For many people, their home is their greatest asset, and they feel the need to keep it looking fresh and appealing. And quite notably, house painting is one if the easiest and cheapest ways to do so. So the question arises, "how often should I paint my home?"
There is actually no fixed timeline since every house is different and is subject to different atmospheric conditions. Yes, weather greatly affects your home's exterior painting.
When to apply new paint often depends on the painting material, surface, and location. However, there are some guidelines to help give you insight into when your house needs fresh paint.
A typical home needs to be painted every 7 to 10 years. This time range allows for the different kinds of homes, painting, and surfaces.
Wood siding would need to be painted every 3-7 years.
In areas with much sunshine, vinyl, stucco, and aluminum siding would need new painting every 5 years.
In regions with minimal sunlight, wood panting usually lasts 4-10 years, while vinyl and aluminum siding needs fresh paint about every 20 years.
Cement fibreboard siding can stay intact for about 10-15 years before needing a new coat of paint.
Paint on brick can last 15-20 years.
Why you need to repaint your home
There are several things that would determine when your home needs a new touch of paint. Whether interior or exterior, the following are some common reasons to repaint your home.
1. Paint flaking or cracking
When you see your paint cracking, then it's time to get some gallons of paint. Cracking or flaking paint is often a result of excessive cold, intense sunshine, humidity, and ocean wind.
2. Faded colours
If you notice your paint is no longer as sharp as it once was, then it has most likely lived its years. If it's exterior painting, it's probably due to sunlight. But if it’s in an area not exposed to light, it could be due to water leaks. Call a professional if you cannot detect the source.
3. To prevent strenuous prep work
You would usually have to do a lot of prep work before applying painting if the old paint has already started peeling. That's because fresh paint wouldn't adhere well on chipped and peeling paint - everything may come off.
To avoid all that work of peeling chipped paint and caulking seals, you can decide to paint early. This will also save cost as you'd require less material.
4. To repair stucco
A particular area of stucco may crack. Patching and painting only that part will leave a streak that doesn't blend with your home's exterior. Repainting the entire exterior will save cost and time as compared to re-stuccoing.
5. Damaged caulk
Caulk typically expands and contracts with your house. But it will get to a point it loses its elasticity, thereby getting hardened. If you notice this, then it's time to re-caulk.
6. The property is new
Building contractors usually apply only one cost of paint on pre-primed wood. This coat is not enough to protect the wood against swelling and shrinkage. So if your home is new, you need to repaint it within 3-4 years after moving in
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