Why Coastal Homes in St. Augustine Need to Be Repainted More Often

Living along Florida’s First Coast comes with incredible benefits—ocean views, sea breezes, and year-round sunshine. But if you own a coastal home in St. Augustine, you’ve likely noticed your exterior paint fading, peeling, or chipping sooner than expected.

At CertaPro Painters® of First Coast – St. Augustine, FL, we specialize in helping homeowners near the ocean protect their investment from the region’s harsh conditions. Here’s why coastal homes need more frequent exterior painting—and how to make it last.

Salt Air Wears Down Paint Faster

The salty Atlantic breeze may feel refreshing, but it’s corrosive to paint. Salt particles settle on your home’s surfaces, especially near Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and Crescent Beach, causing:

• Blistering and peeling
• Surface staining
• Accelerated fading of color

Salt also draws moisture into surfaces, leading to hidden damage over time.

Solution:

• Use salt-resistant, marine-grade exterior paints
• Rinse siding with a garden hose quarterly to remove buildup
• Apply a protective sealant to vulnerable areas like trim and railings

Florida Sun Fades Paint Quickly

Coastal homes receive high-intensity UV exposure, especially on south- and west-facing sides. That blazing sun breaks down pigments and binders in paint, especially dark or vibrant colors.

Signs of sun damage:

• Faded siding or shutters
• Chalking (a powdery residue)
• Brittle or cracking paint

Solution:

• Choose UV-resistant acrylic paints designed for southern climates
• Repaint exteriors every 5–7 years, or sooner for ocean-facing walls
• Opt for lighter, reflective colors that resist fading

Humidity, Moisture & Storm Exposure

St. Augustine’s high humidity and frequent storms put homes at constant risk of mold, mildew, and water intrusion. Homes in neighborhoods like Ponte Vedra, Palm Valley, and Nocatee often experience:

• Mildew growth on siding
• Wood rot on porches and trim
• Paint bubbling or blistering from trapped moisture

Solution:

• Apply mildew-resistant primers and paints
• Ensure proper caulking and sealing before painting
• Pressure wash annually to prevent buildup

Coastal Materials Need Specialized Paint

Many First Coast homes are built with stucco, Hardie board, or wood siding—each of which reacts differently to the coastal environment. These materials need specific preparation and custom coatings to withstand the elements.

Solution:

• Use elastomeric coatings on stucco for flexibility and crack-bridging
• Paint Hardie board with breathable, mold-resistant products
• Treat wood with sealers before painting

First Coast Expertise Matters

At CertaPro Painters® of First Coast – St. Augustine, we understand how the coastal climate affects every square inch of your home’s exterior. We’ve completed hundreds of painting projects across:

• St. Augustine Beach
• Ponte Vedra
• Nocatee
• And more!

Our locally based team knows what paints work—and what fails—on homes just like yours.

Get a Free Estimate Today

If your coastal home is showing signs of paint wear, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact CertaPro Painters® of First Coast – St. Augustine, FL today for a free, no-obligation exterior painting estimate. We’ll help you protect your investment and restore your home’s curb appeal.