Here’s Why You Should Maintain Your Exterior Paint Job

While many people in Columbia see exterior paint jobs as aesthetically pleasing, the paint does so much more to protect your home. Deteriorating paint can not only turn your home into the eyesore on the block, but it can also allow damage to take place below the surface. For this reason, you should be inspecting and repairing paint imperfections on an annual basis. Here’s why you should maintain your exterior paint job beyond look according to the experts at CertaPro Painters of Columbia, SC.

Homes in our area go through quite a bit of weather-related stress. Precipitation can take a toll on paint and the substrate underneath. The sun can leach pigments and cause chalking on the paint’s surface. What you’re left with is a big mess. Either one of these issues on their own is enough to consult a professional about the viability of the paint but both together means it’s time to consider an exterior paint job.

How Often Does an Exterior Need Painted?

There are a lot of factors that go into answering a question like this. The life of your paint can be affected by the substrate, methods to paint it on, preparation work and geographical location of your home. With all things considered, for the most part, wooden siding needs to be updated every 7-10 years, while stucco can last 10-12 years. These are not hard and fast rules, just a best guess. This is why it’s important to be aware of your paint and inspect it yearly.

There are a few common paint failures to look for when inspecting your exterior paint job.

Alligatoring

Alligatoring is a peeling formation that looks similar to an alligator’s checkered skin. This is a sign that your paint is beginning to fail and should be addressed.

Blistering

Blistering is a sign that there is water beneath the surface of the paint. It’s bubbling through the substrate and trying to escape. You should consult a painting professional to address the cause of the moisture before moving on to a new paint coating.

Peeling and Cracking

Peeling and cracking means it’s safe to say the paint is failing and needs to be replaced. This is usually a sign that the elasticity of the paint is gone and it will only continue to come off until you address the problem.

Mildew, Mold or Staining

While some staining can be as simple as a rust color from sprinkler water, some of it indicates that there is a water issue against the walls. Mold and mildew indicate standing water that is not being directed away from the walls. If you find these issues, it’s important to first address the cause of the water and make necessary repairs. After, treat the growth and clean it away before repainting the area.

Protect Your Home For Years to Come

Adding a new coating of paint to the exterior of your home is not only a way to increase your curb appeal but also to protect the substrate beneath it. Paint is the first barrier between your house and the elements outside and in being such you want it to be in good condition to protect you and your family.

Schedule an Estimate

If you do find any of the mentioned issues and have concerns about your exterior paint job, call us! Our crews are experts at dealing with previous paint failures and bringing your home to pristine again. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our estimators today.