If the exterior of your house has just been painted, it probably cost you money, time, or both! The last thing you want to consider is that you might soon need to repaint it. Even while nothing lasts forever, you may greatly increase the lifespan of your exterior paint by adhering to a few fundamental maintenance guidelines.
The importance of exterior paint
Let’s start by talking about how important your exterior paint is. Some people paint their homes because they prefer a different colour, while others do it because their interiors are starting to seem outmoded. However, external painting offers protection from the weather in addition to improving the look of your house. A quality layer of paint can help avoid the following issues:
Wood rot: A well-painted exterior will prevent moisture from rain, snow, or dew from penetrating any wooden surfaces in a house.
Sun damage: If exposed to the sun’s UV rays, unprotected vinyl siding may eventually fade, degrade, or bend. Paint on the outside, particularly lighter hues, will assist reflect sunlight and shield the surface from harm.
Termites: Any exposed wooden surface in your house invites termites, which are insects that eat away at wood. The likelihood of those unwelcome visitors ever entering is reduced with each application of outside paint.
Now that we know how important your outside paint is both practically and aesthetically, how can you contribute to keeping it looking and working well? Here are three useful pointers:
1. Frequent Cleaning
Maintaining the cleanliness of your painted outside surfaces is essential for a long-lasting appearance and safe house. To stop dirt, dust, and other debris from piling up, make it a habit to scrub and wash easily accessible places on a regular basis. To protect the paint, it could be beneficial to use a soft brush and a mild cleaner. It will take less work to clean the surface if you are more consistent. However, keep in mind that a number of variables, including the time of year and the location of your house, will affect the type of care that is needed. For instance, frequent cleaning is necessary in hot coastal areas to keep the buildup of sea salt from destroying the external paint.
2. Power washing every year
Ultimately, you can only accomplish so much without the right tools. Your garden hose just cannot reach certain parts of the outside of your house. You could require some help with power washing.
One of the most crucial upkeep chores for your freshly painted exterior is a yearly power wash. Power washing is a very efficient way to get rid of contaminants, mould, mildew, and filth that can build up over time. If these pollutants are not removed, they can cause paint deterioration in addition to degrading the look of your house. You can revitalise the appearance of your property, maintain its colour, and stop premature fading by making sure your exterior paint is power washed once a year. Remember that power cleaning can easily harm your house or paint. To ensure that the job is done correctly, think about using a professional power cleaning service!
3. Fix any damage
Over time, despite your best efforts, your painted exterior surfaces may sustain damage. Common problems like peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint need to be addressed. In order to stop further deterioration, it is imperative that these issues be addressed quickly.
Determine the root source of the damage first, such as inadequate surface preparation or moisture intrusion. Once the damaged areas have been located, fix them by removing any loose paint, priming them, and repainting them as needed. You can preserve the integrity and aesthetics of your painted surfaces by quickly identifying and fixing damage.
Questions and Answers (FAQs):
Q1: How frequently should my painted external surfaces be cleaned?
It is advised to clean your home every six to twelve months, but if your house is exposed to high levels of pollution, pollen, or other elements that hasten the collection of filth, you may need to clean more frequently.
Q2: Should I employ an expert to power wash painted surfaces, or can I do it myself?
For yearly power washing, it is best to employ a professional, but you can do minor power washing yourself. They possess the skills, tools, and information necessary to use the right pressure and methods to guarantee a complete clean without causing any damage to the paint.
Q3: When should I think about painting the outside of my house again?
Climate, paint quality, and care habits are some of the variables that affect how long exterior paint lasts. Generally speaking, if the paint begins to exhibit noticeable peeling, cracking, or fading, you should think about repainting.
