How often should I paint the exterior of my house?

At times, your home lets you know its time to paint, other times it’s not quite as obvious. Exterior painting generally is not an easy or cheap chore. If it’s not necessary, you’re probably not itching to take it on. Paint is your first line of defense, against the elements, moisture and pests. Here are some answers to the question how often should I paint the exterior of my house.

How Often to Paint?

There is no one size fits all answer to how often to paint. There are general guidelines to adhere to. Determining factors include your geographical location and maintenance on the home. Exteriors in the most general terms last from 5-10 years. Substrates will need to be factored in as well. Here are some very general ideas of length of paint based on substrate.

Wood siding – every 3-7 years, or every 4 years if it’s stained
Aluminum siding – usually about 5 years
Stucco – typically lasts 5-6 years
New types of materials – these usually need to be touched up less often; for example, cement fiberboard siding can go 10-15 years before repainting
Brick – if it’s not painted, it only needs occasional cleaning; if it’s painted, it can last 15-20 years

Durability of Paint

Some of the factors below will change how long you can expect your paint to last. The durability of the coating is directly impacted by these factors: previous paint job, climate and maintenance. Let’s look at each.

Previous Paint

Paint can sometimes outlast an owner. If you have purchased your home with the current paint on it, you might not know exact details of the last paint job. The type of paint, quality, coats and color can determine how long your paint will remain intact.

If you do have this information, great! Higher quality application and products will allow paint to last longer. Muted tones stand up to UV rays while retaining protective qualities and look. Two to three coats provides optimal protection and 100% acrylic paint is the most resistant to fading. Have all three, perfect.

Climate

Your weather will impact the paint deeply. Areas that are prone to harsh weather from sun or ice can cause problems within the paint or substrate. Standing up to those elements is difficult for even the best paints. Hot temperatures, strong storms and ice inundation can all cause paint to age prematurely. UV rays leach pigments, causing damage and eyesores. Picking paint hues that work with your location will help avoid early deterioration. Color consultants can help you get an idea what works well for both your home’s style and location.

Maintenance

Cared for homes (and paint) can last longer without replacement. Taking time to do repairs and regular maintenance including touch ups and power washing allows the paint to stand up to weather and time. These interventions at various stages of the paint’s lifecycle will help it to maintain adhesion longer and avoid the obvious signs of paint failure.

Preparation

If you are ready for a new paint job, set up your project for success. Putting in a bit of work ahead of time can create a longer life for the paint you choose. Here’s how to get started.

Get Started

Start off by doing a thorough inspection of the exterior of your home. Pay attention to any imperfections or water accumulation. These are areas you will want to address prior to painting, whether you provide repairs, or your painters do.

Once repairs are completed and dry, the house should be cleaned of stains and dirt. This allows the new paint to adhere properly to the old coatings. Typically, with a painting crew, the first recommended step in painting is to pressure wash the structure and allow it to dry for several days.

Trimming landscaping back to allow painters to reach the foundation can be a costly line item on your bill. To cut back costs, volunteer to do this before the crew arrives. It will reduce time on site and save you on your job. Talk to your estimator to get details on this service.

Bring in Help

Painting a home exterior is no small task. There are a lot of moving parts and most homeowners decide to hire a crew to assist. This will mean you have more hands for easier work. They will arrive with all of the necessary tools and knowledge of their trade.

Schedule an Estimate Today

Again, an exterior painting is a large job that should be entered into when you are ready. Whether your house is damaged or faded, this is the perfect time to get started. Most paint will last you up to a decade if it’s applied professionally by a crew. Our crews are ready to help with your project. Schedule a no-obligation estimate appointment today.