Curious how long does exterior paint last? With New Hampshire’s changing seasons, from snowy winters to hot, humid summers, your house’s exterior takes a beating year-round. How well your paint holds up depends on several factors, including weather conditions, paint quality, and maintenance. Let’s explore what affects the lifespan of exterior paint in Atkinson to help you understand when it might be time for a fresh coat.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Exterior Paint
- Although exterior paint typically lasts between 5-12 years, several factors can impact its durability.
Sunlight Exposure
- It’s no secret that sunlight can cause paint to fade over time. In areas exposed to direct, intense sunlight, you may notice the paint fading, bubbling, or even cracking much earlier than in areas that are shaded or sheltered. Sun-drenched spots on your home’s exterior tend to wear out faster because of the constant UV radiation.
Weather Conditions
- The weather in your area plays a significant role in how long exterior paint will last. High humidity levels, frequent rain, and wind can all contribute to paint fading and chipping.
Humidity and moisture can also encourage the growth of mold or mildew, while dust and debris carried by strong winds can cause surface abrasion, leading to chipped paint. If paint is applied during extreme temperatures or in bad weather, it can further reduce the lifespan of the finish.
Home Construction Materials
- The type of material your home is built with greatly impacts how well the paint adheres and lasts. Homes made from newer construction materials are often designed to bond better with paint, while older materials, particularly wood, may not hold paint as well over time.
Wood is prone to expanding, contracting, and absorbing moisture, all of which can lead to paint peeling and cracking. Knowing the specific surface material helps painters select the best preparation and application techniques.
Here’s how often you should repaint the exterior of your home depending on the surface type:
- Brick: Repaint brick exterior every 8 to 17 years
- Wood siding: Every 4 to 7 years (or every 4 years if stained)
- Aluminum siding: Every 5 years
- New or mixed materials: Every 7 to 12 years
- Stucco: Every 5 to 15 years
Use of Primer
- Although it may seem like an extra step, using a quality primer is essential to maximizing the longevity of your exterior paint. Primer acts as a bonding agent between the surface and the paint, helping the paint adhere better and last longer. It seals porous materials, evens out rough textures, and helps prevent issues like cracking, fading, and bubbling.
Painting Techniques
- The way the paint is applied has a big impact on its durability. Painting on a poorly prepared surface or skipping essential prep work will result in reduced longevity. Partnering with a skilled painting company can help your paint last longer. They use techniques such as stripping old paint, sanding, repairing the surface, and cleaning before applying a fresh coat.
Other key methods include using brushes, rollers, or sprayers for different areas, applying painter’s tape for sharp lines, and ensuring that all surfaces, from electrical outlets to landscaping, are protected during the process.
Quality of Paint
- The type and quality of paint also play a critical role in how long your exterior paint job will last. Higher-quality paints tend to provide better coverage and last longer. Water-based (acrylic) paints are particularly recommended for exterior surfaces because they are flexible and can expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
Hire professional exterior painting services in Atkinson to give your home a fresh, polished look while protecting its structural integrity. Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting! Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.