With the wet and rainy months winding down and summer quickly approaching, you may find yourself spending more time outside, around your home or other building. Whether you are working from home or you go into an office away from home, your building or home exterior has withstood the effects of weather over the recent Winter months. As a responsible homeowner or building manager, you’ll want to take the time to inspect your exterior for any necessary repairs.

While you can do this type of routine inspection any time of the year, spring and summer are the best times here in Pierce county to make the necessary repairs to prepare for the months ahead. Knowing what signs to look for is important so that you can schedule a professional painting company to make repairs and do an exterior repaint for your home or building. Our experts at Flying Colors Painting have put together this comprehensive checklist of signs that indicate your exterior may need to be repainted.

Roofing

Roofing surfaces are not what you typically think of when on the topic of paint, but for some homeowners, metal roofs are installed for their durability and ease of maintenance (not to mention curb appeal). Metal is easy to clean and maintain but does need to be inspected yearly for weather exposure, especially with frequent contact with precipitation. Excessive rain can cause rust and corrosion, both are a steady threat that can weaken and eat away metal surfaces on your exterior.

Rust is the natural process that occurs when oxygen and moisture interact with steel or iron. This chemical reaction can start at the surface but can penetrate through metal surfaces if left untreated, leaving them brittle. Signs indicating rust include reddish streaking color on your metal roof and discoloration. Rust will often appear first at joints and rivets, and the best way to protect all parts of your roof is by painting them. If you notice rust damage, make any repairs necessary before painting. Fresh, professionally applied paint will seal your metal roof from moisture, helping to keep it beautiful and maintain structural integrity.

Other sidings 

Other types of siding, like brick, wood, vinyl, or stucco, usually do not have rust damage, but will be exposed to weathering and eventually degrade over time. Each of these surfaces will show signs differently that they need to be repainted or treated to prevent erosion or decay. For all of these surfaces, professionals recommended cleaning before repainting with pressure or soft washing. This removes build-up and prepares your surfaces for a long binding paint project.

• Brick— While brick is not normally painted to ensure protection, there are still signs of damage or weathering that indicate repairs need to be made. Looking for white deposits of salts (known as efflorescence), cracks in the mortar, or anything that shows the surface of bricks is damaged. Any of these can indicate that moisture is present and seeping into the surfaces below.
• Wood— Wood finishes on your home look best with a bright, fresh coat of paint. Not only does paint boost curb appeal, but it also protects wood better than most other barriers. When paint breaks down over time, it leaves wood susceptible to absorbing moisture. If left untreated, wood can begin to swell with moisture, warp, and eventually rot. This is most common around windows, decks, and any wood touching the ground. Paint that is chipped, cracked, or even flaked off exposes the wood beneath are serious signs that your home is unprotected.
  
• Vinyl— Arguably the most attractive and durable siding is vinyl. This cost-effective, long-lasting siding requires minimal upkeep and gives added protection to your home. Over time, vinyl coloring can begin to fade or look dull. In rare cases, vinyl can crack or detach if damaged severely. If you are looking to update the color of your exterior by painting over vinyl, the only important detail to keep in mind is that your new color of choice needs to be as light or lighter than the original color. Darker color added to vinyl can cause it to warp from excessive heat absorption.

• Stucco— While stucco surfaces come in neutral, white, and earth tones, some homeowners choose to paint these surfaces. While it is not always recommended to paint stucco for protection, there are ways to look for signs of damage. The nature of stucco makes it porous in a way that moisture can flow freely and not cause damage. Adding paint to these surfaces can potentially trap moisture underneath if applied without drying these surfaces out completely. Cracking, wet spots, and discoloration are signs that your surfaces may need repairs. An alternative to painting stucco is the application of a tinted color mixture to add a finish that achieves your aesthetic.

As you look for signs that your home requires repainting, consider hiring a professional painting contractor to make the improvements for you. At Flying Colors Painting, our skilled craftsmen can transform your exterior with a quality finish. Our team of licensed professionals looks forward to exceeding your expectations as they add a paint barrier of protection to your home. Contact us today to schedule your estimate.