How long does exterior paint last? Usually 5-10 years, however there are numerous factors that go into the longevity of your house’s exterior paint. Prevailing weather conditions in your area and the surface beneath play a huge role in how long your exterior paint job lasts.
Your house is a big investment and whole-house exterior paint jobs aren’t cheap. The last thing you’d want to do is spend a lot of money on recurring paint jobs because of poor preparation. Proper preparation is everything. It’s recommended you leave it to the professionals to get the best quality paint job that will ensure your exterior paint job is durable, looks great, and most importantly – saves you money.
How Durable Depends On The Kind Of Surface
All homes are different, so it’s difficult to say how does exterior paint last for your home. Where you live, the general climate of your area, and how well your last paint job was done can change up the timeline significantly.
Not only this, the kind of surface your home’s exterior is made of plays a factor as well. There are many different kinds of surfaces a house can be made of, but here’s a general overview to help give you an idea of how often you’ll need to paint your house exterior based on the surface type:
- Wood siding – every 3 to 7 years (4 if your siding is stained)
- Brick – every 8 to 17 years
- Stucco – every 5 to 12 years
- Aluminum – every 5 years
- New or mixed materials – every 7 to 12 years
The Previous Paint Job
So you’ve just rented or bought your new home, the only problem is how do you know when the last time the property was painted to be able to tell when you’ll need to repaint? The type, quality, and even color of the paint used speaks a lot towards the durability of your house’s exterior paint, and the timeline for which it’ll need to be painted so it’s important information to get. To better gauge your exterior paint situation, in general, high quality paints in lighter hues last longest.
Take Note Of The Climate Of Your Area
When determining how long does your exterior paint last, climate (the element outside of your control) is the most important factor. Sunlight, wind, extremely hot or cold temperatures, dramatic temperature fluctuations, snow or rain, and proximity to the ocean all influence wear and tear to some degree. Getting an idea of your general area’s climate can help inform you on how to go about your exterior paint project to ensure it looks great, and more importantly, is long-lasting.
Paint Quality Matters Big Time
One of the most important factors to ensuring the most long-lasting exterior paint job is choosing the highest quality paint. Typically, the best choice for exteriors is acrylic latex paint because it’s the most versatile of the types, being able to be applied over water- and oil-based primers. The great thing about acrylic latex paint is that it doesn’t mildew as often as oil-based paints, as well as emit fewer VOCs, making them more environmentally friendly.
Oil-based paints, however, do have their advantages over acrylic paint. One advantage in particular is that oil-based paints repel water and resists wear and abrasion better than acrylic paints can. It’s also a good option for high traffic areas of the house like hand rails and steps.
Power Washing
Over time, your house exterior picks up a lot of dirt and grime, which can leave your house looking much older and worn down than it actually is. Having a clean surface is also an important step in properly preparing your house exterior to be painted. Instead of getting up there and scrubbing by hand, it’s highly recommended to go with power washing instead. Power washing is a great and affordable way to get off not only dirt and grime, but cracking, peeling, and blistering as well! Because power washing deals with using high water pressure which could potentially be a safety issue, it’s recommended to stick with the professionals to ensure the best and safest outcome.
Proper Preparation
Proper preparation is key to ensuring your exterior paint job comes out smooth, durable, and great looking. As mentioned before, power washing is a great way to get rid of unwanted dirt, grime, cracking, peeling, and blistering – all things that can ruin your exterior paint job. Make sure your surface is smooth and clean, but most importantly dry before you start painting. All these steps will ensure that your exterior paint job stands the test of time.
Allow Paint To Cure Fully Between Coats
Be sure to allow the paint enough time to properly cure between coats. It’s important to make sure temperature and weather conditions are right for the paint to cure properly. Check the paint manufacturer’s instructions for the most optimal conditions for curing. Doing this will extend the life of your exterior paint.
Regular Maintenance
It’s a good idea to check your house exterior for signs of wear and tear every few months to get an idea of when you’ll need to repaint next. Check for signs of cracking, tearing, peeling, blistering, and mildew and repair as needed. If you need help, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.
Make Sure Professional Painters Are Licensed, Bonded, And Insured
It’s recommended you find professional painters who are not only licensed, bonded, and insured, but also well known in your area for providing quality work and exceptional customer service. Accidents can happen, even with the most experienced painters (though less than likely), and you want to make sure that you and your property are covered.
