Lexington, South Carolina, is a vibrant community that offers a warm Southern welcome to all who choose to call it home. Just a
short drive from the capital city of Columbia, Lexington combines the allure of small-town living with easy access to urban amenities. With its scenic beauty, outstanding schools, and a rich tapestry of local culture, it’s no wonder that more and more people are discovering this gem of a town.
Families will find an array of activities to engage in, from hiking at the majestic Lake Murray to attending a game at the state-of-the-art Icehouse Amphitheater. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Virginia Hylton Park, where lush landscapes and charming playgrounds offer ideal settings for picnics and play. With numerous community events, Lexington fosters a sense of belonging that is truly special.
Food enthusiasts will relish Lexington's diverse culinary scene. From authentic Southern BBQ to international flavors, there's something to please every palette. And don't miss the chance to explore the local farmers’ markets, where fresh produce and homemade goods embody the spirit of the region’s hospitality.
Rich in history yet full of modern conveniences, Lexington, South Carolina, captures the essence of living a balanced, fulfilling life. Come and see why so many are proud to be part of this thriving community.
Discover the Charm of Lexington,
Discover the Charm of Lexington, South Carolina
Lexington, South Carolina, is a vibrant community that offers a warm Southern welcome to all who choose to call it home. Just a short drive from the capital city of Columbia, Lexington combines the allure of small-town living with easy access to urban amenities. With its scenic beauty, outstanding schools, and a rich tapestry of local culture, it’s no wonder that more and more people are discovering this gem of a town.
Families will find an array of activities to engage in, from hiking at the majestic Lake Murray to attending a game at the state-of-the-art Icehouse Amphitheater. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Virginia Hylton Park, where lush landscapes and charming playgrounds offer ideal settings for picnics and play. With numerous community events, Lexington fosters a sense of belonging that is truly special.
Food enthusiasts will relish Lexington's diverse culinary scene. From authentic Southern BBQ to international flavors, there's something to please every palette. And don't miss the chance to explore the local farmers’ markets, where fresh produce and homemade goods embody the spirit of the region’s hospitality.
Rich in history yet full of modern conveniences, Lexington, South Carolina, captures the essence of living a balanced, fulfilling life. Come and see why so many are proud to be part of this thriving community.
What Most People Get Wrong About Repainting Exteriors in South Carolina
Many homeowners in South Carolina believe exterior painting is mostly about improving appearance. They wait until the siding looks faded or the trim begins to peel, then decide it is time for a new coat. In milder climates, that timing might be fine. Here, though, waiting for visible signs of wear can
create problems that go well beyond looks. Paint is more than decoration; it is a weather barrier designed to protect wood and siding from South Carolina’s long summers, high humidity, and year-round exposure to moisture.The state’s climate is unusually harsh on painted surfaces. Sunlight delivers
6 | HelloLexington, South Carolina • Winter Issue
What Most People Get Wrong About Repainting Exteriors in South Carolina
Many homeowners in South Carolina believe exterior painting is mostly about improving appearance. They wait until the siding looks faded or the trim begins to peel, then decide it is time for a new coat. In milder climates, that timing might be fine. Here, though, waiting for visible signs of wear can create problems that go well beyond looks. Paint is more than decoration; it is a weather barrier designed to protect wood and siding from South Carolina’s long summers, high humidity, and year-round exposure to moisture.
The state’s climate is unusually harsh on painted surfaces. Sunlight delivers strong ultraviolet radiation that slowly breaks down the resin in paint, even when the color still appears bright. When that binder weakens, the coating loses its ability to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Cracks then begin to form, letting water slip behind the surface. High humidity adds to the problem, keeping exterior walls damp well after storms or morning dew. Over time, those damp conditions allow mildew to form and paint to lift away in thin layers.
