Practically everyone knows that painting (or repainting) one’s home can do wonders. But did you also know that there are options other than paint that you can use to coat your home in a similar manner? These products, called exterior coatings, offer homeowners quite a few more attractive benefits that paint alone can’t.

WHAT IS EXTERIOR COATING?

An exterior coating is basically a substance designed to form a watertight seal over a home’s exterior, usually the siding. There are various kinds of exterior coating, many of which can easily be mistaken as ordinary paint, a coating substance with which more homeowners are familiar. So how is an exterior coating actually different from paint?

Technically, paint also counts as an exterior coating, but that’s where the similarity ends. Paint is applied mainly to brighten up an existing color, or when you’d like a change of color. On the other hand, exterior coatings are applied not just to improve your home aesthetically, but for other purposes as well, such as improving your home’s energy efficiency or water resistance.

PART 1 - EXTERIOR COATING- WHY NOT JUST CALL IT PAINT?

DIFFERENT OPTIONS, DIFFERENT PURPOSES

Common paint options available include acrylic, enamel, and latex, among others, but as mentioned earlier, all are mainly used to add color to your home. On the other hand, exterior coatings are commonly classified according to their primary purpose – thus, there’s thermally-insulated coating, or weatherproof coating, for instance. Moreover, not all exterior coatings come with a distinct color; you can choose between clear and colored coating, depending on your personal preferences.

DIFFERENT COATINGS, DIFFERENT SUBSTANCES

When people think about coating, most people picture a smooth layer of liquid being applied onto their home’s exterior, whether with an airbrush or with paint rollers. There are, however, some kinds of exterior coating that add a distinct texture to the surface on which it is being applied. These kinds of coating, aptly-named textured coating, has a mix of resins and sometimes, metals embedded in the substance itself. Many exterior coatings also include controlled amounts of fungicide in the mix to prevent mold from growing. Exterior coatings are actually a better alternative to paint – coatings aren’t just long-lasting, they also offers a plethora of advantages in addition to just giving your home a fresh pop of color.

How, exactly, can exterior coating be of added value to your home? Find out the answer in the second part of this e-book.

PART 1 - EXTERIOR COATING- WHY NOT JUST CALL IT PAINT?

Exterior coatings may be available in all types, textures, and colors, but use any of them on your home and you can get some, if not all of the following benefits that mere paint can’t provide.

WATER RESISTANCE

Thick layers of paint may keep water from penetrating your home’s exterior, but it still won’t be totally waterproof. On the other hand, some kinds of exterior coating do form a watertight membrane over the surface of your home’s exterior once properly set. High-end coatings also let the home “breathe” by allowing moisture from inside to evaporate while repelling external moisture.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Light-colored paint may help reflect away the UV rays that hit your home’s exterior, but most (around 90%!) still end up getting absorbed, causing the home to either heat up within or to suffer from UV damage. Special exterior coating reflects more UV rays away from your home and reduces the wear and tear that’s caused by constant exposure to sunlight on your home’s exterior.

BETTER STYLE

Tired of your home’s plain and boring flat exterior surfaces? With textured exterior coating, you can add a more dynamic finish to your home. This is a good option for homes with more traditional home themes, but can also work for contemporary home designs. Combine textured exterior coating with the right color choices and you can make even the dullest parts of your home look more interesting.

PART 2 - HOW CAN EXTERIOR COATINGS HELP IMPROVE YOUR HOME?

LESS MAINTENANCE

Because most external coatings have either waterproof or UV-resistant components, they are less likely to experience problems associated with paint, such as bubbling or peeling. This makes for low-maintenance home exteriors that won’t easily compromise your home’s weather resistance.

LONGER LIFESPAN

It’s not uncommon for paint to show signs of cracking or bubbling within just a couple of years, and a fresh layer of paint usually has to be reapplied every five years; exterior wall coatings can easily last twice or thrice as long, yet still look as good as new (some can even last for as long as 20 years!)

How can you fully enjoy the benefits provided by exterior coatings? By finding the right options! Find out more in the last part of this e-book.

PART 2 - HOW CAN EXTERIOR COATINGS HELP IMPROVE YOUR HOME?

Just as in window replacement or a new roof installation, the key to making the most of your home’s exterior coating is a matter of making the right choices. Here are a few tips to help you find the most suitable exterior coating for your home.

1. LOOK FOR THE RIGHT PROS

Proper installation is important no matter what type of exterior coating you’re getting, so why not get help from someone who specializes in exterior coatings? Bonus points to you for choosing professionals that are certified by your chosen coating’s manufacturer, since that’ll mean they’re qualified to apply the coating according to manufacturer standards, i.e., exactly how it is meant to be applied.

2. FOCUS ON THE FUNCTION...

If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, then you should be particular about specific efficiency levels. Coating that can help cut down on the energy used to cool your home by around 20% is great. Remember, though, that the local climate and even your home’s color has an effect on any coating’s efficiency, so ask a pro for help!

3. ... BUT DON’T FORGET THE FORM.

An efficient exterior coating is good, but it won’t be satisfying if it doesn’t make your home look the way you pictured it to be. Pick a coating with the right texture and color that will go well with the rest of your home’s exterior as well as appeal to your personal aesthetic.

PART 3 - THE RIGHT WAY TO PICK OUT YOUR EXTERIOR COATINGS

3. HAVE YOUR HOME INSPECTED

Having a professional perform a quick survey of your home ensures that the exterior coating will not be applied over rust spots or peeling paint, which may cause bubbling from underneath the coating’s layer after some time.

4. CHECK THE WARRANTY

Since exterior coating can last for a very long time, you wouldn’t want short-term warranties that will be rendered useless after just a few years. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to find reputable exterior contractors that offer long-term, or even lifetime warranties.

That wraps up this blog series on exterior coating. We hope you learned more about this home improvement option, and that we’ve inspired you to consider using exterior coating in lieu of paint on your home.

PART 3 - THE RIGHT WAY TO PICK OUT YOUR EXTERIOR COATINGS

Mid-South Coatings

4636 Sanford Street Metairie,

LA 70006

(504) 662-1616

midsouthcoatings.com