Common Paint Problems – Painting the exterior of your home can be a far more taxing job than painting the inside. Furthermore, Toronto weather, in particular, is fairly unpredictable, which can make being a DIY painter that much more challenging. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common painting problems and solutions that you might encounter while working on the exterior of your house.
Why Exterior Paint Fails in Toronto’s Climate
Exterior painting is more time-consuming, requires more preparation. Bad weather is always an obstacle and can be extremely dangerous due to the heights involved, and may drive your job to exterior paint failure. To further compound this, your exterior paint job also has to endure all kinds of durability issues, which makes preparation and proper materials used that much more important. If you’re not prepared and educated on how to properly apply paint over old exterior paint. Your hard-earned cash and time could turn into nothing more than a mess of blisters, cracks, and flakes. So exterior paint failure!
The Most Common Exterior Paint Failures and Their Causes
1. Peeling Paint
Painting over old exterior paint, moisture, and poor preparation are the main causes of peeling paint on wood. Usually, it happens because the surfaces are not properly cleaned of dirt, dust, and grease. It can accumulate over the years, leading to this type of exterior paint failure.
2. Paint Blistering
Exterior paint blisters happen when water vapor is trapped by the paint. As it tries to escape, it bubbles on the surface. This can also happen when painting the exterior of your house in excessive heat. You need to make sure all surfaces are completely dry and that the weather is ideal for painting.
3. Chalking Paint
When your painted surface has a powdery residue as you wipe your fingers across it, you’ve got chalking paint. This exterior paint failure happens when there’s a chemical breakdown in the paint and is usually caused by poor priming and overly thinned-out paint.
4. Cracking
There are many causes of cracking or flaking. Low-quality paints are one culprit because they generally don’t adhere well and are less flexible. Also spreading your exterior paint too thinly and poor surface preparation, especially on bare wood, will lead to cracks. If you’re using latex paint, cold and windy conditions can cause the exterior paint to dry too fast causing it to flake.
5. Rusty Nails
When you paint over old non-galvanized nails, eventually they will rust and bleed through to the surface and can be a reason for your home exterior paint failure. Old nails need to be removed where possible. Otherwise, you need to countersink the nailheads, fill them in properly and spot prime each nail to prevent this from ruining your paint.
6. Mildew
Using low-quality paints with inadequate amounts of mildewcide and failing to prime bare wood are the main causes of mildew. Also if you paint over areas where mildew is already present, you can be sure it’s going to come back. Certain areas of the exterior of your home are more prone to moisture, so you need to identify these trouble spots, properly clean them and ensure the paint you use can withstand the elements to prevent mildew paint.
Maintaining Your Paint Job: Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve invested time, energy, and resources into painting your home’s exterior, it only makes sense to maintain that fresh new look for as long as possible. Here, we outline some practical advice that will not only extend the life of your paint job but also keep your home looking at its absolute best.
1. Regular Cleanings
Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate and dull the look of your paint job. By washing your home’s exterior at least once a year, you can keep the paint looking fresh and vibrant. Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush or power washer set to a low setting to avoid damaging the paint.
2. Occasional Inspections
Periodically inspect your home’s exterior for any signs of exterior paint peeling, or damage, like cracks, blistering, or mildew and mould growth. Early detection and repair can keep minor issues from turning into more significant problems.
3. Prompt Repairs
When you notice any damage or blemishes, it’s essential to address them promptly. This might involve scraping off peeling or blistering paint, cleaning away mould or mildew, filling in cracks, or touching small areas with matching paint.
4. Protect Against Water Damage
Ensure your home’s gutters and downspouts are working correctly to keep water away from your walls. Prolonged contact with water can cause your paint to peel prematurely or lead to other forms of damage.
5. Keep Plants and Shrubs Trimmed
Overgrown plants can scratch and damage your paint job, especially in windy conditions. They can also retain moisture, promoting mould growth. Keeping them trimmed can prevent these issues.
6. Be Mindful of the Sun
Continuous exposure to sunlight can fade your paint over time. Regular waxing or applying a UV protective coating can help delay the fading process.
Other Exterior Paint Failure Problems and Their Cure
While exterior paint failure is an expensive mistake, it can always be fixed. However, personal injuries while painting are often not so forgiving.
Did you know that falls from ladders have increased by 40% over the last decade and are the leading cause of DIY painting injuries and deaths? The exterior of your home is full of high and difficult areas. So it’s your responsibility to decide if you’re properly prepared and equipped to handle the exterior painting job.
Sometimes it just makes sense—and cents—to hire a professional painter
The Benefits of Professional Painting Services
While a DIY exterior painting project might be tempting due to cost savings, hiring professional painters has several notable advantages. From their experience to the efficiency of their services, professional painters can deliver high-quality results that can make a world of difference. In this section, we’ll outline the benefits of hiring professional painting services for your home’s exterior.
1. Expertise and Experience
Professional painters come with a wealth of experience, allowing them to anticipate, address, and prevent potential issues that a DIY enthusiast might not consider. They are trained to handle paint applications on virtually any surface and use the proper techniques to ensure an even, lasting finish.
2. Efficiency and Time-Saving
Professionals can accomplish a project that might take you weeks to complete on weekends in a fraction of the time. Pros work full-time hours and possess the right equipment, and know-how to work under various weather conditions to ensure your project is completed efficiently.
3. Proper Surface Preparation
Without appropriate surface preparation, an exterior paint job can become a disaster. Professional painters understand the importance of surface prep, including cleaning, power-washing, scraping, sanding, and priming, which contribute significantly to the paint’s durability and overall finish.
4. High-Quality Materials and Tools
Professionals have access to high-quality paint, tools, and equipment that ensure your home’s exterior withstands the challenges caused by weather fluctuations and other elements. Their skill with these specialized tools can deliver a result that is often superior to a DIY job.
5. Safety Measures
Painting your home’s exterior, particularly at high heights, can be dangerous without the necessary equipment and safety gear. Professional painters are trained to handle high ladders or scaffolding while following proper safety measures.
6. Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee
A reputable professional painting service will stand by their work, offering a warranty to ensure their customers are satisfied. This warranty can provide peace of mind, knowing that the company will cover any work-related issues within the given time frame.
7. Project Cleanup
Post-painting clean-up can be a time-consuming task. Professional painters handle the cleanup, ensuring waste is properly disposed of, and leaving your property neat and tidy.
In conclusion, hiring professional painting services can save you time, effort, and potential frustration, while delivering a high-quality, long-lasting result that can positively affect your home’s curb appeal and value. Although it might come at a higher initial cost than a DIY approach, the lasting benefits of professional workmanship often outweigh the expenditure.
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