Should You Repair Your Roof or Paint Your House First in Omaha?

So, you've made the big decision. The exterior of your house needs some serious TLC, and you're ready to tackle both the roof and the paint job. Good on you! That's like deciding to hit the gym and eat your veggies all in one go. But now you're scratching your head, wondering which project to kick off first. Should you start with the shingles or the siding? It's enough to make you want to put both projects off until one clearly needs it more than the other.

Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we've been helping Omaha homeowners spruce up their homes for 28+ years. We've seen everything from minor touch-ups to complete transformations all over Omaha.

In this article, we're going to explore whether you should repair or replace your roof before painting your home's exterior. We'll walk you through the factors to consider and give you the tools to make the best decision for your home. By the time you're done reading, you'll feel confident and ready to tackle your home improvement plans.

Do You Need To Paint the Exterior Of Your House?

Before we get into the roofing aspect, let's talk paint. A fresh coat of paint isn't just about making your house look pretty (although that's a big part of it). It's about protecting your home from the elements, increasing its value, and even improving energy efficiency. Here's what you need to know:

1. The State of Your Current Exterior House Paint

First things first, take a good look at your home's current paint job. Are you seeing any of these signs?

• Peeling or flaking paint
• Fading or discoloration
• Cracks or gaps in the paint
• Bubbling or blistering
• Chalky residue when you run your hand over it

If you're nodding your head to any of these, it's probably time for a fresh coat. According to the National Association of Home Builders, exterior paint typically lasts about 5-10 years, depending on the quality of paint and your local climate.

2. Dealing with Omaha Weather with Your House

Speaking of climate, let's talk about our lovely Omaha weather. We get to experience all four seasons in their full glory, which is great for variety but can be tough on exterior paint. The freeze-thaw cycles of winter, the scorching summer sun, and those spring and fall storms can all take a toll.

A study by the Paint Quality Institute found that homes in climates with extreme temperatures and high humidity (sound familiar, Omaha?) may need to be painted more frequently. 

3. The Prep Work for Exterior Painting

Here's where things start to get tricky. Proper preparation is crucial for a long-lasting paint job. This includes:

• Cleaning the exterior (power washing your home)
• Scraping and sanding any loose paint
• Repairing any damaged siding or trim
• Caulking gaps and cracks
• Priming bare spots or repairs

Many painters skip out on all of these steps to lower costs, but they can mean the difference between lasting paint and repainting after a few years.

Do You Need To Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Now, let's circle back to that roof. While it might not be as immediately or as easily visible as your paint job, it's arguably even more crucial for protecting your home. Here's what you need to consider:

1. Roof Age and Condition

Most asphalt shingle roofs last about 20-30 years. If your roof is approaching its golden years, it might be time to consider replacement before you call a painter. Signs of an aging roof include:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Sagging areas
• Daylight peeking through your attic
• Granules in the gutters (they look like coarse sand)
• Water stains on your ceilings or walls

2. Roofing Storm Damage

Omaha's weather can be as unpredictable as a coin toss. Those late spring and summer storms can do a number on your roof. 

If your roof has recently taken a beating from Mother Nature, it's crucial to address any damage before painting. Even small leaks can lead to big problems over time, potentially ruining your fresh paint job.

Painting Before or After Roofing

So, how do you balance these two crucial home improvement tasks? Here are some factors to consider:

1. Timing is Everything

If you decide to tackle both your roof and your paint job, timing is key. Ideally, you'd want to repair or replace your roof first, then move on to painting. This way, any potential damage from the roofing work won't affect your fresh paint.

2. Budget Considerations

The average cost to paint a home exterior in Omaha is between $4,000 and $10,000+. Roof repair or replacement, on the other hand, can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to $5,000-$18,000+ or more for a full replacement.

It might be tempting to just slap on a new coat of paint and call it a day. But if your roof is in bad shape, you could end up spending more in the long run on both your roof and potentially your paint job. 

Imagine the frustration of painting your house, only to have water stains appear a few months later because of a leaky roof. 

3. Curb Appeal

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home's curb appeal. But you know what can ruin that faster than a bad call in a Huskers game? A shabby-looking roof.

If your roof is visibly damaged or just plain old, it can detract from even the most beautiful paint job. It's like putting a fancy frame on a damaged picture – it just doesn't quite work.

Painting Your House or Repairing Your Roof

We've covered a lot of ground here, from assessing your current paint and roof condition to the main factors to consider. Now you're armed with all the information you need to make the best decision for your home.

Likely that decision is going to be to repair your roof first if you’re seeing damages, but it’s important to get a roofing company to inspect your roof to get a professional opinion.

Whether you choose to tackle your roof first, dive straight into painting, or coordinate both projects, the most important thing is that you're taking steps to maintain and improve your home. And that's something to be proud of!

Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we're always happy to help Omaha homeowners navigate these tricky decisions. We've seen our fair share of exterior paint in all states of repair, and we're passionate about helping you make your house the best it can be.

When you’re ready to have your exterior painted, click the button below to get a quote, and let's work together to make your home the envy of the neighborhood. 

When hiring anyone for your home projects, it’s important that you are confident in your decision so that you dont make any costly mistakes. Next, click the button below to get your ultimate guide to hiring a painter.