5 signs it’s time for house painting

Chores slip by and the days pass, no big deal. It’s especially easy to procrastinate when it’s a big job you are facing. Repainting the exterior of your home is one of those chores. How often do you look at your paint? Out of sight, out of mind, right? But remember, paint is your home’s first defense against the elements. Don’t put this chore off, or you could be looking at bigger repairs down the line. Let’s take a look at 5 signs it’s time for house painting.

Imperfections

The first sign you need to address your home’s paint comes in the form of imperfections in the finish, including flakes, bubbles, and cracks. These can be a sign of mold or rot. Both will continue to get worse until they are corrected. Read: get more expensive. Any imperfections in your paint show a failure in protection. Either the paint has already failed and moisture is getting in, or it’s about to. These issues can be caused by temperature fluctuations, winter weather, or other issues compliments of mother nature.

Faded Paint

Paint can fade after sitting in the baking sun, day after day. If you notice fading that is uneven, you should consult a professional to make sure you’re not dealing with water damage. If the color is just less vibrant than it once was, it’s time for a new coat of paint.

Hardened Caulk Around Windows

While it’s not a regular chore, you should make it a point to check the caulk around your windows. Temperatures cause it to expand and contract with the thermometer. When this happens, the caulk can lose elasticity, and cause the insulation it provides to your home to fail. If the caulk is bad, your home’s exterior is probably ready for a good once over, including looking at damage and issues with the paint.

Increase Curb Appeal

When you plan to list your home on the market, it’s always a good time to look at your exterior paint. A new paint job could cost you a decent amount of money, but the income you generate from it might make it worth it. Also, repainting will make the potential owners feel as if it is kept up. The color can make your home stand out on the block. All of this can help your bargaining at the closing table.

Can’t Remember How Long it’s Been

Many homeowners won’t be able to tell you when their exterior was last painted. If that’s the case, you should consider it to be time. Home exteriors made of different materials will hold up to the weather for varying amounts of time.

Here’s how often you should expect to paint your home:
Wood siding – 5-7 years, or sooner if it is stained.
Aluminum siding – 5 years.
Stucco homes – every 5-6 years.
Homes with newer materials, like cement fiberboard siding – 10+ years.
Brick – occasional cleaning, if it’s not painted. Painted brick – 15 years.

Call on the Experts

If it’s time to paint your home, or you’re not sure, have an expert come give it a once-over. This is the safest way to know if your home is due for a full painting or potentially has issues that need addressing. Our professional estimators will give you a free in-home estimate. Contact us now.