Living on Long Island has its perks – idyllic beaches, charming waterfront communities, and picturesque neighborhoods that span the entire island from the North Shore to the South Shore. But, with all the advantages come some downsides too. Being close to the Atlantic Ocean means your house is constantly under siege from some of the most unforgiving weather conditions this side of the Northeast.
Your exterior paint is constantly battling salt-laden air, intense summer sunshine, high humidity, wind-driven rain, and even seasonal storms – not to mention the full gamut of Long Island’s weather extremes. Whether you own a classic colonial in Huntington, a waterfront property in the Hamptons, or a Cape Cod-style home near Jones Beach, getting to grips with how Long Island’s coastal climate affects your home’s paint can be the key to protecting one of your biggest investments.
The Salt Air Effect: It’s a Real Pain
One of the biggest headaches for homeowners on Long Island is dealing with constant exposure to salty ocean air. Tiny salt particles carried by the wind are deposited all over your siding, trim, windows, decks, and doors throughout the year.
As time passes, salt buildup can do some serious damage:
- it breaks down paint finishes and affects the way they look
- it accelerates fading and colour loss
- it traps moisture against surfaces, which can lead to all sorts of problems
- it increases peeling and blistering, especially around metal fixtures and fasteners
If you live right near the shoreline, you can expect to need to do your exterior maintenance a lot more frequently because salt just never stops accumulating. Regular washing and repainting are essential to keeping your exterior surfaces in good health before things get out of hand.
UV Rays Can Do Some Serious Damage
Long Island gets plenty of sunshine in the spring and summer, which is no bad thing – but ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the leading causes of premature paint failure.
Constant sun exposure can have some pretty nasty effects on your paint:
- it fades darker colours and dries out protective coatings
- it causes cracking and chalking, which can leave your paint looking shabby
- it makes your paint less flexible, which means it won’t last as long
- it makes your wood more vulnerable to weather damage
South-facing walls are usually the first to show signs of wear and tear, so if you live in one of these houses, you might need to act a bit faster to prevent long-term damage. Using high-quality exterior paints with UV-resistant technology can help to preserve your paint and prevent all the nasty effects of UV exposure.
High Humidity is a Year-Round Concern
Humidity is a problem in Long Island pretty much all year round, especially in the summer when things are at their worst. While a bit of moisture in the air might not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause all sorts of problems for your paint.
Excess humidity can:
- slow down the curing process for your paint
- reduce how well your paint adheres to your surfaces
- cause blistering and peeling
- trap moisture beneath your paint, which can lead to a whole host of other problems
Professional painters take all this into account when they’re doing a job – they’ll always check the weather before starting to make sure everything dries properly and lasts as long as possible.
Wind-Driven Rain is a Test of Your Exterior
Coastal winds can really make things tough for your exterior. They drive rain sideways, which means water can seep into all sorts of nooks and crannies and get trapped. And before you know it, you might be dealing with all sorts of costly repairs.
Without proper preparation and the right protection, moisture can eventually lead to some nasty problems like:
- wood rot
- swollen trim boards
- paint failure
- problems with caulking
- damage to your home interior
You need to be prepared and take the right precautions to protect your home from all the worst excesses of the Long Island weather.
Mildew Loves the Coast
If your home is surrounded by trees, shaded landscaping, or waterfront moisture, you might find that you have a mildew problem on your exterior surfaces. Common spots include your north-facing siding, cedar shingles, trim boards, deck railings, and fence panels.
Painting over mildew without getting rid of it properly just traps the problem – so you’ll need to get the right cleaning solutions and do a proper clean before you start painting.
Not All Paints Are Created Equal
Not all exterior paints are designed with coastal living in mind. If you’re living in a place that’s exposed to salt air and humidity, you’ll need to choose a high-quality paint that’s designed to resist all these issues.
Look for paints that include:
- high-performance bonding primers
- 100% acrylic exterior paints
- UV-resistant pigments
- mildew-resistant technology
- really flexible finishes that can expand and contract with seasonal temperature changes
Premium paints will cost a bit more upfront, but they can last a lot longer and may even save you money in the long run by reducing the need for maintenance.
The Key to Long-Lasting Paint is Proper Surface Prep
Even the best paint in the world won’t make up for poor surface preparation. For a job that will last, you need to get your surfaces ready properly before you start painting.
Professional painters know this and will always include the following in their prep work:
- a good pressure wash to get rid of dirt and salt deposits
- scraping loose or peeling paint to get it out of the way
- sanding to smooth out rough surfaces
- repairing damaged wood
- replacing any deteriorated caulk
- priming all exposed areas before painting
By getting your surfaces ready properly, you’ll give your paint a fighting chance to stand up to all the abuse that the Long Island weather can throw at it.
What Homeowners Are Saying
Hiring a painting contractor to do the job is about more than just picking colours – it’s about finding a company that knows the unique demands of Long Island’s coastal climate. Homeowners want to know that their investment is going to be protected, and that the work is going to be done with quality materials and top-notch workmanship.
Check Out Our Video Testimonials
Nothing gets across the value of our work like the experiences of our happy customers. Our video testimonials feature regular Long Island folks – people just like you – who’ll tell you in their own words how our team helped restore and protect their homes from the beating that Long Island’s salt air, humidity and sunshine can give them.
Whether you own a beachside bungalow, a classic Long Island Colonial or just a family home a few miles inland, these testimonials show the kind of craftsmanship and care that goes into every single project we take on.
Take a look at our customer video testimonials and see why so many Long Island homeowners rely on us to protect and improve their homes year in, year out.
Protect Your Home From Long Island’s Wild Weather
Your home’s exterior has to take a beating. On Long Island, where we get our fair share of salt air, sun, humidity and storms, you need to be smart about the painting contractor you pick and the quality of the products you use if you want to keep your home looking great and in good nick.
Whether your house has a view of the Atlantic, is on the north shore or is in one of Long Island’s more established neighborhoods, investing in some top-notch surface preparation and the best exterior coatings can make a huge difference to your home’s appearance, integrity and resale value.
If your home’s exterior is starting to show its age – maybe the paint is faded or peeling – now is a great time to get in touch and get a professional to take a look. With the right prep, the right paint system and the right crew on the job, your Long Island home will stay looking great and stay safe through every season.