Now that the summer is here in earnest, you may start seeing more and more of your neighbors having the exterior of their homes painted. They may be checking this chore off their list to improve the aesthetics of their home, or possibly they are hoping to protect and preserve the exterior wood of their home’s structure.
Let’s explore several ways that a fresh coat of high-quality paint can help safeguard your largest investment and keep the surfaces safe from the New England weather, known wood-boring pests, and the growth of mold/mildew.
Protection from New England Weather & Climate
As the old adage goes in New England, “wait a minute and the weather will change.”
Hardy New Englanders know that one day it can be warm, humid, and sunny, while the next a bizarre hail storm can blow into town. You never really know what can happen weather and climate-wise. From snow to hail to storms and scorching heat, we have it all here in our little corner of the world.
For many these wild weather swings are welcome, but for the wood and siding of our homes, it could spell unnecessary wear-and-tear. The salty air, blowing wind, and damaging hail and rain can cause premature deterioration of the surface of a home.
By regularly scraping and removing damaged paint and repainting the exterior surfaces of a home, homeowners are putting a layer of protection from all that Mother Nature can throw our way.
Deter Pest Infestations
Many wood-boring pests, like termites, beetles, ants, and carpenter bees are looking for vulnerable wood that is exposed.
Regularly painting the exterior of your home seals the wood and can deter these pests from finding a way into your home and damaging the wood both on the exterior and inside your house. Once pests take hold, many are hard to get rid of. A little proactive care through maintaining the exterior paint can save you time, money, and lots of headaches later.
Prevent Mold & Mildew
Water and excessive moisture are the enemies of wood. When left unchecked, moisture can start to decay wood and cause rot. Once wood begins to rot, it can compromise the safety and integrity of your home. It may cause mold and mildew to grow which can be a health hazard, or it can cause the wood to rot and become structurally unsound.
Either way, the water, and moisture can spell disaster if not maintained. A fresh coat of paint every five or so years can help preserve and protect your home’s exterior from this process.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Exterior Wood
Whether you are preventing pests, safeguarding against weather and precipitation, or preventing the growth of mold or mildew, painting the exterior of your home can extend the life of the wood that protects the surface and structure of your home. Most homeowners would agree that the process of regularly having their home professionally scraped, sanded, and painted is well worth the health of their home.