How Often Should You Paint Your House’s Exterior?

Your home's exterior is its first impression, and keeping it fresh and well-maintained is crucial for curb appeal and property value.

However, the frequency you should undertake this task can vary depending on various factors. Exterior painting may be a large job and a big investment for you, so it’s important that you know the factors that determine how often your home needs to be repainted. 

Brush & Roll Painting is a trusted exterior painter in the Omaha area. We have been painting homes with the intention of durability since 1996. Our proven process, 9-year warranty, and the use of high-quality products promise a lasting finish so our customers do not have to pay for new paint every few years.

In this article, we will explore how often you should have the exterior of your house painted. By reading this article, you should be able to gauge when the next time you should have the exterior of your home painted is and how often after.

How Often Should You Paint Your Home?

The amount of time can look different for many homeowners. For some, it could be every 4-6 years, while for others it is 10-15. The amount depends on many considerable factors that we will discuss. 

Factors That Affect the Durability of Your Exterior Paint

Climate and Weather Conditions

One of the primary factors affecting how often you should paint your home's exterior is the climate and weather conditions in your area. In Nebraska, we can occasionally experience extreme weather. These include intense sun exposure, heavy rains, or harsh winters, which can cause paint to deteriorate more quickly. 

After extreme conditions, it is good to check your home for any areas that might need to be repaired. Usually, this can be done with touch-up paint, but if the conditions are severe and have built up with other causes over time, you may need to have your home repainted sooner than expected.

Quality of Previous Exterior Paint 

The quality of the previous paint plays a significant role in determining how often you should repaint your house. If the last paint job uses high-quality paint, it will likely last longer and require less frequent repainting. This is typically about 10-15 years.

On the other hand, if low-quality paint is continued to be used, you may find yourself repainting sooner, potentially every 3-5 years. This is due to the weakness of low-quality paint. 

Preparation of Previous Exterior Paint Job

The amount of preparation before your current paint is applied has a major impact on when you must repaint. 

Cleaning, repairing, caulking, and priming are crucial steps that must be taken before Exterior Painting. Without these steps, paint doesn’t have a good foundation to adhere to. A coat of paint won’t cover up problem areas, they will show through underneath. 

Exterior Caulk Maintenance

The caulk on your home’s exterior is an extremely important factor both before the paint is applied, and the time after. 

To avoid costly damages, you should ensure that your paint and caulk are touched up yearly. If not, the caulk will separate and create gaps. This can lead to water or moisture damage and pest problems. These problems can snowball and increase the need for your home to be repainted sooner than you may want.

Type of Siding On Your Home

The type of siding in your house can also impact the painting frequency. For instance, wood siding may require more frequent painting than vinyl or fiber cement. 

Darker paint colors fade faster than lighter ones due to increased sun exposure. This is especially true if a lower-quality paint was used.  If you opt for a dark color, be prepared to repaint more frequently, depending on the kind of paint you choose.

Exterior Painting Maintenance and Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your home's exterior and addressing any issues promptly, such as peeling or chipping paint, can extend the lifespan of your paint job. 

Neglecting maintenance can lead to the need to repaint sooner. It will cause dirt and grime to be permanently embedded into the paint and look more faded.

Conclusion

To ensure that your exterior paint job lasts longer and retains its beauty, it's crucial to invest in high-quality paint and a well-executed process. While the initial cost may be higher, the durability and protection it provides will ultimately save you time and money in the long run. 

Regular maintenance of the paint and caulk will also contribute to a longer-lasting and more attractive exterior for your home.

Brush & Roll Painting has been striving to provide durable exterior paintwork for years. Our 2, 5, and 9-year exterior painting warranties protect your investment. To start discussing your project, click the button below.

Next, learn about one of the best times of the year for Exterior Painting.