Wethertex external wall coatings now protect this home in South Devon from anything the coastal weather can throw at it

Yet another completed job, and another very happy customer!

This impressive house, perched high above the town of Dartmouth, in South Devon, got a lot of weather, especially wind driven rain from the sea.

Painting it with normal masonry paint was becoming a thankless task, and a yearly liability for the home owners so they contracted us to apply a weatherproof external wall coating, which resists coastal weather, and will not need repainting for 20 years.

We are very lucky each and every week to work on a range of amazing homes up and down the country and this clifftop home overlooking the picture postcard south Devon port of Dartmouth was no exception.

The house “caught the weather” and the owners had to have the outside repainted very year.

With a house as big as this, the costs soon mount up so they contacted us to give them an exterior paint finish which will not need repainting for the next 2 decades, guaranteed.

You can see the paint, just a year old, had been weathered and needed replacing, again.

Whereas a local house painter from Dartmouth would just turn up, slap some paint on, and then “see you next year, love”, we take house painting to the next level.

A bit about Dartmouth

Just to put the property here in context, here’s a bit about the town of Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a charming town located in South Devon, England. Situated on the western bank of the River Dart estuary, Dartmouth is known for its picturesque setting and rich maritime heritage.

The town has a long history dating back to the 12th century when it was an important trading port. Dartmouth played a significant role in maritime exploration and was a departure point for several voyages, including the renowned Pilgrim Fathers’ journey to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620.

Dartmouth’s historic waterfront is one of its main attractions, featuring colourful 17th and 18th-century buildings that house shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a delightful place to stroll along the quay, enjoy scenic views, and watch boats sailing on the river.

The town is also home to Dartmouth Castle, an imposing fortress built in the 14th century to defend against potential French invasions. The castle offers panoramic views of the estuary and the surrounding coastline.

Dartmouth hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Dartmouth Royal Regatta, a prestigious sailing event that takes place annually. The regatta draws visitors from far and wide and offers a vibrant atmosphere with races, fireworks, and entertainment.

In addition to its maritime heritage, Dartmouth is located in the beautiful South Hams area of Devon, known for its stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and rolling countryside. The region offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploring the nearby Dartmoor National Park.

Overall, Dartmouth is a captivating town that seamlessly blends history, natural beauty, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a quintessential English coastal experience in South Devon

The house clearly needed more than a lick of paint

Spray applying an external wall coating involves several steps to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth, even finish.

Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Surface Preparation:

   • We clean the walls thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, grease, and any loose or flaking paint. This can be done using a pressure washer or a stiff brush with detergent.
   • We then repair any cracks, holes, or damaged areas on the walls using a suitable filler or patching compound. This also includes removing areas of hollow rendering, and replacing to match. We allow the repairs to dry and sand them smooth if necessary.

2. Masking and Protection:

   • To avoid mess, we cover windows, doors, and other surfaces that are not being coated with plastic sheets or masking tape to protect them from overspray.
   • We place dust sheets or plastic sheets on the ground to catch any drips or overspray, plus we make sure your trees, flowers and bushes are wrapped up and protected from paint.

3. Primer Application:

   • We always apply a primer coating onto the walls before the top coat. This can be applied by brush, roller or spray.

4. Mixing the Coating:

   • We prepare the exterior wall coating according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve stirring the coating with thinners to ensure uniform consistency, and to ensure what is a very thick and viscous product, to move freely through the pipes in the machine, and to be dissipated onto the house via the spray nozzle.

5. Equipment Preparation:

   • We set up the spray equipment, which typically includes a high-pressure sprayer, spray gun, and appropriate nozzles, which are connected to an air compressor, which we bring on site.
   • We have to strictly follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific equipment being used, including proper pressure settings and nozzle size. This requires skill an experience, and we go through a very long training period to achieve this. This is not a DIY process.

6. Test Spray:

   • Before starting the full application, we perform a test spray on a small inconspicuous area to ensure the equipment is functioning properly and to evaluate the coverage and desired finish. We often test spray a small area onto the masking paper on a window. This allows us to make fine adjustments to the spray gun.

7. Coating Application:

   • We begin spraying the exterior wall coating in a methodical and consistent manner, working in small sections at a time.
   • We hold the spray gun at a consistent distance from the wall, usually between 8 to 12 inches, and maintain a steady and even motion.
   • We apply the coating using overlapping passes, ensuring complete coverage and avoiding heavy build-up or drips, to ensure a uniform finish across the entire house.
   • We pay careful attention to any intricate or hard-to-reach areas, making sure they are properly coated.

8. Multiple Coats (if required):

   • For heavily textured walls, sometimes we spray 2 coats of top coats to the wall, allowing the first coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • We apply additional coats as necessary, following the same technique used in the initial application.
   • We maintain a consistent thickness and avoid excessive build-up to ensure proper drying and a uniform finish.

9. Drying and Clean-up:

   • In the final stages, we allow the final coat to dry completely as recommended by the manufacturer. This typically takes several hours or even a day, depending on the product and environmental conditions. We then remove all the masking paper from doors and windows. The coating dries quicker in the summer, as with most paints.
   • We then have to clean the spray equipment thoroughly with appropriate solvents or cleaning agents, following the manufacturer’s instructions, before loading it back into our van.

