It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to break out the exterior paint and give your home’s exterior a fresh new look. But how often should you be painting your home’s exterior? And what can you do to make your exterior paint job last longer?
In general, most exterior paint jobs should last for about five to seven years before they need to be repainted. Of course, this will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the paint, the type of paint you use, the prep work you do before painting, and how well you maintain your home’s exterior.
Here are a few tips to help you make your exterior paint job last longer:
1. Use quality paint. Cheap paint may seem like a good way to save money, but it will likely not stand up to the elements as well as quality paint. In the long run, you’ll probably end up spending more money on cheap paint because you’ll have to repaint more often.
2. Be sure to prep your surfaces well before painting. This means making sure they are clean, dry, and free of any flaking paint or other debris. The better you prep your surfaces, the better the paint will adhere and the longer your paint job will last.
3. Choose the right paint for the job. There are different types of paint for different surfaces. For example, there is exterior paint for siding and trim, and there is different paint for doors and windows. Be sure to use the right paint for the job to get the best results.
4. Paint on a cool, dry day. Hot, humid days are not ideal for painting. The heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly, which can lead to a less than ideal finish. It’s best to paint when the temperature is cool and the humidity is low.
5. Don’t forget to prime. Priming is an important step in painting, especially if you are painting over a dark color. Be sure to use a quality primer that is designed for exterior use. This will help your paint job last longer and look better.
6. Use two coats of paint. One coat of paint is usually not enough to get good coverage, especially on darker colors. Be sure to use two coats of paint to get the best results.
7. Protect your paint job with a sealer. A sealer will help to protect your paint job from the elements and make it last longer. Be sure to choose a sealer that is designed for exterior use.
8. Clean your home’s exterior regularly. Keeping your home’s exterior clean will help to prolong the life of your paint job. Don’t forget to power wash your siding and trim periodically to remove any dirt, dust, or pollen that could cause your paint to break down prematurely.
By following these tips, you can help to make your exterior paint job last longer. Of course, even with the best care, your paint job will eventually need to be replaced. But by following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your paint job and save yourself some money in the long run.
You may have just moved into a new home and are looking to make changes to the exterior paint or you may have lived in your home for decades and the time has come to give the house a new paint job. Either way, you are probably wondering how often you need to paint the exterior of your home and what factors will affect how long the paint job lasts. You may have also heard that there are professional painting companies who claim they can offer a “lifetime” warranty on their work. So, what is the truth? How long should an exterior paint job last when done by a professional company?
Any paint job, no matter how well it is done, will eventually need to be repeated. The length of time between paint jobs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of paint used, the weather conditions in your area, and how much wear and tear the house experiences. For example, a home in a sunny, dry climate will last longer between paint jobs than a home in a humid, rainy climate. A home with little traffic and few kids or pets will also last longer than a home with a lot of activity.
While there is no definite answer to how long an exterior paint job should last, most paint jobs will need to be repeated every three to five years. However, there are some professional painting companies that offer “lifetime” warranties on their work. This means that they will repaint your home for free anytime the paint starts to fade or peel. Of course, there are usually some conditions attached to these warranties, such as you must use the same company for any future paint jobs and you may be responsible for any damage to the paint job that is caused by you or your family.
So, while a “lifetime” warranty may sound like a good deal, it is important to read the fine print before you agree to anything. Otherwise, you may find yourself stuck with a company you don’t like or paint job that doesn’t last as long as you thought it would.
