Do You Know When to Repaint Your Home’s Exterior

Signs It’s Time for a Fresh Coat

1. Visible Damage (a.k.a. Your Paint Is Screaming for Help)
If your paint is peeling, cracking, or bubbling—don’t ignore it. These are red flags that your exterior is vulnerable. Whether it’s due to improper application, sun exposure, or moisture, deteriorating paint could mean underlying issues like mold, mildew, or rotting wood.

2. You’re Getting Ready to Sell
Curb appeal sells homes—fast. A fresh, clean exterior makes a huge difference in how buyers perceive your home (and how much they’re willing to pay). It’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make before listing.

3. Fading Paint
If your once-bold color is now looking dull and washed out, it’s probably due to sun exposure over time. Fading is a slow burn—literally. Keep a photo from your last paint job for comparison, and check shaded areas (they fade less) to spot the difference.

• Dark colors tend to fade faster
• Lighter paint typically lasts longer
• Shaded areas help gauge how much fading has occurred

4. Cracking Caulk
Caulk doesn’t last forever—especially outdoors. If you’re seeing cracks or separation around trim, windows, or siding joints, it’s time to re-caulk and repaint. This helps prevent water intrusion and ensures a weather-tight seal.

5. Gaps or Shrinking Siding
When siding starts to pull apart or wood trim shrinks, it creates gaps that expose your home to the elements. These structural shifts usually mean it’s time to repair and repaint for both protection and a polished look.

6. It’s Just Been a While
Even without visible damage, if it’s been more than 5–7 years, it may be time. Paint naturally wears down from weather and sun exposure. Staying ahead of it prevents bigger issues and keeps your home looking fresh.

Conclusion

Painting your home can breathe new life into the exterior. It can increase the home’s value, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, and it can offer a greater level of protection from the elements.

If you aren’t sure whether or not it’s time to paint your house, book your free estimate today with CertaPro Painters^® of Glen Ellyn, IL

We can help you take stock of the situation and see where you stand. We can help you check for fading, damage, and other issues. Then we can help you choose the correct paint and color to make your home’s exterior look fabulous all year round!

Ready to start your painting project today? Call CertaPro Painters® of Glen Ellyn for a free estimate!