Paint is used to protect all sorts of buildings and structures from the effects of water and sun. Wooden buildings such as houses are usually painted because a coat of paint prevents water seeping into the wood and making it rot. The paint also helps to prevent the wood from drying out in the hot sun.
Incredibly, some forms of paint can actually reduce the danger of a fire spreading in your house. Fire resistant paints, also known as intumescent coatings, are a passive fire protection measure that are well worth the investment. Obviously these products aren’t going to save your home from a fire, but they can form an important part of your fire safety measures in the house.