As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibility. A home requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance. One project that falls on you when you buy a home is repainting the exterior of your home when it needs it.
If you’ve recently purchased a house or if you’ve been living in yours for a while, you may be wondering how often to paint a house exterior.
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you may want it to be. There are a number of different factors that determine how long your paint will last.
There’s no need to worry. Our guide below is going to tell you everything you need to know, so you’re prepared.
Climate
The first factor that you need to consider is the climate of the area that you live in. Extreme heat and freezing temperatures can greatly affect how long the paint on your house will last. The same thing is true for humidity.
If the area you live in has a lot of big storms, you’ll notice your paint need to be touched up more often as well.
Previous Preparation and Maintenance
Preparation is key when you want your paint to last as long as possible. This includes removing any built-up, such as bacteria, mildew, moss, and dirt.
This will allow the paint to go on properly. How you maintain the exterior of your home also makes a difference. It’s important that you periodically clean your house or invest in a cleaning service.
You’ll know the paint won’t chip or peel off as fast and will look nicer for a longer period of time.
Paint Quality
Paint quality may not seem important, but trust us, it is. There is paint that is created to be resistant to the harsh elements.
Some paint will crack and feel quicker, which is the last thing you want. Be sure to read the instruction as well and apply it using the recommended technique.
If you aren’t sure which type of paint is best for the exterior, be sure to talk to a professional.
Home Exterior Material
How often to paint a house exterior is also dependent on the material of your home. Each material requires a different maintenance schedule.
Let’s use the example of wood vs vinyl. A wood exterior will likely need to be painted every three to six years. This is because that material is more prone to rot and warping, which will affect the paint.
Now, vinyl doesn’t have this issue and the paint on your paneling could last up to 15 years.
We briefly talked about paint quality, but you also need to pay attention to what paint you’re purchasing because of the material.
Paint that is made to go on wood surfaces may not look good or last long on brick or vinyl and vice versa. The paint should be specifically for the material of your house.
Color Choice
Now this may come as a shock to you, but the color you choose will also play a role in how long your exterior paint job lasts.
While dark paint colors may look great when you first paint your home, they won’t last very long. Dark colors are going to absorb the sun’s heat and will begin to fade fairly quickly.
On the other hand, lighter colors reflect this heat, meaning the paint color is preserved for longer.
If you have your mind set on having a dark-colored house, paint your house a dark color. Just know you will have to spend more time in the future repainting.
Environmental Factors
We already know the climate and weather of the area you live in have a big effect on how long the paint last, but there are other environmental factors to consider.
As a homeowner, you may have never thought about how a heavily trafficked area could affect your paint. It’s important that you think about it now.
If you’re still searching for your dream home, think about what elements your home will be exposed to.
Pollution, saltwater exposure, and proximity to heavy traffic play a role in the lifespan of your paint job. All of these factors can wear down the paint and cause it to deteriorate faster.
Personal Preference
How often you paint your house is your decision. Your paint may last 15 years, but if you want to change the color before that, do it!
There’s no right or wrong answer. You can make your decision to paint your house solely on your personal preference.
If you like the way your home looks with a fresh coat of paint and what to schedule a professional painter to come out every two to three years, you can.
If aesthetics aren’t as important to you, then you may wait until Year 12 to invest in a quality paint job.
How Often to Paint a House Exterior
Knowing how often to paint a house exterior is not an easy task. It’s also a project you shouldn’t undergo without help.
Hiring a professional is the only way to ensure that your home’s paint job is the best possible. An expert will be able to advise you on the best paint brands and painting techniques.
You will have peace of mind knowing your house will look amazing when the paint has dried.
Don’t wait any longer. Our team has worked with many homeowners and we are confident we will give you the results you are looking for. Request a quote here!
