6 Signs it’s Time to Repaint your House Exterior
Posted on May 19, 2020
The exterior of your home protects your family from the exterior pests and weather. The paint on your house, while making it look appealing, is the first line of defense. Because of this, you’ll want it to be in tip top shape. Here are 6 signs it’s time to repaint your house exterior.
Generally speaking, exterior paint jobs can last up to 10 years. The substrate and quality of the last paint job will determine how long it lasts. Ideally, you should inspect the entire outside of your home on an annual basis. At the beginning of spring or summer is the perfect time to get out into the sunshine and walk around your home. There are signs you should be on the lookout for that indicate it’s time to seek help with a paint job.
Damaged Wood
Paint protects substrates, especially porous ones like wood. Even so, it’s not meant to last forever. Whether the wood is trim to windows and doors or the substrate of your home, any damage should be addressed immediately. Correcting the problem should be your first step. Once repairs are made, applying a new stain or paint to protect and blend the repairs in will keep it looking great.
Bubbling or Cracked Paint
Paint will tell you when issues are occurring underneath the surface. Bubbling, cracking or peeling are all ways paint shows that it is beginning to fail. Once the paint opens through these means, you’re letting the elements into your home. This can create costly damage and should be addressed by a professional right away. If you let it fester long-term, you could end up with mold, mildew, rotting or worse. Correct the issues lying underneath to avoid these tasks and follow up with a paint job.
Cracked Caulk
Typically a home has caulk around doors and windows to create a good seal. Overtime, the caulk dries and cracks and in some cases falls away. This is an easy fix that some homeowners choose to take on themselves. If left without repair, moisture can seep into your home and cause damage and humidity inside. Replace the caulking with a paintable caulk. After the repairs are complete, touch up the area to make the updates invisible. The paint will provide an extra layer of sealant against the outside.
Moisture Stains and Mold
Moisture is always the enemy of paint and substrates. It can be incredibly damaging and cause major problems in your home. When it first starts, you can typically remove moisture stains and mold from your home with some elbow grease and a hose. Some stains are deeper and require more treatment. If pressure washing and scrubbing don’t remove the stain, you might want a professional consultation to determine if something more is under the paint. Most stains just need to be treated and painted over to make them invisible again.
Fading Color
Colors fade over time from standing up to weather, sunlight and time. Even without the damage above showing up, your paint could be struggling to maintain a good film. Fading is the first sign you are in the market for a new paint job. It’s more than an aesthetic issue. Dull or flat paint is beginning to give way to the elements and will need to be repainted post haste. Your home will look beautiful again while protecting your family.
Less Than Appealing
It’s no secret that sometimes we just don’t love the color of our homes. This is often the case of new homeowners. Painting a new color on your home is a good way to personalize it to your liking. Another reason for painting a home is the dated color that could be on the outside. As with anything, trends change and your color could look terribly out of date.
Painting the exterior of a home is a big task, requiring special skills, knowledge and tools. Instead of investing in all of these items yourself, bring in the pros. Our teams are here and ready to start your exterior painting project. Schedule your estimate appointment now to discuss your painting project with us.
