by Taha E.H | Apr 30, 2022 | Exterior Coating
Here are the basics when it comes to the cost and durability of exterior paint versus exterior coating.
At Texas Home Improvement, one of our specialties is exterior coating. We’re proud to be experts at installing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems.
But there’s a question we hear a lot in our line of work: “What’s the difference between exterior coating and regular house paint?” Unfortunately, many people haven’t heard of exterior coating and aren’t familiar with the many benefits.
Today, we’re breaking down the major differences between exterior paint and exterior coating, from product formulation to cost savings.
The difference between exterior paint and exterior coating.
There are many differences between regular house paint and exterior coating, starting with the product composition. House paint contains four primary ingredients: pigments, binders, solvents (liquids), and additives.
On the other hand, exterior coating is made with a more rigorous recipe. Exterior coatings contain volcanic ash, polymers, and acrylic, which come together to create a highly durable coating.
Which is more durable: Exterior coating or exterior paint?
Even the most professional paint job only lasts three to six years, maybe seven if you’re in a mild climate. But you can’t avoid the effects of sunlight, precipitation, and other environmental factors. So fading, peeling, and chipping are inevitable after a while.
On the other hand, exterior coating can last a lifetime—literally. Laboratory tests confirm that TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® shows no signs of fading even after 10-12 years.
The product’s sturdiness is hardly surprising, given the origin story of TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®. The product was first developed as a coating for military vehicles in the desert, such as tanks and humvees. In that environment, durability is critical.
Regardless of the climate, you can reap the benefits of that military technology. When you opt for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® over paint, your home looks beautiful for much longer.
The installation process for exterior house paint versus exterior coating.
Most people opt to hire professionals when it comes time to paint their house. But if you’re determined to DIY it, you can. It’s not a small task, but painting your own house can save you a lot of money.
On the other hand, exterior coating must be installed by a professional. The home’s surface needs to be correctly prepped to ensure that the coating lasts. Professional installation is key if you want to reap the benefits of exterior coating’s longevity and durability.
The cost difference between regular exterior paint and exterior coating.
If you’re just comparing the cost of product and installation, regular house paint will be cheaper. But when you consider a longer time horizon, exterior coating is the more economical choice for two reasons.
First, as mentioned above, exterior coating lasts much longer than paint. You might pay more upfront, but you don’t have to pay for another installation every few years. Your investment lasts much, much longer.
Second, opting for exterior coating over exterior paint can save you money in other areas. Keep reading to learn how!
Is exterior coating more energy-efficient than exterior house paint?
In a word, yes. To be more specific, regular house paint can’t improve your home’s energy efficiency. But exterior coating can.
A few ways TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® increases energy efficiency:
- Deflecting heat away from your home, thereby reducing the ambient temperature of the surface,
- The surface temperature with exterior coating is usually about 40°F cooler than a comparable home with regular paint.
- Most people save an average of 20% on their energy bills by switching to TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems.
Still, have questions on the difference between exterior paint and exterior coating? Then get in touch with the team at Texas Home Improvement. We’d be glad to have a conversation and decide if TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® is right for you.
by Taha E.H | Feb 28, 2022 | Exterior Coating
Got questions about TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems exterior coating? We’ve got answers!
COOLWALL® is a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to traditional house paint. We formulate the material to reflect heat away from your home so you keep cool and lower your utility bill. Following are the most common questions we’re asked.
How does TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® work?
A quick primer on thermodynamics: Your house absorbs a lot of ambient heat, up to 90%. On a blazing summer day in Texas, that’s a lot of heat. So your air conditioner has to work overtime to fight it and keep you comfortable.
Surfaces that absorb heat show up clear as day on a thermal camera. This is called a heat signature. For most people, this fact is inconsequential. But for the military, it can cause problems. Military vehicles in the desert have no chance of stealth if the enemy has a thermal or infrared camera. They can spot that heat signature from far away.
The military formulated a special coating that deflects heat and drives down heat signature to solve the heat signature problem. The coating makes it much more difficult for thermal cameras to spot military vehicles.
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®, that same powerful technology to reflect heat away from your house. When your house’s heat signature is lower, your home is cooler, and you’re paying far less for air conditioning.
How long do TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coatings really last?
