the rollercoaster ride of wisconsins’s exterior painting season: a tale of patience and paint
Greetings, Wisconsin homeowners! If you've been trying to spruce up your home's exterior with a fresh coat of paint this year, you’ve likely found yourself shaking your fist at the sky more than once. The exterior painting season in our beautiful state has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. But fear not! We’re here to share why this season has been particularly tricky and why giving your painting contractor a little slack can go a long way.
A Season of Weather Whims
Let’s start with the obvious culprit: the weather. Wisconsin’s weather this year has been a bit like a moody teenager—unpredictable and constantly changing its mind. Planning a painting project has felt like trying to predict the next plot twist in your favorite TV drama. One day, it’s sunny and perfect; the next, it’s raining cats and dogs. This kind of unpredictability is a painter’s worst nightmare. Freshly applied paint and sudden downpours do not mix well!
The Winter That Wouldn’t End
Remember when we were all pleasantly surprised by the mild winter this year? Just as we started to relax, winter decided to come back with a vengeance, bringing cold days and frosty nights well into spring. Cold temps and frost lingered, delaying the start of many painting projects. This unexpected return of winter left contractors scrambling to catch up once the weather finally warmed up. It’s as if winter took one last look around and decided, "I think I’ll hang out a bit longer."
Humidity Hiccups
When winter finally decided to move on, we hoped for perfect painting weather. Instead, we were greeted with humidity levels that made Wisconsin feel more like a tropical jungle. High humidity can slow down the drying process of paint and even lead to problems like blistering and mildew. It’s like trying to dry your laundry on a rainy day—frustrating and not very effective.
Rainy Day Blues
Speaking of rain, it seems like we’ve had more than our fair share this year. Frequent and unexpected rain showers have thrown a wrench in many painting schedules. Just when you think it’s safe to paint, boom! Here comes another downpour. These rainy interruptions have been a major headache for homeowners and contractors alike. What’s more, homes and decks need adequate time to dry after rain. Just because a surface looks dry doesn’t mean it is dry under the surface. Painting too soon after rain can lead to poor adhesion and peeling, making it essential to allow enough drying time.
Temperature Tango
The temperature swings this year have been impressive, to say the least. One day it’s sweltering hot, and the next it’s cool and breezy. These fluctuations make it tough to find the sweet spot for painting. Extreme heat can cause paint to dry too quickly and crack, while cooler temperatures can slow down the drying process, leaving the paint job vulnerable to dust and debris.
Labor Shortages and Supply Chain Woes
Let’s not forget about the ongoing labor shortages and supply chain issues that have affected many industries, including painting. Finding skilled painters has been more challenging, and delays in receiving paint and supplies have added to the complications. Your painting contractor is likely doing their best to juggle these challenges and keep projects on track.
Why a Little Patience Goes a Long Way
With all these hurdles, it’s important to remember that your painting contractor is facing a perfect storm of challenges. Giving them a little slack can make a big difference. They’re navigating unpredictable weather, labor shortages, and supply chain delays—all while trying to deliver the best results for your home.
Here are a few reasons to cut your contractor some slack:
Adaptability: They’re constantly adjusting schedules to accommodate the ever-changing weather.
Quality Assurance: They’re committed to ensuring the paint job is done right, even if it means waiting for better conditions.
Communication: They’re likely in frequent contact to keep you updated on progress and any necessary changes.
Cheers to Better Days Ahead
Despite the challenges, your patience and understanding can turn a stressful situation into a collaborative effort. Working together, you and your contractor can achieve a beautiful, freshly painted home that stands out in the Wisconsin landscape.
So here’s to the resilient homeowners and dedicated painting contractors making the best of a tough season. May the weather stabilize, the paint dry smoothly, and your home shine brightly. Cheers to better painting days ahead!
