How Often Should You Paint the Exterior of your Home?

A number of factors help determine when you should paint your home’s exterior. These include your local climate and weather conditions, the age of your home, and the type of siding used. A high-quality finish in ideal conditions could last 10 years.

But if your home takes a beating from the elements, you may need to repaint as often as every three years. Most homes can be on a 5–8 year interval. If you’re not sure if your house is due for a refresher, watch out for signs of deteriorating paint, such as fading and chipping.

The Benefits of Regular Painting

Regular application of exterior paint protects your home from weather and water damage as well as having to replace siding that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. A qualified painter will ensure the exterior of your home is properly prepared in advance and that paint is applied in a safe and effective manner.

Should old paint be removed before my house can be painted?

As any painter will tell you, prep work is just as important — if not more important — than the paint application itself. If the paint on your house is chipping or peeling, it needs to be scraped and sanded smooth before applying a new finish. In most cases, you won’t need to remove all the existing paint, but scraping, sanding, patching, caulking, and priming are critical steps that take place before the start of most exterior painting jobs.

What types of exterior paints are available?

A professional painter will help you select an exterior paint designed for long-lasting results, superior protection, and ample coverage. Higher quality paint requires fewer coats and lasts far longer, saving you money down the road. Oil or latex paints in a flat/matte or satin finish make excellent choices for the exterior of your home. These paints will endure extreme weather conditions, can be customized to your specific climate, and are ideal for painting siding.