One of the most exciting home improvement projects you can undertake is exterior painting. This process doesn’t just transform your home and make it more beautiful – it can also drastically boost your home’s overall value! However, outside of a change in personal preferences, it’s not always obvious how often exterior painting needs to happen. Continue reading to learn more about some of the signs that might indicate your home is ready for a new makeover.
How Often Should I Repaint?
Most homeowners tend to only think about repainting their homes when things start to look bad – but this usually isn’t a good indicator of the condition of your paint! On average, most house exteriors need painting every 5 years; however, depending on the type of siding, it can sometimes be anywhere from 3 to 20 years. Brick siding, for example, needs repainting every 15 or so years, whereas aluminum siding paint can last for about 5 years. Wood siding tends to last between 3 to 7 years, while cement fiberboard can endure for 10 or more years.
Other construction materials have different lifespans, so it’s important to consider what your siding is made of before determining when a new coat of paint is needed. It’s also wise to keep tabs on other factors that can influence the lifespan of paint, including the quality of the previous coat, the amount of rainfall your area receives, and the general humidity of your area.
How Do I Know If It’s Time to Repaint?
Here are some clear signs that normally indicate it’s time for you to repaint your home’s exterior:
- General wear and tear – No type of paint truly lasts forever; obvious signs of old age include cracking, peeling, and bubbling. Remember, the longer these problems remain, the harder and more expensive they are to fix.
- Fading colors – The sun and weather will cause your paint to fade over time, making your home look more worn down. Lighter colors don’t fade as quickly, so if your house is darker, be on the lookout for faster fading.
- Cracking caulk – Over time, caulk can become brittle and lose its elasticity. It might crack and break, which means water will be able to work its way in and cause damage to your home, as well as any existing paint.
- Gaps or shrinkage – Boards tend to shrink and create gaps in the siding, often due to dry rot which results from moisture. This damage might require professional assessment before it can be repaired and the paint can be applied.
If you’re still unsure about whether your home could benefit from a fresh coat of paint, you can always reach out to a trusted team of professionals for insight; after a quick inspection, they’ll be able to let you know about the status of your current paint – not to mention, they’ll be able to carry out the whole project themselves if that’s your preference!
About Platinum Painting of Dallas
Our team here at Platinum Painting of Dallas has proudly assisted homeowners all across the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering unmatched professionalism and expert guidance with a wide range of both interior and exterior painting projects. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please visit us online or call us today for assistance. Telephone: (214) 347-7269.