Repainting
Seasonal CareThe first step to ensuring the longevity of your home's exterior paint is to inspect it regularly. Walk around the house at least twice each year and closely examine the exterior paint for any signs of cracking, chipping, or peeling. If there are any such issues, address them promptly.
The inspection goes hand-in-hand with thorough cleaning. Airborne dirt often accumulates on the paint and discolors it. The dirt is also an ideal breeding ground for mildew. A powerwash or scrubbing can remove these unsightly elements.
Power washing does the job quickly, but you must be careful not to damage the substrate or lift the paint, as this cleaning method is quite aggressive. Limit the washing to once or twice a year if you choose it. Scrubbing is gentler, but you must use a mild detergent and scrub brush. Please do not use harsh cleaners like TSP because they lower the gloss of alkyd and some latex paints. Once done, clean the surfaces thoroughly to eliminate all the cleaner particles and dirt.
Over time, your exterior paint is bound to wear and fade due to exposure to weather elements and other environmental factors. It's important that when the paint begins showing signs of aging, you do some touch-ups or complete repainting. Here’s what you would need for your painting job if you do it yourself. But, professional Houston house painters can accurately assess what your home needs and will do a thorough job at restoring your home to top-notch condition.
The touch-ups are suitable for when the exterior paint still looks good but has small scratches or chips. Painting over them prevents further deterioration and water intrusion. It's prudent to keep a little of the original paint for regular touch-ups. On the other hand, repainting is for a complete overhaul when the old paint looks too aged. It refreshes your home, giving it a new layer of luster and protection against weather elements.
The landscaping around your house may affect the longevity of the exterior house paint. To keep the landscaping from damaging your home, ensure that the sides of the house remain dry. Avoid any moisture, as it is the primary erosion agent for external paint. Even if you choose waterproof paint, which is best, you must keep the sides of your house dry to keep the wood from deterioration and prevent mold and mildew growth. Also, it's easier for insects to destroy the wood further if it's already damp and damaged by the moisture.
To prevent moisture damage in the first place, trim the trees, shrubs, and bushes near the house for proper airflow. It will also allow some sunlight in and dries up any moisture. Avoid dead leaves around your house's sides as they trap moisture and house insects and rodents. Also, ensure that the water from your sprinklers does not get the sides of your home wet.
If there are signs of fungal growth on the house, get water, a brush, and a mild detergent. Put on protective gear like a mask and gloves, and clean the affected area thoroughly. After scrubbing the mold and mildew, thoroughly rinse the area and allow it to dry completely before touching it up or repainting.
The market today has some high-quality exterior paints that are UV-resistant. But, the sun's rays are so tough on the paint that it will still cause it to fade and lose its vibrancy over time. The way to avoid this is to choose pigments of lighter shades or ones with a reflective pigment because fading is less obvious with them.
Alternatively, you may use your preferred color shade, but for extra protection, apply a sealant or clear coat after the final coat as an additional layer of UV protection. It also delays the degradation of the paint underneath.
Different climates have different demands on your exterior paint. For example, in areas with a harsh winter, the freezing temperatures cause the paint to contract, and when it is warmer, the paint expands again, causing cracks and peels. On the other hand, in a hot and humid climate, the paint wears and fades quickly. Mold and mildew also grow on the paint much more easily.
Therefore, choose an exterior paint that accommodates the climatic changes in your area. For example, if you have extreme temperature fluctuations, select a paint that has superior flexibility, and if you live in a hot and humid area, opt for a paint that has more mildew resistance.
Before an anticipated seasonal change, such as when preparing your home for winter, take a trip around your house to examine its interior and do any repairs or paint touch-ups needed. In the same way, before the summer, inspect your home again and see if the paint has deteriorated, and address this, too.
Your home's exterior paint protects it from harsh weather, but it also needs proper care to preserve its beauty and integrity. Regular inspection, cleaning, repainting, and maintaining the landscaping around your home can keep your home looking stunning even in the harshest weather. But, to be sure of what to do, it's best to speak with a project consultant. They will help you make the right choices to safeguard your home for many years to come.