In the world of painting, there’s a common misconception that painting is a “cosmetic” expense—something you do when the colors look a little faded or out of style.
But at Nova Painting, we view paint differently. We see it as a high-performance protective coating. In the harsh, damp climate of British Columbia, the “pretty” part of the paint is actually the least important job it does.
Here is why your building’s coating is the only thing standing between your investment and a very expensive repair bill.
1. The Battle Against The Elements
In the Lower Mainland, your building is under constant attack from three main elements. A professional coating is designed to repel all of them:
- Moisture Ingress: Rain doesn’t just sit on the surface; it looks for microscopic cracks in stucco, wood, and masonry. Once water gets behind your paint, it leads to rot, mold, and structural failure.
- UV Degradation: Even on cloudy days, UV rays break down the chemical bonds of building materials. High-quality coatings act as “sunscreen,” reflecting these rays and preventing materials from becoming brittle.
- Salt & Oxidation: For properties near the coastline, salt air can eat through metal railings and hardware. Specialized anti-corrosive coatings are essential to stop rust before it starts.
2. The Cost of Waiting vs. The Cost of Coating
“You can pay for a painter now, or a carpenter later.”
When a protective coating fails, the substrate (the material underneath) begins to deteriorate. Replacing rotted wood siding or remediating “spalling” concrete is 5 to 10 times more expensive than simply applying a fresh maintenance coat of premium paint.
Pro Tip: If you can see “alligatoring” (cracks that look like scales) or chalking (a powdery residue on your hands when you touch the wall), your protective barrier has already failed.
3. Specialized Coatings for Specialized Problems
At Nova Painting, we utilize advanced coating technologies tailored to the specific needs of the structure:
- High Performance Coatings: These coatings are more durable and withstand the harsh weather of British Columbia.
- Metal Finishes: For highly exposed metal surfaces such as railings, awnings, staircases, bollards. These incredibly durable coatings are necessary to withstand the weather and wear and tear from regular use.
- Caulking: Acrylic latex, silicone and polyurethane sealants used to prevent moisture from entering your building. Proper application is an art and strict application requirements are in place to ensure they stand the test of time.
Don’t Wait for Failure
A proactive maintenance schedule is the hallmark of a well-run strata. By the time you see the paint failing, the exterior coating is no longer protecting the exterior of your building(s).
Is your building’s “bodyguard” still on the job? Book a free coating integrity inspection with Nova Painting today. We’ll give you an honest assessment and expert recommendations.
