Painting your house every 5-7 years, especially in areas of high moisture or intense sunlight, is recommended. It is cheaper, in the long run, to paint your house than having to replace and repair. Here are some things to add to your checklist when hiring a painter for the exterior of your home:
- Cleaning the surface before painting is very important. Painting a dirty surface is a common cause of paint failure and will hinder the life span of your paint job. Pressure washers should be used a 3-5 days in advance of further prepping and painting. This allows the surface to dry before the next step.
- Hand scraping any loose, flaking, peeling, or bubbling paint will allow better adhesion and prevent premature peeling. Sanding may be required for any glossy areas for failing spots.
- Repairs should be made by filling holes, caulking cracks and replacing/adding mortar as needed.
- Priming or spot- priming with exterior primer will help adhesion to the surface.
- Be sure to use a good quality paint that is mildew and stain resistant, and provides protection against harsh weather conditions. It may cost a little more up front, but will save you time, money and prolong the life of your home! Mod Paint Works prefers Benjamin Moore Exterior Paints.
Painting your house can be a daunting task both financially and mentally. But skimping on the process or ignoring it altogether will cause more stress down the road. Protect your investment and keeping it looking amazing all year!
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