When your exterior paint starts to crack, peel, or bubble up—pay attention. These types of exterior paint failures can signal you’ve had a poor paint job, water is seeping in, or your siding is wearing down.
Let’s look at typical problems homeowners experience with exterior paint so you can prevent them in the future and keep your house looking its best! You’ll learn to identify paint issues early so you can address them when they are small and maintain your home’s appearance. You’ll also discover how to approach repainting, so you don’t have these issues again!
What Causes Exterior Paint to Bubble?
When paint pulls away from your siding, it’s not working as it should. Bubbles are the unsightly result, and the bubbles can lead to peeling. If your paint is bubbling up, it’s important to understand the root cause so it doesn’t happen again! Here are some common reasons for bubbling paint:
Gain understanding of the conditions (when your home was painted) that caused it to bubble up.
- Was your home painted when it was too hot (above 90 degrees)? Or was it too cold to paint (below 50 degrees)? Hot temperatures cause paint to dry too quickly, preventing proper bonding. And cold temperatures trap moisture and hinder drying.
- Did the paint get exposed to moisture during the drying process due to an unexpected rain shower? Rain after painting your home can cause bubbling because the wetness gets trapped beneath the paint layer, creating pressure as it tries to evaporate.
- Are there cracks in your home siding that allow moisture in, leading to bubbles in your paint job? Physical damage to siding due to extreme weather can cause cracks that allow water to penetrate it, particularly if you have wood siding.
- Are your windows allowing water to seep into your siding when it rains or snows? If so, the moisture penetration can lead to bubbles forming on your exterior paint.
- Did you use low quality paint? That can result in bubbling up due to its inadequate adhesion. It also won’t be able to endure temperature fluctuations.
- Note: Bubbling paint may be an indication of more serious moisture issues within your home siding or walls due to leaks. If left unaddressed, it could lead to foundation issues.
How to prevent bubbles from forming the next time your exterior is painted:
If you want a durable paint job that gives you lasting beauty and protection, it’s vital to take the time and care needed to prepare the siding’s surface properly. Begin by repairing any cracks or gaps in your siding. Then, add seal around windows and doors to avoid water infiltration.
Clean the surface that will be painted. Next, let it dry completely. Finally, use a primer-sealer on the siding, and let that dry completely before painting your exterior with high quality paint. Also, paint when it’s not raining, not too humid, and the temperature is between 50 and 89 degrees. And don’t paint in direct sunlight. Maintain your paint job by washing it annually, inspecting it for signs of damage, and addressing problems quickly.
What Makes Paint Peel?
You may be surprised by what makes your paint peel.
Clogged or failing gutters may lead to peeling paint. Or, poor painting techniques may be the culprit, because if paint is applied too thinly or thickly, it’ll inevitably peel. Covering your home with low quality, inexpensive paint may be tempting, but don’t do it because the paint won’t stick to your wall’s surface properly.
High humidity levels may contribute to peeling exterior paint. The sun’s UV rays may cause your paint to fade, discolor, and eventually peel off your home. Your house’s exposure to extreme temperatures and harsh weather may also wreak havoc on your paint job, causing it to peel off.
How to avoid peeling paint the next time your exterior is painted.
- Ensure your gutters and downspouts are draining water away from your house properly. Clean the muck out of your gutters and consider investing in gutter guards to keep them from getting clogged.
- Inspect your exterior’s caulking and repair or replace deteriorated or missing caulk.
- Don’t scrimp on paint quality. High quality paint adheres well and isn’t likely to peel off.
- Make sure just the right amount of paint is applied (not too thick or thin).
- Install soffit vents to ensure airflow enters your attic space.
Why Made Your Exterior Paint Start to Crack?
Hairline cracks in your paint get worse over time if left unaddressed. There are a variety of reasons cracks form in your paint job.
- Poor paint quality was used on your home.
- Old paint was applied to your exterior.
- There wasn’t proper surface preparation before painting. Your siding may have been dirty or wet.
- Paint was applied too generously, creating a thick, paste-like consistency.
- Your current paint was applied too thinly, making it vulnerable to cracking.
- Oil-based paint was used on top of latex paint.
- A second coat of exterior paint was applied before the first one dried fully.
How to prevent exterior paint cracking
Invest in top quality exterior paint and take the time to prepare the surface you will be painting properly. Use the right brush or roller and apply the paint in multiple thin coats, allowing it to dry completely between applications. Paint when it is between 50 and 89 degrees outside.
Enjoy Beautiful New Exterior Paint That Sets Your Home Apart
Don’t settle for exterior paint issues that compromise your house’s first line of defense against the elements. Get gorgeous new paint that boosts curb appeal and protects your house.
Imagine how beautiful your home will look with an updated exterior paint job done by our experienced team, and sealing your home from damaging moisture intrusion and other paint defects. At Bluff City Exteriors, we focus exclusively on exterior upgrades and have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved, equipping us to deliver beautiful results that go the distance.
