Pourquoi la peinture écaillée est un drapeau rouge pour les acheteurs de maison

No matter how you feel about

peeling shrimp

or

hard-boiled eggs

, at least the end result is a tasty snack. Peeling things in the kitchen just means good things are coming. Peeling things in other places, though, can mean the exact opposite. One thing you

really

don’t want is peeling paint in your house—or in the house you’re about to buy.

Peeling paint is never ideal. While homeowners may see peeling paint and realize they have to add

painting the shutters

or the

bathroom walls

to their to-do list, those looking to buy a home may have a bigger problem. That’s because peeling paint could potentially cost them their mortgage. Here’s why peeling paint is a red flag.

Peeling Paint Can Affect FHA Loans In Older Homes

Peeling paint is a warning sign for home inspectors doing their due diligence for buyers. That’s because older homes, particularly those built before January 1, 1978, almost certainly have lead-based paint in them.

1

And when lead-based paint peels, it is more easily ingested or inhaled and that can lead to serious health problems, like cancer.

2

While lead paint is a huge problem for anyone, in addition to the health risks and remediation costs, peeling paint may cause a potential home buyer’s financing to fall through. Those home buyers looking to get a loan that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or Veterans Affairs (VA) need to make sure the property meets certain health and safety standards.

3

If the home you’re trying to buy was built before 1978, a.k.a the year that lead paint was banned in the U.S., peeling or chipping paint could mean that the house won’t meet that health and safety standard. Basically, the FHA doesn’t want to help someone buy a home that could harm the health of them or their family. It makes sense, but if you’re trying to buy a home with an FHA loan and run into that problem, it is undoubtedly very stressful.

How To Fix The Home Inspection Problem

If a home inspector finds peeling paint in an older home, they should flag it. It is then up to the loan agency to determine whether it is too risky. Otherwise, the seller may be able to fix the problem. If that house was built before 1978, the paint should be scraped, removed, and re-painted by a professional to ensure there’s no lead lurking around when you move in. If the loan agency doesn’t approve the loan due to lead, it may be frustrating, but it is definitely smarter than risking lead exposure.

Why Peeling Paint Affects Newer Homes

If your home is a new or newer home built after 1978 and your paint is peeling, it may not be lead. But there can be other issues at play. Using the wrong type of

paint finish

in a humid room like the bathroom or moisture caused by a leak could be the culprit. Moisture trapped under the paint can cause it to peel.

Poor paint adhesion is also a cause of peeling paint. If the surface was damp when painted or it wasn’t prepared properly, paint can blister or peel prematurely. In these cases, it’s a good idea to address any leaks, moisture, or rotten wood as well as scraping away the chipping paint to prevent

water damage, mold

, and insect infestation. Check with a professional for the best approach for your home.

Causes Of Peeling Paint

Paint eventually ages

and can peel away, but there may be other issues at play. We discussed that moisture and poor preparation are causes for peeling paint, but there are many others. You’ll want to correct these problems—also possibly scraping away the paint, sanding, and priming—before repainting:

• Leaks or condensation
• Inadequate ventilation in a humid room
• Painting over dirt or peeling paint
• Painting without primer
• Using the wrong paint for a surface like metal or concrete
• Painting oil paint over latex paint, or vice versa
• 
  Expired paint
  
  or low-quality paint

How To Fix Peeling Paint

If your house was built before 1978, lead paint is a real possibility. Chipping and peeling paint are best addressed by a certified lead professional. But with newer homes, you can repair peeling paint yourself by following these steps:

1. First, address any problems like leaks, condensation,
   
   or ventilation
   
   so that you can protect your paint from further damage.
2. Place a drop cloth and tape areas as needed. Use a scraper to remove peeling paint.
3. Sand the edges to smooth the surface. If needed, patch edges, cracks, or holes with spackling compound first, allow it to dry, and then sand.
4. Wipe the area clean with a lightly damp, clean cloth or rag. Do this multiple times if needed to remove dust, chips, and dirt.
5. Select the right type of paint and primer for the surface. Prime and then paint at least two coats, allowing adequate dry time in between.