Your home is much more than the place where you reside. It’s one of the most significant investments you’ll make. Therefore, the property should be well maintained, both inside and out. This includes painting the house and pressure washing it. However, it’s essential to know which steps to take first to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting paint job. The pros from Forever Builders, the experts in painting services San Diego homeowners trust for exceptional craftsmanship and unmatched service, explain why pressure washing your home is necessary before it’s painted.
What Comes First
Pressure washing the house first is necessary because dirt and mildew can build up on the exterior of the home, and applying the paint first could cause the fresh paint to bond with dust, mold, and other solid matter, eventually leading to flaking. As a result, the paint job will look bad, and repainting will likely be necessary, causing you to spend more time and money in the long run. Regardless of whether your exterior is made of stucco, wood, vinyl, or other material, it’s essential to take the time to pressure wash the home first to remove solid matter from the surface and get it ready for the fresh paint.
Benefits of Pressure Washing
Some people believe using a traditional garden hose is enough, but high-pressure washing is necessary to remove tough stains that often damage the home’s exterior. In addition to power washing the house, you’ll need to use detergent solutions that loosen the dirt often stuck deep down, especially in cracks and other hard-to-reach areas. Once detached, the solid matter is easier to clean up and remove. Before painting, continue to rinse the home until all the detergent and debris have been removed completely.
Mistakes to Avoid
After pressure washing, it’s best to wait before applying the paint. Putting on the paint too quickly could prevent it from lasting longer. For example, some painting projects can last up to seven years with proper application and maintenance, while others may need to be touched up partially or entirely within two to three years because of preventable mistakes.
To avoid these issues and optimize your paint job, wait until the home has completely dried before applying the paint. Keep in mind the type of siding will determine the drying time. For instance, vinyl and aluminum don’t typically take as long as wood to dry. Regardless, you should avoid trapping moisture under your paint.
Hiring Pros to Do the Job
You can purchase a pressure washer and complete the job yourself or hire professionals to get the work done. The latter option has many benefits. Although you may be up to the job, you may not know everything about pressure washing, which can increase your odds of serious injuries. Other issues professionals could prevent include costly mistakes and damage because they know when to use high pressure and when to apply less pressure on spots of the home that aren’t strong enough for the force. Professionals also know how to use equipment and cleaning products efficiently.
Repainting your home is a major project, so consider hiring experienced professional exterior house painters to ensure you’ll get high-quality results that last for years. If you’re ready to refresh the exterior of your home, make sure to hire experts with years of experience. Whether they need a fresh coat of exterior paint or a whole house remodel, San Diego homeowners can rely on the team from Forever Builders for outstanding workmanship and exceptional service that fits their budgets. To learn more about our exterior painting services, call one of our friendly team members today at (833) 243-5624