Moisture is the most common reason paint fails early in this region. It creeps behind siding, seeps into joints, and hides in shaded corners that never fully dry. Once water becomes trapped, the surface underneath begins to swell. As the wood expands, the paint flakes away, allowing more water to enter. This repeated cycle of dampness and drying eventually leads to soft or rotted boards that must be replaced before repainting can even begin. Homeowners often discover these issues only after the damage has already progressed, turning a simple paint job into a larger repair project.
Home maintenance professionals often describe paint as the skin of a house. It seals gaps, repels moisture, and blocks ultraviolet light that can dry and crack wood fibers. When that skin thins or breaks, the home’s outer surface becomes vulnerable. The signs start small: faint chalking, fine cracks, or uneven patches of color. These may seem cosmetic, but they show that the paint’s protective layer is wearing away. By the time wood begins to show through, moisture has likely entered below the surface.
For most homes in South Carolina, repainting every seven to ten years is ideal. The exact schedule depends on materials, sun exposure, and previous coatings. Homes near the coast often require repainting sooner because salt air adds another layer of stress. Houses in shaded or wooded areas face their own challenges, with mildew growing faster in areas that stay damp. Repainting too late can double or triple the amount of prep needed, from sanding and priming to repairing damaged boards. Repainting early costs less in the long run because the surface remains stable and ready for a new coat.
Repainting on schedule protects your home before South Carolina’s weather can do its worst. Each coat creates a fresh seal that locks out water, resists ultraviolet rays, and allows the wood beneath to stay dry. When homeowners treat paint as protection instead of decoration, they prevent the chain reaction that leads to swelling, cracking, and decay.
Professional painters pay close attention to more than color. During inspection, they look for soft spots around windows, gaps in caulk, and exposed nail heads. These small details reveal where water may have already entered. They also check the texture of existing paint to determine whether it still bonds tightly to the surface. When problems are caught early, repairs are minor, and painting goes smoothly. When ignored, those same areas can require replacement sections of siding or trim, significantly increasing costs.
The quality of the paint itself also affects how long a finish lasts. Premium coatings designed for southern climates contain stronger resins and mildewcides that withstand heat and moisture. Proper surface preparation is equally important. Cleaning, light sanding, and priming ensure the new paint adheres evenly. When done correctly, a professional-grade paint system can hold up through years of harsh weather while keeping its color and gloss.
Regular exterior painting also helps maintain home value. Curb appeal matters, but so does structural integrity. A well-maintained exterior signals to potential buyers that the property has been cared for. Even if a sale is not planned soon, consistent upkeep prevents the kind of deterioration that can shorten a home’s lifespan. Maintaining the protective layer of paint helps homeowners avoid the higher costs of wood replacement, siding repair, or deep moisture treatment later.
A proper paint cycle is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect a home in South Carolina. Treating exterior paint as part of the home’s structure, rather than a cosmetic feature, keeps weather out and materials sound. Paint is not a decoration that fades with fashion; it is a shield that endures sun, rain, and humidity every single day. In a state where the climate never takes a break, keeping that shield strong ensures a home remains solid, comfortable, and ready to face another decade of heat and storms.
Melvin Jones
problem, keeping exterior walls damp well after storms or morning dew. Over time, those damp conditions allow mildew to form and paint to lift away in thin layers.Moisture is the most common reason paint fails early in this region. It creeps behind siding, seeps into joints, and hides in shaded corners that never fully dry. Once water becomes trapped, the surface underneath begins to swell. As the wood expands, the paint flakes away, allowing more water to enter. This repeated cycle of dampness and drying eventually leads to soft or rotted boards that must be replaced before repainting can even begin. Homeowners often discover...
strong ultraviolet radiation that slowly breaks down the resin in paint, even when the color still appears bright. When that binder weakens, the coating loses its ability to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Cracks then begin to form, letting water slip behind the surface. High humidity adds to the
Repainting on schedule protects your home before South Carolina’s weather can do its worst.
About the Author
Melvin Jones, owner of Carolina Painting and Pressure Washing, is a hands-on leader committed to 100% customer satisfaction. Originally from New York, he moved to Lexington, SC in 2023 with his wife and three children. Detail-oriented and community-focused, he proudly serves Irmo, Chapin, Columbia, and Lexington.
