7 Tips to Make Your Home’s Exterior Paint Last Longer
Exterior paint is not something most property owners think about often. Unless, of course, they’re selling or if their property is starting to look a lot shabbier than their neighbours’. But there is a lot more to exterior paint jobs than meets the eye, especially in regions with extremely variable weather like Dunedin.
Dunedin has some of the widest temperature swings of any major city in New Zealand. On some days, you can get frost in the early mornings and have the sun beating down mercilessly on you by the afternoon. With such rapid temperature changes being the norm, damage from expansion and contraction is a running theme among local property owners.
If you own property yourself, you’d want to make sure that your investment looks and stays its best for as long as possible. That is exactly what a good paint job can do for your home or commercial building’s exterior.
However, the paint itself is just one part of the equation. It must be correctly applied if you want it to consistently protect your exteriors and avoid cracks and flaking when the seasons change. To do that, you’ll want to call the experts in exterior painting Dunedin property owners depend on. But if you already have an expertly applied coat on your property, here’s how you can make it last much longer.
1. Clean Your Exterior Annually
Grime, mould and salt spray don’t just dull your paint’s shine. They can actually break down your paint at a molecular level, discolouring it or even degrading its protective qualities. A soft wash with a low-pressure hose and a soft brush a couple of times a year should help you keep your paint looking fresh through its expected service life. Avoid high-pressure water blasting unless you know exactly what you’re doing, since this can actually strip paint and damage the substrate.
2. Watch for Mould and Mildew Growth
Cool and damp, Dunedin offers ideal conditions for mould and moss growth. These slimy coverings are so pervasive in Dunedin that it’s easy to forget that they’re a real problem for your paint. Clean these mould or moss patches with an appropriate paint-safe solution as soon as possible to keep your paint intact for longer.
3. Keep Your Roof Gutters and Downpipes in Good Shape
Overflowing or damaged gutters are a surprisingly common cause of exterior paint deterioration. When these get clogged, water may start overflowing and run down your cladding, leading to the mould and moss problems we mentioned earlier. Worse, the water can seep into cracks or pools near your foundation, compromising your property and giving you a bigger headache. Make sure to keep your gutters and pipes clean at least quarterly or more often if you live in an area with denser tree cover.
4. Trim Vegetation Away from Painted Surfaces
If a hedge or vine is rubbing up against your home, it’s likely damaging the paint. Granted, you may be fine with this if you like how it looks. Still, the fact remains that plants trap moisture against the walls and can physically scrape and wear down the coating. If you want to prioritise your exterior paint’s condition, make sure you keep some space between exterior walls and any trees, shrubs, or climbing plants.
5. Spot-Check High-Impact Areas for Early Wear
Not all parts of your exterior wear at the same pace. Sun-exposed walls and windward sides may break down faster. Rather than repaint your entire exterior, consider inspecting these spots for signs of flaking, blistering, or fading, then touching these areas up if needed. Early intervention can limit the apparent wear and tear and, perhaps, buy you a few years before a full repaint of your exteriors is necessary.
6. Avoid Painting in Extreme Weather Conditions
Speaking of touch-ups, when you do these actually matters. Painting during frosty mornings, rainy days, or in the middle of a heatwave is not likely to end well, and you’ll likely need more touch-ups soon. Paint cures best in mild, dry weather, so try to do these in the few days of the year when Dunedin’s weather is fairly stable. Otherwise, hire professionals who know how to do the job right, any time of the year.
7. Choose The Right Paint, Not Just the Right Colour
Good exterior paint isn’t just about colour. Your property exteriors are subjected to serious wear and tear, so you want to make sure the products you choose have the right chemistry. Cheaper exterior paints often lack the UV resistance and flexibility a house in a place like Dunedin needs, so you’ll want to go for high-performance products when possible.
As for colour, unless you’re dead set on having a specific shade, you’re probably better off with something lighter. Lighter colours reflect sunlight better, which means they absorb less heat. A cooler surface, in turn, usually means less fading and fewer thermal expansion risks, leaving you with a longer-lasting exterior coat.
Your Paint Job Is More Than Just a Pretty Coat
Following these simple tips should significantly stretch the lifespan of your property’s exterior coating, leaving it protected and looking sharp for years longer. When it is time for a refresh, Three60 Painting will get the job done right. With over 15 years of experience, access to top-quality materials, and a positive reputation among Dunedin’s most demanding property owners, we’re the exterior painting specialists you need. Get in touch with us today for a free quote.