Page 60 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

The Homeowner’s Handbook SEVENTH EDITION

Exterior Paint: Making It Last

UNFORTUNATELY, PAINTING YOUR Cover Up Quickly
home is not a green activity. Why?
Because products such as acrylic Just a few days of exposure to UV rays
latex have a very high embodied can seriously damage the ability of wood
energy—producing them takes a toll on the to hold paint. Get a coat of primer on as
environment. It’s key, therefore, to maximize soon as possible, preferably a product
paint durability. You might think that switching with UV inhibitors.
to vinyl siding is a more “permanent” solution,
but vinyl products come with a different set of Use Durable
environmental drawbacks. There’s no perfect Fasteners
fix. You can, however, take several steps to
make sure paint lasts as long as possible It’s easy now to find
on your new siding. Old siding is a bigger exterior fasteners
challenge, but in general, the same rules apply. that will not rust and
stain wood. Spend a
Order Pre-Primed Wood little extra for the best
or Fiber Cement fasteners you can find.
You may add years to
Boards that are pre-primed in a factory tend to the viability of each
hold their paint longer than siding that’s painted paint job.
in place. This is true for several reasons. First, if
handled properly, factory-painted wood tends No Freezes,
to be coated only when the wood reaches an Please
optimal level of moisture saturation, typically about
15 percent. Also, the primer is usually applied to the Water-based paints
front side, back side and ends of each board. Note that have been
that it’s key to recoat primed ends after cutting. stored too long may
lose their chemical
Play Rough consistency. Worse,
if they’re allowed
Research has shown that boards with a to freeze, their
slightly rough texture tend to hold paint performance may
much better than smooth sanded surfaces. suffer. Don’t risk
If ordering cedar, pine or other natural painting with a
finishes, ask about different texture options. compromised can of
paint. The amount of
labor versus the price
of new paint makes
that a bad deal.

Choose Cool Colors Seal End Grain

Paints exposed to regular cycles of extreme heat undergo more stress, Often, siding and trim boards weather and
shortening their useful lifespan. One simple solution is to specify lighter crack on the ends—for a simple reason:
colors on wood exteriors, especially in hot climates on the sides of the They were not coated properly when the
home that get several hours of sun each day. rest of the home was primed and painted.
If possible, coat them with a good sealer
before installation.

58 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 www.greenbuildermedia.com