While many New England homes are constructed with vinyl siding, many more are not. Painted exteriors provide opportunities for expression, especially with Victorian homes, but require a fair deal of maintenance. Whether you opt to hire a team of professionals to keep your home looking like new or you’re into DIY, knowing what exterior paint requires is essential. As the top Boston painters, our team from MetroWest Painting is providing you everything you need to know!
Cleaning and Pressure Washing
Just like your interior walls, the exterior of your home will accumulate spots and stains over time. While immediate treatment with a soft-bristled brush is best, it’s not always possible. Thus, a buildup of dirt, grime, mold, and mildew can occur. Depending on the severity, how often you wash the exterior of your home can vary. Regardless of the timeframe, these elements are generally removed easily with pressure washing. While some homeowners pressure wash during the early spring and again in the fall, rule of thumb is to aim for once a year. Be sure to use the lowest-pressure flow to avoid chipping the paint.
Mold and Mildew
We already mentioned mold and mildew, but as the top Boston painters, we also know how difficult this pesky fungus can be. Some exterior paints contain additives to help in the prevention of growth, but not all. Depending on the type of paint, you may experience more frequent growth – especially in shaded areas. One of the best ways to handle mold and mildew growth is with frequent hosing. Not pressure washing but hosing. In darker areas or those under heavy shading, aim for once a month treatments. Areas that receive more sun and tend to remain dry should be hosed down once to twice per year.
Touch Ups Happen
Given the weather in New England, having some areas of your paint chip is unfortunately, normal. Depending on the location of your home and severity of the chipping, touch-up applications are generally required every two years to keep your home looking its best.
Check Your Landscaping
As mentioned, tree overgrowth can lead to mold and mildew growth. However, oversized shrubs, bushes, and even your lawn sprinkler can do the same. It’s imperative to check in with your landscaping at least once a season. Trim back overgrowth and position sprinklers away from your siding. Another beautiful element that can wreak havoc on your exterior paint is vines. While they look pretty, especially in old English homes, vines are definitely not paint-friendly. When it comes to exterior paint care and maintenance, your team of favorite Boston painters has you covered. At MetroWest Painting, our experts are here to help restore your home back to new! Give us a call today for more information at 508.393.0000.
