After I built my dream home, I realized that there were a few changes we needed to make to the interior. For starters, I knew that I needed to do something to make the interior decor special, so I started focusing more and more on making the space special. I started working with a professional painter and wallpaper hanger, and he really did wonders in making my home look and feel different and unique. I wanted to create a blog all about creating a gorgeous home, so I made this website. I hope you find articles that will inspire you to make your space better.
5 Ways Exterior Painting Protects Your Home From Weathering Damage
The biggest threat to your home's wood siding is from everyday weather conditions. Moisture can lead to rot and mildew problems while sun exposure can cause fading and dry rot. Fortunately, a fresh coat of paint along with the preparation that precedes its application can protect your siding from the gravest effects of the weather.
1. Trim Replacement
Wood trim is often some of the first parts of the siding to suffer damage, most often moisture rot. Before painting begins, your contractor will test the trim around the windows and doors, as well as trim pieces along the corners of the house and where the siding meets the eaves, to ensure that there are no signs of rot. Any rotten trim will be removed and replaced prior to painting.
2. Caulk Application
Caulking is one of the best tools your painter has to ensure moisture doesn't seep behind the siding and cause it to rot from the inside out. Any gaps in the siding will be neatly sealed with a bead of caulking. These gaps are most often found around window frames and trim pieces, but occasionally there may be gaps where two siding boards join or where a cable or line enters the home through the siding.
3. Moisture Seal
Although paint makes your home look nice, its main job is to provide a protective seal that envelops the house. The primer is the first coat of paint put on, so choosing one that creates a strong seal greatly reduces the chance of later moisture incursion. Further, the primer provides a base that ensures an even coat of paint on top that will adhere properly so it won't peel or chip. This further seals against moisture, since chipped and peeling paint is likely the main way that moisture gets into wood siding.
4. UV Protection
Walls of the home that are exposed to harsh sunlight for long hours each day are more prone to showing damage. The UV rays will fade the paint as well as weaken it, which means the paint is more likely to fail and flake off where there is heavy sun exposure. Fortunately, there are UV-resistant house paints on the market. These paints both reflect away the UV light, making them less prone to fading.
5. Mildew Prevention
An opposite issue plagues the shaded side of the house. Here mildew and mold growth can be a problem that will lead to stains and trapped moisture against the paint. Paints containing elements that kill mildew, like zinc, can be used in high-risk areas to ensure there are no mildew problems.
Contact a residential exterior painting professional to learn more reasons why you shouldn't postpone painting your home any longer. Reach out to a local service or click here to get started.