In recent years, Seattle Seahawk’s quarterback Russell Wilson would often say: “The separation is in the preparation.” 

While Russell was talking about football, he also could have been talking about exterior house painting. When exterior siding is not adequately prepared for painting (e.g., washing, scraping, caulking, priming, etc.), something called “chalking” can occur. 

“Chalking” is likely what you think it is: paint becomes “chalk”-like and separates (hey Russell even got this right!) from the painted surface. Poor preparation is not always the reason for chalking paint, but it certainly doesn’t help.

I come across this scenario often, as I did during a recent inspection in Bow. I recommended my clients budget for new paint and/or stain. 

Learn more about “chalking” by watching the short video in this post. 

If you have questions or comments about exterior painting or home inspections in general, tweet me (@AIHomeInspect).