It’s important to note that the specific process may vary depending on the type of exterior wall coating being used, as different products have their own application guidelines.

Hopefully the above explains how different our system is from using masonry paint. Applying a wall coating takes a lot of training and experience and is not something you can do at home by yourself.

Here is a close up of the sea-facing elevation, now fully weatherproofed.

How important is weatherproofing for homes located in coastal areas?

Weatherproof wall coatings play a crucial role in protecting houses in coastal areas from the harsh and damaging effects of the coastal environment.

Here are some key reasons why weatherproof wall coatings are important for houses in coastal areas:

1. Protection against salt corrosion: Coastal areas are exposed to saltwater and high humidity, which can lead to corrosion of building materials. Salt particles can settle on the exterior walls and cause deterioration over time. Weatherproof coatings act as a barrier, preventing saltwater intrusion and protecting the walls from corrosion.
2. Resistance to moisture penetration: Coastal regions often experience heavy rain, strong winds, and high levels of humidity. These environmental factors can cause moisture to penetrate the walls of a house, leading to dampness, mould growth, and structural damage. Weatherproof wall coatings are designed to be moisture-resistant, preventing water from seeping into the walls and causing damage.
3. Enhanced durability: Coastal areas are prone to more intense weather conditions such as strong winds, salt spray, and frequent storms. Weatherproof coatings are formulated to withstand these conditions, providing a durable protective layer for the walls. They can resist cracking, peeling, and fading, ensuring the longevity of the house’s exterior.
4. Energy efficiency: Weatherproof wall coatings can contribute to energy efficiency by acting as an additional layer of insulation. They help to regulate the temperature inside the house by reducing heat transfer through the walls. This can lead to lower energy consumption for cooling or heating, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
5. Aesthetic appeal: In addition to their functional benefits, weatherproof wall coatings can also enhance the appearance of a house. These coatings are available in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing homeowners to choose a coating that complements the architectural style and personal preferences. They can provide a fresh and attractive look to the exterior of the house while offering long-term protection.

The finished job! You can see how exposed the house is to the elements in this photo

Overall, weatherproof wall coatings are essential for houses in coastal areas to protect them from the unique challenges posed by the coastal environment.

They offer resistance against salt corrosion, moisture penetration, and harsh weather conditions, while also providing energy efficiency and aesthetic benefits.

Investing in weatherproof coatings can help extend the lifespan of the house, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure a comfortable and visually appealing living environment.

Imagine the views from this side of the house (they were amazing by the way)

The main benefits of having a weatherproof exterior wall coating on your house.

The benefits of having one of our wall coatings on your house far outweigh any benefits that masonry paint would allow.

Protection from the Elements: Exterior wall coatings provide a protective layer that shields your walls from various weather conditions.

They can resist moisture penetration, preventing water damage, mould, and mildew growth.

Wall Coatings also offer resistance against UV rays, preventing fading and deterioration caused by sun exposure. Additionally, they can act as a barrier against pollutants, dirt, and dust, keeping your walls cleaner for longer.

Increased Durability: Wall coatings are designed to be highly durable, extending the lifespan of your exterior walls. They can withstand impacts, resist cracking and peeling, and provide protection against general wear and tear.

This durability reduces the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.

Energy Efficiency: Some exterior wall coatings have insulating properties, helping to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

They can act as an additional layer of insulation, reducing heat transfer through the walls.

This means your home can stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, leading to potential energy savings and reduced heating and cooling costs.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Wall coatings are available in a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your home’s exterior.

External wall coatings can revitalise the appearance of older or worn-out walls, giving your home a fresh and appealing look.

The variety of options available ensures that you can find a wall coating that matches your personal style and complements the architectural design of your home.

Low Maintenance: Exterior wall coatings are typically low maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep compared to traditional paint.

They have excellent colour retention properties, reducing the need for frequent repainting. The protective layer provided by the coating also makes it easier to clean the walls, as dirt and grime can be easily washed off with water or a mild detergent.

Breathability: Many high-quality exterior wall coatings are designed to be breathable, allowing moisture vapour to escape from the walls, and some have the added bonus of lowering household heating bills by up to 30%.

This helps to prevent the build-up of moisture within the walls, which can lead to dampness, mould growth, and structural damage.

The breathability of the coating promotes a healthier indoor environment and protects the integrity of your home’s structure.

Overall, exterior wall coatings offer a range of benefits, including protection from the elements, increased durability, energy efficiency, aesthetic enhancement, low maintenance, and breathability, none of which you can get with paint.

These advantages make them a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve the appearance, longevity, and performance of their homes’ exteriors.

If you would like to find out more about our range of exterior wall coatings, and maybe discuss getting a free quote, call us on 0800 970 4928 or send the team an email.

Project carried out by: The never paint again wall coating company, 10 Drake mill business park, Plymouth, Devon. PL6 7PS