6 SIGNS YOU SHOULD PAINT THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME

Your home’s exterior is the first thing guests or potential buyers see when looking at your house. What’s more – it’s the first thing you see when you come home every day. Does it make you as happy as it once did? We often underestimate the power of paint. Adding a fresh coat of paint can make a house look rejuvenated. But it’s not just design aesthetics you should be concerned with. There are other benefits to painting your home’s exterior too!

The paint on your home’s exterior eventually weathers, drastically reducing its curb appeal and possibly damaging the exterior of your house. Your home’s exterior is the first defense against the elements. If your home’s exterior paint finish isn’t as bold and vibrant as it once was, it’s likely due to natural elements like the sun and heat, cold and snow, and wind and rain. If you think the exterior of your home needs to be painted, we offer professional exterior house painting services.

1. PEELING OR CRACKED PAINT

One of the first signs that will indicate you need to repaint your home’s exterior is the peeling, cracking, flaking or chipping of the paint. These signs mean the elements have taken a toll on the exterior paint of your home. Because the paint is flaking and peeling up and off the underlying materials, those materials are no longer being protected. This could lead to mold, mildew or dry rot.

Not only will your home not look its best, but there are also more serious issues you’ll have to deal with in the future without a new coat of paint. Consult with a professional if this occurs to avoid bigger, more impactful problems.

2. FADING PAINT

Paint tends to fade over the years as the sun beats down against it. If your home is provided shade by trees or mountains or is positioned in a way that light doesn’t hit it all day long, the color lasts a little longer. But if there’s nothing to shade your home’s exterior from the sun, it’s likely fading will occur quickly, and you’ll need to apply a fresh coat of paint. Dark colors also fade much more quickly than light colors, so it may be a wise decision to choose a lighter color if you find you’re repainting your home more often than you’d like. Although shaded wooded areas receive less sunlight, they may still require maintenance such as power washing and caulk repair.

3. SELLING YOUR HOME

You want to show your house in its best light when you’re selling. A fresh exterior coat of paint can make a home look ten years newer than it actually is. It has a great impact on the house’s overall look and feel, making it much more appealing and best of all – more expensive. It also shows potential buyers that your home is in good shape and you’ve maintained it over the years, making it valuable and reliable for years to come.

4. CRACKS IN THE CAULK

Caulk is designed to seal a joint between both surfaces to keep them intact and protect them from damage. Cracking caulk occurs over time, as the caulk loses its elasticity, which means it’s no longer doing its job. Caulk in your home’s trim and siding plays a large role in repainting a house. It makes the paint job look better and last longer. If you notice the caulk is starting to wear, it means your paint also needs a refresh. Repainting an old house could also mean it will need to get re-caulked. Choosing the right kind of caulk is important to ensure it will withstand extreme heat and cold

5. GAPS OR SHRINKING WOOD

A new gap between two wooden boards on your home is cause for concern and a warning to homeowners that moisture is getting into the wood. Those gaps in your wooden boards can lead to mold, mildew or dry rot. Paint maintenance over the years will protect the wood and prevent any further damage to your home. However, if you are noticing gaps or shrinking wood, it’s possible you’ll need repairs. Have a professional take a look at these changes before applying a new coat of paint to your house.

6. UPDATE COLOR OF HOME

The color that you chose for your home’s exterior a few years ago may be outdated. Exterior color paint trends come and go. In order to keep your house looking its best, you may want to pick a new color to increase curb appeal and make your home look more inviting.

Although we’ve gone over reasons to paint your home’s exterior and why it’s important, you don’t necessarily have to wait until the paint on your house peels and chips. Be proactive and give your home’s exterior a fresh coat of paint before it shows major signs of wear. Dealing with it now will save you from bigger problems in the future.