Imagine standing outside your home, wondering if there’s a better way to protect and beautify it without the constant need for repainting. As a homeowner, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Is there a paint that lasts longer and performs better?” You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Southern California grapple with the same concerns, seeking a durable solution that justifies its cost.
At Rhino Shield of Southern California, we understand these feelings. We’ve seen firsthand the struggles of maintaining a beautiful home exterior in our climate. As former Marine Infantry Officers, the owners of Rhino Shield of Southern California are committed to reliability, honesty, and hard work. We aim to provide you with the best information to make an informed decision about your home’s exterior.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into whether Rhino Shield is worth the investment. We’ll explore the costs, benefits, and unique features of Rhino Shield, ensuring you walk away with a clear understanding of what you get for your money.
Is Rhino Shield Paint Expensive?
One of the first questions that come to mind is the cost. Let’s be upfront: Rhino Shield is generally more expensive than traditional paint. On average, Rhino Shield costs 2-2.5 times more than regular paint.
To put this into perspective:
- Rhino Shield installation for a 3-bedroom home: $13,000 to $18,000
- Traditional water-based paint job for a 3-bedroom home: $5,000 to $9,000
This price difference can be daunting. However, before you dismiss Rhino Shield based solely on cost, let’s delve into what you’re actually paying for.
The True Cost of Rhino Shield vs. Traditional Paint
Understanding the higher price tag of Rhino Shield involves looking at the benefits and longevity it offers compared to traditional paint. Here’s what sets Rhino Shield apart:
Benefits of Rhino Shield
Longevity and Warranty
Rhino Shield is built to last. We offer a 25-year warranty that is fully transferable and non-prorated. This means your coverage doesn’t decrease over time, and it stays with the house even if you sell it. Traditional paint, on the other hand, typically lasts 5-7 years before it needs to be reapplied.
Class-A Fire Retardant
In Southern California, fire safety is crucial. Rhino Shield has a Class-A fire retardant rating, providing an extra layer of protection for your home.
UV Reflectivity and Energy Savings
Our coating reflects UV rays, helping to keep your home cooler by reducing heat absorption. This can lead to significant energy savings over time, especially during the hot summer months.
Water Repellence and Wood Protection
Rhino Shield is highly water-repellent, which is particularly beneficial for homes with wood exteriors. It helps prevent water damage and rot, extending the life of your home’s structure.
Soundproofing Capabilities
With a solid content of 79% and a thickness 8-10 times that of regular paint, Rhino Shield also acts as a sound barrier, reducing outside noise and creating a more peaceful indoor environment.
Abrasion Resistance and Maintenance Reduction
The ceramic microspheres in Rhino Shield’s formula make it exceptionally resistant to abrasion. This reduces the likelihood of cracking and peeling, lowering maintenance needs.
Exceptional Breathability
Our coating allows moisture to escape, preventing mildew, fungi, and algae growth. This means you’ll spend less time and money cleaning your home’s exterior.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Rhino Shield contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it an environmentally friendly option.
Dealer Training and Certification: Ensuring Quality
One of the key advantages of choosing Rhino Shield is the quality assurance that comes with our dealer network. Our dealers undergo rigorous training and certification processes. This ensures that only experienced professionals, who have proven their expertise in the painting industry, represent our brand. This commitment to quality guarantees that your home receives the best possible care and application.
How Protective is Rhino Shield?
We don’t just make claims; we back them up with third-party lab testing. Rhino Shield undergoes extensive testing against ASTM standards, which many paint companies do not invest in. Here are some of our test results:
- Fire rating: ASTM E-84 21a
- Elongation: ASTM D 2370
- Tensile strength: ASTM D 2370
- Adhesion: ASTM D 4541
- Water Swelling: ASTM D 471
- Permeance: ASTM D 1653
- Wind Driven Rain Resistance: ASTM D 6904 03(22)
- Salt Tolerance: ASTM B 117
These tests ensure that Rhino Shield performs exceptionally well under various conditions, providing you with reliable protection for years to come.
The Rhino Shield Application Process
A critical aspect of Rhino Shield’s effectiveness lies in its application process. Here’s a detailed look at how we prepare your home for Rhino Shield:
Thorough Assessment and Inspection
The process starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your property. We gather crucial data about the substrate type, assess any previous problems, check for water damage, and identify any cracks or necessary repairs. This meticulous inspection helps prevent future complications.
Power Washing and Surface Preparation
We power wash your home to remove dirt, debris, and loose paint. Any required repairs, such as replacing siding or sanding, are completed at this stage.
Caulking and Sealing
We use high-quality elastomeric caulk to seal window edges, cracks, and seams, creating a water-resistant barrier.
Masking and Protecting
All areas that shouldn’t receive the coating are masked off, including lighting fixtures, mailboxes, and utility boxes. We also protect your plants, lawns, and other sensitive areas from overspray.
Trenching for Added Protection
Unlike some contractors, we dig a trench about 4-6 inches below the surface around your house. This ensures that the primer and topcoat are applied beneath the surface, preventing water from seeping into the coating from below.
Primer Application for Superior Adhesion
Rhino Shield offers various primers tailored to different surfaces. Our APS primer forms a unique bond with the substrate, ensuring exceptional adhesion.
Why Can’t I Buy Rhino Shield Paint?
Rhino Shield is more than just paint; it’s a comprehensive system that includes specific primers tailored to your home’s substrate and climate. The precision in application and the need for specific training are why Rhino Shield is only available through authorized dealers. This ensures optimal longevity and performance.
DIY vs. Professional Application
For those considering a DIY approach, it’s important to understand the challenges and considerations. While experienced painters might manage, the average homeowner could face difficulties ensuring the proper preparation and application required for Rhino Shield.
If you decide to go the DIY route with another product, ensure you thoroughly research and understand the terms of warranties, as many are prorated and require specific steps for validation.
Is Rhino Shield Worth the Investment?
Ultimately, whether Rhino Shield is worth the investment depends on your budget, the condition of your home, and your expectations. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Budget and Home Condition: Rhino Shield is a higher upfront cost but offers long-term savings on maintenance and energy.
- Long-Term Value and Benefits: With a 25-year warranty, fire resistance, energy savings, and reduced maintenance, many homeowners find Rhino Shield to be a valuable investment.
Making an Informed Decision
At Rhino Shield of Southern California, we understand that our product might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a quick, low-cost paint job, traditional paint might be a better fit. However, if you’re interested in a long-lasting, high-quality solution that offers extensive benefits, Rhino Shield is worth considering.
We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of what Rhino Shield offers and helps you make an informed decision about your home’s exterior. If you’re interested in learning more or getting a free, no-obligation quote, feel free to reach out to us.