Your home’s fascia and soffit can become damaged because of the tropical storms common in Florida. Repainting the existing soffit and fascia after a roof is rebuilt is one way to protect your property. Here is the step-by-step guide to cleaning before repainting as well as the necessary precautions you must consider as detailed by A.R.M. Aluminum Inc.
Easy to Clean – Before repainting, you want to make sure everything is clean. Aluminum soffits and fascias are quite durable, however, intermittent cleaning and repairs are necessary. Particularly, maintenance during a repaint process is critical because mildew and dirt can get stuck underneath the new paint job. Mildew can also accelerate their deterioration. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to repair a soffit or fascia because you don’t have to climb on the roof and perform the cleaning.
Cleaning Before Painting – Obtain a tall ladder to clean the soffit and fascia. You’ll also need a sponge and a bucket of warm soap water. Create this mixture by adding dishwasher or laundry detergent and bleach together. Scrub with the sponge and focus on the indentations because these sections hold the most amount of mildew and dirt than any other areas.
Another Option: Pressure Cleaning – Aluminum soffit and fascia can be painted to any color using an airless spray machine. The products applied can differ based on the conditions of the aluminum being painted. Pressure cleaning has become quite popular. Chlorine applied to soffit and fascia eliminates mold and mildew quite effectively. This will also remove other contaminants.
Rust is a Problem – The next step is to examine for any evidence of rust. The presence of rust requires an oil-based primer or an inhibitor before painting. Rust-encrusted areas require proper preparation for paint as any lack of precaution can result in problems down the road.
DTM to Cut Corners – Today’s market sells a variety of product
s which can be applied directly to metals without a primer. Manufacturers commonly refer to these as “DTM”—or direct to metal. We, however, still advise you to use primers in order to make certain of positive results as nothing is guaranteed.
Acrylic Latex for a Paint Job – We advise using an acrylic latex exterior paint. If you choose to do this, we recommend a primer to ensure that the paint has a bondable surface on the aluminum, lessening any risk of paint peeling or paint failure.
These options can save a homeowner any additional labor, especially for those who are on a tight budget and need to save money after a new paint job is called for. Remodeling these aluminum surfaces can refresh your home’s design and add aesthetic and monetary value to your real estate property. As the best aluminum contractor in the area, we can help assist you in cleaning and repainting the soffit and fascia exteriors of your home. Contact us now for a free estimate and about our other services.
