With summer right around the corner (finally!), you have a golden opportunity to make sure your home looks its best and is fully protected. After all, our Rhode Island weather may be perfect for beachgoers looking to soak up the sun, but it’s HARD on our properties.
Here are a few quick tips for making sure your home is just as ready for this new season as you are.
Assessing Your Home’s Exterior Condition
Winter often leaves a mark! We recommend a thorough inspection, specifically looking for:
Peeling or blistering paint
Cracks or holes in the siding
The condition of the caulk around windows, doors, and trim
Mold or mildew, especially on the shadier sides of your home
It’s also smart to check for any signs of wood rot. Sections that are little soft or spongy should be addressed right away, either with localized repairs for smaller issues, or full wood replacement for more widespread decay. Either way, it pays to be proactive.
Invest in Exterior Maintenance Painting
It can be tempting to wait until all of your paint needs to be redone before calling a Rhode Island house painter, but we actually recommend investing in routine care. Maintenance helps prevent those bigger problems, reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises, plus helps your existing paint to last longer and look better.
Here’s a quick recap:
Regular Inspections: Check your exterior routinely
Minor Touch-Ups: Address small issues immediately to prevent them from becoming larger problems
Protection: Trim nearby foliage and ensure proper drainage to safeguard your paint job from summer weather
How Does Your Exterior Stain Look?
Stained surfaces should typically be refinished every few years. If they’re beginning to fade or gray at all, it’s definitely time to show them a little love.
Remember: your stain isn’t just there to look good. It protects against moisture intrusion, sun damage, pests, and general wear and tear, too.
Quick tip! You can try the old “water test” to see if your deck specifically needs to be refinished. Dribble a little water on the surface and see if it soaks right in. If it does, the stain isn’t repelling moisture like it should, but if the water beads and sits on top, the finish is still doing its job.
FAQs
Q: Why is UV-resistant paint important for summer?
A: UV-resistant paint helps protect your home from the sun’s harmful rays, preventing fading and prolonging the life of your paint job.
Q: Can I paint over old paint or do I need to remove it first?
A: It's essential to remove peeling or blistering paint before applying a new coat. Smooth and clean surfaces ensure better adhesion and a more durable finish.
Q: How often should I inspect my home’s exterior paint?
A: A seasonal inspection is a must, but it never hurts to check even more frequently than that. Or, talk to your local painter about getting on a maintenance plan that involves professional inspections and touch-ups.
Have More Questions About House Painting in Rhode Island?
Contact us at Dennis Moffitt Painting! It would be our pleasure to chat with you in more detail.
