How UV Coatings Save Money on Maintenance for Exterior Commercial Painting

For exterior commercial painting needs, the two most important criteria are durability and long-term protection against the elements. The cost of maintaining the exterior of a commercial building is not insubstantial, and repainting every few years or so is an expense that can–and should–be avoided.

When commercial building owners think of “the elements,” most think of wind, rain, hail and similar potential damage from storms. While these elements can certainly take their toll on exterior paint, the worst culprit is much more insidious. Surprisingly, ultraviolet (UV) rays cause damage every day, from sunrise to sunset, year-round, and that includes the winter months. Although invisible to the naked eye, UV rays are one of the most damaging elements in nature.

Thankfully, there is a solution for commercial building owners. UV coatings offer a viable option for exterior paint protection. These specialized coatings can reduce the frequency of necessary repainting and touch-ups, which has a direct positive impact on maintenance costs for property owners. UV coatings offer strong protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping to extend the life of your exterior commercial paint job and reducing the long-term costs associated with building maintenance.

UV Coatings’ Role in Exterior Commercial Painting

UV coatings consist of protective layers that are applied on top of existing exterior paint. They act like a shield against UV radiation by minimizing the amount of UV rays that can penetrate the exterior paint layer. UV radiation from sunlight can cause a lot of damage to all kinds of painted surfaces, including:

• Fading – UV rays are the main reason why exterior paint fades faster than expected.
• Chalking – The phenomenon known as “chalking,” where a powdery residue forms on exterior paint, is caused by UV rays breaking down the surface layer of paint on a molecular basis.
• Cracking and Peeling – Over time, UV exposure weakens the paint structure, leading to cracks, peeling, and the need for repainting and touch-ups.

By applying one or more layers of UV coating over the exterior paint, a barrier is created that absorbs or reflects these harmful rays, thereby protecting the underlying paint and helping to preserve the overall appearance of the building.

The Impact of Sun Damage on Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings are typically larger and have more exposure to the elements than residential properties. This makes more susceptible to environmental wear and tear, in particular from sun exposure. For businesses located in regions that experience long hours of direct sunlight, such as the southern United States, UV exposure can be especially damaging. Over time, this exposure leads to:

• Deterioration of appearance – Sun-damaged paint takes on a worn, dull appearance that detracts from the professional look of the property and negatively affects the company’s image.
• Frequent repainting needs – Exterior paint subjected to near-constant UV exposure needs to be painted over more frequently, which increases maintenance costs.
• Structural damage – In extreme cases, as exterior paint deteriorates, the underlying structure becomes exposed, making it vulnerable to moisture and other damaging issues such as infestation, mold, mildew or rust, depending upon the material of the structure.

How UV Coatings Protect Exterior Paint

UV coatings work by reflecting or absorbing a great deal of the sun’s UV rays before they can penetrate the paint. This prevents or slows the breakdown of the paint’s chemical bonds on a molecular level. Specifically, here are the many ways that UV coatings protect exterior paint. 

1. Prevents or Slows Fading

One of the most visible benefits of UV coatings is that they can prevent or slow colors from fading. Commercial buildings often feature specific distinctive colors that reflect their brand identity. Most often, these hues are carefully chosen, sometimes with the help of pricey marketing agencies. But when these exterior paint colors fade due to sun exposure, it not only  detracts from the building’s professional appearance; it ruins the brand messaging, since the faded and skewed colors no longer reflect the company’s brand identity. UV coatings slow down this fading process and help commercial property owners to maintain the look they want to show the public.

2. Reduces Chalking and Peeling

UV rays cause paint to degrade on a molecular level, and this is what causes that white, chalky surface and eventual peeling. This not only looks unsightly but also compromises the protection that exterior paint provides to the building’s exterior. UV coatings help to prevent chalking and peeling by maintaining the molecular integrity of the paint, reducing the likelihood of chalking and peeling.

3. Extends Paint Lifespan

Exterior paint simply lasts longer with UV coatings applied. By shielding the paint from harmful UV rays, UV coatings significantly extend the lifespan of a paint job, which translates into fewer repaintings and touch-ups. In turn, the property owner saves time and money.

Cost-Saving Benefits of UV Coatings for Exterior Commercial Painting

UV coatings work to save money on maintenance for commercial buildings in the following ways:

1. Reduced Repainting Frequency

Exterior painting on commercial buildings can easily cost thousands of dollars. Without UV coatings applied, repainting is typically needed about every three to five years. UV coatings help to extend the life of the exterior paint job, drastically reducing maintenance costs in the short and long term.

2. Lower Cleaning and Maintenance Costs

Exterior painted surfaces that are chronically exposed to UV rays can get damaged and quickly become rough and uneven, making them like magnets to dirt and grime. UV coatings protect the surface, and help it to stay a smooth, even surface. Not only is the appearance more attractive, but this makes it much easier to keep clean.

3. Minimizes Repair Costs

Exterior paint that has deteriorated due to UV exposure can lead to damage to the underlying surface. This can result in expensive repairs that go beyond just repainting or retouching paint.

4. Protects Branding and Curb Appeal

By preventing sun-related damage and alteration to the appearance of paint colors, UV coatings help maintain a building’s curb appeal and protect the company’s brand image. This results in indirect cost savings by potentially attracting more business and reducing the need for frequent aesthetic touch-ups.

5. Energy Efficiency Benefits

Some UV coatings are designed to reflect not just UV rays but also infrared light, which contributes to the buildup of heat. By reflecting this light, UV coatings can even help keep the building cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. 

The Long-Term Value of UV Coatings

UV coatings do come with a slightly higher upfront cost than a standard exterior paint job, but the short and long-term benefits easily offset this cost. UV coatings represent a smart investment in your commercial exterior paint job. By extending the life of the paint, reducing maintenance needs and protecting against more serious structural damage, UV coatings provide substantial cost savings over time that savvy commercial property owners value.

UV Coatings Are a Smart Investment

At Luke Kush Painting, we understand the importance of balancing cost with quality. That’s why we recommend UV coatings for all of our exterior commercial painting projects. Our professionals are experienced in applying UV coatings that not only protect your building but also keep it looking great for years to come.

Maintaining the exterior appearance of your commercial property is crucial, and UV coatings are one of the best ways to protect your investment in exterior paint. Are you interested in learning more about how UV coatings can protect the appearance and structure of your commercial property? Contact Luke Kush Painting today for a free consultation!