When Should I Repaint My House?
There’s nothing that brightens up a house like a fresh coat of paint. But as much as you’d love to see your house painted every year, the expense of that may make you want to look the other way.
There are several reasons why you might consider painting your house again. Maybe the paint is deteriorating and peeling, or it has simply faded over time. You might be sick of the color you chose years ago and now want something fresh and on-trend.
To avoid a stressful decision, here are some guidelines to help you know when the time is right to repaint your home.
Fading and Washed-Out Colors
Who wouldn’t love it if their house paint would continue to look the same after years of the first paint job? But that is never really the case. Different factors, for instance, the harsh UV rays from the sun, bleach the paint on the exterior of your house and make it look washed-out. Or, if you are facing water issues, this can also cause the paint on the wall to fade out. This is especially true for dark-colored paints that can start looking sad and old after only a few months of application. To prevent this from happening again, use paints with UV protection so that your walls can look better for longer.
Caulk Troubles
Another sign indicating you need a repaint is a hardened, cracked, or absent caulk. Caulk is a filler and sealant used in construction to fill in the gaps and cracks between walls and doors or windows. But with time, the material loses its elasticity and starts to wear out. If you notice this in your home, it’s time to phone a professional for repairs. You will need to repaint again after the maintenance work to hide all the repairs.
Cracked And Peeling Paint
Cracking, flaking, bubbling, and peeling paint is an eyesore for any homeowner. Besides making your property look unsightly, it’s an indication of some major underlying issues. If the paint on your home is coming off and no longer adhering to the surface, it might mean you’re dealing with mold or rot infestation caused by excess moisture. Without proper waterproofing and repainting, the situation will only exacerbate with time.
It’s Been Too Long
Most paint jobs require a do-over after a while. However, even though it has been decades since the last paint job, some homeowners may be lucky enough to have paint that still looks bright and beautiful. This means your last paint has done a good job protecting your home against the wear and tear caused by outside elements. While your walls may look like they don’t need it, it’s still a good idea to get them repainted. If you can’t remember the last time you painted your house, you’ll be better off getting it repainted to avoid any future damage.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
Is your house the only one in your neighborhood that looks dull and grim? Then it’s about time you gave it a fresh coat of paint to make it look livelier.
You may decide to go ahead with repainting to restore the original color of your house to its original brightness, or you might want to choose a different color palette this time, as tastes and trends are ever-changing.
Repainting will not only make your home’s exterior look new, but will also give you a sense of well-being and a renewed love for your home. Also, if you’re planning on selling your house, a paint job will definitely help with the curb appeal and indicate to potential buyers that your home has been well-maintained. It can even possibly raise the value of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time of the year is best for painting my house?
The perfect temperature range for painting your walls is between 50 to 90 degrees. If it’s too hot, the paint will dry up too quickly. And if it’s too cold, the paint will become too thick, making it harder to stick it to the walls. While you can use air conditioning to control the temperature and humidity indoors, it’s not the same when painting the exterior of your house. The climate of your area will dictate the best time of year to paint, and the weekly forecasts will help you find a good window of time.
- Does paint on the exterior of the house deteriorate faster?
Contrary to popular belief, exterior paints last longer than indoor paints. Exterior paints are formulated using special additives that make them resistant to bad weather conditions, and thus, they can withstand more wear and tear.
- How often do I need to repaint my house?
How often you repaint your home mostly depends on your climate, lifestyle, and taste. However, to keep your home looking top-notch, the exterior of your house needs repainting every 5 to 10 years. In comparison, the interior of your home will probably need to be repainted every 3 to 5 years.
