Exterior paint jobs are a big task, so you want to make sure they last as long as they can. A home improvement project of this scale requires careful thought, specific preparation, and proper maintenance to ensure its longevity.
Here are some factors that affect the lifespan of your exterior paint:
Home Materials
There is a range in which exterior paint lasts and this is because not all homes are made with the same material. Here are some common exterior materials:
Wood
Homes with a wood exterior will often see a paint job that lasts five to seven years. Wood naturally ages which can cause the painted surface to fade or crack. Wood sidings will often require frequent paint jobs because of their vulnerability to moisture and the elements.
Brick
A well-done paint job on brick homes can last 15-20 years when maintained properly and in optimal conditions. Refreshing your brick exterior with a fresh coat of paint can provide additional protection from the elements by acting as a sealant, protecting your home from precipitation and other harsh weather conditions. Additionally, painted brick is easy to keep clean, all you need is an occasional power wash.
Vinyl
If done properly, homes with vinyl sidings can see paint last up to ten years. Vinyl siding is considered one of the lower-maintenance options and doesn’t require regular repainting. However, if you spot any signs of mold, mildew, debris, or other buildups, make sure it is properly removed and allow the surface to dry completely before applying paint.
Stucco
Paint lasts an average of seven to ten years with a stucco exterior because it is made of a combination of cement, sand, and limestone. A fresh coat of paint on a stucco interior can protect your home from moisture and prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Paint Prep
Properly preparing your home for an exterior paint job can increase the lifespan and durability of your paint. Failing to prep can result in bubbling, cracking, or making the color less vibrant. Prepping your home for an exterior paint job can include pressure washing to remove lifted paint and caulking or sealing any cracks and gaps, or holes. You want to make sure paint is going on a smooth and clean surface and that all imperfections are repaired and treated.
Choose the right paint and primer
Choosing the right paint is crucial when preparing for a paint job. The wrong paint can end in poor results and require significant time and money to fix. Acrylic-latex paint is often recommended for exterior application because of its versatility and is less likely to blister. However, if you live in areas with a wet climate, it’s recommended to use oil-based paint to repel and resist wear and abrasion.
Additionally, raw unpainted surfaces require the right primer. The purpose of primer is to provide a base coat for the layer of exterior paint to adhere. The type of primer you use will depend on which top coat you use, so it’s best to consult a professional on what is the right paint and primer for your home’s exterior material.
When choosing paint, homeowners must decide on a color. Not many know that the color of your exterior paint can also affect its lifespan. Cooler colors lead to less heat insulation while darker colors retain more heat and can lead to premature breakage.
Extreme Weather and Exterior Paint
Climate plays a significant role in how long your exterior paint will last. In Colorado, we see hot summers and cold summers and experience large temperature differences throughout the day. So, an exterior painting project can be tricky.
If your home is often exposed to direct sunlight, the paint will show faster signs of deterioration such as fading and cracking. On the other hand, if you live in colder climates or areas with high humidity and frequent storms, the elements can cause your exterior paint to wear much quicker.
Maintaining Your Paint Job
Proper maintenance is another factor in prolonging the lifespan of your exterior paint job. Maintaining your exterior house paint will not only bring new life into your paint job, but it will keep your home looking fresh year after year, regardless of when your last paint job was.
Washing
Most materials require some level of washing. Washing your home will remove surface debris, bird droppings, mildew, mold, and other types of dirt. Cleaning your home’s surface will ensure your paint lasts longer.
Washing can be done with a mild solution of soap and water. You can use a soft-bristled scrub brush or sponge and once it’s clean, rinse with a hose. You can also opt for pressure washing, which does a great job of removing surface dirt. However, it can be tricky to get the balance of pressure and distance just right, and too much pressure can damage your surface. If choosing to pressure wash, it might be beneficial to hire a professional.
Touch-ups
It might be beneficial to perform touch-up painting on your exterior every couple of years. Some areas of your home will be more exposed to the elements than others, which means paint in these areas will deteriorate much faster. Putting in a few hours of touch-up painting every two or three years will significantly increase the longevity of your paint job.
Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting
Painting the outside of your home is a big job that needs specific skill and precision to execute, which is why we recommend using a contractor with quality products such as Colorado Painting. With over 39 years of trusted experience, we are the Denver area’s premier painting contractors, and we assure you that we’ll get the job done right.
Give us a call today or visit our website for a free quote. We guarantee to work until you are satisfied. Also, learn more about how long interior paints last in our additional guides.
