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Things That Can Quickly Damage Your Home's Exterior Paint

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Your home's exterior paint is one of the most important features when it comes to protecting your property. It keeps your home looking beautiful and helps to maintain its value.

However, several things can quickly damage your exterior paint, which often leads to expensive repairs. This post highlights three things that can cause damage to your exterior paint and how to prevent this damage.

Extreme Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature swings can cause the paint to expand, contract, and ultimately crack. The paint coat is a flexible material but can only handle so much temperature stress before it breaks down. For example, cold temperatures can cause the paint to contract too much and become brittle, while hot temperatures can cause it to expand too much and crack.

To prevent this from happening, opt for paint with a high-grade acrylic resin, which offers improved flexibility and helps to keep the paint from cracking due to temperature changes. You can also coat the paint with a sealant to keep it protected. This is a more expensive option but may be worth it in the long run.

Sun Exposure

Too much sun exposure will cause your paint to fade over time and become brittle. The sun's UV rays break down the paint's color pigments, leaving it exposed and vulnerable to cracking or peeling. In some cases, parts of the paint surface may even become completely discolored. This makes your home's exterior look less attractive and can also affect its value.

To prevent this from happening, you should opt for paint with a higher level of sun protection and apply a topcoat with UV protection. You can also use light-colored paint, which will deflect some of the sun's rays, or install awnings or other shades to keep the sun off of your home's exterior.

Poor Drainage

Water that pools around the foundation of your home can seep underneath the paint and lead to damage. The pooling can result from poor drainage or improper landscaping, which can cause the paint to flake, peel, and crack.

For instance, water directed toward the house instead of away from it can damage the paint in several ways. For one, the water can cause the paint to expand, which will ultimately lead to cracks. Additionally, the water can seep into the walls and create mold or mildew that forms discolored patches on the paint surface.

To prevent this from happening, you should make sure that your home's drainage system is functioning properly and direct water away from the house. You can also use waterproof paint or sealant on your home's exterior to keep moisture out. This will help to protect your paint from the damage that can be caused by poor drainage.

These tips can help you protect your exterior paint from damage and keep your home looking beautiful for years to come. If the damage has already been done, contact a professional painter to assess the situation and provide an estimate for repair. 

Reach out to an exterior painter to learn more.


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