Why Some Paints and Finishes Are Chosen Over Others Depending on Climate
Painting decisions don’t occur in a vacuum. Not only do your personal preferences play a role in determining the color, style, and type of coatings you select for your property -- so should your surrounding environment. After all, exterior paint and stain must endure whatever the weather throws at it, be it rain, snow, harsh sunlight, strong winds, and so on. Let’s explore why certain paints and finishes are recommended more than others based on your local climate.
Why Certain Paints Are Better than Others for Some Places
Some Places Are Wetter Than Others
Moisture is perhaps the most significant threat to any exterior surface out there. When water lingers too long on your property, it can make its way into the surface’s pores and wreak havoc from the inside out in the form of fracturing, rot, mold, mildew, and more. While most paint and deck stain products offer some level of water protection, they’re not all created equal. Acrylic paints, for instance, tend to hold up against humidity better than oil-based options. If you live in a region that experiences lots of rainy days, plenty of snow in the winter, and/or relatively high humidity levels, it’s important to seek a high-quality waterproof paint or wood stain finish for your exterior surfaces.
The Relationship Between Paint and Temperature
The number on the thermometer also plays a role in the paints and finishes you choose for your property. For one thing, there is a recommended range of temperatures for paint application to ensure the best results -- generally speaking, it’s best to perform commercial or residential exterior painting between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower than 45°F and the paint may become too thick and dry too slowly; above 85°F, paint can thin out and dry too quickly. Temperature shouldn’t only be a consideration for performing a paint job, though; keep it in mind when selecting a type of paint or finish. Quality acrylic latex or enamel coatings expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, allowing them to remain flexible in a wide range of climates.
Sunshine Is a Factor Too
While closely related to temperature, the duration and strength of sunlight in a given climate represents its own danger to exterior coatings. Harsh direct sunlight can cause paint to fade, dry out, and peel or flake away over time. If you live in a particularly sunny spot, consider choosing lighter colors and UV-resistant coatings for your exterior surfaces, as these will reflect the sun’s rays (rather than absorb them), protecting your paint/stain and keeping your property cooler as well.
Maintenance Considerations
No matter how protective your exterior coatings are, you’ll still have to invest in periodic maintenance to ensure their ongoing functionality and make necessary adjustments. However, the frequency and degree of this maintenance will vary depending on your climate and the coatings you select. If you don’t want to spend too much time or resources on exterior property maintenance, then it’s sensible to invest in higher-quality, climate-optimized paints and finishes from the outset. Indeed, a solid paint job with the right products can last as long as a decade with minimal maintenance if your siding and coatings are fit for your local climate.
Other Regional Considerations
Homeowners and business owners may also base their paint and finish selections on other regional factors. Certain pests in your area, for instance, may pose a threat to your property if you don’t take the proper precautions. You might also derive your paint color and finish choices from regional trends to keep up your property’s value. With so many climate-related factors in play regarding residential or commercial painting choices, it can be difficult to know where to even begin. Fortunately, the experts at Anderson Painting are well-versed in these matters, and we’ll make sure your home or business receives the coatings and care it needs to not only withstand but thrive in your specific climate.
To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
