Although the aesthetic factor on the facade of a house is one of the first things we think about when looking for paint for exteriors, the reality is that the function of these paints goes much further.
One of the most important objectives of any best exterior paint is to protect the facades from damage caused by humidity and other environmental agents.
For this reason, it is essential to closely monitor those factors that indicate that the paint in your home or building is already losing its property.
Aspects that influence the duration of paint for exteriors
We must consider that not all paints have the same protective properties, so it is worth knowing the main factors that influence the durability of paint on a facade, causing aesthetic or structural damage.
Application
The durability of any paint applied to a facade largely depends on all the preliminary work done before applying it.
The facade to be painted must be free of dust and other agents that may affect adherence.
In case of not preparing the surface properly, over the months, cracking, detachment, and stains could appear on the painted surface, thus reducing the durability of the paint properly.
Maintenance of facades paints
Regular maintenance is another key to guaranteeing any exterior paint’s maximum durability.
After its application, it is necessary to be attentive to any symptoms of detachment, the presence of mold, or the accumulation of dust on the surface.
If some of these inconveniences exist, it is essential to apply corrective measures immediately.
If this is not done, the degradation of the paint will accelerate, thus reducing its durability.
Exposure to sun rays
Although many paints are formulated to withstand exposure to sunlight, the reality is that the greater the exposure to solar radiation by the painted façade, the faster the paint finish will wear.
For this reason, it is common that in very sunny areas or areas where the sun shines most of the day, you will see more color fading in the paint.
Although it is difficult to combat this factor, the truth is that the durability of exterior paint will be greater in cloudy areas or where exposure to the sun is less aggressive.
Quality
Generally, low-quality paints do not have components capable of protecting their pigments.
It causes them to be exposed, thus making their durability less.
Proximity to the sea and salinity
The presence of salinity is another factor capable of accelerating the wear of a painting. For this reason, it is required to apply coats of paint more regularly in coastal regions since the salt present in the air can adhere to the surface of the buildings.
As with UV rays, we cannot control this environmental factor. Therefore, the use of quality paints is recommended to have greater durability in the aesthetic finish of the facade.
What properties should exterior paint provide?
As has been said, the main function of exterior paint is to protect environmental agents that can deteriorate the integrity of a property. For this reason, we will know the properties any paint for facades must have.
Cleaning
One of the main differences between any paint and another formulated to be subjected to the exterior is its cleanliness.
Any exterior paint must withstand manual (for example, with a pressure washer ) or natural (by rain) washing. All this without losing its properties or suffering wear.
Avoid the formation of mold and humidity
All exterior paints that are considered quality are capable of resisting all types of weather conditions.
Thus, it must function as a barrier against mold formation and the accumulation of humidity on its surface and under it.
Impermeability
Possibly impermeability is one of the qualities that cannot be missing in any exterior paint.
The composition of this type of paint is usually formulated to control water seepage through the facade.
It is important to keep the structure dry and free of moisture that can affect its physical integrity.
Breathability
Another key factor in choosing quality paint is knowing if it is breathable. A good facade paint must allow the passage of moisture and air through its pores.
In this way, the formation of stains caused by humidity on the surface of the walls is avoided.
UV protection
Solar radiation is one of the most aggressive environmental agents against the durability of exterior paint.
Constant exposure of a facade to the sun’s rays can degenerate the paint finish and cause it to lose color.
The best exterior paints protect the house from the effects of the sun and help keep it in adequate condition for many years.
Adherence
Although it is an underestimated factor, the truth is that adhesion plays a fundamental role when applying any paint.
Regardless of the surface where it is applied, a good paint must adhere and stay that way over time.
Of course, for this to be possible, it is necessary to prepare the surface before applying the paint.
