Even the most complete exterior paint jobs have a lifespan and various factors can extend or diminish how long your home's paint looks brand new. Naturally, your local climate plays an important role, as humid areas or areas prone to wide fluctuations between seasons can damage paint. The siding material of your home can also play a role, as can the type of paint used.
So it's understandable to wonder, "how often should you repaint your house?" Generally speaking, exterior painting can last anywhere from 5-15 years depending on the material. While we may want an exterior paint that lasts 20 years, we'd only expect to find that in perfect conditions with certain materials. Softer materials like wood require more frequent painting, while harder materials like brick and stucco can last as long as 15 years. But besides time, how else can you spot when it's time for a fresh coat of paint? Here are five signs we see often at SuperiorPRO:
1. Chipped Paint
Chipping paint is a highly visible flaw in a home's exterior painting. Paint can chip and crack on any surface, whether vinyl, wood, aluminum, or masonry. When paint starts to chip it leaves exterior surfaces vulnerable to the elements and pests. If only one area of the house seems to suffer from cracking or chipping paint, it could be the result of a recent weather event or an accident.
If you notice chipping paint around the entire house, it could be the result of improper application, the climate, or the paint used. Vinyl and aluminum siding, along with wood, can suffer from chipping. Additionally, epoxy and oil-based paints chip more than some counterparts. Regardless of the cause, the chipping paint is a sign that the current coat of paint is failing and should be repainted.
2. Fading
Similar to cracking, fading can be easy to spot while walking around your home's exterior. Paint naturally fades over time, but other factors can speed up the process. It's likely that one side of your house gets more sunlight than the others. This side may have lost its vibrancy years before any other side of the house because the sun's UV rays cause paints, especially darker shades, to fade faster. Other climate issues like rain and wind can cause paint to fade as well.
While it may be tempting to write fading off as simply part of the natural lifecycle of exterior paints, it signals that the paint may not be providing protection for your home. Uneven fading can also signal that the original paint wasn't applied properly, leaving areas of your home's exterior vulnerable to damage. Having your home repainted with special attention to areas most likely to fade can avoid problems down the line.
3. Staining
More obvious on lighter shades of exteriors, staining can signal potential problems. In some instances, staining may simply be the result of exterior sources splashing on your home. In these cases, routine cleaning may be sufficient to restore your exterior's look and protections. However, other stains have their source beneath the surface meaning it may be time for new paint.
Some siding materials like wood, stucco, and brick, are more porous than others. Additionally, certain paint materials are more susceptible to trapping moisture than others. In a humid climate like Atlanta, this combination can lead to mildew and algae growth on your home's exterior. If you notice black or gray spots, this indicates mold, mildew, or algae.
While you may be able to clean one affected area, it's likely that the issue will return in that same area or another part of your home's exterior. Instead of continuously trying to clean, a new exterior painting with different paint materials may be the solution.
4. Chalking or Powdering
While the other signs may be easy to spot with just a glance at your home's exterior, chalking may require a closer inspection. There can be several reasons why your exterior paint begins to chalk or powder up, depending on your home's material.
If your home has brick siding, you may notice a white, powdery substance on the surface. Because brick is somewhat porous, rain can get into the bricks. When this happens and the water evaporates it can bring salts and minerals to the brick's surface. On other surfaces, chalking can be a prelude to chipping caused by using the wrong type of paint.
Regardless of the surface type, addressing chalking or powdering can be a great way to prevent more serious problems from impacting your home's exterior. A high-quality paint should provide protection from the elements to avoid moisture becoming trapped in your home's siding. If the paint never provided this protection, or is failing in that regard, it's time to repaint the house exterior.
5. Personal Preference
How often to paint your house's exterior can also depend entirely on your personal preferences. If walking up to your front door each day doesn't make you as happy or pleased as it once did, this can signal that the time's come for a fresh coat. You may have also made changes inside your home that feel out of place with the exterior. In that case too, you may wish to repaint your house exterior.
If you recently purchased the house or are now thinking about selling your house, you may want to consider freshly painting the exterior. As a new homeowner, painting the exterior can finally make the house feel entirely your own. For the homeseller, you can increase the value and appeal of your home with a brand new exterior paint service.
Take the Next Step: Call SuperiorPRO
If you've noticed any of these signs at your home, it may be time to repaint your home's exterior. Choosing a professional team can help ensure the right materials for maximum performance. Contact us today at 470-291-5105 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and receive a detailed quote for your painting project. Our expert team can help you find high-quality paint made for home's look, climate, and siding material. With over 25 years of experience, we'll apply your chosen paint with proven techniques that maximize your exterior's lifespan.