Technically What Exterior House Paint Does
Exterior Paint Functionalities & Why It May Not Last As Long as You Think
Have you ever wondered why you have to paint the exterior of your home so frequently? Is all paint created equally?
Legitimately so, many homeowners have often asked these exact questions. A Touch of Color Painting of Raleigh, NC, believes that our job as a contractor is to answer all questions thoroughly. So here we go!
House Painting Inciteful Answers
Not all exterior painters know and understand the composition of paint. Therefore, most are not able to articulate and convey a clear understanding in such a way that the average person can understand how paint works.
Having these small discussions could establish realistic expectations concerning the durability of paint coatings. Here is a light discussion that may help!
An Overlooked Function of House Paint
When considering water-based paint durability, one must first understand that latex/acrylic paints are developed in such a way that enables finished paint coats to breathe.
But because it’s breathable, this doesn’t mean water-based paints are any less durable than oils. In fact, this design arguably helps the overall performance of the paint.
The Importance of Water Permeation
Oil paints don’t breathe as well as acrylic polymers. The permeation rate of paint is essential. Moisture transfer is one of several reasons for extensive research and development associated with acrylic paints in the past few decades.
Allowing water and gas vapors to pass through the paint film allows the painted material to dry and limits the chances of the paint blistering. The ability to transfer moisture is extremely important for brick and wood applications. But what does this all mean in terms of durability?
Allowing moisture to transfer helps keep the paint stuck to the painted area. In simple terms, a reasonable permeation rate helps improve overall adhesion.
We all love the look of a freshly painted house. Just through a change of color alone, exterior house painting can breathe new life into any new or older home. But why is paint a necessity?
House Paint Protection
Exterior house paint protects exterior surfaces from rain, sleet, snow, ice, sun/UV protection, and insects to mention a few.
Needless to say, paint has a lot of requirements to properly protect our homes. Therefore, it would be safe to say that climate has a lot to do with how long paint will hold up on the exterior of your home. Is your home west-facing?
UV & Dark Colors
The placement of the home in correlation to the sun is a factor when considering how much exposure your home will endure. The color of your home also has a lot to do with durability!
Darker colors absorb more heat. Also, darker colors require more colorant or (tint). The requirement of more tint allows less room in the container for other raw materials. Less volume of solids results in less durability and more frequent repaints.
The Initial Paint Job
Often overlooked, regardless of the paint quality, correct surface preparation is the most important part of any exterior painter’s responsibilities. If the surface is not prepped properly the paint coating will simply fail.
However, the original level of quality when the home was built, and the previous painters contribute to what you may view as a problematic paint job. Does your exterior often fail in random locations? Does this leave you feeling like your home requires you to pay extra attention to potential touch-ups? Do you feel you have to re-paint more frequently than expected?
These are just a few of the many reasons it’s essential to contract a (professional) house painter. It would have been ideal to have an outstanding exterior house painter from inception to the last repaint. Builders don’t get paid a penny more if they use cheap or durable paint.
On the other hand, most homeowners don’t know enough about paint to know the difference. So, if you have already purchased the home, you’re likely already facing low-level paint quality. However, hiring a professional painting contractor can help mitigate some of your current and potential problems.
Hiring Smart House Painters
Contracting someone with good preparation practices and that has outstanding product knowledge will, without a shadow of a doubt, be more cost-effective for you long-term.
In conclusion, make sure the exterior painting contractor that you hire can articulate and thoroughly explain themselves and the reasons behind their product choices and approach.
Call us today at 919-426-4928 or contact us! We are happy to answer any questions!