This may be your favorite of all our answers to questions about TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior:
It lasts a lifetime.
TEX•COTE® has tested the COOLWALL® system in a Xenon Arc chamber, a testing chamber that mimics solar radiation. For reference, 1000 hours in a Xenon Arc chamber is comparable to two to three years of direct sun exposure.
Competitor products usually start fading around the 1000-hour mark. But TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® shows virtually no evidence of fading after 5000 hours of testing. You can see a few samples here.
In a sunny climate like Texas, 5000 hours translates to 10-12 years of real-time service. But, of course, the lifespan is even longer in the northern states. And TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® doesn’t start to fade at that point.
Laboratory tests prove our product lasts for at least that long. But TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® is designed for decades of durability and fade resistance.
By comparison, most other paints and coatings require replacement every 3-7 years. The exact number will depend on the product, the climate, and the home’s building materials.
What’s the installation process like for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®?
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating applies directly to bare, uncoated materials or a new build. It may also be applied over existing paint or coatings without losing longevity.
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems should always be installed by a professional to ensure long-lasting performance and great aesthetics.
Can I really save money by choosing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems over traditional paint?
Yes. Studies show that opting for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® can reduce your cooling costs by up to 21.9%. Also, TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® lasts much longer than traditional paint. So you’re not paying for new paint and a crew to repaint your house every 5-10 years.
However, the savings are somewhat affected by the colors you choose. For example, if your house was painted white and you cover it with black COOLWALL®, you may not notice a massive difference. But if you replace your home’s dark gray paint with light blue COOLWALL®, the change will be more drastic.
Can I choose whatever color I want?
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® comes in over 570 different colors. The selection includes a wide range of neutrals, so finding something that adheres to HOA regulations is easy.
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The team at Texas Home Improvement has years of experience installing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems. We’ve become experts on the product and can answer any additional questions about TEX•COTE® you may have. Please speak to a member of our team about whether it’s suitable for your home.
by Taha E.H | Feb 23, 2022 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint, Uncategorized
Changing your home exterior color is a big decision. Here’s how to make it a little less stressful.
Quality exterior coatings can last up to 15 years. That’s great for your wallet, but it puts a lot of pressure on you to choose the right color. Because if you choose wrong, you either have to hate it for 15 years or pay to cover it up.
Today, we’re sharing six tips for choosing the right color for your home’s exterior with confidence.
Check with your neighborhood or homeowner’s association (HOA) first.
Depending on where you live, you might be limited to a few preselected items. This is usually done if the HOA is looking to achieve a uniform look in the neighborhood. Some cities also place limits on color options for historic homes. Save yourself from the heartache of falling in love with a color you can’t use and do your research first.
Consider your home’s origins—and its best features.
Certain colors may not match certain architectural styles. Be sure to consider the unique shape and history of your home when choosing a color for its exterior.
Do a few paint or coating samples.
Choosing an exterior color is very different from choosing an interior color. The lighting in your office will stay fairly consistent throughout the day. But outdoor lighting changes dramatically in a twenty-four-hour period. Make sure you see your color choices in full sun and throughout the day before you commit.
This is especially important if you’re choosing white. There are many, many shades of white, and it’s very important to choose the right one.
Match the other features of your home’s exterior, such as stone or brick.
Natural material features will impact your strategy and color choices for your home’s exterior. The undertones in brick and stone will clash with some colors and look beautiful with others. If you’re planning to paint over the brick entirely, you may need to consider a specialty paint.
Consider your neighbors.
If you paint your house bright pink, it might make you smile every time you pull into the driveway. But your neighbors have to look at it way more than you do. For them, it’s right out the window. This means two things:
- You and your wacky house color may become the talk of the neighborhood—and not in a good way. If all your neighbors hate it, it can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation.
- We’ve all heard urban legends of the house that won’t sell because the neighbors are too weird. Don’t be that neighbor.
It’s also worth noting that the wrong color can also diminish your home’s resale value. So go orange if you want. Just keep in mind that when it comes time to sell, there may be a price to pay.
If you simply must choose a crazy home exterior color…
…save it for your front door.
Brightly colored front doors are a popular choice these days. In fact, an attention-getting front door can increase your home’s curb appeal. Plus it’s a great way to have fun with a wild color without going overboard. A bright pink house might be overwhelming, but a brick house with a bubblegum door can be very charming!
