Tagging a house refers to the act of spray painting or marking a building with graffiti or images, typically done illegally without the owner’s permission. It is a form of vandalism that can be found in urban areas worldwide. Tagging first emerged as part of hip hop culture and graffiti art in the 1970s and 1980s. While some consider it a form of self-expression, others view tagging as a nuisance that lowers property values and promotes urban decay.
Why do people tag houses?
There are a few common motivations behind tagging houses and buildings:
- Marking territory – Tagging started as a way for graffiti artists and crews to mark their territory and prominence in an area. Prolific taggers seek to get their name or moniker seen by as many people as possible.
- Self-expression – For some, it is a means of expressing their creativity and artistic talents. Tagging provides an outlet for graffiti writers to gain recognition and fame, especially if their tag appears in a highly visible location.
- Rebellion – It allows the tagger to break rules and go against mainstream society by defacing public and private property. Some do it as an act of defiance or protest against the system.
- Boredom – For young offenders, it can stem from boredom, peer pressure, or the adrenaline rush of doing something illegal.
- Gang communication – Gang members may use tags to mark their gang’s territory and send messages to rival gangs.
While most taggers are young men, a range of people engage in tagging houses. The common motivation is to gain attention, infamy, and respect within the underground subculture of graffiti.
Is it legal to tag houses?
In most countries and jurisdictions, tagging private property without the owner’s consent is illegal. Taggers can face fines or jail time if caught in the act or linked to the graffiti.
In the United States, tagging is considered vandalism or criminal mischief under state laws. The laws vary by state, but most classify it as a misdemeanor or low-level felony charge, with penalties increasing based on the extent of damage and cost of removal.
In California for example, vandalism penalties under Penal Code 594 PC can include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $10,000
Tagging a dwelling can result in additional charges like criminal trespass. Juveniles convicted of tagging may be ordered to pay restitution, serve probation, or complete community service.
Some cities have implemented graffiti abatement programs that combine law enforcement and community action to catch and punish taggers. However, enforcement can be challenging given the covert nature of tagging and difficulty tracking down perpetrators.
What are the consequences of tagging houses?
There are several negative consequences that can result from tagging private property:
- Property damage – Removes paint, etches glass, and causes costly damage to the exterior of buildings.
- Decreased property values – Neighborhoods and houses with tagging are perceived as less desirable and valuable.
- Cleanup costs – Homeowners must pay to remove or cover up graffiti.
- Lower rent – Landlords may get lower rent for tagged properties.
- Increased crime – Tagging can attract further vandalism, drug use, gang activity if left unchecked.
- Reduced pride – Extensive tagging leads residents to feel less pride in their community.
- Safety concerns – Gang tags may intimidate people and spark retaliation.
In addition to legal penalties, taggers face shame and stigma if caught. Their parents or guardians may be liable for paying damages. It can also lead to suspended licenses, community service, or prohibition from local areas.
How much does it cost to remove graffiti from a house?
Removing graffiti from a residential property can cost anywhere from $100 to over $5000 depending on several factors:
- Surface type – Smooth surfaces like glass are easiest while porous surfaces like concrete require more work.
- Size of affected area – Larger tags take more time, chemicals, and effort to remove.
- Method used – Painting over is cheapest while hydroblasting gives the best results.
- Location – Harder to reach areas drive up equipment needs and labor time.
- Anti-graffiti coatings – Houses without protective coatings require full removal.
According to HomeAdvisor, average national costs for graffiti removal range from:
| Surface Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Glass | $100 – $300 |
| Brick | $250 – $500 |
| Concrete | $300 – $1000 |
| Wood | $400 – $1200 |
| Stone | $1000 – $2500 |
Multi-story buildings, retaining walls, and properties with extensive damage on multiple surfaces can cost thousands. Commercial properties often pay professional remediation services $500 to $5000 per incident.
How to prevent graffiti tagging on your house
Homeowners can take proactive measures to avoid becoming the target of taggers and minimize potential graffiti damage:
- Install motion sensor lights and security cameras to deter taggers who seek dark, unmonitored locations.
- Plant prickly bushes or vines over fences and walls to impede access.
- Remove or limit tall trees, crates, or other objects taggers can climb on to reach high areas.
- Coat exterior surfaces with anti-graffiti paint or sealant products.
- Promptly clean or paint over any new graffiti to avoid attracting more.
- Organize a neighborhood watch and report suspicious activity to police.
- Introduce anti-graffiti ordinances in your community.
- Work with youth outreach programs to provide alternatives to tagging.
Quick action is key – graffiti that is allowed to remain tends to attract more graffiti. A “broken windows” approach helps demonstrate the neighborhood does not tolerate vandalism.
How to remove graffiti from different surfaces
The best graffiti removal method depends on the type of surface that’s been tagged. Common techniques include:
Concrete
- Chemical cleaners specifically designed for concrete
- Power washing with hot water at 2500-4000 PSI
- Sand or soda blasting for deep penetration
- Grinding with an abrasive disk or wheel
- Covering with new paint if cleaning fails
Brick
- Repainting with a heavy-duty masonry paint
- Chemical paint stripper or pressure washing
- Covering with vines or shrubbery
- Sandblasting as a last resort
Wood
- Repainting with a quality outdoor paint
- Soda blasting with baking soda
- Using a paint thinner or stripper
- Sanding and refinishing badly damaged areas
Glass
- Ammonia-based glass cleaner
- Razor blade scraper and steel wool
- Acetone or paint thinner
- Fine grit sandpaper or pumice stone
Metal
- Phosphoric acid-based rust remover
- Powder coat paint remover
- Sandblasting
- Repainting
For stubborn graffiti, call in a professional graffiti removal service with industrial cleaning experience and equipment.
Graffiti Removal Resources
If your home becomes the victim of graffiti vandalism, here are some helpful resources to utilize for removal and prevention:
- Municipal services – Many cities offer graffiti removal programs or services to residents for free or discounted rates.
- hardware stores – They stock graffiti removal chemicals, power washers, and tools for DIY work.
- Community groups – Partner with neighborhood associations on anti-graffiti initiatives and cleanup days.
- Graffiti removal contractors – Companies like Graffiti Protective Coatings and 1-800-GRAFFITI specialize in professional removal from buildings.
- Online forums – Websites like graffitihurts.org have tips and product recommendations from others who have removed graffiti.
Taking quick, diligent action against graffiti prevents further attacks on your property. With the right products and techniques, graffiti damage can be effectively removed and deterred in the future.
Conclusion
Tagging private property is a chronic nuisance that causes extensive damage worldwide each year. For those whose homes or buildings become the target of graffiti vandals, prompt removal is crucial to prevent neighborhood decay and additional crimes. While combating tagging requires consistent community vigilance, the financial burden ultimately falls on property owners forced to repair or undo the damage. With proper protective measures and graffiti abatement strategies, homeowners can send the message that graffiti will not be tolerated, helping maintain the appearance and value of their investment.