Most of us live in what could be called “climate-controlled” environments. That is, our homes have heat and some form of cooling, and roofs and windows keep out the outside elements. The exteriors of our homes, on the other hand, are open to whatever Mother Nature might throw at them. And when it comes to our dwellings, one of the first parts to bear Mother’s wrath is the exterior paint.
Because of year-round exposure to the elements, an exterior paint job needs more monitoring and occasional maintenance than the walls and ceilings inside our homes. Here are some useful tips for maintaining your home’s exterior paint job.
Chalk and dirt
Over time, wind brings dirt and dust to rest on the walls of a home’s exterior. Also, paint eventually releases a chalky substance as the seasons roll on. A good cleaning is a good idea, and in most cases scrubbing with a mild detergent will do the trick. Cleaners like TSP are very powerful and can diminish the gloss of many types of paints, so use with caution. Renting a power-washer and using straight water also can do the job well.
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are living organisms that grow and spread. These substances can abound on exterior paint on parts of the home that get little or no sunlight, particularly in damp weather. You’ll want to rid your exterior walls (painted or otherwise) of mold and mildew as soon as you spot it. Here’s how:
Make a mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part bleach. Brush or spray a little of the mold-killer on a small, out-of-the-way section of the home’s exterior to ensure that the paint won’t fade. If all is well, use a sprayer or a brush to coat over the moldy areas with about a foot of overlap in all directions. Mold will start dying immediately, but several applications may be necessary.
Efflorescence
This happens when moisture within masonry substrate pushes out a white, salt-based, powdery substance onto the paint, marring its surface and beauty. Step one in solving this problem is to find out where the moisture is coming from and stop it. Then you can use a wire brush (wear a dust mask and goggles) to scrape away the powder. Prime with a latex masonry primer and then repaint the treated sections.
Other things to check
While some paints carry long extended warranties and are made to the highest standards, no paint lasts forever. Particularly in harsh weather areas, exterior paint can show early signs of aging, and these conditions should be addressed quickly. Inspect your home’s exterior once or twice a year and look for cracking, peeling, adhesion problems, blistering, significant fading, rust, mold and mildew (as already mentioned) and reduced gloss sheen.
If you discover these problems, consult a paint professional to determine the most effective ways to tackle them. It will be worth it in the long run.
For the best in exterior and interior painting, Connecticut counts on Franklin Painting to get the job done right the first time. If you’re considering an exterior paint job and want one that will last and look great for years, call the professionals at (877) 646-7774.
Franklin Painting LLC – Call us Toll Free at 877-646-7774
or at our main office number 860-678-7701
160 Brickyard Road, Farmington, CT 06032