November 21, 2024
As anyone who lives in Vancouver knows, this west coast city earns its reputation as one of the rainiest places in Canada.
This works fine for anyone who likes spending their winters curled up indoors with a book, but for homeowners who are looking to liven up their house with a painting project, it makes things difficult.
As one of Western Canada’s premiere painting companies, our Vancouver house painting business is one of our strongest markets. 30 years of experience in the industry means our process has evolved to make the most of sunny west coast summers.
Read on for our guide to exterior house painting in “raincouver”. Use this blog post to plan your next painting project, and to bring an informed perspective when finding a painting contractor.
And of course, this guide isn’t only useful for Vancouver (looking at you Fraser Valley, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, and Victoria).
Vancouver’s wet, mild climate limits the majority of exterior residential painting to the summer months (June, July, and August). Recent years have seen drier, hotter summers in the Lower Mainland, which can be considered ideal painting conditions (with the exception of extreme heat events).
However, the spring and fall seasons can also be suitable for painting projects. The main consideration for these months is that extra time and money is budgeted for the rainiest days, when work must stop.
So why exactly does rain affect house painting so much?
To put it simply, wet surfaces and paint do not mix. Most paints do not stick to wet or moist walls, and windy, stormy conditions can also wreak havoc on a freshly-painted wall. Even light rain can create streaks and smudges.
Heavier rain and moisture affects the paint's ability to cure, which is defined as the act of becoming completely hardened. Depending on the type of paint being used, fresh paint can take anywhere form 24-48 hours to dry and cure.
Once your paint dries, it’s not too late to consider the effects of moisture and rain. Much like sun, wind, and sudden changes in temperature, wet conditions will decrease the lifespan of your paint.
Once the colour of your paint fades, this means that the protective barrier of the paint has begun to break down.
During the sunniest months of the summer, the paint will be exposed to UV rays, which will further degrade the paint. To learn about the science behind this, check out this recent article in Paint and Coatings Industry magazine.
Look for signs like chipping, cracking, and stripping away as signs that you should seriously consider a painting project.
Chalking is another problem. This is where sunlight reacts with the outer layer of paint, resulting in a powdery buildup on the outside of the surface.
These indicators are also potential costs, as they will all result in more prep work for your painting company.
One last note: if you notice paint peeling off in large chunks instead of small chips, it could be due to moisture collecting behind the paint. Leaving this problem for too long can lead to structural damage to your home.
It’s never a bad idea to take advantage of free client consultations to assess the state of the paint on your property. Working with a reputable company will ensure that you receive accurate information about how badly your home needs a paint job.
There are several proactive steps you can take to shield your exterior paint from Vancouver’s weather.
High-Quality Materials: Paying more in the short term for weather-resistant paint will ensure your home looks better for longer.
Protect Wooden Surfaces: Exposed wood on the exterior of your home should be treated, sealed, and stained properly .
Consider Textured Finishes: Textured paints contain a layer of grit, and are applied using textured rollers. This results in a higher level of durability and weather protection.
Pressure Wash Regularly: Rainy conditions will cause dirt, grime, moss, and other organic debris to accumulate on your home. One wash per year will boost your curb appeal, and lengthen the lifespan of your paint.
Finding the right team to complete your Vancouver house painting project is easier said than done.
There are plenty of competitors ranging from big, established companies to student-led summer operations.
To help narrow it down, read our blog post on the 6 questions to ask when choosing your residential painting team.
And be sure to keep Pro Works Vancouver in mind. With over 30 years as Western Canada’s leading painting companies, we bring a well-worked process and range of services to the table.
Check out some of our recent painting projects in Vancouver, like our recent work for our friends, the Vancouver Canadians at Nat Bailey Stadium.
