The East Tennessee Humidity Is Coming for Your Paint Job: Here's How to Fight Back

If you live in East Tennessee, you know that humidity is a fact of life. According to the Tennessee Climate Office at East Tennessee State University, our region sits in a Humid Subtropical climate zone with average annual precipitation ranging from 40 to over 55 inches in the Great Valley alone — and even higher in the surrounding mountains. It’s the reason our summers feel so soupy and our hair frizzes up the moment we step outside. But did you know that humidity can also wreak havoc on your home’s exterior paint job?

That’s right, the same moisture that fogs up your glasses can cause your paint to peel, bubble, and blister. It can also create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can not only damage your paint but also pose a health risk to you and your family.

But don’t despair! There are steps you can take to protect your home from the damaging effects of humidity. Here’s our guide to fighting back against the East Tennessee humidity and keeping your paint job looking fresh and beautiful for years to come.

The Enemy: Moisture

To understand how to combat the effects of humidity, it’s important to first understand how moisture affects your paint. When water vapor in the air seeps into the layers of your paint, it can cause the paint to lose its adhesion to the surface. This can lead to peeling, bubbling, and blistering. In addition, the constant presence of moisture can create a damp environment where mold and mildew can thrive.

Your Best Defense: A Good Offense

The best way to protect your home from the damaging effects of humidity is to take a proactive approach. This means choosing the right paint and primer for our climate and properly preparing your home’s exterior before you start painting.

• Choose a high-quality, moisture-resistant paint: Look for a paint that is specifically designed for humid climates. These paints are formulated to resist moisture and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Don’t skip the primer: A good quality primer is essential for creating a barrier between your home’s exterior and the elements. It will also help your paint to adhere better to the surface and last longer.
• Properly prepare the surface: Before you start painting, it’s important to make sure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dirt, grime, or old, peeling paint. This will ensure that your new paint job will have a smooth, even finish and will adhere properly to the surface.

Maintenance is Key

Once your home is painted, it’s important to perform regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This includes:

• Washing your home’s exterior annually: This will help to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew that has accumulated on the surface.
• Inspecting your paint job regularly: Look for any signs of peeling, bubbling, or blistering. If you catch these problems early, you can often repair them before they become a major issue.
• Trimming back trees and shrubs: This will help to improve air circulation around your home and prevent moisture from getting trapped against the surface.

When to Call in the Pros

If you’re not comfortable tackling a painting project on your own, or if you have a historic home that requires special care, it’s always best to call in the professionals. At Cutting Edge Painting, we have the experience and expertise to handle any painting project, big or small. We use only the highest quality paints and materials, and we take the time to properly prepare your home’s exterior to ensure a long-lasting, beautiful finish.

Don’t let the East Tennessee humidity get the best of your paint job. Contact us today for a free estimate!