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Choosing a color for your home’s exterior can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling the pressure, talk to the experts at Texas Home Improvement. We can help you choose a color you feel great about.
by Taha E.H | Aug 4, 2021 | Uncategorized, Energy Saving, Exterior Coating
Let’s talk about ways to reduce your electricity bill during the blazing Texas summers.
While there are many great things about living in The Lone Star state, the summer heat is no joke.
And with record-breaking temperatures in recent years, it’s tough to find a balance between keeping cool and keeping your electricity bill manageable.
Today, we’re sharing some top strategies for saving energy during the summer heat. From small daily habits to meaningful home upgrades, here are a few ideas for you to try.
Don’t turn on the stove.
These first two ideas may seem inconsequential, but it’s a game of inches each day that add up to monthly savings.
Burners and ovens kick out a ton of heat, which puts your overworked AC into overdrive and makes for a sweaty experience cooking dinner. Instead, opt for salads and sandwiches, or fire up the grill outside.
Get creative: Try grilling pizza or fresh fruit kebabs. Air fryers and Instapots offer a cooler option too. For a real treat that’ll help you keep cool, we recommend a DIY sundae bar.
Wash with cold water and hang-dry your laundry outside
Heating up water accounts for nearly 90% of your washing machine’s electricity use. Choosing to wash in cold water instead can make a dramatic difference in your energy bill. And while clothes dryers are a modern miracle of convenience, they run hot and are actually harder on clothing than using clothesline.
If you have the space for a clothesline in your backyard, try hanging some of your laundry outside to dry instead. It’s free, it won’t turn your laundry room into a sauna, and you just can’t beat that fresh-air, clean-laundry smell.
Invest in Del Mar windows to reduce your electricity bill
Windows play a major role in maintaining the temperature of your home, and not all windows are created equal. A leaky window lets the Texas heat in and the air conditioning out, making it much harder to keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
Energy efficient windows from Del Mar use special coatings, sophisticated thermal barriers, and other insulation technology to seal in the cool air and deflect heat away.
This puts much less strain on your AC and saves you from the mental anguish of paying for conditioned air that just goes, quite literally, out the window.
Additionally, Del Mar windows are sleek, elegant, and attractive, so you don’t have to sacrifice looks for energy savings.
Make the switch from traditional house paint to COOLWALL® Exterior Coating
This is the biggest cost item on our list, but it also offers the biggest bang for the buck.
Your house can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s radiant heat. On a hot Texas day, that can be uncomfortable at best, dangerous at worst, and always expensive from an air conditioning perspective.
Thankfully, there’s a way to bring that number way down. TEX-COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coatings use military-grade technology to deflect that heat before it has a chance to penetrate your home. As a result, your energy bill is lower and your entire family is more comfortable.
TEX-COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coatings are available in any color and slow to fade, so you still get that “freshly painted” look. Bonus: COOLWALL® exterior coatings last much longer than traditional paint, so you can save time, money, and hassle in the long run.
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There are a lot of creative ways to endure the heat of a Texas summer without drowning in electrical bills. If you’re ready to upgrade your home and experience more comfort year-round, the experts at Texas Home Improvement can help you choose the right solutions for your needs.
by Taha E.H | Aug 1, 2020 | Energy Saving, Exterior Coating
DIY home improvement and house flipping have become incredibly idealized processes thanks to all the reality TV shows dedicated to it. When it comes to you and your home, however, a home improvement to-do list can get overwhelming incredibly fast. For anyone in Texas in the Dallas and Austin areas, please take this as a gentle reminder that you are not alone.
After being in the business of helping people fall back in love with their homes for over 20 years, Texas Home Improvement has learned a few things about home improvement they’d like to share with you.
- Do research on what you want but don’t let it overwhelm or prevent you from starting your project. Take replacing your windows, for example; it seems like it could be a pretty straightforward project, you pick a window you like and then out with the old in with the new. But you could spend hours searching online for the best deal and researching new window technology and never make a decision. Don’t get lost in the Internet abyss. For a window project we’d recommend starting with Anlin, and we have recommendations for all your other projects too.
