Your home’s exterior paint is more than just a way to show off your style and boost your overall curbside appeal – it also serves as a protective barrier for your home, protecting it from the elements. That said, it’s crucial to repaint it as needed, not just for looks but for all of the practical benefits as well. However, it may not be entirely obvious just when it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. Here are some signs that can give you a clue, along with general advice concerning how often homes need to be repainted.
How Often Should I Repaint My Home?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to repaint the exterior of your home every 5 to 10 or so years. Of course, you can truly repaint it as often as you’d like, but you definitely want to repaint once your current paint begins to lose its integrity.
Keep in mind that homes in harsher climates, more humid areas, or incredibly warm and sunny regions may see their paint not last as long. It also depends heavily on the material used for your home’s surfaces. For example, it’s best to repaint wood siding every 5 years, while stucco can last for a few more years. More resilient materials such as stone, concrete, or brick can go 10 years between paint jobs.
Signs That Your Home Needs New Exterior Paint
Be on the lookout for these signs that indicate your home’s exterior paint will need to be replaced soon:
- Fading Color – If your once-vibrant exterior paint has started to look dull or washed out, it’s a sign that the paint is wearing down. This often happens on sides of your home that receive the most sun exposure.
- Peeling or Cracking Paint – If your paint is cracking, peeling, or blistering, that means its ability to protect your home’s foundation is compromised. Prolonged exposure to inclement weather often causes this damage, as well as excessive moisture.
- Foundation Damage – If you notice cracks in stucco or exposed, rotting wood, it’s time to repaint since these areas are going to remain completely unprotected.
- Chalking – If you notice white, powdery residue when running your hand along your painted surfaces, it’s a sign that the paint is beginning to break down.
It’s also important to remember that routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your paint. Power-wash your home’s exterior annually, inspect for damage regularly, and use high-quality paint to ensure lasting, beautiful results that serve your home well!
About Platinum Painting of Keller
Our team here at Platinum Painting of Keller has proudly served homeowners in Keller and all around the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering expert assistance with a wide variety of painting projects – including exterior house painting! We’d love to help you realize your home’s vision, so if you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please feel free to reach out online or by phone for more information. Telephone: (817) 380-4404.