There are two main reasons why homes get painted – protection and aesthetics. Paint not only gives your home visual appeal; it also helps protect it from the elements. But as years go by, paint may not be as effective in performing its function. The question is: How do you know when it’s time to repaint? Here, we enumerate seven signs your house needs repainting.
1. Peeling paint
If you find peeling paint on the exterior of your home, it is time to contact a painting contractor. These flaked and chipped areas will continue to get worse as they are exposed to heat and moisture. If you let it go too long, it will lead to bigger problems. The rain and sun will damage unprotected surfaces, and can lead to dry rot.
2. Fading color
Fading is one of warning signs your house needs repainting. This is an indication that the paint has started to break down. If you spot it early, it will cost less to repaint when extensive damage has not happened. In particular, the exterior surfaces on your home’s southern side may be exposed to fierce ultraviolet rays that may cause the paint to fade. Dark hues tend to fade quicker than paler shades. Repainting will even out the color, giving a fresh new look.
3. Damaged wood or stucco
Dry rot on wood can spread to surfaces it touches. Signs of rot include growing spores and indented surfaces. Cracked or chipped stucco is unsightly and allow moisture to penetrate the paint, causing bubbles to form. These areas need to be sealed up to prevent water intrusion.
4. Hardened caulk
Most caulks are designed to contract and expand along with your house. When your home is exposed to extreme weather cycles (hot sunny days or freezing nights), caulking will lose its elasticity. If the beads are hard when you press down, it’s probably time to call a professional to re-caulk and check for damage.
5. Water stains
In some areas, water stains can be a problem. Heavy rains can leave stains that make exterior surfaces look uneven and unattractive. A new coat of paint will effectively cover those stains and give your home a fresh look.
6. Exterior looks dirty and washing doesn’t help
Pressure washing your home’s exterior can remove dirt and mold left over from the rainy spring and winter periods. However, washing may not remove years of dirt and grime caused by pollution. If washing doesn’t improve the appearance of your home, a new coat of paint maybe all that it needs.
7. Color choice looks outdated
Sometimes you just need a change. Or maybe you bought your home with the current color and don’t like it. This is purely aesthetic, and not because there’s something wrong with the paint job. You just want a new look, and a fresh coat of paint will accomplish that.
In some cases, the house was painted in a specific color that was popular during that time, but now makes it look old-fashioned. A fresh coat of paint in a new color can give your home an updated look that can be especially important if you want to sell your property in the near future. Research online or read home design magazines to get ideas on the most popular paint colors for today’s homes.
Conclusion
Most houses need to be painted every 7 to 10 years, but this timeframe can be shorter or longer depending on the material and region. When you see the above-mentioned signs your house needs repainting, it’s time to contact a professional house painting service.
PaintGunners is the best house painters in Washington. Send us a message or call us at (206) 930-8885 for a free estimate.
