Taking care of your home is one of the most important things you can do to maintain its value. A clean, maintained paint job looks inviting and put together. Quality paint also protects your home’s exterior against the elements. Repainting your exterior is a great way to make a big impact on updating your home without the high costs.

There are many things you should be looking for that will tell you if it’s time for a new paint job. Check the siding and trim. Look all-around your home. Damage may be worse on different sides of your house, depending on which has more exposure to the worst of the weather.

Pay Attention to These Signs

Your exterior paint has a strong impact on your home’s appearance. Paint protects the exterior of your home from the harsh rays of the sun, excess moisture, and other weather damage. If your exterior paint is past its prime, it can even cause problems for your home’s structure.  So how do you know when it’s time to paint your house? Watch for these 8 signs.

1. Paint Shows Signs of Wear

Peeling, bubbling, and cracking paint are signs that the paint has succumbed to the elements. These signs may also mean you’re dealing with dry rot or mold. They shouldn’t be ignored, as they can lead to bigger problems down the road.

2. Fading Paint Color

Fading paint makes a house look worn and tired. It’s time for a new coat of paint when the vibrant color has turned to a lighter shade. Dark paint colors will fade quicker than lighter shades. Take this into consideration when you choose the colors to repaint your home’s exterior.

3. Putting House on the Market

First impressions only happen once. That’s why curb appeal is so important when you want to sell your house. Potential buyers will make split-second opinions about your house the moment they pull into your driveway. If the paint job is old or was poorly done, they’ll notice, which may affect their decision to place an offer or not. New paint can make your home look modern, clean, and inviting.

4. The Appearance of Gaps or Shrinking

If you see gaps between the boards of your home’s exterior siding, it could be a sign of dry rot. Moisture has infiltrated the wood.  The same goes if the boards look as if they are shrinking. A professional needs to assess the damage before applying paint to the exterior.

5. Cracked Caulking

If the caulking on the exterior of your house is cracking or showing signs of brittleness, it has lost its elasticity. This means it’s time for a new paint job.

6. Enough Time Has Passed

You don’t have to wait to see signs of paint failure before you apply a coat of paint.  Just like you would replace your roof before it starts to cave in, repainting before you have huge issues will save you time and money. Proper maintenance will keep your house in shape.

It is recommended that exteriors be painted every 5 to 10 years. This timeframe depends on how well your house was painted the last time, the quality of paint that was used, the quality of the prep work that was done, and the surface of your exterior.

  • Wood surfaces need to be painted every 3 to 7 years.
  • Aluminum siding needs to be painted every 5 years.
  • Stucco should be repainted every 5 to 6 years.

7. Signs of Water Damage

Weak paint coverage leaves your wood siding vulnerable to water damage. Look for deep cracks along the wood grain. Soft spots can also signal rot. Water damage can lead to other issues as well, like mold growth.

If your home’s exterior has black or grey spots, chances are you have mildew or algae, which is caused by excessive moisture or poor circulation. These are signs that you need a new paint job.

8. Time to Make a Change

Sometimes it’s just nice to mix things up and make a change. Painting the exterior of your home a brand new color can make quite an impact. It can change the mood and look without having to make any expensive construction changes.

Call the Local Painting Professionals

If you’re seeing any of the above signs, call ACP Painting.  We use quality paint along with expert prepping and painting techniques to ensure you get lasting results. We can advise you on your next steps, color, and maintenance to keep your home looking fresh.

We have the most professional crew in town and we pride ourselves on providing customer service second to none. Contact us for a free consultation.