How Often Should You Paint Your Home’s Exterior?

The siding of a home is being painted red by the team from OCPC

As a house ages, exterior paint protects it from the elements, fading, chipping, and cracking. Replacing it every five to 10 years preserves the home’s value and extends the life of the house. At that rate, you should repaint the exterior at least twice during its 30- to 50-year lifespan.

But how old is your house? Do you know how much the paint is protecting it? And, if it needs repainting, how can you tell?

These questions lead to a few more determining the lifespan and rate at which to repaint your exterior house. Keep reading as we take you through how often you should paint your home!

Fading

Painting your home’s exterior should occur more frequently if fading is an issue. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can have a major impact on paint and cause unsightly fade. To avoid fading, it is recommended that you repaint your home about every four years. This will help maintain the vibrant color of your home and protect it from the sun.

Repainting your home more often may also be needed if you live in an area with extreme weather changes and lots of sun. Depending on the size of your home and local climate, the recommended time between exterior painting may vary from two to five years.

Selling

Painting the exterior of your home is an important part of upkeep when selling a home. A fresh coat of paint can instantly improve its aesthetic appeal and enhance its overall value. Though painting a house isn’t mandatory, it is highly recommended to owners looking to increase their home’s value.

To make sure the job is done well, it’s suggested to seek professional services like Old Charleston Painting Company. Professional services can properly prepare the surface and use the correct types of paint for different areas of the home. Investing in this will be well worth it in the long run and make for a successful sale.

Cracked Caulk

Painting the exterior of your home should be carried out regularly to maintain the appearance of your home and also to protect it from harsh elements. Cracked or crumbling caulking around windows, doors, or other joints should be replaced at the same time as painting to maintain a proper seal.

Caulking can crack due to age and exposure to the elements. Keeping up with the maintenance of your home will help it last longer and look better. Replacing worn or cracked caulk can be done relatively inexpensively, and you can do it yourself in a few hours.

Time

It is important to know how often to paint the exterior of your home. Generally, it is recommended to paint the exterior of your home every 5-7 years. Of course, this can depend on the climate and conditions in your area.

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures and intense sun, your home’s exterior may need to be painted a bit more frequently. If you live in a colder climate, a longer time period between paint jobs might be alright. Additionally, inspecting your home’s exterior often to look for signs of fading, cracking, or peeling paint can help to determine when it is necessary to paint. This can help to keep your home looking its best.

Patching Stucco

Stucco homes may not require painting as often as homes with siding. However, painting is still a recommended part of stucco maintenance that should take place every 4-6 years, depending upon the environment in which the home resides.

Additionally, keeping the stucco walls in good condition and regularly patching cracks is a great way to decrease the need for painting more often. Examining the walls for any signs of damage, such as cracking and fading, and patching as needed, can help extend the life of the paint job. Regular inspections for damage should be done to ensure the stucco walls remain in pristine condition.

Noticeable Signs of Wear and Tear

To determine when your home needs to be repainted, you can also pay attention to noticeable signs of wear and tear. If you start to see cracks, streaks, or discoloration on your walls, it may be time to repaint your home. Furthermore, look for signs of water damage, such as bubbling paint or swollen siding, as these can indicate the need for a fresh coat of paint.

Regularly inspecting the exterior of your home and making repairs when necessary can help maintain your home’s appearance. It can also help you save on costly repairs down the line.

Moisture Stains and Molds

Painting your home helps to protect it against the elements, such as moisture and rain. Taking the time to properly maintain the exterior of your home will save you time and money in the long run, so schedule regular inspections of the exterior of your home and make sure to address any signs of moisture stains and mold in a timely manner.

If moisture stains, cracks, or molds begin to appear, then it’s important to paint the exterior of your home more often. This is because these elements can leave your home more susceptible to damage, and the fresh coat of paint can help provide a protective layer against moisture infiltration.

Paint Your Home for a Much Better Living

Overall, painting your home’s exterior is the best way to keep its structure and look fresh. To keep your home looking its best, it is a good idea to paint your home every four to seven years.

Not only does it help maintain the integrity of your home, but it instantly freshens up the look and adds curb appeal to your property!

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John Taylor