It’s easy to let important chores slip by us, isn’t it? How often have you said, “but didn’t I just change the air filter?” or “I can’t believe it’s already time to power wash the deck again!” Alas, the joys of home ownership include maintenance needs that come as regular as the seasons.
Repainting your trim, or even your home’s entire exterior, is one of those chores that must be done occasionally to keep your property looking its best. Paint, after all, is your house’s defense against the weather as well as the first thing visitors notice about your home.
Telltale Signs Your Exterior Needs a New Paint Job
(1) Paint that Flakes, Bubbles, or Cracks
Signs like bubbling can signal rot or mold. Temperature extremes, from blazing sunlight and humidity to strong winds and icy winters, can cause your paint to flake or crack. If you notice this on your home’s exterior, it’s definitely time to call in the pros.
(2) Paint That Has Faded
In addition to flaking or cracking, paint can fade due to sun bleaching or water intrusion. If you notice uneven fading, it may be time to contact a professional who can check your home for water damage. You may simply notice that your home’s color isn’t as vibrant as it used to be. That can let you know it’s time for a paint job.
(3) Hardened Caulk Around Windows
This is something you probably don’t check regularly, but you should. Caulk is designed to expand and contract as the weather changes to keep your home well-insulated. If you notice that the caulking around your windows has dried out or lost elasticity, it may indicate that your home’s exterior needs some TLC.
(4) When You Need to Increase Curb Appeal
If you plan on selling your home, a fresh coat of paint will do wonders for your asking price. If your house looks faded and the trim doesn’t stand out, a darker shade of paint can help; if your paint color is outdated, a little research will help you choose the right shade.
(5) If You Simply Can’t Remember How Long it’s Been
If you’ve owned your home for several years, and it’s never been repainted, it may be time to do the job. Most homes should be painted at least every decade or so. Below, we’ve listed some basic guidelines depending on your exterior material. If you live in an environment with extreme weather conditions, you may need to repaint your home more often.
How Often Should Different Housing Materials be Painted?
If you live on a beach in Maine, your home maintenance requirements will be very different than if you live in a suburb in the Midwest. How often you need to paint your exterior can depend on where you live, as well as the type of materials your house is made with. Here’s a general guideline of what you can expect:
- Wood siding should be repainted every 5-7 years, or sooner if it is stained.
- Aluminum siding should be painted approximately every 5 years.
- Stucco homes also need to be painted every 5-6 years.
- Homes built from newer types of materials, like cement fiberboard siding, can go up to and over a decade without needing a paint job.
- Brick homes usually do well with occasional cleaning if they’re not painted. Painted brick can last about 15 years.
Another factor you’ll want to consider is the quality of the paint. High quality exterior paint will last longer than low quality paint will. If you don’t know which material the previous homeowner used, it’s best to be on the safe side and assume that you’ll need a fresh coat in the next few years.
Call on the Experts if it’s Time to Paint Your House
If this sounds like the kind of work you’d rather hire out, let us know! Our professional painters have plenty of experience, and we’re happy to make your home look good as new!
