Curb appeal is an important factor in establishing the value of your home, whether you plan to sell your home or not. The condition of your exterior walls, the front yard, landscaping makes an instant first impression. If the exterior of your home is not in the best state, home buyers assume that the interiors won’t be in good shape either. In all probability, they are right. No matter how good the location of your home, how elite the neighborhood, how many convenience stores there are in the vicinity or how close it is to the best school if your home exterior is not well painted and maintained, property value drops drastically.
How Often Should You Repaint Your Home Exterior?
The answer is not as simple as the question. It really depends on a few factors such as:
- When was your home last painted?
- What was the quality of the paint job?
- The location of your home.
- Weather conditions.
- Painting wood siding.
- Painting aluminum siding.
Some professionals believe that home exteriors need to be painted every four to six years to keep the walls looking good as new. Others say a gap of 10-15 years works well because painting is costly and many homes in drier areas with less weather damage need not be painted more than once a decade. Let’s make it easier for you to take a call with a few guidelines from experts at Demiri Painting.
Look Out for Cracked and Chipped Paint
The quality and materials of every home are different. Watch out for a few obvious signs like cracked and chipped paint. Consider the neighborhood, climate and the quality of the previous paint job. Every surface has a different requirement too.
- Stained wood siding needs to be painted every three to four years.
- Aluminum siding needs a fresh coat every five years.
- Stucco can last up to six years.
- Painted brick can last up to 10-15 years.
- New materials, such as cement fibreboard siding, painted with advanced technology can be touched up after a good 10-15 years.
Quality of Previous Paint Job
If you’ve just bought a home from previous owners, ask when it was last painted, the type of paint that was used, how many, coats were applied, what kind of colors were used. Higher the quality of paint and the lighter the shade, the longer it will last. Paint also lasts longer if two or three coats are applied instead of one. 100% acrylic paint is most durable and lasts the longest without fading.
Weather Damage
Extreme weather conditions can damage paint faster than areas with moderate weather. Direct sunlight in hot summers, intense rains, storms, and snow can wear down paint faster. If your home is located in such an area, you may want to consider repainting more frequently, using high-quality fade-resistant, weather-resistant colors.
Preventive Maintenance
Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure. Watch out for signs of chipped paint, wear and tear. Look for mold and moisture patches. Check for pest and rodent infestation, damage from birds, any signs of rot, moss or excessive discoloration. Call professionals for inspection and general maintenance. They will wash off the dirt, moss, and debris, fix chipped paint, touch up the affected or discolored areas and make your home exterior look good as new for a decade more.
How to Ensure a Lasting Paint Job
For a lasting, durable paint finish, exterior walls first need a thorough inspection. Mould, rotten wood, cracks, pits, and holes need to be filled with caulk and putty. Heavy peeling and bubbling may need a sandblast or power wash for a smoother surface for a quality finish. The surface needs to be well dried before applying the new coat of paint. Make sure the sky is not overcast and rain is not predicted over the next few days. Painting home exteriors is best done on dry days with mild temperatures for best results. Apply primer to prepare the surface for the paint for a smoother finish.
Demiri Painting and Decorating, Toronto and Surrounding Areas
Exterior painting is best left to professionals who are equipped with the right tools and techniques. Demiri Painting & Decorating Services is a fully insured and licensed painting company serving the GTA for over 16 years. We provide residential and commercial painting services at reasonable prices with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us for a high standard of workmanship in exterior painting, repairs, and maintenance.