10 Exterior Paint Problems & Solutions

Kopeck's exterior house painting services can give Northern VA homes a sparkle just in time for spring.
Kopeck’s exterior house painting services can give Northern VA homes a sparkle just in time for spring.

Between bad weather, the usual wear and tear, and poor paint jobs, the exterior of your home can encounter numerous problems. Routine maintenance of the exterior of your house is key to making the outside look brand new. The outside of your home tells a lot about the person living in it, which is why it is extremely important to always monitor your home’s paint job. If you find yourself in need of professional exterior house painting in Northern Virginia, Kopeck Custom Painting can assist you.

There are many instances where a professional service is needed to fix an exterior painting problem on your home, but there are also a few simple ways you can do it yourself. Here are some common exterior paint problems, as well as some solutions for fixing them:

Paint Blistering

Paint blistering looks like small bubbles (or blisters) under the paint’s film and is typically seen in trim and wood siding. There are a couple of ways that these blisters can form:

  • By painting in direct sunlight on a warm surface
  • Excess moisture on your painted walls from high humidity or leaks

A few of the measures you can take to prevent paint blisters from occurring in the future include:

  • Providing siding ventilation
  • Making sure that your surface is clean and dry
  • Prime with a high-quality latex primer
  • Avoid painting in hot, humid conditions

One way you can fix paint blisters is by scraping and sanding away the bubbles. If they go down, ensure that humidity isn’t high, and also check and repair any loose caulking around the doors and windows. If you are still experiencing issues, you may need to consult a professional exterior painting expert.

Alligatoring

Alligatoring is a type of painting issue in which the surface develops a cracked pattern. The reason for the name is due to its resemblance to the scales of an alligator. If not properly treated, deeper cracks and even splits can occur in the paint. Alligatoring is often caused by the inability of a top coat of paint to smoothly bond over the glossy coat beneath it. Alligatoring can also happen when a topcoat is applied over a coat of primer that isn’t fully dry.

To prevent alligatoring in the future, simply ensure that each layer of primer or paint dries completely before applying another coat. Also, be sure to apply a high-quality primer before repainting. Unfortunately, the best way to fix alligatoring is to start from scratch. Scrape or sand down the paint to the bare surface and follow the directions to prevent alligatoring.

Mildew

Mildew is a mold that grows mainly in humid or poorly ventilated spaces, meaning that it can easily become present along your home’s exterior. If mildew goes untreated, it can eat away at your home’s paint job down to the surface. Other potential causes of mildew include:

  • Lower-quality paint use that lacks mildewcide
  • Unprimed bare wood
  • Existing mildew conditions that had been painted over

To prevent the invasion of mildew, you can purchase paint with a chemical called mildewcide, which is an additive in paint that prevents surface mold and mildew growth on wood surfaces.

Here are some steps to remove mildew from the exterior of your home:

  • Mix 1 part bleach and 3 parts water
  • With a sponge, goggles, and rubber gloves, vigorously scrub the affected area and let sit for 10-15 minutes
  • Rinse with clean water, wash the area with a detergent solution and rinse again
  • Let the area dry and paint with a high-quality latex house paint that includes mildewcide

If you aren’t comfortable implementing this process on your own, don’t worry! Kopeck Custom Painting can take care of this for you and will ensure your mildew issues are eliminated.

Peeling

Paint peeling can be easily distinguished, and you’ve likely seen the exterior of a home peeling before. There are a few common cases as to why paint peels, such as the following:

  1. Exterior moisture: moisture that has been infiltrated behind the paint film due to failing caulk or leaks.
  2. Interior moisture: moisture within the home from high humidity areas, like bathrooms or kitchens, which cause moisture that penetrates paint film.
  3. Poor adhesion: the paint is peeling from an earlier paint layer, leaving some paint behind.

To properly prevent the exterior of your home from peeling, you can repair and replace missing or damaged caulk and ensure proper ventilation of your home’s interior. To repair peeling, use a scraper or heavy grit sandpaper to remove the paint. Then, apply a thin layer of patching material to the damaged area. After patching the area, apply even heavier grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. To save even more time and effort, consider hiring a professional exterior painting company that you can trust, as they will provide you with a paint job that’s lasting and beautiful.

Choose High-Quality Exterior House Painting Services in Northern VA

Kopeck Custom Painting understands the importance of your home’s outward appearance, as we offer solutions that are affordable and long-lasting. With dependable exterior house painting services that are customized to your needs, we will guide you through an estimate of your service so that you know exactly what you are purchasing. In the end, we guarantee a home that will sparkle just in time for spring. Contact us at (571) 999-7046 to schedule your exterior painting service in Northern Virginia today!