The maintenance of painting and waterproofing is essential for the conservation of any building, not to mention the aesthetic importance it has. A neglected façade, in addition to generating a bad presentation, generates water leaks, dampness and cracks in the concrete, which can mean that the property is devalued.
The administration of your home has finally made the decision to change the exterior or interior paint of the residence building. That moment has come when the board of directors and technical council people are considering restoring the current colors or debating whether it is better to make a color scheme change for the building. If so, continue reading because we will show you everything you need to know about painting and waterproofing so that carrying out this project is a complete success. let’s get started.
Why is it important to paint the facade of a building?
From time to time it is necessary to carry out maintenance on the external painting of residential buildings. We are not only talking about that part visible to other people, but the façade constitutes an important element of the structure since it protects, insulates and waterproofs the interior from inclement weather and climatic changes.
How often should maintenance be done?
It is relative to establish a specific time since a change of paint depends on several factors such as exposure to rain and sunlight, constant weather changes, appearance of cracks, concentration of fungi, exposure to humidity, quality of the paint applied, appropriate techniques for the application of paint… among others. It is generally considered convenient to carry out maintenance on residential buildings every 3.5 to 4 years to maintain their conservation.
Types of waterproofing in residential buildings
The durability and quality of the coating will depend on the application of waterproofing during painting. Some types of waterproofing recommended to stop leaks are:
- Cold liquid waterproofing.
- Thermal or heat waterproofing.
- Waterproofing with acrylics and epoxy.
Materials
On the market you can find a wide variety of products that cover the needs of beautifying the structure and, of course, that fit the budget allocated for said activity. Each material to choose must be selected taking into account the characteristics of the surface, the intention of durability and exposure to external factors.
Generally, this process should include cleaning materials, surface preparation, repair of fissures or cracks, window edge paint and silicone, joint seal, in addition to the paint to choose. The colors that are selected must maintain a certain pattern according to a palette in order to maintain a certain desired uniformity.
Paint
You should look for paints that offer maximum protection and that have a guarantee of color durability. The last thing we want is for the walls to start to fade shortly after the paint is applied. Likewise, the selection of the type of paint will depend primarily on whether it will be applied externally such as the façade or common areas, or a suitable paint for the interior part of the residential building.
If it is an exterior paint, it must be 100% acrylic, highly resistant and long-lasting, made from polymers and soluble in water. Generally, a paint with a matte finish is chosen and its composition is robust and rough, suitable for surfaces exposed to the elements. Among other varieties, you can select vinyl paints, with a plastic barrier, anti-humidity, sun blocking effect and reinforced emulsion.
On the other hand, paints for interiors tend to be more liquid and fine since they are designed for simple handling and easy application. They are usually made of different materials: water, oil, varnish and enamel mainly. In general, latex plastic paint, acrylic plastic paint, vinyl plastic paint, synthetic enamel paint, acrylic enamel paint, mineral silicate paint, paints with effects and finishes are used for interiors. The type of paint to use will depend on the area in which it will be applied (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms…) and other factors such as durability, texture, protection, drying time, level of light reflection, exposure to humidity. , among others.
Interior and exterior paints are often sold in 1/4, 1, 2.5, or 5 gallon sizes, depending on your needs. You probably need more than 5 gallons to paint an entire building. The yield of one gallon of paint can range from 30 to 60 square meters depending on the type of paint selected, thickness of the liquid, number of coats of paint applied and technical experience during application.
Cleaning products
Washing the area to intervene before applying the paint constitutes a representative part of the final result to achieve the ideal effect in the application of paint and waterproofing in buildings. To clean the walls, products are used that remove dirt and impurities (soot, dust, grease and other contaminants) as well as already existing loose material. During this process, a machine is used that applies some type of specialized degreaser with cleaners and active ingredients under pressure. The degreaser must be suitable for the type of material to be cleaned (metal, plastic, concrete, wood, brick, stone, ceramic…). It must also be easy to rinse, biodegradable and free of phosphates. It is possible that in certain areas a reinforcement in the application of the degreaser is required to guarantee the adherence of the paint.
Exterior or interior plastic filler or plaster
During the crack repair process and when filling cracks, a filler or plastic plaster is required to even out the surface before starting the paint application. This process allows for a smooth finish and avoids any possible water infiltration. In some cases, and depending on the size of the crack, combined materials such as a polyurethane-based elastic sealant can be used together with an impermeable cementitious coating.
Textured plastic coating
This material is recommended for decorating and protecting surfaces such as concrete, drywall, stone or fiber cement. It is suitable for interiors and exteriors due to its ability to resist the elements, impermeability to rain, resistance to the sun’s rays and color stability. It is made with 100% acrylic water-based polymers and small quartz grains of controlled size that give it texture and a durability of 3 to 5 years. In general, this material is sold in presentations of 6, 30 and 300 kg, with a performance of its application in layers of 2.5 to 3.0 mm thickness.
Continuous plastic lining
It is made with 100% acrylic polymers as well as the textured plastic coating. The essential difference between the two is the type of finish that is obtained. When used with marble shot, a polychromatic effect is obtained. It is ideal for facades and common areas. The practical performance of this type of coating depends on the quality of the selected substrate and the atmospheric conditions in which it is applied, since a change in climate may or may not favor the performance of the product.
Metallic paint
This paint is specific for metal parts that are usually edges, doors and windows.
Waterproof
This type of material is ideal for brick or stone facades as it prevents the formation of fungus and moss after continuous exposure to humidity and rain. It is made from waterproofing silicones that protect porous substrates and is water repellent. It has an approximate life of 10 years and is usually sold in presentations of 5 gallons to 55 gallons.
