5 key factors determining how often you should paint your home’s exterior in Atkinson
Curb appeal is important whether you’re planning to sell your home or want to impress the neighbors. A fresh coat of paint plays a huge role in keeping your house looking attractive. But how often should you paint the exterior of your house? Experts say it doesn’t have to be frequent, but timing is key to avoid a worn-out appearance. Keep reading to learn when to paint the exterior of your house in Atkinson.
How Often Should You Paint Your House Exterior?
- Painting the exterior of a house is more complex than painting a room, but experts recommend repainting every five to ten years, depending on the condition of your paint. Generally, by that time, the paint fades, and the wood may begin to dry out and develop cracks due to prolonged exposure to the elements. After ten years, there’s a risk of the fascia boards warping if they haven’t been given a fresh coat of paint.
Once the boards warp, replacement is the only solution. Paint protects both the wood and the stucco. Moreover, if you allow the paint to go too long beyond the 10-year mark, the surface may become chalky. This occurs when the top layer of paint starts to disintegrate. The resin that binds the paint together deteriorates, leaving behind only the minerals and pigments that form the paint.
Painting Exterior Siding
- Brick siding needs repainting every 15 to 20 years, depending on upkeep and location.
- Cement fiberboard siding can last 10 to 15 years before needing another paint job.
- Aluminum siding paint lasts about five years.
- Stucco exterior siding typically needs repainting every five to six years.
- Wood siding generally lasts between three to seven years or about four years if stained.
- Regular maintenance and choosing the right type of paint for your siding can help extend the life of your exterior paint job.
Signs Your House Exterior Needs a Fresh Coat of Paint
Visible Wear and Tear
- All paint eventually wears out, leading to cracking, peeling, and bubbling. These issues can arise from poor paint jobs, dry rot, mold, or simply the effects of time and weather.
Address these problems as soon as you notice them; the longer they persist, the more damage they can cause, making repairs harder and more expensive.
Color Fading
- Exposure to the sun and weather will cause paint to fade over time, leaving your home looking dull and worn. Lighter colors tend to fade less quickly, so if your home has a darker exterior, signs of fading will appear faster.
Caulk Cracking
- Over time, caulk can become brittle and lose its elasticity, leading to cracks and breaks. This affects your home’s appearance and also allows water to seep in, causing moisture damage. A fresh paint job can help seal these gaps.
Gaps or Shrinkage in Siding
Siding boards can shrink and create gaps in the siding, often due to dry rot, indicating moisture seepage. It’s best to have a professional assess the damage to determine the necessary repairs before repainting.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to consider a fresh coat of paint to protect and beautify your home’s exterior.
Conclusion
- Repainting your home’s exterior is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the paint, location, climate, and weather conditions. On average, most house exteriors need repainting every five years. Understanding these factors can help you determine how often should you paint the exterior of your house, ensuring it stays protected and looking its best for years to come.
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.