The home exterior is a canvas that tells the story of the resident. When people come to your home, the first thing they see is the appearance of your house. A fresh coat of paint is the major component to hold any home’s aesthetic and eye-shooting appearance. Repainting is the solution here, but homeowners always wonder whether it is the right time to rejuvenate.
As a team of the best residential painters in Sydney, we have listed some signs to help you determine whether you should repaint or not.
Fading or sunspots
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One major sign it’s time to think of your exterior paint colour is fading. With extreme sun exposure, vibrant colours often turn into lighter ones. Pigments are soaked due to UV rays, and they start to fade away. Before it gets too far along, repainting will be the smart move. Darker colours faded quicker than lighter ones. Keep this in mind when you choose colours for your home exterior.
Cracking and Peeling
Cracking and peeling is another obvious indicator that tells us to start fresh. If your existing paint starts to flake, crack or peel, that means the earlier coat of paint has lost the power to protect the underlying materials. So, it’s time to act fast to not only hold your home’s curb appeal but also save the surface from harsh weather.
Gaps and Shrinking Siding
Over time, boards of the home exterior tend to shirk and create gaps in the siding. These usually happen due to dry rots when moisture gets in the wood. When you see such signs, that means it requires some maintenance. In this case, you should look for a professional assessment before starting repainting. Filling these gaps and repairing shrinkage prior to the paint job can give you a long-lasting finish.
Mildew and Mould
Mildew and mould are the result of excess moisture present at the surface of the wall. Weak paint coverage and exposure to rain and snow cause these in the long run. If your home has grey or black spots, you might have mildew growth. It needs to be addressed and solved with repainting as fast as possible to avoid costly repairs.
Chalking Paint
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An overlooked indicator of a failing paint job is chalking. It refers to the breakdown of resins and exposure of the colour pigments of the paint. You can use your fingertip or an old white rag to check for chalking paint. The chalky-coloured residue will be wiped off easily. It is a sign that your home exterior needs repainting to stand out in the harsh and humid weather.
Cracked Caulking
Caulking is usually used to properly seal around the doors and windows. If you find small cracks in the caulking area, sometimes you can fix them by filling them with a beat of fresh caulking. If the cracks are left underneath, they can cause damage, seeping in moisture. When you find larger cracks, only caulking can’t help you out. You will definitely need a fresh coat of paint with caulking.
Bubbles and Blistering Paint
The appearance of small to medium-sized blisters and bubbles is known as blistering. It is mostly seen on wood siding and trim. This can occur due to many reasons, such as poor prep work, temperature changes, and moisture seeping in. If you notice such blisters on your exterior, then you should repaint the wall with the help of expert house painters in town.
Damaged Stucco and Wood Rot
Though paint protects surfaces from external elements, it can’t last forever. You may see signs of wood rotting and cracks in the stucco over time. These are the signs of extensive damage underneath the paint. At this point, you need to repair the surface fast and then protect the exterior with a fresh coat of paint.
Putting House for Sale
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When you are putting your house on sale, there is only one chance to make a first impression. Your new exterior paint job can have a positive impact on potential buyers. Repainting under Dulux Accredited Painters will also help you to get the highest resale value for your property.
New Look, New Feel
Sometimes, it’s just nice to make changes and mix things up. You may feel tired of the existing colour of your home’s exterior or just buy a new home. Maybe your exterior paint colour is outdated, as the colour trend always comes and goes. Updating the house exterior with a new and trending coat of paint can change the entire look of your home. I will help you to love your house’s appearance again.
Enough Time has Passed
Sometimes, it’s not necessary to wait for the signs of paint failure before repainting. Applying a fresh coat of paint before you have huge issues will save you money and time. All you need is proper maintenance. Usually, exterior paint stays in good condition for 5 to 8 years. Sometimes, the paint job lasts around ten years, depending on the weather. According to Sydney Environment, you can safely repaint your house any time after five years to save it from severe damage.
New Construction
Last but not least, if you are building a new space in your building, then it will be a good decision to repaint the exterior. The wood used in construction comes with a single coat of paint, which can damage the area faster. Expert painters recommend a second coat of paint to protect your home from harsh elements.
How Often to Paint a House?
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Generally, exterior house repainting should be executed every 5 to 10 years according to your location, paint quality and other factors. Besides, more information is given below to help you know more about painting time.
- Brick: brick should be painted regularly in 3 to 5 years
- Wood: wooden surfaces are good for painting every 3 to 7 years.
- Stucco: stucco needs to be painted every 5 to 6 years.
- Aluminium: aluminium siding needs to be repainted every five years.
What Impacts Paint Life Span?
After knowing when it’s time to repaint, it’s important to know what factors caused the need to repaint. There are several essential factors that affect the lifespan of exterior paint. They are:
Paint quality
Paint comes in both high and low quality. It is obvious that high-quality paint will last longer than low-quality paint. So, when you are investing in repainting your home, never compromise with quality.
Location
Location is the most important factor to hold on the exterior paint shelf life. Homes located in coastal beach areas tend to wear and fade faster. It happens due to salty sea air, UV rays and windy conditions.
Weather
Rain, hail and snow cause extensive damage to house paint. The exterior paint will last longer if your area has sunny and mild weather. If your region’s weather condition is extreme, check frequently for damage signs.
Final thoughts
The home’s exterior paint is the first thing that works as a layer of protection. It gives our houses protection from weather elements, insects and other damage. So, repainting the exterior on time is really important. We hope all the following signs and facts can help you find the right time to invest in repainting.
