How Often Should I Paint the Exterior of My House in Northwest Florida?

When was the last time you looked at the outside of your house? Have you given the exterior paint a good inspection before planning to have that family barbeque? What about a yearly checkup to make sure the seasonal shifting of your home didn’t cause gaps in the frames? You may want to consider a new coat of paint to freshen up your space!

How Often Should I Paint the Exterior of My House?

When it comes down to exterior painting if you can’t remember when the last time it was painted, it may be time to start considering it. Time runs away from us all, and your best bet is to repaint your property every 5 to 10 years, though this is dependent on a few factors. Surface type, weather, and element exposures, not to mention if you are considering selling your place, though there are many other signs that it might be time to repaint your home.

Salt, Sun, and Hurricanes in Northwest Florida

You are no stranger to the weather in the Sunshine State. We have our beautiful sunny days and our rainy seasons. These all take their toll on our homes, especially on the Gulf Coast. Hurricanes will pick up gravel and debris, striking every surface they can. Just like damage to vehicles, paint damage to homes can cause an unsightly scene, but more than that, it leaves the material underneath exposed to the elements.

Salt is corrosive and will eat away at the exterior paint on your house, resulting in more damage underneath. Painting the exterior of your home is a great way to reduce the damage to not only your property but the damage that is felt in your wallet.

The sun is not so friendly on most surfaces. Once vibrant colors fade, leaving your house appearing dull after a few years. Wooden surfaces left untreated or exposed will start to warp and crack, leaving wooden paneling and decks misaligned and needing to be repaired or replaced. Even plastic siding will begin to become brittle and discolored. Protecting your investment with a fresh coat of paint every few years will go a long way.

Why Repainting is a Good Idea?

Taking care of the exterior of your home helps not only preserve the beauty of your property but preserve its functionality for years to come. Materials exposed to the elements without a proper surface coating erode faster, allowing moisture to build up faster, and especially for wood surfaces allow it to start rotting. Not only are these unappealing, but they can also very quickly become expensive to repair and even more so if you must replace them completely.

Realities of Exterior Painting

To apply exterior paint that will last for years to come, there is a lot of work that is involved. Once you decide that you’ll be painting, you’ll need to shop for materials, unless you have some on hand from previously painting.

First, you’ll need the paint supplies. Paint that will last for years to come can be pricy. Not only will you need to find the proper paint (such as flat finishes for siding and satin and semi-glosses for trim), but you’ll also need to pick the colors that you wish to decorate the exterior of your home for years to come.

Then you’ll need the brushes for trim and paint rollers for the wide flat areas, or you can rent tools like an airless paint sprayer, and a ladder for those hard-to-reach areas. Scrapers and sanders to remove the loose paint in problem areas before patching up any damage that might be found in the process.

During this process, it is also a good idea to apply new caulk to your joints and frames to ensure there are no gaps. You’ll also want to have drop cloths or plastic sheeting to make cleanup a breeze. Not to mention paint sprayers can tend to paint everything, including yourself, the glass of your windows, and your car if the wind is just right.

Finally, you’ll need time and good weather. You’ll want to aim for a day that is between 50- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with partially clouded weather if it is working in your favor. The great thing about being in Northwest Florida, this is generally any time of the year! This allows the paint to dry properly to the surface material it is on, limiting dampness from dew or humidity that can cause bubbles to form. Between two people, an average-sized home will take three to five days.

Hiring Professionals with the Right Tools for the Job

Though DIY is cheaper, you may want to consider reaching out to professionals who have plenty of experience with exterior painting. CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida has an excellent exterior painting process that isn’t done until you are 100% satisfied with the results.

This daunting process can be reduced with the help of CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida.

Let CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida Handle the Hard Part

Painting the exterior of your home is an excellent way to keep your curb appeal, update the look of your home or protect it from the weather.  However, if done incorrectly, the results can be less than appealing – not to mention the loss of your precious time. Let the pros at CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida handle your exterior paint project for you! Contact us today for a free estimate.