How Often Should The Exterior Of A Home Be Painted?

Home exteriors are built to endure harsh weather conditions. They are specifically designed to last. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t wear and tear with time. Regular maintenance might increase its durability; you will need to repaint it after some time. If you’d like professional help, we suggest you talk to Surepaint.

How Often Should You Change Your Exterior’s Paint?

How often you paint your home’s exterior depends on several factors such as climate, type of material, and the quality of the last renovation. The paint on houses in warmer regions tends to chip and fade much faster than those in colder climates. In addition, darker color paint will fade in intensity, making them appear lighter.

This means that houses in coastal climates will need you to paint them more frequently because the sun makes them wear and tear faster. Harsh winds and snow can also affect the quality of the exterior of your house. Such conditions cause the paint to lose its sheen, making it appear dull and lifeless. When it comes to the material or surface, each kind has a specific lifespan.

In conclusion, experts recommend repainting your home’s exterior every 5 to 10 years. Wooden surfaces can last up to 4 years without a touch-up, while stucco can last 5 to 6 years. For sturdier materials such as brick, homeowners can stay in the home for 15 to 20 years without repainting.

When it comes to the exterior of your home, maintaining its aesthetic appeal is crucial. One way to achieve this is by ensuring that the paint on the exterior walls is in pristine condition. The impact of perfect paint on your homes aesthetic cannot be understated; it not only enhances the overall appearance but also protects against weather damage and increases curb appeal.

Signs You May Need To Refresh The Exterior Paint

Obvious signs that you may need to refresh your home’s exterior paint include chipping or bubbling paint, fading paint, and caulk that begins to harden.

Chipping Or Bubbling Paint

When paint fails to weather the elements, it can lead to flaking and cracking, needing you to repaint the exterior more frequently. These flaws may lead to the growth of mold and rot. Extreme rainfall, harsh sunlight, and snow contribute to the damage.

Fading Paint

Faded paint is the main sign for homeowners to repaint the exterior. Dark colors usually fade faster; that’s because the sun causes bleaching. Fading can also happen because of water damage. Rain may cause the paint to leak along different walls, especially if it’s made from water-soluble ingredients.

Caulk Begins To Harden

Caulk is designed to adapt to weather changes. When it’s hot, it expands, and when it’s cold, it contracts just as your house does. Unfortunately, in extreme weather, the frequent changes cause the caulk to lose its elasticity, eventually hardening and becoming resistant.

Factors Affecting How Long The Paint Lasts

You can help increase the durability of the exterior paint of your house by considering the following factors.

The Quality Of The Paint

Low-quality paints tend to cost less but don’t have the same appeal as higher-quality paint. They aren’t built to weather the harsh elements, making them fade away quicker. They also do not last very long and tend to chip or peel after a short while.

Previous Renovation Efforts

If the prior paint job wasn’t done correctly, it reduces its longevity and exposes the underlying materials to the elements. Poorly executed paint jobs make your home more susceptible to sun and water damage.

Maintenance

A regularly maintained home lasts longer than a poorly maintained one. Frequent touch-ups such as fixing broken boards and leaking gutters go a long way in increasing the paint job’s durability.

The Direction Your House Faces

If your house directly faces the sun, exposure to UV rays will exacerbate your paint’s wear and tear. This means you’ll have to put in extra effort during maintenance and repainting.

When To Paint The Exterior Of Your Home

When it comes to painting exteriors, you’ll need to factor in several elements. First, you’ll require conducive weather, preferably lots of sun so that the paint dries. Ensure that the coming days will also be warm or sunny so that the paint cures fully.

Please note, extremely hot conditions make the paint dry too quickly, meaning any flaws will be visible. In conclusion, schedule a day where it isn’t too hot or humid, preferably a week with plenty of sunny days without too much heat.

Precautions For When Painting The Exterior Paint Of Your Home

Before you start to paint the exterior of your home, you should consider the following precautions.

Fix Any Defects In The Exterior

Before beginning painting, make sure the exterior is in good condition. Replace any rotten or broken parts. Ensure the caulk is in top shape and finish up with a power wash for places that may require it.