What kind of prep is needed for painting the exterior of a house that's been sitting with peeling paint for a couple of years here in Vancouver?

An exterior that has been peeling for a couple of years in Vancouver's wet climate likely has more going on than just flaking paint. Extended moisture exposure through compromised paint film often leads to wood damage underneath, so a thorough inspection is the first order of business.

Start with a comprehensive walk-around to assess every elevation. Probe any suspect areas with an awl or screwdriver to check for soft, punky, or rotted wood. Pay special attention to horizontal surfaces like window sills, the tops of trim boards, and any areas where water can pool. South and west-facing walls in Vancouver often fare better due to sun exposure, while north-facing walls tend to have the worst moisture damage and even mould or algae growth.

The prep sequence for a neglected exterior is extensive. First, scrape all loose and peeling paint down to a sound edge using rigid scrapers and pull scrapers. Do not try to remove all paint down to bare wood everywhere, just get to where the remaining paint is firmly adhered. Power washing comes next to remove dirt, mildew, chalking old paint, and debris. Use a cleaning solution that kills mould spores, as simple water pressure alone does not eliminate mould.

Allow thorough drying time. In Vancouver, this means choosing a dry stretch in summer, as the wood needs to reach below 15 percent moisture content. A moisture metre is an essential tool here, not guesswork.

Replace any rotted wood, fill minor imperfections with exterior wood filler, sand feathered paint edges smooth, caulk all joints, and prime bare wood with a quality exterior primer before applying two coats of acrylic latex paint.

Get at least two professional quotes, as the extent of wood repair will significantly affect the price, and any reputable painter will want to inspect before committing to a number.

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