Exterior Paint Checking/Flaking - Causes & Solutions

Under normal circumstances, exterior paint checking and flaking are the first signs that a building's paint is aging and needs refinishing. However, premature paint checking and flaking may also indicate specific issues either with the application of new paint or with the physical condition of the building structure. A new paint job should usually last for at-least ten years or more, depending on the quality of the paint applied. Homeowners should investigate substantial checking or flaking before then.

Poor application of paint

Flaking paint is caused by poor adhesion between the paint and the subsurface. Poor surface preparation can dramatically diminish paint's adhesive qualities. One should wash, scrape and sand surfaces in order to provide maximum adhesion. Paint primer also increases adhesion and must have time to dry completely before paint is applied. Paint that is applied in too thick coats shrinks and flakes, pulling the paint away from the surface and diminishing the adhesion. Proper surface preparation remedies most of these problems.

Problems with building structure

Paint may be correctly applied yet flake and check from a structural problem with the building. Water is the most common source of paint corrosion. If the flaking and checking is confined to a specific area of the building, it may indicate a problem with the water lines or drains in the interior of the wall where the flaking occurs. An isolated patch of flaking may also indicate a leaking eve or roof vents. Someone must check for structural problems before any remedy in order to identify the problem.
Flaking and checking exterior paint is an entirely normal sign of paint aging, but it can also indicate a sign of underlying problems that need fixing.

Primers and Finishes

Priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control and durability.
Select a top quality exterior paint in the color and sheen of your choice.

Substrates, Primers

Substrate: Wood
Primer: 255 Stain Lock II Acrylic Primer
Finish Coats: 1240 Acry-Shield Exterior Flat Finish
1245 Acry-Velvet Ext. Low Sheen Finish
1250 Acry-Lustre Ext. Semi-Gloss Finish
1235 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Flat
1236 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Low Sheen

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