by Louis Palladino

Did you know that simple maintenance steps like cleaning clogged gutters and caulking wood surfaces can prevent water moisture from penetrating vulnerable wood surfaces?

Did you know that rusty nails on the exterior of your home can be treated and prevented?

Did you know that there are elastomeric paint coatings that can help seal and waterproof surfaces that are vulnerable to moisture penetration?

Read on to learn more about the  winter weatherproofing process. And remember that it’s important to get a thorough evaluation of all exterior weatherproofing needs when considering painting your home.

Caulking

Use a caulking compound to seal leaks around the exterior of your home: any large splits or cracks in wood surfaces, as well as leaks around windows and door frames and along the tops of all trim boards.

Most importantly, all cut ends of   all trim and siding boards should be caulked to prevent moisture from being absorbed at the end grain. The quality of the caulking will determine how long the seal will last.

Gutter Cleaning and Related Activities

Keep your gutters clean of debris to prevent water from spilling over and penetrating trim and siding boards. The spaces between deck boards should also be cleaned of debris, which can hold moisture and lead to dry rot.

And power washing of all exterior surfaces will remove soiling, salt deposits and accumulation of molds, mildew and fungus.

Rusty Metal: nails, bolts, brackets, roof pipes, flashings and iron railings

Coastal salt-saturated air causes metal surfaces to rapidly rust and corrode. To prevent this, prepare the surfaces with anti-corrosive cleaners and primers. The best, long-term solution for rusty nails is to countersink, prime and putty the nails prior to painting the exterior of your home.

Elastomeric Coatings

You may have heard of elastomeric coatings but if you are like most people, you are not sure what they are. Someone may have told you an elastomeric coating is the best thing for your house. That person may be right, but these specialized coatings are not for every situation. It is important to find specialists in the application of these coatings, as in the right situation, they will significantly increase the life of the paint job.

Elastomeric coating is a thick, rubberized paint product relatively high in acrylic content. This paint coating can help seal and waterproof coastal exterior surfaces that are vulnerable to moisture penetration such as heavily cracked stucco, or split and damaged plywood siding. Elastomeric paint coating can bridge cracks up to 1/8 inch wide when applied properly.

To summarize, moisture, salt and fungal issues are more intense for coastal homes than for those in more sheltered, inland areas. Taking preventative measures to minimize moisture-related damage is always time well spent and will certainly add longevity and durability to your exterior wood, stucco and metal surfaces.

Louis Palladino is the owner of   Palladino Painting, which has been producing quality finishes on the coast since 1989. Palladino Painting emphasizes the critical role of understanding and communicating in writing the specific considerations of each project. Estimates are always free and full of details. The company can be reached at 650-728-4000 or online at www.palladinopainting.com.