Spring Into Action: Prepping Your Home for Exterior Painting

As the snow melts and the temperatures rise, Ottawa homeowners start thinking about ways to refresh their homes for spring. One of the best ways to give your home a fresh look is with a new coat of exterior paint. But before you dive into a painting project, some prep work is essential to make sure the results last. Whether your home is in Kanata, Orleans, or right in the city, taking the right steps before painting can save you time and money in the long run. CertaPro Painters of Ottawa is here to guide you through the process.

Inspect Your Home’s Exterior for Winter Damage

Ottawa winters can be tough on homes. The freeze-thaw cycle, snow buildup, and ice can leave behind more than just a dirty exterior. Before you think about painting, walk around your home and inspect the siding, trim, and other surfaces. Look for cracks, peeling paint, rotting wood, or areas where moisture may have seeped in. These issues need to be addressed before any painting starts.

If you see paint bubbling or peeling, that’s a sign the old paint didn’t hold up to the harsh weather. This is common in Ottawa, where temperature swings from freezing winters to humid summers can stress paint. CertaPro Painters of Ottawa can help identify problem areas and recommend solutions to ensure the new paint adheres properly and lasts longer.

Clean the Exterior Thoroughly

Dirt, salt, and grime from the winter months can stick to your home’s exterior, making it hard for new paint to bond. Power washing is an effective way to remove this buildup. It’s not just about making the surface look clean—paint won’t stick well to dirty or chalky surfaces, which leads to premature peeling.

For homes in Ottawa, power washing can also remove mildew, especially on shaded parts of the house or areas close to the Rideau River or other damp spots. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, or if your home has delicate surfaces like older wood siding, CertaPro Painters of Ottawa can handle the cleaning process without damaging your home.

Make Necessary Repairs

After cleaning, you’ll have a better view of any damage that needs fixing. Cracked caulking, loose siding, or rotting wood should be repaired before painting. Caulking gaps around windows and doors helps keep out moisture and improves energy efficiency.

Ottawa’s wet springs and humid summers mean that moisture problems can worsen quickly if left unchecked. Replacing damaged wood and sealing gaps now will protect your home from future issues. CertaPro Painters of Ottawa can help with minor repairs to ensure the surface is ready for a long-lasting paint job.

Choose the Right Paint for Ottawa’s Climate

Ottawa experiences everything from icy winters to hot, humid summers. That kind of weather variation can take a toll on exterior paint. Choosing high-quality, weather-resistant paint is key to making sure your home looks great year-round.

Paints designed for extreme temperature shifts and moisture resistance will perform better in Ottawa’s climate. Lighter colors can help reflect sunlight during hot summers, while darker shades may absorb more heat. CertaPro Painters of Ottawa can recommend paints that are specifically formulated to withstand the local weather, giving you a finish that lasts longer.

Timing Your Painting Project

In Ottawa, spring can be unpredictable. One day it’s warm and sunny, the next it’s chilly and rainy. For the best results, plan your painting project when temperatures are consistently above 10°C and there’s little chance of rain for a few days.

Paint needs time to dry and cure, and fluctuating temperatures or sudden rain showers can affect the finish. Early spring might be tempting, but it’s better to wait until conditions are stable. CertaPro Painters of Ottawa knows the local climate and can help you schedule your project at the right time for the best results.

Don’t Forget About Preparation Time

Many homeowners underestimate how much time it takes to prep a home for painting. Between cleaning, repairs, and drying time, prep work can take several days. But skipping these steps will lead to a poor finish that doesn’t last.

If you’re short on time or not sure how to tackle the prep work, CertaPro Painters of Ottawa can handle everything from start to finish. Our team ensures your home is properly prepped so the paint goes on smoothly and stays looking great for years.

Ready to Paint? Contact CertaPro Painters of Ottawa Today

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior, and proper preparation is the key to a lasting, beautiful finish. If you’re ready to get started but aren’t sure where to begin, CertaPro Painters of Ottawa is here to help. From inspections and repairs to professional painting, we’ll make sure your home looks its best this spring and beyond.

Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s get your home ready for the season!