House Painting After a Hurricane in Florida: Where Do You Start?

The season following a hurricane is not an easy one, and many homeowners find themselves in property damage situations they have never been in before. Or at least not for a long time. That's exactly why we put this article together: to help homeowners like you in your efforts to get things back to normal.

One of the most common issues to arise after a severe storm is damage and wear to a home’s exterior surfaces. Which means at some point in the repairing process painting is involved. But what kind of paint? And what needs to be done before painting? Also, is there anything unique about painting after a major storm?

Unique Factors Involved with Painting After a Hurricane in Florida

When it comes to painting a house after a hurricane, several unique factors come into play that differ from standard painting conditions.

Moisture Levels: After a hurricane, the heightened moisture levels in the air and saturation of building materials can significantly impact paint application and drying times. Moisture meters can be used to assess the readiness of surfaces for painting to prevent issues like bubbling, blistering, or mold growth under the new paint.

Surface Integrity: Hurricanes can leave surfaces damaged by debris, water, and wind.

Salt and Chemical Residues: The strong winds and flooding associated with hurricanes can deposit salt, chemicals, and other corrosive substances on exterior surfaces. These residues can interfere with paint adhesion and longevity if not properly cleaned off.

Mold and Mildew: In Florida it’s common for mold and mildew to grow quickly after a hurricane as a result of the moisture and heat.

What do You do First? Inspect

Before you dip a brush into paint, it’s important to take a look around the home for any structural damages that may have been caused by the hurricane. Begin with a visual inspection to identify any cracks, breaks, or water damage in the exterior walls. As protective as paint is, it's no substitute for the siding itself. And a small crack could lead to major rotting and structural issues later on.

Depending on how bad your home was hit, it may be a good idea to get a professional building inspector to take a look too. After all, you don't want a small fix turning into a big problem down the road!

Cleaning and Preparations

It’s no surprise that cleaning is an essential step before painting (especially after a hurricane). But it may need some extra care if the home has been sitting for a few days/weeks after the storm.

The best way to get that “extra care” is to hire a professional pressure washing company. If you have the time and the gumption to do it yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Pre Clean: Before doing anything it's important to get all the “big stuff” off. Things like leaves, sticks, trash and anything else that may be on there. This will help the next step be more effective.
• Specialized Cleaners: It's important to kill the mold and bacteria that’s been growing (often as unsightly green or black spots).

Again, professional help may be needed. They have the techniques and formulas that are safe, environmentally friendly, and get the job done well.

Choosing the Right Time to Paint

We’re almost to the paint itself, but there is one more crucial thing to keep in mind: timing. In Florida’s hot, humid, and often rainy climate, the timing of a paint job can make or break the project. Trust us; the last thing you want is all that hard work being washed away.

Plan your painting during a period with the least rainfall and lower humidity levels to ensure the paint adheres well and dries correctly. Monitoring weather forecasts will help you choose the right window to begin your project.

Selecting the Right Paint

Paint is paint, right? Right. But they’re not all the same. For areas prone to hurricanes, choosing high-quality, weather-resistant paint is paramount. Look for products specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and offer additional protections like UV resistance and mold prevention.

What's the Takeaway?

Hurricane season can be a stressful (and sometimes dangerous) time for Floridians, and we often need all the help we can get. Painting your home is a big job, but it's made bigger by mistakes and misinformation. Just remember to inspect, prepare, time it well, and choose the right paint.

Need a painter? Clean Lines Painting knows Florida. And we know what it takes to get a house painted after a hurricane. Contact us today for all your exterior painting and power washing needs in the Naples, FL, area.