Exterior Paint Protection

Sun, rain, snow, and ice. Everyone knows that these adverse weather conditions can cause damage to human skin. That’s why there are things available to protect against these things, such as sunscreen, umbrellas, winter coats, and gloves. What most people may not realize, however, is that they need to protect the outsides of their homes from these weather conditions, just as they would need to protect themselves if they were going outside.

Think of it this way. Humans expose themselves to weather conditions for a certain amount of time before they go inside to get out of the cold, heat, or dampness. The exteriors of their homes do not have this luxury. Day in and day out, homes that are treated with exterior paint face the harsh realities of unpredictable weather. For this reason, it is necessary for homeowners to check the condition of their outside paint at least once a year. Chipped, cracking, or peeling paint exposes the wood to the elements as well, and this can cause serious damage to a home’s structure.

One of the things to look for is fading paint. Are there areas where the exterior paint is lighter than it is in other places? These lighter segments are the trouble spots. Paint fade is an indication that the wood is not being protected.

Also, look for signs of something called “alligatoring.” This is what happens when the paint starts puckering, wrinkling, and overall just looking like the skin on an alligator. This is a sign that water is getting through and penetrating the surface of the paint.  When this is discovered, it’s important to repaint immediately to avoid any further damage.

In selecting a paint to use for exterior paint protection and repair, it is important to make the choice with an eye toward paint protection. First, it will be necessary to pressure wash any areas to be painted in order to get rid of all the damaged
paint and debris. Complete this step a few days in advance to give the wood enough time to dry.

Next, the wood will need to be primed. Sherwin-Williams Wood Primer is highly recommended, in either the oil-based or latex versions. The oil-based primer is better for areas that are prone to staining. The latex version is best for wetter areas, where mildew is a concern. Either type of primer can be tinted to match the color of the paint to be used.

After the primer is applied, it is time to paint. Two coats of very high quality latex paint like Sherwin-Williams’ A-100(R) Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint should be used. This kind of paint is affected less by the sun’s ultraviolet rays than are other types of paint.  It also adheres well to all wood surfaces and is less likely to experience blistering or puckering in wet conditions. It is a flexible, mildew-resistant paint that expands and contracts in relation to temperature changes to prevent paint cracking and peeling.

As soon as the first signs of fading paint and cracked surfaces appear, contact the professionals at United Home Experts. They carry a wide selection of paints and can give you more detailed advice on selecting the best paint protection for your home.