Your home’s exterior aesthetic largely depends on the paint you choose for your siding and outside spaces. Any damage or gaps in the paint job will make any home look much older and more run-down than it truly is.
This is why the planning and timing of your exterior painting project are so important. You likely already know that you need the best painting contractors to use high-quality paint and equipment to do the job right. But did you know that you need the perfect weather, too?
How Weather Affects the Exterior Painting Process
Weather extremes have a significant effect on the painting process. Whether it’s too hot, too cold, or too humid—they all affect the paint’s adhesion and drying time. Additionally, weather conditions also have to be ideal immediately before and after the work is done. This is why it’s crucial to time your exterior painting project perfectly.
The best times to paint your exteriors are on days with little to no wind, moderate temperatures, and very low humidity. The painting should begin after the morning dew has fully dried and it should finish a few hours before the evening dew rolls in. Again, it’s all about timing and keeping a close eye on the weather forecast.
Temperature
If you’re contemplating about an exterior painting project, one of the first things you need to do is check recent temperature readings in your area. The temperature outside will influence the drying time of the paint. If it’s very hot, the paint will dry too fast. This will cause lap marks to appear in the paint—these are stripes or striations that ruin the overall appearance of the surface. For paint to lay down smoothly, there always has to be an edge of wet paint on the area being painted.
Most paint manufacturers formulate their paint to be applied when the temperature is around 40 degrees. If you choose to get your house painted when it’s too cold outside, the paint will not adhere properly to the surface, and it will not dry properly. And when the temperature drops drastically after sunset, the paint may even freeze or run off the surface.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can also cause paint to expand (in heat) and contract (in cold), leading to very visible cracks and possibly even chipping. When considering exterior painting services in Indianapolis, try to track the weather patterns and talk to your contractor about the best time to schedule the project.
Humidity
Before beginning any project, you need to make sure that the surface you’re painting is as dry as possible. Painting on any wet surface will lead to an automatic failure. Paint will never adhere properly onto a wet area; in fact, it may even peel in large sheets when moisture is trapped underneath.
This is why you should also keep an eye on humidity levels if you’re going to paint your house. There will always be some humidity in the air, but it’s best to aim for a day that’s as dry as possible.
What’s the weather like today?
All types of weather can affect your home’s painted exteriors before, during, and long after a painting project. Before scheduling house painting services in Indianapolis, you should track the weather in your area. It’s best to avoid extreme heat and humidity so that you can be sure that the paint will not be damaged on the day it’s applied.
If you need an exterior painting contractor in Indianapolis, Pro-Quality Contractors is here for you. Quality, professional painting can last decades, and that’s what we do. Our company is a licensed, bonded, and insured local contractor committed to providing the best service. Contact us for a free inspection and estimate!
