Hello everyone! This is Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!
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Here, we will introduce the chalking phenomenon that is surprisingly not well known!
When you hear “chalking,” you might think of chalk used on a blackboard. (Sorry if you didn’t think of that…)
I also had no idea what chalking meant when I first heard it! So, I will explain the chalking phenomenon in an easy-to-understand way here!
This page was created by Sekiguchi from Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. while asking our painting craftsmen!
If you call Kakeru Koumuten and hear a voice that sounds like a voice affected by alcohol, that’s me!
*I hardly drink alcohol.
What is the Chalking Phenomenon?
Have you ever touched an exterior wall and found white powder on your fingers? That white powder is the result of synthetic resin in the paint breaking down due to rain and ultraviolet rays, causing pigments to turn into a powdery form and appear on the surface of the paint film. This condition is precisely what we call the chalking phenomenon!
Exterior wall painting not only affects the aesthetics of a building but also serves to protect it from ultraviolet rays and rain and wind! The chalking phenomenon can be considered a sign that the “waterproof function of the exterior wall is lost,” which is a clear indication that the exterior wall paint needs to be repainted, even for those without specialized knowledge.
Correct Confirmation Methods for Chalking
Even without specialized knowledge, there are two ways to confirm the chalking phenomenon.
Check if powder comes off when touched with your hand
If you notice a chalky substance on your fingertips when touching the exterior wall, it is likely a sign of chalking phenomenon. This is particularly noticeable on exterior walls that receive a lot of sunlight. If you see white powder, it indicates that the surface of the paint film is deteriorating! If the color lightly transfers to your fingers, it might be time to start considering repainting the exterior. However, if the color firmly sticks to your fingers, the exterior itself is fading, or if powdery substances are flaking off, it is clear evidence of significant deterioration.
Does it change color when wet?
If the exterior wall changes color when it gets wet, such as during rain, there is a high possibility that chalking phenomenon is occurring! Deteriorated exterior walls have reduced waterproofing, causing them to change color when wet.
When the waterproofing effect of the exterior wall decreases, the wall material absorbs rainwater and other moisture. This absorption and release cause the wall material to move, leading to cracks at the points where nails and other fasteners are secured…
While cracks can certainly be repaired, the repair marks will remain, and repair costs will be incurred.
In the case of siding boards, they may warp, and once warped, it is difficult to return them to their original state…
Many siding boards are discontinued (no longer in production), so caution is necessary.
Furthermore, cracks can lead to water leaks and the corrosion of the furring strips that secure the siding boards, so it is important to take early action before the building is damaged.
If you ignore chalking…
Exterior painting serves to protect the house from environmental factors, so if this function weakens, the durability and waterproofing performance that affect the future will decline. Rainwater may infiltrate, leading to the growth of moss and mold, and over time, this could even result in cracking.
Chalking phenomenon will not resolve on its own. If left unattended, deterioration will continue to progress. It is advisable to consider repainting before significant deterioration occurs.
The more repair areas there are, the higher the construction costs will be, and there will be differences in the final finish.
Is this the chalking phenomenon…?
Depending on the type of exterior wall, there are some that do not experience chalking! Additionally, depending on the color of the paint film, instead of white powder, brown or black powder may appear, making it difficult to judge. If you are unsure, our team at Kakeru Koumuten will investigate!
Qualified exterior deterioration diagnosticians will conduct a thorough investigation!
We can provide an estimate even if you just want to inquire!
Of course, the estimate is free!
Process of Exterior Wall Painting with Chalking
Let me briefly explain the process of exterior wall work that has experienced chalking!
High-Pressure Washing
First, we wash away the chalking exterior wall with high-pressure washing. While the washing process may seem simple, if not done carefully, it can lead to poor adhesion of the paint applied later or even cause chalking to occur again. The water pressure can easily cut your hands, so it is necessary to proceed with caution and care. Additionally, adjusting the pressure of the high-pressure washer is crucial. If this is done incorrectly, it can put a strain on the exterior wall. Avoid washing or scrubbing it yourself just because white powder is coming off.
Surface Preparation
We remove rust and old paint layers using scraping techniques. Deep cracks are repaired with crack fillers and repair materials! By properly preparing the surface, we can prevent peeling and bubbling in the years to come!
Primer Coat
This is the first step of applying paint after completing the high-pressure washing and surface treatment. It is a paint that revives the old exterior wall so that the middle and top coats applied afterward adhere well to the surface. The primer coat is the most important step in the painting process. If done carelessly, the paint will peel off quickly, so caution is necessary.
Fine cracks can be prevented and repaired with surfacing or filler-type primers!
| Primer Materials | Applicable Substrates |
|---|---|
| Sealer | Siding, Mortar, Concrete |
| Surf & Filler | Siding, Mortar, Concrete |
| Rust Preventive | Metal Siding Board, Galvanized Steel |
| Primer | Metal Siding Board, Galvanized Steel |
Intermediate Coating
The intermediate coating is basically applied with the same paint as the top coat. Be cautious as some contractors may skip the intermediate coating. Kakeru Koumuten has not only the skills but also a proven track record, so you can rest assured!! To ensure an even and uniform application of paint, it is a principle to apply multiple coats. Skipping the intermediate coating will definitely result in unevenness.
There are also paints that have dedicated intermediate coating materials!
Top Coating
The top coating serves to cover any color unevenness or streaks that occurred during the intermediate coating, as well as to protect the exterior walls from rain, wind, and dirt. The top coating is a crucial process that determines the appearance of the house, and how the color and gloss of the exterior walls finish is decided by the top coating.
Examples of Exterior Painting Restoration
This is an example of exterior painting work for Mr. S’s residence in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture!
We had the customer choose their colors using the color simulation, and we painted the first and second floors in different colors!
The paint used is from SK Kaken / Premium Silicon!
If you apply a fourth layer over the three coats of paint, it can extend the durability by 10 more years!
This is the “Ultra Top”
For example… if you apply Ultra TOP (which adds approximately 10 years of durability) over Premium Silicon (which has a durability of about 14 to 16 years),
Premium Silicon approximately 15 years + Ultra TOP approximately 10 years = Durability of approximately 25 years!!!
Choosing high-quality paints (inorganic or fluorine-based) can sometimes be more cost-effective and durable!
It can also be used on roofs, exterior walls, and auxiliary parts (rain gutters, eaves, etc.)!
We can provide estimates, so please consider us!!
If Chalking Occurs, Contact Kakeru Koumuten!
If chalking occurs, please consider repainting your exterior walls! If you have any concerns or think, “Could this be…?”, please give us a call.
We prioritize our customers and are confident in our work! Kakeru Koumuten does not charge until you are satisfied after the work is completed!
If you notice anything that concerns you after the work, or if you feel unsatisfied, please feel free to consult us, and we will respond promptly!
Consultations via LINE are also very welcome◎
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We are happy to assist with any project, no matter how small!
Kakeru Koumuten appreciates your support!
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AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.
One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!
We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!
