Does your home have flaking and cracking paintwork?
This is never a good sign; Commonly known in the “trade” as paint failure.
It is due to the reduction of the bond between a coat of paint and the surface to which it was originally applied.
This failure can occur if a coat is thin, inconsistent, a failed adhesion in the application process or the coating has just simply failed over the years through lack of a regular exterior maintenance programme.
Without proper preparation and know-how, a seemingly nice coat of paint can fail, ruining your exterior timber and forcing you to start from scratch.
CAUSES OF FLAKY AND CRACKING PAINT
While flaking occurs when paint is lifted from the underlying timber surface, cracking is caused by the splitting of a dry paint film from one or more coats of paint. According to painting experts, these two symptoms can occur for a few main reasons:
Water/Humidity: Paint that’s applied to a damp surface or paint that’s exposed to high humidity can peel easily. Plywood especially can expand and contract depending on humidity levels, making it prone to cracks and flaking in the surface coating.
Lack of Surface Preparation: When your paint surface is dirty or isn’t primed properly it’s prone to cracking and flaking even with a just a thin layer.
Expired or Low-Quality Paint: These paints can peel much more quickly than fresh, high-quality paint.
Improper Application: This is the most common cause of paint failure, especially when wood with an excessive amount of a “flat” hard grain is used.
Your best chance for avoiding paint failure when applying a coat of paint on your own is to be sure you’re using quality paint on a properly-prepared dry surface.
If you’re not sure you can tackle this yourself, reach out to a painting professional you can trust
HOW IT’S HARMFUL
To be honest a house with cracked, flaking paint isn’t inviting.
But besides being a visually unappealing, cracking, flaking paintwork on timber can leave to more expensive repairs if left unchecked.
If your building was built before 1978, there’s a chance that you could be dealing with paint that has lead in it. Lead paint is most dangerous when it’s cracking, blistering, or flaking, because it’s deteriorating and can cause lead-contaminated dust to be released into the air. This may lead to health problems in people of all ages, so it’s important to take precautions against it. Make sure your exterior timber is tested for lead before taking on any big renovations.
BENEFITS OF FIXING PAINT FAILURE EARLY
By keep your external timber in good condition, you’ll be able to save yourself hassle and money in the future.
Smaller, hairline cracks can be fixed more easily as a DIY project with the proper tools. But, if you have peeling or flaking paint, you’re at risk for water damage or damage to the substrate beneath that require professional attention. Depending on how deep the damage goes within the timbers, it will cost more and more to replace it, so it’s important to call in a professional immediately.
By routinely looking for smaller cracks, you’ll be able to avoid pricier renovations and replacements of your exterior woodwork.
BRINGING IN AN EXPERT
Since flaking or cracking paintwork can cause a property to lose its aesthetics and can also affect the value of your home, it is important that you repair the issues when they begin to appear.
Considering that improper paint application is a major factor in this, it’s imperative to choose a reputable and reliable Painter and Decorator who can repair flaking and cracking paintwork and will properly apply high-quality paint and coatings that are formulated for the specific surface and environmental conditions.
If you are noticing hairline cracks or peeling, flaky paint on your home’s external woodwork.
Please consider calling us we’d be happy to examine your property and determine the best solution possible.
Click the link below to make an appointment today
