Homeownership comes with a reasonable share of responsibilities, and one of the most important is keeping up with regular maintenance. An essential part of upkeep for any home is repainting its exterior. You may have seen that the paint on your home's exterior is beginning to chip and crack, or you may simply want to give it a fresh look. Professional house painting services can help keep your home looking stunning and extend your paint job's lifespan.
But how often should you repaint exteriors? Although budget and aesthetic preference can affect your decision, understanding the frequency of exterior painting services will help you plan for the future. In this blog post, we'll discuss when it's time to repaint your home's exterior and what changes a paint job's lifespan.
How Long Has It Stood Since You Last Painted?
Have you ever asked yourself this query as you stare at the outside of your home? Well, many homeowners are particular about their painting schedule and prefer to have it done regularly. But, if you've slipped a bit, you're likely due for a new coat of paint – especially if it's been more than five years since the last one. That said, even if your house was just painted two or three years ago, certain conditions should be monitored to ensure it's still in good condition.
Let's watch over your home like an eagle and ensure it's in tip-top shape.
Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Repaint Your House Exterior
There are a few obvious signs to determine if your home needs repainting. If you catch any of the following, it's time to call a professional handyman painter to get the job done:
Chipping Paint
Paint chipping starts when the adhesion between the paint and your home's exterior surface is weakened. This can be caused by using low-quality paint, improper painting techniques, or exposure to certain elements such as moisture or extreme temperatures. The remaining paint will eventually crack and flake away from its original coating as chipping occurs.
The exposed surface can become vulnerable to the elements if left unattended for too long. It can lead to water damage, mold or mildew growth, and other structural problems. As a result, it's important to identify any chipped paint and address the issue as quickly as possible to ensure your exterior is properly protected from further damage.
Fading Color
Homeowners, while taking a closer look at their home, may notice the color of their exterior is beginning to fade. The vibrant paint job they once had is now beginning to look pale and lack the luster it once had. This fading results from prolonged exposure to the sun and other elements, which typically break down the paint job quicker than expected.
The time it takes for your home's exterior color to fade depends on various factors, including the type of paint you use, how much direct sunlight hits them, and what type of climate you live in. Though fading is a cosmetic issue, it could also indicate problems such as paint chipping or cracking.
Before your's exterior color fades beyond repair, take the time to inspect for damage and repaint as necessary. Choosing a quality paint job with long-lasting pigment can help ensure your home's exterior stays beautiful.
Wear and Tear
All the paint that your home is blessed with will eventually wear out. Over time, you may see signs of cracking, peeling, bubbling, and other similar effects. These issues occur due to improper painting jobs, dry rot, mold, or simply the passing of time.
If any damage is found, it's important to address it right away. The longer these problems are left unattended, the more damage they cause and the harder and more expensive they become to fix.
Cracking Caulk
When you look outside your home, you may also notice that the caulking around windows and doors has started to crack. Over time caulk becomes brittle and loses its elasticity. It can cause the substance to crack and break, which can make your home look like it's got dandruff.
What's more, water can get between the cracks and cause moisture damage. It's important to address any cracking caulk before it leads to even bigger problems. A fresh coat of house paint can do wonders for your home's exterior and restore its original luster.
Gaps or Shrinkage
When the boards of your home's exterior shrink or create gaps, it could indicate that moisture is getting in the wood. It is a clear sign of dry rot and should not be overlooked.
Getting a professional to assess the damage before anyone tries to fix it is important. Repainting your house exterior is a great way to restore its former charm and prevent damage from occurring.
Ready To Sell Your Home?
One of the most paramount things to do before you put your Corpus Christi home on the market is to repair any damage that could deter buyers. A fresh coat of paint can greatly increase your home's curb appeal and value.
If you are getting ready to sell, consider having a professional handyman in Corpus Christi assess any issues on the exterior of your home. That way, you can know that all possible damage has been addressed, and your home will get a higher valuation and speedy sale.
What Affects The Longevity and Durability Of An Exterior Paint Job?
Though the obvious answer is the type of paint and how well it has been applied, other factors can influence the longevity and durability of your exterior paint job. These include weather conditions and the level of upkeep you provide to your home.
Let's take a more intimate look at these crucial factors in how often you need to repaint your home's exterior.
Previous Painting Job
If you've just bought a house or commercial property, you might not know exactly when it was last painted. But this information can be incredibly useful as you plan your next paint job. Knowing what type of paint, how many coats were applied, the color used, and the time of year it was painted can all greatly influence the longevity and quality of your new painting job.
Consider using 100% acrylic paint in lighter shades to get the best results. It will be more resistant to fading and last longer if applied in two to three coats instead of just one. Plus, try to repaint when the weather is sunny rather than overcast – the sun helps the paint dry better and faster, which can also help with longevity.
Whether its about painting the exterior of your commercial property or the walls in your home, understanding the details of a previous paint job can be invaluable. Ask professional painters for their advice and use the best quality paint and practices to ensure your next job is successful and looks great for years.
Environmental Damage
Living in a beach town or a city by the sea can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also come with environmental dangers to your home. Seawater and salt air can cause paint to chip away faster than. The same goes for other coastal cities with high chlorine levels in the air from nearby pools and ocean waves that erode wood and metal on decks and fences.
In areas of high humidity or places that experience frequent rain, the environment can work against your paint job. Rainwater can seep into cracks in wood siding, causing it to rot or warp, while excess moisture in the air from humid climates can cause mold and mildew growth on painted surfaces.
In any environment, it's important to regularly check the condition of your walls and surfaces to catch any early signs of damage. As soon as you spot a problem, consult exterior painters in Corpus Christi, TX, who can evaluate the issue and offer solutions, such as repairs and a new coat of paint.
House Maintenance Habits
Preventive maintenance is fundamental when it comes to proper house maintenance. It's important to regularly inspect your home for signs of wear and tear like dampness, rot, chalkiness, insect or rodent infestation, and mold. If you spot any of these issues, take care of them immediately; this will help keep your paint job looking great and lasting longer.
You should also keep up with general house maintenance, such as regularly washing the exterior of your home to remove dirt, moss, and other debris that could damage the paint over time. It will help maintain a beautiful aesthetic and prevent further damage from occurring.
Preparing Your Home For A Long-Lasting Paint Job
Are you ready to facelift your home with a new paint job? Before you get to work, you should take a few steps to ensure your new paint job lasts for as long as possible.
The first and most important step to protect your exterior paint job is to treat any spots of mold, rottenness, cracks, and holes. Fill these areas with the appropriate products, such as caulk or putty. Sandblasting or power washing any areas with bubbling or peeling paint will also help to create a smoother surface. Once the house is washed, ensure it can fully dry before beginning your painting project.
It's always best to paint on dry and mild days (50-90 degrees is ideal), but you can still get great results outside this range. Priming the surface before painting will also provide a smoother finish and ensure the paint adheres properly.
Be mindful of any rain or storms that may affect your painting project. Wait a couple of days after heavy rainfall before painting to avoid any complications with the wet surface. Enlist help from a professional painter to ensure your home is prepped and painted properly for the best results.
Get Free Estimates Today and Book a Professional Painter
Painting is a vital part of home maintenance that can help protect your investment and keep your home looking great for years. If you're ready to get started, compare quotes from multiple local painters to find the best fit for your project. Get free, no-obligation estimates today and book a professional handyman painter who can transform your space with beautiful paint.
By taking the proper precautions and maintaining your house, you can rest easy knowing that your investment is safe from environmental damage. With the help of professional house painting services, you can give your home the upgrade it needs to look its best. Get started today and enjoy an eye-catching, long-lasting paint job 🙂
