Your homes’ exterior is the first line of defense against the elements. Sun, rain, wind, and temperature changes all affect its longevity. Most homeowners concern themselves primarily with taking care of their roof system, but neglect its paint as they think it is purely cosmetic. This would be a false statement. 

Your homes’ Paint is an incredibly important part and is vital to ensuring the longevity of your siding and wall structures. The paint and sides of your home take quite a beating throughout the year. Temperature, wind, sun, and rain, all combine to shorten its lifespan and let the elements in. Most residential structures are made from wood, which means they expand and contract throughout the seasons, causing cracks to form in your paint and siding over time. When that happens, the elements can get in, causing serious damage if not properly maintained. 

Now that we know it is a crucial part of your homes’ exterior, let’s take a look at some signs your exterior needs to be painted. 

1. Fading- All paint will fade over time. Premium paints are more fade resistant than others, but it’s caused by the uv radiation contacting with the pigment of the paint. At first it may seem as just cosmetic, but it’s the first sign that your paint is breaking down. 

2. Chalking- Usually the next step that happens after fading is a chalking. If you have ever ran your hand over the side of a home and a whitish powder appeared, this would be chalking. This happens when the bonding agents of the paint release the pigment and your protection is degrading. 

3. Peeling Bubbles or blisters- These form on the home sometimes due to improper preparation, but many times due to moisture entering the siding and the paint losing its bond in that area causing a bubble to form. 

4. Caulk cracking- In modern building, caulk is used to seal cracks and gaps. Once this caulk fails, it allows rain and moisture in and behind your siding, leading to some serious issues. Caulk Keeps water out, but also in. So chances are, if you have some cracking water is being left behind your siding.

5. Mold Growth- Mold and moss sticking to your siding can indicate much more than a little cleaning needed. They can eat away at the paint and wood causing significant deterioration. If it can’t be removed with some light cleaning, or is a persistent problem, chances are it has already created permanent damage. 

6. Staining- Although sometimes caused by tannins in wood bleeding into your paint, Stains popping through your are often related to moisture behind siding that has leached through and into the paint. 

It’s always best to keep up with exterior painting in regular service intervals. Generally, most homes will need to be painted on average every 10 years. Some paints will last longer, but its always best to address, before it becomes an issue. If you have one or more of these signs, it may be time to get out your paint gear or call a local painting professional to help out. 

Until next time!

Matthew Puhr

President 

Boxer Construction NW