- Don’t be afraid to make a big change and see it through. Committing to a room renovation or the addition of a patio room or sunroom generally means you’ll be starting from scratch at some point. Let yourself enjoy that moment and know that it doesn’t come around often. After adding one sunroom you probably won’t need to add another unless you move. So save up for it and then make it the way you’ve always dreamed it could be. Don’t commit to the change and then, halfway in, let fear prevent you from creating your vision or else you could end up with a reno you hate.
- Start with maintenance and work your way up to big projects. When working by yourself or with a contractor, it’s ok not to go straight into a full room renovation, roof replacement or complete window replacement. It’s ok to start small. One simple project with big results is applying an exterior coating to your house. By using revolutionary Tex-Cote Coolwall coating you can get a big reward for little inconvenience and reap the long-term rewards of reduced fading and upkeep maintenance, energy bill savings, and a long-lasting, beautiful exterior. Hear what a Fort Worth contractor had to say about Coolwall.
- Sometimes all you need is an upkeep inspection to point you in the right direction. Not sure what to do first? Pull a contractor in to look at your roof, your interior and exterior walls and windows, and all the big and small things in-between. Consultations and inspections exist to help point homeowners north again after getting mixed up in the many different home improvement directions you could go. Asking for an expert’s eye on where to start can provide the clarity you’ll need to start moving forward.
Finding the latest and greatest home improvement technology is Texas Home Improvement’s specialty. Don’t get overwhelmed by all that’s out there and embark on this journey alone. Our Texas Home Improvement family is here to help you and your family get what need to fully utilize the comfort of your house and make it feel like home. Contact us if you have any projects you want to work on or if you just need a little guidance; we’re always here to help.
by Taha E.H | Jul 20, 2020 | Exterior Coating, Energy Saving, Protecting Your Home
If the paint on your home is starting to peel or look faded, or you’re just ready for a new exterior look, it’s time to look at some exterior paint options for your home. Before you can begin, however, you need to make sure you choose the right paint for your home. The right paint looks fantastic now and resists fading, chipping, and peeling so your home looks great for many years.
Check the Paint on Your Home
If your home is already painted, it’s important to know what kind of paint is on your home. Most people won’t know if oil or water-based paint was used on their home. To find out, peel a paint chip off the home in an inconspicuous spot. Try to slowly break the piece. If it snaps easily, it’s likely an oil-based paint. Does it bend before breaking? Then, it’s likely a water-based paint.
Choose a Primer If Needed
If your home includes bare wood or other surfaces, a primer is going to be needed. Oil-based primers can be used with both oil and water-based paints. So, they’re often a good choice to make sure the paint adheres to your home properly. Water-based primers can be used on most surfaces as well but can only be used with water-based paints. If your home is partially painted but has some bare surfaces that will need to be painted, choose a primer that works with the type of paint you want to use on the remainder of the house.
Oil or Water-based Paint?
A big part of choosing which type of paint is knowing what type of paint is already on the home. If there is already water-based paint, do not use oil-based paint over it as it will likely crack or peel. If there is already oil-based paint, water or oil-based paint can be used.
Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, usually around 24 hours. It provides better adhesion than water-based, blocks stains better, and can be used over woods that have tannin or sap or over metals that might rust.
Water-based paints are acrylic or latex. They dry faster and are easier to clean up compared to oil paints. They are also flexible and breathable, so they’ll expand and contract with the siding when the weather changes and aren’t going to trap moisture that could cause the paint to peel or crack.
Specialty Exterior Paint Options
Specialty paints are available today that have been designed to work better than more traditional paints. While these can be a little more expensive, they provide many benefits and are often worth the cost. Specialty paints may be longer-lasting, able to resist fading better, and more moisture-resistant. This can help you save time and money on maintenance, avoid possible moisture issues, and enjoy the fresh-painted look longer.
Because of the heat, one option that is popular in Texas is TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems. They use the same heat reflective technology the military uses to reduce the “heat signature” (the solar heat absorbed by planes and vehicles). TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® has been specially formulated to reflect solar heat by changing the invisible portion of the light spectrum, thereby helping to reflect heat without changing color.
If you’re tired of the paint on your home or it’s damaged and needs to be fixed, choosing the right paint is crucial. Take a look at your home to determine what type of paint you need, then check the specialty paints to find one that’s going to be the best option for your home.
