Common Exterior Paint Problems Most exterior paint problems are caused by exposure to moisture. Any existing water damage will only worsen over time, which makes it important to quickly address any house paint problems and avoid more costly repairs down the line. Here some of the most common exterior house paint problems, along with some simple and affordable solutions.

Peeling Paint Typically, peeling paint will occur on wood surfaces and in places where moisture can seep in, such as door trim, garage trim, railings, and posts. The appearance of peeling house paint means that the protection paint provides has been broken down and the wood is being directly exposed to the elements. If left untreated, the wood will rot and need to be replaced by a professional. At Triangle Painting, our painting contractors treat peeling house paint by beginning with a full power washing service to remove debris and any loose paint from your home’s exterior. From there, we thoroughly sand the surface to ensure a strong bond between the paint primer and the wood. This vital step can add years to your home’s exterior paint job. Next, a thick exterior primer is applied, which seals the wood and allows the decorative layer of paint to adhere nicely and create a smooth, polished final product.

Fading and Chalking Paint Over time, the intense UV rays of the sun breakdown the resin in exterior house paint, which is responsible for creating a hard surface. This causes a fading and chalking effect, which also means that the underlying wood is being exposed to moisture. Darker colored homes are especially susceptible to fading and chalking house paint because they absorb more of the sun’s rays. A thorough power washing service will remove a lot of the chalking, and a new coat of exterior paint will put new life back into your home. We may also recommend that the south side of your home receives a second coat of exterior paint since it experiences the most sun exposure. Adding a second layer of protection can increase the life of your home’s exterior paint job and provide long-lasting protection.

Cracking Paint & Caulk As your home settles and experiences the natural expanding and contracting that occurs with temperature changes, you may notice the exterior paint cracking at the joints where caulk has been applied. Moisture can get in behind the caulk and cause water damage to your home, which will be especially noticeable around the floorboards as water runs down the house. Cracking paint and caulk is also a sign that your home isn’t sealed as well as it should be, which can mean lower energy efficiency and higher utility bills. Fortunately, cracking caulk can be easily fixed by re-caulking the surface with a high-quality and flexible solution that will move with the home and still provide a tight seal.

Nail Holes During the siding installation process, nails can be driven too deeply into the siding, creating a hole instead of a flush, smooth surface. Moisture can then gather in these holes and cause your home’s siding to swell. Too much moisture buildup over time may require an expensive siding replacement project. The easiest and most cost-effective solution is to fill the nail holes with a bead of caulk to create flat surface and seal the hole. If the caulk makes your home’s surface look spotty, you can always apply a fresh coat of exterior house paint to cover up the filled holes.

Peeling on the Underside of Siding As rain is directed down the side of your home, drops of water can accumulate on the bottom edge of the lower rows of siding. If the entire board hasn’t been properly painted and sealed by a professional painter, the underside can become swollen and frayed. If peeling has already occurred, our painting contractors will clean and sand the affected areas to create a flat and even surface before applying wood primer. Finally, our highly experienced house painters will ensure that both the front and the underside of the siding is completely covered in both primer and paint. This will prevent moisture from building up and working its way into the wood siding.