Maintenance Guide: Exterior facade and cladding care
A well-maintained facade protects your investment and increases property value. Practical guide for cleaning, repainting, and window sealing.
The facade of your home is the first line of defense against weather and moisture, but it also has the greatest influence on perceived value and property appreciation. Simple maintenance every 2–3 years can make a significant difference in your property's appraisal value.
1. Annual Facade Cleaning
Environmental pollution, rural road dust, and microorganisms like fungi and lichens can degrade the coating if not eliminated in time.
- Recommended method: Low-pressure washing (max 1,500 PSI) with diluted neutral detergent. Do not use bleach directly on painted surfaces.
- Special attention: Silicone joints around windows and doors accumulate mold. Clean with a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Frequency: Every autumn, before the rainy season.
2. Facade Inspection and Repainting (Every 5–7 Years)
Exterior paint serves a structural function beyond aesthetics: it seals micropores in the plaster and prevents moisture absorption.
- Signs it's time: Gray or dirty areas that won't clean, localized peeling, or hairline cracks under 0.5 mm.
- Paint selection: Always use quality exterior latex paint. Avoid interior acrylic paints — they lack the necessary UV additives.
- Cracks over 1 mm: Before painting, apply flexible filler (not gypsum) and fiber mesh. Cracks over 3 mm require professional evaluation.
3. Window and Door Seal Inspection
Silicone seals around frames degrade from UV radiation and contraction/expansion cycles.
- Quick test: Slide a thin card along the frame joints. If it enters freely, the seal is compromised.
- Solution: Remove old seal with a craft knife, clean with alcohol, and apply neutral (not acetic) exterior silicone. Available at any hardware store.
- Cost: The complete process on a 100m² house takes half a day and costs less than $15,000 CLP in materials.
4. Care for Terraces and Outdoor Balconies
If your home has a treated wood deck or synthetic decking, apply UV protective oil every 2 years. For polished concrete or tile, verify that the perimeter seal with the wall has no separations.
- Common trap: Planters or furniture that retain water against the wall. Keep them at least 10 cm away to allow ventilation.
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