Peeling Due to Moisture
 

Description:
Loss of adhesion of the paint film almost always down to the bare wood or stucco surface resulting in large paint chips/flakes.

Possible Cause:
Peeling results when wet substrate swells under paint, causing the paint film to loosen, crack and fall off. Among the variety of ways for water to reach painted wood are:
1. Uncaulked joints allowing moisture to seep into adjoining surfaces
2. Worn-out caulking
3. Ice-filled or trash-choked gutters, causing moisture build-up under the shingles
4. Moisture-laden air trapped inside buildings which rises to the surface of exterior walls when heated (especially near bathrooms and kitchens)
5. Damp basements
6. Painting surfaces which are too close to bare ground
7. Vegetation giving off moisture too close to the wood
8.Leaking roofs
9. Painting over a surface damp with rain or dew
10. Power washing is basically injecting water into the surface. It is particularly harsh on bare wood. One of the most common reasons for moisture in wood after power washing is allowing insufficient drying time. Let wood dry for 3-5 days.

Two common places where moisture enters into a house are through the foundation and through leaks in the roof. Sources of moisture may also be inside the home. As new homes are built more tightly, the higher inside humidity concentrates in areas where it can still escape to the outside. Check for proper sealing and caulking of woodwork on the inside of the house.

Solution:
The first step is to eliminate the source of moisture. Carefully inspect the outside of the building, paying special attention to window and trim areas and other joints. Remove loose or cracked caulking and repair with a quality product. You may need to install vents to relieve moisture, especially in the kitchen, bath-room and laundry area. Attic louvers, exhaust fans and dehumidifiers are also helpful and should be used regularly year-round. A good rule is to provide one square inch of attic louver per each square foot of attic floor in your house.

If moisture is rising from the ground through the masonry, you should waterproof the foundation with a specially designed coating. If wood is touching the ground, remove that portion of the wood. Siding should come down no further than 6 inches above the ground.

Check the roof for signs of leakage and clean out gutters and downspouts. If you suspect vegetation is a cause of peeling, cut it away from the wood.

Remove all loose paint with a scraper or wire brush, down to the bare substrate if necessary. Sand rough surfaces. Seal all bare surfaces with primer and allow it to dry one or two days before applying the topcoat.

Peeling from moisture on wood siding can be minimized by inserting small plastic or aluminum wedges or shims for ventilation under each board where it is nailed. Insert between the nail heads.

Prime any areas that have been peeled to the bare surface.

Use two coats of latex topcoat.

Recommended System:
Primer - Wood
1 Coat of FLEX BON #169 Series Exterior Alkyd Primer
Topcoat - Wood
2 Coats of Top Quality FLEX BON Exterior Latex Paint
Primer - Masonry
1 Coat of FLEX BON #109 Series Surface Conditioner "EPOXY BOND"
Topcoat - Masonry
2 Coats of Top Quality FLEX BON Exterior Latex Paint