How Heat and Rain Affect Your House’s Exterior Paint Over Time
Do you wonder why your house exterior paint starts looking shabby after just a few seasons? Blame it on Mother Nature.
As the go-to house painters in Tucson, AZ, we’ve seen firsthand how the elements wage a relentless battle against property facades. Keep reading as we break down the specifics.
The Rising Temperatures
Our sizzling Arizona summers can cause paint to expand and contract, which leads to cracks, bubbling, and eventually peeling.
Do your surfaces look faded? UV rays from the sun break down the paint’s binders and leave a chalky, pale finish.
This is why we always recommend high UV resistance paint for properties. A lighter color palette is also preferable. They reflect more heat instead of absorbing it and make the paint job look fresh for longer.
Prolonged Rainfall
We don’t get much rain in Tucson, but when it pours, it pours. Water can seep into existing cracks and make the paint blister and peel away. Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to direct moisture away from the walls.
Modern house exterior paint products can withstand most weather conditions, but you can’t beat a thorough inspection once the rainy season ends. Prevention is always better than cure, so keep an eye out for minor issues and deal with them promptly.
Other Issues To Consider
Heat and moisture are just the tip of the iceberg. Other environmental factors include the following.
Dust Storms
Arizona’s infamous dust storms carry fine particles that can scratch and pit your paint. Imagine sandpaper brushing against your walls! This erodes the finish over time.
Always keep an eye on the weather forecast. A quick rinse with a hose before and after a storm can help wash away any abrasive materials and prolong the life of your paint job. It’s quick, easy, and effective in preserving your home’s curb appeal.
Debris
Does your property have many trees and various flora nearby? Fallen branches, twigs, and leaves can collect on the more horizontal parts of your property. They leave stains when left unchecked!
The debris also traps moisture that encourages mold growth and further paint degradation. Proactively maintain tidy surroundings and prune any overgrown branches.
Pollution
Living in or near Tucson’s urban or industrial zones means dealing with pollution may impact your exterior surfaces. Emissions from vehicles and factories contribute to grime buildup and discoloration.
Do you want to do your part in minimizing pollution? Identifying paint formulated with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) can reduce environmental harm.
Weatherproofing Your Property
The easiest way to prevent complications like staining, cracking, and peeling is to start with a high-quality house exterior paint job. Why not work with a company that has a 220-year-long track record in the industry?
Nelson J. Greer Painting Contractors, Inc. always has you covered. Our crew tackles every step with finesse, from the surface preparation and primer application to the finish coat.
Dial (520) 325-5800 — or read more of our blog to learn how long exterior paint can last. Get help now.