6 Signs It’s Time for House Painting

You would be hard pressed to find a homeowner that jumps at the chance to paint their house. It’s an expensive and nerve wrecking proposition that is more often put off too long. Chances are, putting it off could allow further damage to crop up. Paint is the first line of defense in protecting your home from pests and weather. Do not put it off. Here are 6 signs it’s time for house painting, from our expert painters.

Wear and Tear

Your house paint will tell you when it’s time for work. Physical signs like cracking, peeling and bubbling are a first warning that your paint needs attention. If you find any of these on your exterior paint, it’s time to consider hiring a pro. These issues in particular are the first notification that there is moisture beneath the paint film. It’s best to have a pro come assess the situation and give you a prescription for repair.

Fading

While fading isn’t necessarily a sign of damage, it can be an eyesore. Homes with faded colors can look sad and tired on a house of curb appeal. When paint fades, normally other wear and tear follows. The sun in the desert is more harsh than other parts of the country and can quickly leach pigments from your color. Even without physical damage, your house could still be the eyesore on the block.

Selling

Realtors are big proponents of exterior painting in order to sell. A new exterior color could inspire buyers to offer big bucks at the closing table. Before you put your home on the market, you should at least consult a realtor. The gain must outweigh the costs.

Gaps

Gaps are further damage beyond peeling and chipping. They can allow drafts of cold or hot air in your home, or bugs and other vermin to get in. Avoiding gaps will save your money and sanity. These are most likely seen where frames are pulling away from walls. Unlike other issues, you should consider a professional inspection. Moisture in wood frames causes them to swell and retract, leaving you open to the elements. Leaking air conditioning could cost more than repairs if left alone.

Cracked caulk

Caulk is used quite a lot to seal around windows and doors. When it gets older, the substance gets brittle and cracks. It could fall off, causing gaps. Missing caulk should be replaced to avoid moisture getting into your walls. There is paintable caulk that allows you to match it perfectly to the house either as a full or touch up job.

Time

Since house painting jobs are trying mentally and financially, it’s not likely that you are about to forget it anytime soon. If you cannot remember the last time your exterior was painted, chances are it’s probably time. Avoiding the further damage listed above is the best way to save on costs of painting.

So how often do you need house painting? Here are some estimations to start from.

Exteriors should be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and craftsmanship it was painted with last time.
Here are some guidelines based on exterior surface:
Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years.
Aluminum siding needs to be painted about every 5 years.
Stucco should be repainted every 5 to 6 years.

If you’re seeing any of the failure signs, give us a call. We offer free, in-home estimates for paint jobs. Contact us today to set yours up.