There are general guidelines for how often exterior house painting is needed, but you might not know or remember when your home was last painted. If that’s true for you, you might need to look out for a few signals that can suggest that it’s time to update your house’s exterior paint.
How to Know When to Paint Your Exterior Home
PAINT IS DAMAGED
If your paint is damaged and is cracked, bubbling, or peeling, it is important to repaint as soon as you can. Peeling or cracked paint can expose your home to the elements and cause damage that lasts for a long time. For instance, if the wood is left exposed to moisture from rain or snow, mold and mildew can form. In extreme cases, rotting can even occur.
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait until it becomes widespread. This is an indicator that it is time to repaint the entire house exterior.
THERE ARE MOISTURE STAINS OR MOLD
Sometimes, moisture stains or mold can be easily wiped away manually or with pressure washing. If a stain cannot be removed, you should have a professional take a look because it can be a sign of deeper damage. Some stains just need to be painted over, but if there is extensive damage the material may need to be replaced before repainting can happen.
YOU SEE DAMAGE IN THE STUCCO OR WOOD
Paint helps to keep surfaces protected from the elements, but stucco and wood cannot last forever. Cracks or rotting are signs that the surface should be repaired. Once that’s done, exterior house painting can make sure that the surface is well protected for years to come.
THERE IS CRACKED CAULKING
To properly seal doors and windows, caulking is often used. Cracks in these areas can sometimes be filled with fresh caulking. If the cracks are left unfixed, moisture can cause more damage. Larger cracks indicate that it’s essential to apply fresh caulking as well as repaint the surface so that there is greater protection.
THE COLORS ARE FADED
Your exterior paint will likely start to fade after years under the sun, rain, or snow. Not only does fading look less attractive, but it also suggests that your paint is no longer adequately protecting your home. Dull or flat colors are a sure sign that exterior house painting should be considered.
YOU DON’T LOVE THE COLOR
If you don’t love the color of your home, it’s a great reason to try something new. Make sure to take enough time to choose a color you’ll love since it can take a lot of effort to repaint a full house if you don’t like the new color. You should think about your house’s style, the color scheme of your neighborhood, and the environment around your home.
Commonly Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINTING COST?
The cost will depend on how large and tall your house is, how much preparation will be needed, and the quality of the materials that will be used. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost is $2,945, with a range between $1,744 and $4,150. The price per square foot can also depend on the location, exterior conditions, and accessibility of your property.
If you’ve decided to use a contractor for the project, you can collect bids from a few contractors to get an idea of how much the project will cost. You can also use this calculator from HomeAdvisor to estimate the costs for painting your home.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PAINT MY EXTERIOR HOUSE?
If the job is done during the spring or summer, it’s likely that you will have the most optimal weather for painting. Warm and dry conditions are the best for the paint to properly cure and dry.
CAN EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINTING BE DONE DURING THE WINTER?
Colder temperatures are not ideal for exterior painting because the paint may not be able to properly dry and cure. While the general consensus is that winter isn’t a good time for painting, if temperatures are over 35 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter it is possible for painting to happen. Contacting an experienced contractor will help them advise whether it is feasible for your property to be painted during the winter or if the project should wait until the spring.
CAN A HOUSE BE PAINTED WHEN HUMIDITY IS HIGH?
Yes! The ideal relative humidity levels for exterior painting are between 40 to 50 percent. But even if the humidity levels are higher, it does not mean that painting can’t happen. High humidity does make the project more difficult, however, as levels ranging around the 70 percent area can make drying and curing happen more slowly.
If the relative humidity is above 85 percent, it is discouraged to paint exteriors because the paint will maintain a gummy and gel-like consistency until the humidity goes low enough that it is able to solidify. But if the coat is done at high humidity and is not able to be leveled properly, the texture will stay wavy, which is not optimal.
HOW LONG DOES EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINTING LAST?
Exterior paint can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the environment around your house and the type of paint that is used. Preparing the surface properly before beginning and using high-quality materials can make your finish last longer.
PRAIRIE EXTERIORS AND PAINTING
Exterior house painting is a large project, so hiring a professional can ensure that your paint job will last for years. At Prairie Exteriors, we believe in doing everything with honesty and integrity. We use only the highest quality products because our experience in the exteriors industry has shown us that there is no substitute for quality, knowledge, and craftsmanship.
After more than 60 years of combined experience in roofing, siding, and painting, we are prepared to help with any of your home renovation projects. Contact us for a quote! We are looking forward to making your home dreams come true.
