Who among us hasn't complained at one time or another about the stress we're under? Yet our homes suffer silently in the face of constant stress.
It isn't work, deadlines, or family finances that cause problems for our homes, however. Rather, it's the weather and the environment. Even common conditions like strong sunlight, rain, and fluctuating temperatures place stress on our abodes – and on the exterior paint that protects them.
Here are some ways even ordinary weather can put strain on your home’s exterior and cause it to suffer.
Sun. While most people are happiest on sunny days, the same bright conditions can wreak havoc on paint. Ultraviolet rays tend to deteriorate the binder in exterior paint in much the same way that the rays can harm the skin on our bodies. As the paint's binder breaks down, pigment is released in the form of a powder that can wash away in the next rainstorm. When paint erodes, the result is faded color and diminished protection for the home.
Moisture. Rain, snow, frost and even high humidity can also be hazardous for exterior paint. In fact, any form of moisture can cause paint to soften and swell, eventually leading to blistering, cracking, peeling or flaking. On top of that, moist conditions support the growth of mildew, which can mar the appearance of any paint job.
Temperature fluctuations. Changing temperatures cause wood and many other exterior surfaces to expand and contract, sometimes dramatically. If the paint on top of the surface isn't flexible enough, this movement can cause the paint to crack and flake off.
Since we can't control the weather, we need to take steps to protect our homes from nature's climatic stresses. That means addressing small problems before they become major issues, properly preparing exterior surfaces before painting them, and applying the highest quality exterior grade paint.