Your home's exterior is the first thing visitors see, so it's important to keep it looking its best and protect it from the elements. Regular painting maintenance improves your home's appearance, prevents moisture infiltration, pests entering through cracks or holes, and further deterioration from the sun. A fresh coat of paint is a win-win: it enhances your home's beauty and fortifies its protection.
Here are some easily identifiable signs that the exterior of your St. George home needs to be painted:
Peeling or cracking paint. This is one of the most obvious signs that it's time to repaint. When paint starts to peel or crack, it exposes the underlying materials to the elements, which can lead to water damage and rot.
Fading paint. Over time, paint will naturally fade in the sun. If your home's exterior paint is starting to look dull and faded, it's probably time for a new coat.
Mold or mildew growth. Mold and mildew can thrive in moist environments, such as the exterior of a house. If you see any signs of mold or mildew growth on your home, it's important to have it cleaned and removed immediately. Painting over mold or mildew will only trap it and make it worse.
Water stains. Water stains can be caused by a variety of things, such as leaky gutters or downspouts, or even just condensation. If you see any water stains on your home's exterior, it's important to have them repaired before painting.
Gaps between siding boards. Gaps between siding boards can allow moisture to seep into your home, which can lead to water damage and rot. If you see any gaps between your siding boards, it's important to have them filled in before painting. Please note: It is normal for the underside of a horizontal plank to have a gap for moisture to escape.
Additional signs to look for:
Blisters in the paint. Sometimes, bubbles or blisters can form in the paint due to moisture issues or improper previous paint application. These should also be addressed before repainting.
Chalking. Chalking refers to the formation of a powdery residue on the surface of the paint. If you can rub the paint with your hand, and it leaves a chalky residue on your fingers, it's a sign that the paint is deteriorating and needs attention.
Cracked or damaged caulk. The caulk around windows, doors, and other openings should be inspected. If it's cracked, damaged, or missing, it's a good idea to recaulk these areas before repainting to maintain proper sealing and insulation.
Visible wood grain. If the wood grain is becoming visible through the paint, it's an indicator that the paint is wearing thin and the surface is in need of repainting.
Stucco efflorescence build up. White, powdery substance that can form on the surface of stucco walls. It is caused by water-soluble salts that are present in the stucco mixture. When water dissolves these salts, they migrate to the surface of the stucco and crystallize as they evaporate. Efflorescence is most common in new stucco walls, but it can also occur on older walls.
Consider the age of the last paint job:
The recommended frequency of repainting varies depending on the type of paint used and environmental conditions. It's recommend to repaint wood exteriors every 5-8 years, while stucco exteriors may only need to be repainted every 10-15 years.
Choosing the right paint:
When it's time to repaint, consult with a professional painting company like 3 Ropes Painting in St. George to help you choose the right type of paint for your exterior. Different surfaces (wood, stucco, brick, etc.) and climates require different types of paint for optimal durability and protection.
Surface preparation is essential:
Before repainting, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. This includes cleaning, scraping, sanding, priming, patching and caulking as necessary to ensure the new paint adheres properly and creates a complete protective membrane.
Maintenance tips:
To prolong the life of your new paint job, consider these maintenance tips:
Clean your home's exterior regularly to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly, and make sure they are free of debris and functioning properly.
Address any issues with your home's exterior promptly, such as cracks in the siding or peeling paint.
By keeping an eye out for these signs and consulting professionals like 3 Ropes Painting at 435-277-0834, you can ensure that your St. George home's exterior is always looking its best and protected from the elements.
In this picture you can see what happens when moisture kept running under the stucco from the top and the renters stuck nails into the stucco from the back further lowering integrity of the stucco.
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