When winter finally starts to melt and the Cincinnati Reds begin Spring Training, people here in Kentucky get excited. There is a palpable feeling of hope and excitement in the air for the start of a new season, spring. Outdoor spring projects begin to take priority and you wonder:
Should We Paint This Year?
This article will help you decide. We take a look at the 4 most common paint problems seen in residential homes. After reading this article, take 5-10 minutes to walk around your house and see if you notice anything. Or click here to schedule a free Painting Estimate.
1. Fading Paint
You will notice fading colors on the areas that get the most sun, typically the south and west sides of the house. To observe the extent of the problem, use the OXIDATION TEST; in a discrete area of the surface with fading paint, wipe your finger or a dry rag. If you notice chalk-like paint rubbing off on your finger or rag then the paint is oxidizing.
Oxidizing paint is most commonly seen on shutters, doors, and gutters; it can make your home look old and tired. Paint in this condition is no longer protecting the area from moisture or other elements that will eventually cause damage. However, if these areas are not wooden it poses no structural danger. You should strongly consider painting if it is noticed on a wooden area.
BEWARE of the Pressure Washing before the Paint Job: blasting the area with a pressure washer will create rashes and scars so make sure it is done by a professional, not just a painter with a pressure washer in his garage. If they don’t know what a “soft wash” is or what the PWNA is (Power Washers of North America) then I would let them near my house with a pressure washer! Check out Pressure Washing 101 article.
2. Peeling paint
The first places to peel are the areas that get the most moisture such as window sills, trim at the bottom of most doors (including garage doors & trim), or any place snow sits.
Once paint peels off, the area is exposed and moisture will seep in and rot and/or warp wood boards or trim. The solution to peeling paint is to scrape the loose paint off, sand the area down to create a good texture, apply a full coat of primer to protect the wood, and finally a fresh coat or 2 of premium paint.
3. Cracking paint
Cracking is a very common problem you’ll notice in the joints of the house where boards meet, check around door frames, window frames, and anywhere the siding meets the trim.
Water can get behind anywhere you notice cracks; this can rot boards of your home from the inside out. The solution would be to scrape, sand, prime the area. Then seal any remaining cracks, sand again to ensure smooth surface and 2 coats of fresh paint.
4. Failing caulking
Caulk helps to protect the inside of your home from unwanted exterior exposure.
Caulk will eventually pull away from the joint it was originally protecting leaving a gap.
Open gaps serve as doorways for anything outside such as severe weather, bugs, birds, or other pests. Water eventually settles into gaps, slowly rotting wood and quickly becoming worse with freeze/thaw cycles and the seasonal weather we experience here in Kentucky.
Conclusion:
If you noticed problems listed above, it doesn’t mean you have to paint right away, but expect any current damage to become worse. Replacement of rotting boards and/or damaged wood becomes a risk the longer you take. Waiting too long can make the project more expensive than it would’ve been if the damage had been promptly repaired.
However, if this is the first time you are noticing the fading, peeling, cracking paint or failing caulk, it is probably not that urgent, but should stay on your radar.
Contact us for a free estimate.
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