Is the paint on your home taking on a dull, worn appearance? Where there were none last year you may now see flaking or bubbles. It can put one in mind of whether to put off repainting for another season or do something about it.
We of 1st Choice Coatings have put our experience to work for more than 15 years shielding homes in Pensacola and all of Northwest Florida from the elements. For an outside view on how your exterior coating is holding up, we are at (850)-813-4445.
An exterior coating is not just for show; it is what stands between your house and the sun, rain and humidity that is part and parcel of life in Northwest Florida. Let that coating go and you will be looking at costly problems before you know it. Being aware of the warning signs is the way to avoid the expense and trouble later on.
Peeling, Flaking and Cracks
When the paint no longer has a hold on the material below it, it will peel or flake, which is a sure sign of failure. Then there is cracking. A hairline crack is easy to overlook but it is a red flag as it allows moisture to get behind the coating.
Some of the breakdown you should be on the lookout for:
- Strips or sheets of paint lifting
- Chips of flaking paint on the ground
- An alligatoring effect, like the skin of a reptile
- Any hairline cracks in the layer
- Blisters or bubbling
- Patches where the coating has given way entirely
Any of these means the barrier is no longer doing its job and you run the risk of rot and damage to the structure if moisture gets in.
Fading and Chalking
To some degree fading is inevitable, but when it is pronounced the finish is breaking down. The UV rays from the Florida sun will eventually wear out the pigments and binders in your paint.
Chalking goes hand in hand with this. Put your hand to a wall that has faded and if you come away with a powdery residue on your fingers you have chalking. The binder has broken down and can no longer keep the pigment in place. Some is to be expected, but too much is indicative of a coating that has had its day.
Mildew and Moisture
The kind of humidity we have in Northwest Florida is an invitation to mold and mildew. Dark streaks or black and green spots on the walls of your home should be taken as a warning.
Be on the alert for:
- Streaks on the trim or siding
- Spotting in the shade
- Wood that is spongy to the touch
- Bleeding stains
- Mustiness around the exterior
Unchecked, the water that a failing coating can no longer repel will make short work of wood and other surfaces.
Caulk and Seals
Do not forget the caulk and seals about the windows and doors, they are as much a part of the protection as the paint. Once the caulk dries and shrinks back, it is an open door for pests and water. Make a point of inspecting them with the rest of the paint.
The Case for Early Action
It is a shame to see homeowners let things get to the point of severe damage before making a call. What was a matter of a repaint then becomes a question of replacing wood. We would rather see you nip it in the bud to save on repairs and give your home a longer life. Properly done, a new coating is an investment that will enhance the curb appeal and weather the conditions for years to come, provided the surface is sound.
Let a Professional Have a Look
Should any of the above ring true, we would suggest not waiting. 1st Choice Coatings is licensed and insured and have been rated five stars by more than 39 of our Google reviews from homeowners in Pensacola and Northwest Florida. There is no pressure with our free estimates so you can see what is called for. We are here 24/7 for any questions and back our work with a 100% guarantee.
Give us a ring at (850)-813-4445 and we will see to it that your home is protected before a minor issue turns into a major one.
