Coastal Vs. Inland Homes: Choosing the Right Exterior Paint for Your Climate in North Carolina
North Carolina has a widely varied climate, mainly due to its complicated geography. At the coast, places like Wilmington have milder winters and humid summers influenced by the Atlantic. Inland areas, such as Raleigh, have a humid subtropical climate with cool winters.
Climate variations affect houses differently along the coastline and away from the ocean. For instance, coastal homes in Wilmington are blasted with salt air and intense UV rays. In Raleigh, the temperature often swings dramatically, resulting in storms.
Wherever you live in the state, you will need to devote considerable thought and effort to exterior home painting. If you choose the wrong paint, it won’t last long, which means your home’s exterior will be more vulnerable to the elements.
Different Climate Zones
If you live by the coast, you need to choose exterior paint that can withstand salt spray, persistent moisture, and strong winds. Salt can quickly corrode the exterior of a house, causing the paint to fade and deteriorate. Furthermore, high humidity causes paint to blister and promotes the growth of mildew.
For inland houses, paint must resist mildew while managing thermal expansion due to summer heat. At the same time, the paint you use should maintain its adhesion despite abrupt temperature shifts.
Paint Properties to Look For
When seeking exterior painting in Wilmington, NC or exterior house painting in Raleigh, look for the following paint properties:
UV Resistance: Paints designed to block UV rays will protect your home from sun damage.
Mildew Protection: You need paint that protects against mildew, whether you live on the coast or inland. Still, it is more critical inland where there is more shade and humidity.
Flexibility and Strong Adhesion: Any paint you use for outdoor application should withstand temperature fluctuations and rain, both inland and on the coast. Some premium paints also offer salt resistance.
High Light Reflectance Value (LRV): Paints with a high LRV reduce heat absorption, preserve the look of the applied paint, and strengthen siding integrity.
When researching paints, look for labels that say coastal exterior, mildew-blocking, or UV-stable. If you're unsure where to start, consider asking a professional painting contractor for assistance.
Colors to Consider for Coastal and Inland Homes
Once you’re done with the technical aspects of choosing paint, you can look at trending colors. For Wilmington homes, light and fresh palettes are most effective for exterior paint. Consider soft blues for a traditional ocean-themed exterior. If you want something a bit more vibrant, deep greens will complement the surrounding dunes and vegetation well. If you want to stay true to tradition with a blue porch ceiling, opt for faint blue with white trim.
Raleigh might not be quite as close to the coast, but you can also implement an ocean theme for a Raleigh home exterior. Warmer shades and neutrals, such as sand, beige, or terracotta brown, never go out of style. Earthy greens and colorful accents also look good if you want something different.
Ultimately, choosing the best exterior paint colors for coastal homes and inland dwellings will depend on your style and preferences.
DIY Exterior House Painting Tips
While it’s best to hire professional painters when possible, if you plan to start house painting in Wilmington, NC (or Raleigh), follow these DIY tips:
Always thoroughly prepare the exterior surface. Clean the walls and scrape off peeling paint. Prime bare surfaces and repair damaged wood.
It is important to prime properly, especially if you live near the coast. Use a water-based, mildew-resistant primer.
Don’t paint when the sun is blazing or when the winds are strong.
The right sheen makes a big difference in exterior painting. Satin or eggshell paints accentuate the texture of stone and siding. Semi-gloss on doors and trim helps prevent scuffing.
Hiring a Professional Painting Contractor
If you're not up for tackling such a big project, consider hiring a reputable local painting contractor instead. A professional team can help you select the ideal paints for your North Carolina home and ensure the job is completed properly.
Anderson Painting Offers Exceptional Painting Services
The Anderson Painting team has provided expert painting services for many years. Our experience working in the Wilmington and Raleigh climates ensures that we use the right paint every time.
For a durable, professional result, contact Anderson Painting today and get your free estimate.
