Does Exterior Paint Help Protect Wood Siding?

April 15, 2022

The short answer is yes. Yes it does. 

The longer answer is that exterior paint not only protects your wood siding, it can prolong the life of your wood siding, thus saving you the hassle of repairing and placing the boards year-after-year. Add to this benefit that idea that paint can protect from not only the elements that Mother Nature kindly sends our way during every season, but also from pests, rot, mildew, mold, and the natural aging of the surfaces. 

A fresh coat of paint this spring or summer protects your home from these hazards, while also helping to personalize the home as well as add value to what is probably your largest investment. 

wood clapboardsPaint Protects Your Wood Siding …

If your home is looking a little worse for wear and you are considering painting the exterior this year, know that you are not only beautifying your home, you are protecting the wood structure from decay, rot, pests, the ravages of Mother Nature, and the natural decay of paint over time. 

From the Elements

New England, while a beautiful place to call home, has some pretty intense seasons with challenges from scorching heat during the summer months to wild winter storms with precipitation, wind, and plummeting temperatures. 

Each challenge can do some damage to wood siding unless it is properly protected. Paint is one of those protections. 

Painting your home every five or so years can provide a moisture barrier from the elements. Whether it’s rain, sleet, snow or the occasional hail, paint seals out the moisture that could (if left untreated) cause peeling, bubbles, decay, and the wood to degrade. 

From Rot

If moisture is given access to your home’s wood surface, issues could arise further in the future. Rotting and mold growth are two such issues. 

Paint adheres to a wood’s surface thus protecting it from the moisture that surrounds it. With a good adhesion, paint can protect the wood from rotting or potential mold growth due to too much moisture. 

From Pests

Let’s face it, no one wants pests making their way inside their home. One of the main attractions for many pests is wood, especially wood that is rotting or exposed. Wood that is properly painted and maintained is not very attractive to wood-boring insects and pests. 

Once pests get into your wood they take some effort to rid your home of them including carpenter bees, carpenter ants, termites, and beetles. It is best to maintain your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint to protect your home completely.

Not only does a fresh paint job allow your wood surfaces to be protected as the paint adheres and seals the wood, but it also allows for homeowners to add a personal touch with a color of their liking that suits their personality. Additionally, real estate experts agree that a home that is newly painted has a higher value than one that needs attention. 

Does your home need a refresh this spring or summer? Book an appointment to talk about your home and how we can help protect it from the elements, pests, and rot with a high quality paint project!