Apr
7
2011

Exterior wall coatings – what are the choices?

An article by admin

When the time comes to consider which exterior wall coatings work the best, a property owner will need to explore the choices and find a wall coating that meets their precise needs. With the advances in technology, property owners will quickly realise that the choices in exterior walls coatings are vast but a professional plasterer will be able to help and advise you.

Self cleaning exterior walls coatings

Farfetched as it may sound, there are self cleaning exterior walls coatings and as their names suggests, they require no cleaning and as such are virtually maintenance free. Besides the obvious self cleaning or maintenance free exterior wall coatings, such as face-brick homes or pebble clad homes, a company in the United Kingdom called Watco has developed an innovative wall coating. The cladding paint makes use of nano technology and contains a wax additive which allows the exterior paint to stay cleaner for longer and what’s more dirt and debris is prevented from sticking to the paint and a good rainfall is all that’s needed to keep this wall coating clean. Hence the term self cleaning exterior wall coating!

Superior plaster

We all know that traditional plaster is a very ordinary exterior wall coating choice. Plaster is used to cover bricks and mortar and it creates a smooth and resilient finish. However, several companies are now able to offer a superior type of plaster which besides being durable, long lasting and washable, this type of exterior wall coating gives the building or structure a whole new look. Flexoplast is a prime example of the new age exterior wall coatings and this new wall covering is available in a range of colors, which eliminates the need to paint, once applied. The wall covering contains a host of additives, which work together to produce a water-proof coating that is able to withstand extreme temperatures and what’s more this innovative new plaster is weather resistant which means it won’t crack or fade over time.

Energy Seal exterior wall coatings

The energy seal wall coatings are another new and innovative wall coating product that is water based and is able to offer the benefits of waterproof coatings. This ‘paint on’ coating is the perfect choice for all type of substrates, ranging from metal, brick, wood and masonry. More than being the perfect coating to protect the outer wall, this energy saving coating is maintenance free and because of its ability to retain its color, the coating is seen as being hard-wearing and long lasting. Perfect for any home or building, the energy seal exterior wall coatings are resistant to mold and mildew and in addition, this coating will conceal or hide all cracks and imperfections on the surface of the exterior walls.

Things to consider when selecting exterior wall coatings

Long term cost. Look for exterior wall coatings which offer value for money and which have been designed to offer long lasting durability.

Ease of application – you may want to achieve a certain look with an elaborate wall coating, but it is important to remember that the application of detailed or intricate exterior wall coatings requires a certain level of skill.

Other than choosing a suitably skilled tradesman to apply your rendering or exterior wall coatings, the most important consideration when selecting exterior wall coatings is to choose a coating that will offer maximum protection against damp, rain, snow and so on.

About the author: Mike Verity is a well renowned Sheffield plasterer whose services include Artex removal, partitions, rendering and mouldings: Why not visit NTCH to find out more about plastering skills and other professional trades.