HelloLexington, South Carolina • Winter Issue |7
What Most People Get Wrong About Roof Inspections
Many homeowners don’t think about their roof until a leak appears. By then, costly damage has often already begun. In Lexington, South Carolina, intense sun, high heat, and seasonal storms constantly test roofing materials. Even when a roof looks fine from the ground, small cracks or gaps may be
forming—issues that can become expensive problems if left unchecked.South Carolina roofs are exposed to strong UV rays year-round. Sun exposure dries out shingles, making them brittle, while daily heating and cooling causes expansion and contraction. This constant movement weakens seals and
8 | HelloLexington, South Carolina • Winter Issue
What Most People Get Wrong About Roof Inspections
Many homeowners don’t think about their roof until a leak appears. By then, costly damage has often already begun. In Lexington, South Carolina, intense sun, high heat, and seasonal storms constantly test roofing materials. Even when a roof looks fine from the ground, small cracks or gaps may be forming—issues that can become expensive problems if left unchecked.
South Carolina roofs are exposed to strong UV rays year-round. Sun exposure dries out shingles, making them brittle, while daily heating and cooling causes expansion and contraction. This constant movement weakens seals and loosens nails. Shingles may start to lift or curl long before you see water damage inside your home. Once the protective surface is lost, moisture can seep beneath and damage the roof deck.
A professional roof inspection covers much more than just the shingles. Roofers check flashing around chimneys and vents, valleys where water collects, and signs of hidden moisture. They also assess attic ventilation and look for spots where heat is building up. This detailed approach helps homeowners catch problems early—before they turn into costly repairs.
Roofing materials react differently to Lexington’s climate. Asphalt shingles might crack or lose granules after long sun exposure, while metal roofs can expand and loosen at fasteners after years of heat and storms. Each type needs its own maintenance plan, so seasonal inspections are the best way to spot gradual changes and address them promptly.
Minor leaks—often caused by storms or wind—can spread quickly and without warning. Heavy rain can push water under lifted shingles, letting moisture travel along the roof system and damage what’s underneath. Catching these issues early usually means a simple repair instead of a costly replacement. Early detection also protects insulation, framing, and ceilings from unnecessary water damage.
Routine inspections have another key benefit: documentation. Detailed reports from licensed roofers show your roof’s condition and maintenance history. These records are invaluable for insurance claims—they prove the roof was well-maintained before any storm. Consistent documentation supports long-term planning and protection for your home.
In Lexington, think of a seasonal roof inspection as a checkup for your home. It spots early wear from sun, heat, and storms, keeping your roof ready for anything the weather brings. With regular attention, most roofs last for many years before major repairs or replacements are needed.
Scott McCutchen
where water collects, and signs of hidden moisture. They also assess attic ventilation and look for spots where heat is building up. This detailed approach helps homeowners catch problems early—before they turn into costly repairs.Roofing materials react differently to Lexington’s climate. Asphalt shingles might crack or lose granules after long sun exposure, while metal roofs can expand and loosen at fasteners after years of heat and storms. Each type needs its own maintenance plan, so seasonal inspections are the best way to spot gradual changes and address them promptly.Minor leaks—often caused by storms or wind—can spread...
loosens nails. Shingles may start to lift or curl long before you see water damage inside your home. Once the protective surface is lost, moisture can seep beneath and damage the roof deck.A professional roof inspection covers much more than just the shingles. Roofers check flashing around chimneys and vents, valleys
Regular inspections help protect your roof system from hidden damage caused by heat and humidity.
About the Author
LYNQ Roofing Solutions, led by Scott McCutchen, is a 5-Star, A-Rated, BBB-Accredited roofing contractor serving homeowners across South Carolina. The company is known for honesty, transparency, and quality workmanship. Every project is managed by an experienced professional, with clear communication, multiple repair options, and a final inspection to ensure dependable, long-term results.
