There’s nothing like a spot of warm weather to inspire millions of homeowners across the US to tackle a few much-needed home improvements. Exterior painting is a particularly popular project during the summer, when the days are at their longest and the weather is at least partially predictable.
The odd touch-up here and there can make all the difference in the world, particularly when the paint on your property is beginning to crack, chip and fade. But at what point is it worth considering a full exterior repaint for your home, rather than the usual periodic patch-ups?
Is there a specific period of time an exterior paint job lasts for, or is it purely a case of personal preference?
The Lifespan of Exterior Paint
In terms of lifespan, every exterior paint job is technically unique. There are countless factors that can influence the longevity of an exterior paint job, including but not limited to the following:
- The condition of the materials at the time they were painted
- How well the surface was cleaned and prepped before painting
- The quality of the primer and paint used on the surface
- Whether the weather conditions were amicable at the time
- Exposure to harsh weather conditions over the following months/years
Each of these factors can have a major influence on how often a property needs to be painted.
Depending on where you live and how well your home was painted previously, it may not be necessary to overhaul the entire thing for as long as a decade. In other instances, an exterior paint job can start looking worse for wear within just two or three years.
This is something that should be taken into account when organizing exterior renovations, where long-term value for money should be your priority. More often than not, a quick and cheap paint job to save money at the time turns out to be false economy.
How Do I Know When My Home Needs Painting?
You don’t have to be a professional painter to know when your property could do with a fresh coat of paint. Quite simply, your home is ready for a refresh the moment you decide you are not happy with the way it looks.
If there’s anything about the exterior aesthetic of your home you’re not satisfied with, it’s time to take action. But there are also a handful of telltale signs that its current paintjob is well past its prime and could do with some TLC.
Examples of which include cracking, fading, chipping and peeling paint – issues that aren’t going to self-correct with time. Of course, if large chunks of paint are starting to peel off your home entirely, the same also applies.
Do I Really Need to Repaint My Home’s Exterior?
Keeping your home’s exterior in pristine condition is not all about keeping up appearances. Of course, it’s important to have pride in your property’s exterior aesthetic, if you’re to enjoy spending time outdoors. Likewise, looks play a major role in determining the market value of all types of properties – an essential consideration if you are planning to move in the near future.
But along with these arguably superficial benefits, the paint on your home’s exterior provides an essential layer of protection for your property as a whole. High-quality paint shields the surface below from the harshest weather conditions, ultimately safeguarding your home and its structural integrity.
As paint begins to degrade and deteriorate, it loses its capacity to protect your home. At which point, the risk of issues like wood rot, leaks and damage to its external surfaces grows exponentially.
Again, something to bear in mind when considering the long-term cost effectiveness of an exterior paint job.
Hire Help and Save Money
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always cheaper to choose the DIY option. If you plan on painting your home using the highest-quality hardware for pristine presentation and long-term protection, you could actually save money by calling in the pros.
At Homm CPS, we offer a complete range of flexible home painting services at affordable prices. We exclusively use the highest quality paint, primers and associated products on the market, enabling us to back every job with an extensive warranty for total peace of mind.
For more information or to arrange an obligation-free home visit at your convenience, contact a member of the team at Homm CPS today.