Painting your building’s foundation is a great way to protect it from the elements and make it look more aesthetically pleasing. With the right preparation and paint, the results of a painted foundation can last for years. However, there are some important considerations before taking on this project.
We hope to provide you with the information needed to decide whether it is worth the time and money to paint your foundation.
Why Do You Need to Paint Your Foundation?
The primary reason to paint your foundation is to protect it from the elements. The concrete used in most foundations can be quite porous and allow water to penetrate through into the interior of your home. This can lead to mold problems, structural damage, and many other issues that can be avoided by applying a sealant or coating on the surface of your foundation.
Another reason for painting your foundation is aesthetics. Depending on the style of your home and what suits you best, painting may make all the difference between an average-looking house and a stunning masterpiece!
Is It Possible to Paint over an Existing Foundation Coating?
Many homeowners wonder if painting their home’s foundation is possible. While this seems simple, you should know some important things before starting this project.
First, you need to know that when installed, most foundations are coated with a sealant or primer. This coating protects the concrete from moisture and prevents cracking or damage due to freeze/thaw cycles.
There are two common coatings that are used on concrete foundations:
- Tar Coatings
This coating is most commonly used on older homes and is the most common for concrete foundations. Tar coatings are made from asphalt or coal tar, which is a sealant to protect against moisture and prevent cracks. This coating will also help prevent mold growth and provide a surface that is easier to paint over than bare concrete.
It is impossible to paint over the tar coating, however, so if you want to change the color of your foundation, it will need to be removed first. This process is quite expensive and can take several days to complete.
- Parging Coatings
Parging coatings are another popular option for concrete foundations and are often used as an alternative to stucco. They are made from a mixture of cement and sand applied over the surface of your foundation walls to provide extra protection against moisture damage. Parging can be painted over at any time, so if you want to change the color of your home’s exterior, there is no need to remove the coating first.
Types of Paint You Can Use for Your Foundation
There are many different types of paint that you can use to repaint your foundation. The most common options are:
- Latex Paints: These are easy to apply and dry quickly, making them ideal for smaller projects. They also provide excellent coverage and usually only need one coat to achieve a uniform finish.
- Acrylic Paints: This type of paint dries quickly and can be applied by a homeowner with minimal training or experience. It also looks great on new homes recently built or renovated.
- Elastomeric Waterproof Paints: This type of paint is made with elastomeric resins that create a flexible, waterproof coating. It can be applied to new or old homes and provides great coverage.
Conclusion
The short answer to the question above is that you should paint your foundation. A properly painted foundation will last much longer than one that has not been treated and look better for years. You have to choose the best type of paint for your foundation and make sure that you follow all the instructions carefully.
All Seasons Painting is your go-to company if you are looking for house painters in Colorado Springs. We have the experience, expertise, and tools to complete the job. Call us now for a free estimate from one of our professional painters!
