Regular inspections should be carried out and External Building Maintenance made to any areas that are damaged or under stress.

There are several key things to look for when preparing a surface for repainting:

  • A quick wash with water will not remove spores or small particles. Moulds can regrow underneath new paint films popping them off the surface
  • Surface chalky or dirty? Proper cleaning involves both washing and rinsing
  • Are there old sealants and puttys?
  • If your building is in a seaside location these are some issues you can be faced with. Wind driven rain, especially with a high salt content erodes the weather protection of the building

External paint coatings don’t last forever, and additional coating must be carried out routinely to maintain decorative and weather-resistant properties. How long external paint will last depends on the:

  • Surface preparation and condition of the old paint
  • Typically, you get what you pay for – extremely cheap paints are likely to deteriorate faster than better quality (more expensive) paints
  • Paint on the side of a building that gets less UV light exposure will last longer than paint full exposed side
  • Colour – lighter colours tend to last longer than darker because they absorb less heat, so expand and contract less
  • Size and type of material under the paint. Paint properly applied to cement-based materials tends to last longer than paint on timber
  • Cleanliness of the painted surface – wash often down to remove airborne chemicals and dirt from the surface
  • Number of coats applied
  • Applying a dark colour directly over a light one can cause a previously sound paint to lose adhesion

If your building’s exterior needs a fresh coat of paint, finishing, cleaning or re-sealing contact T&B Mauro Painting for a free non-obligation quote now.