How Often Should House Paint be Done on Exteriors?

In addition to improving your home’s appearance, sound paint work also acts as a barrier providing important protection from the elements. But how often does a home need to be repainted? It depends on several factors; the substrate materials, the level of exposure to the sun & elements and the quality of the last paint job. Here in Wichita, exteriors typically need to be repainted every 5 to 10 years, with wood siding homes towards the lower end of this range and the more common hardy board/stucco sided homes on the upper end.

Inspect

If you don’t know exactly when the property was last painted, you can do a quick visual inspection to assess the current state of the paintwork. If paint is discolored, peeling and cracking, it’s probably time to think about a repaint. As the paint ages due to weather cycles, it starts to lose it’s protective properties and the building substrate is gradually exposed to moisture intrusion. This is more of a problem for traditional wood substrates than other types, but affects all substrate materials to some degree (except vinyl siding.)

In areas where there is a lot of direct sun exposure, you can also check for chalking. Do this by running your the tip of your finger across the paint. If pigment comes off on your finger, the paint is chalking. This means it is only providing limited protection to the underlying surface. Chalking is usually caused by ultra violet light breaking down the binding agents in the paint over time. While carrying out your inspection, also check seams and joints for any issues with the caulking. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink over time, potentially creating gaps in these areas where water can get in.

Problems

These are some of the most obvious signs that paintwork is getting close to the end of it’s useful life. If you see any problems with both caulk and the paintwork, it’s a good idea to get a professional evaluation. Do this before moisture starts to cause damage that could require expensive repairs to the substrate. Since 2011, we’ve carried out over 5,000 inspections. We can help you identify issues that could easily be missed in a quick visual check. If It’s determined that a repaint is required, we will provide a detailed, no-obligation proposal covering the scope and duration of the work to be completed. We’re fully licensed, bonded & insured. Call us or book online if you would like us to carry out an on-site evaluation at your convenience.

316-440-0161 · 800-462-3782 · [email protected]