It can be frustrating to see exterior paint peel before its time or to watch blisters and mildew appear on walls you painted only a few years ago. You may have asked yourself why a paint job does not hold up here the way it would in some other part of the country.
For those of us in Pensacola and Northwest Florida, there is usually a simple explanation: humidity. We at 1st Choice Coatings have been painting homes and commercial properties in this climate for more than 15 years, so we are well aware of how our air can affect a finish. Call (850) 813-4445, and we will be happy to discuss your particular situation.
Why the Humidity Here Is Tough on Paint
Proper bonding requires paint to dry and cure without interference. When the air is heavy with moisture, that becomes much more difficult. The water in the paint has nowhere to escape, leaving the paint film on your walls weaker than it should be.
Then you have the rest of our coastal environment to contend with. Salt in the sea breeze, frequent rain, and long, hot, humid spells all put a strain on exterior surfaces. Some of the issues you will run into include:
- Peeling and flaking from moisture getting behind the film
- Paint blisters caused by trapped moisture beneath the surface
- Dark staining from mold and mildew
- Chalking and fading are accelerated by the sun and heat
- Wood can rot if moisture is left unaddressed
- Adhesion problems that cut the life of the job short
Too many homeowners wait until they can see the damage before making a move, at which point the repair is more involved than it had to be.
Timing Is Everything
You can avoid a lot of trouble simply by being mindful of when the work is done. There is no better guarantee of future problems than applying paint under the wrong conditions.
Overnight dew makes early morning a poor time to paint, and as the temperature falls in the late afternoon, the humidity tends to rise. The best results come during the middle of the day, when conditions are stable and surfaces are dry. Rain is another important consideration; do not apply paint immediately after a storm, when everything is still damp.
Protecting Your Investment
Living near the coast should not mean you have to settle for paint that does not last. There are several measures you can take:
- Opt for products with built-in mildew resistance suited to our climate
- Use a high-quality primer for better adhesion
- Fix any drainage or gutter issues that could be a source of moisture
- Wash the exterior periodically to remove salt and spores
- Address any peeling as soon as you notice it
Nothing is more dependable, however, than hiring a crew that is familiar with Pensacola’s weather. They will prep and schedule with the humidity in mind, and it shows in how well the paint holds up.
The Value of Local Knowledge
We have seen how the Gulf climate responds to various techniques and products over the past 15 years. That is the kind of experience you will not find in a painter who works just anywhere.
Our neighbours in Northwest Florida trust 1st Choice Coatings for a reason. We are fully licensed and insured, offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and have 39 five-star Google reviews that speak for themselves. We also provide free estimates, so there is no pressure when planning your project.
The humidity is not going anywhere in Pensacola, but your paint job does not have to fail. Whether you need to address fading paint or want a fresh coat that will stand the test of time, give us a call at (850) 813-4445. We are here to help you protect your home from the very elements that make it such a wonderful place to be.
