What Are Exterior Coatings?

We deal with unique climate challenges in Florida. From heat, high humidity, daily pop-up storms, and even hurricanes, the old joke is that if you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes.

Still, you’re doing your home a disservice if you don’t rely on an exterior coating to help protect it from the daily weather pattern changes. An exterior coating by the experts at SunBelt Home Solutions can add extra protection to your home and improve energy efficiency!

However, an exterior coating may be a foreign concept for the uninitiated. Well, it’s time to get educated. Get your favorite pen and notepad and get ready to learn more about this exciting home improvement project.

Why Do I Need Exterior Coating?

It’s simple if you’re a homeowner in Florida. Our continuously changing weather means you need all the help you can get to protect your home.

With an exterior coating, you’re giving your home more protection from the weather. High humidity and frequent rainstorms in Florida create a perfect petri dish for mold and mildew to grow. You’re asking for mold growth on your home without an exterior coating.

However, an exterior coating does more than protect against mold and mildew. The intense sunshine and heat in our neck of the woods can cause your home’s exterior to fade and degrade slowly over time. An exterior coating also protects against UV rays, giving your home a unique shield against the sun.

There are many other great reasons to invest in exterior coatings, but how can you make them work on your home?

Types of Exterior Coatings

An exterior coating isn’t just something you spray on your home and forget about. Instead, it’s usually an additive to existing paints or stains. Still, you must know what you’re dealing with ahead of time.

Sealants

Two types of sealants are used in exterior coatings in Florida: silicone and polyurethane.

Silicone coatings give your exterior a highly effective shield against moisture and increased durability. They also seal gaps between exposed windows, doors, and roofing joints. Silicone is also highly flexible, allowing for the extreme temperature swings known in the Sunshine State.

Polyurethane, on the other hand, provides more strength and resistance to wear and tear. These sealants offer excellent adhesion and flexibility, allowing them to move with the structure and prevent cracking.

Each type of exterior coating offers unique benefits tailored to different materials and environmental conditions.

Paints

Yes, even paints can come with an exterior coating additive to help if you slap a new coat of paint on your home.

Standard acrylic paints even offer an additive to help protect your home. These paint types are popular for exterior surfaces due to their durability and excellent UV resistance. They provide a barrier against the harsh sun, helping to prevent fading and degradation.

We can’t forget to discuss elastomeric paints. These coatings can expand and contract with temperature changes, making them ideal for homes in Florida, where surfaces are constantly growing and contracting. This flexibility helps prevent cracking and peeling.

Stains

Wood stains offer plenty of protective qualities for homes with wooden exteriors. In Florida’s humid climate, choosing a high-quality wood stain can prevent rot and extend the life of wooden structures, such as decks, siding, and trim.

But what if your home is made of sturdier material? Concrete stains can enhance the appearance of concrete surfaces and provide protection. These stains come in various colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their driveways, patios, and walkways while ensuring durability and weather resistance.

Choose SunBelt for Exterior Coating Services

At SunBelt Home Solutions, we are dedicated to helping homeowners across the community protect their homes from the weather. If you’re interested in exterior coating work, contact us today to learn more!