You would be hard pressed to find a homeowner that looks forward to the costs and mess associated with an exterior paint job. While it can seem overwhelming, it’s important to stay on top of jobs like this to keep your home in good condition and avoid costly repairs. Quality work will make your home look better and stand up to the elements. Here’s how to know it’s time to paint the exterior of your home.

Wear and Tear

Paint will tell you when it’s time to address it. Physical signs like peeling, bubbling, cracking and other imperfections are the first sign that your paint has lost its protection powers. Openings in the paint can allow moisture to get underneath causing mold and dry rot. These problems will only turn into costly repairs. It’s better to address them as they crop up.

Selling

The exterior of your house is the first impression a buyer gets. Curb appeal can make or break your sale. Poor paint conditions give the impression that you don’t care for your home. Make the best impression by adding a new color. It will freshen up the look of your home and create a clean and inviting look for potential buyers.

Fading

Faded paint, while not detrimental to the exterior of your house, is a tired and worn out look. If the color is no longer vibrant, you should consider repainting. Keep in mind when choosing your color that dark and vivid colors in sunny climates will wear out more quickly, fading in the sun’s rays.

Cracked Caulk

Gaps occur when wood or trim pulls away from the walls. Typically when it’s around windows and doors, gaps are common. For doors and windows, caulk often shrinks over time, or becomes brittle and breaks away. To repair it, just add some new caulk. When you shop, look for paintable options. You’ll be able to camouflage the repair with a paint touch up after the caulk dries.

Timelines

While your paint can seem like it’s doing fine, even the best paints have expiration dates. To keep the protection levels up and color looking sharp, you will need to inspect your paint every year. Recommendations for how long it can last are between 5 and 10 years, depending on the quality of your preparations, paint and surface material. Here’s a guide to give you some idea:

• Wood, every 3 to 7 years.
• Aluminum siding, every 5 years.
• Stucco, 5 to 6 years.

Paint Your Home Exterior with CertaPro Painters®

Whether you’re unsure whether your home needs a new coat of paint right now or if you are still wondering how often you should paint your house interiors, an expert may be able to help. A professional interior house painter can also help you determine if there is any underlying damage that should be treated before a paint job can begin.

CertaPro Painters offers free in-home estimates on a variety of interior house painting services. Call today to schedule your free consultation at 540-898-2400 or fill out our free, no obligation form and let our painters take care of the work for you.