How to Tell if the Exterior of your Home Needs to be Painted?

painting contractor

Assuming that you have been living in that house for quite some time and you are kind of planning to apply Exterior Painting. The question you should be asking is when is the right time to paint or not. But if you aren’t knowledgeable, how then will you know that it’s time for painting? Well, several signs can indicate the need to repaint your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t pay attention to these signs and they end up encountering further damages which may cause them a lot of money during the repair.

However, you are the lucky one now that you have decided to take measures in advance. So, we shall look at how to tell if the exterior of your home needs to be painted, how to hire an Exterior Painting agency and the basics about Exterior Painting. 

Signs that your exterior home needs painting

However, much you may have spent on your exterior painting, you discover that with time, the color may fade away. Moreover, you’ll notice other changes on your house exterior and they could be a sign that you should be getting ready to paint the home. Briefly, heavier mildew buildup, peeling paint, fading colors, chalking paint, splitting calk, and rotten wood could indicate a need to apply exterior painting.

Discolored or fading paint

Have a look at the side of your wall that faces the south side, what do you see? Over time of research, we have discovered that paints on walls facing the south side often fade away with time due to the effect of the sun. Moreover, the shady areas may also begin fading away simply because your vapor barrier isn’t responsive anymore. Furthermore, there may be a water leak somewhere that needs to be attended to.

However, if you don’t know what’s exactly causing the fading or decolorization of the wall, you may need to consult an Exterior Painting contractor. They can help you to identify the major cause of the problems. But if the cause is linked to the UV rays, then repainting the wall can save you from spending extra repair costs. But this time around, ensure you choose exterior grade paint capable of withstanding UV effects.

Exposed bare wood

If you have house made of wood, then you’ll discover that over time, the wood may get exposed. Before you start questioning what could have happened to the paint you applied well, you should be happy that the paint protects your wood for this long. The good thing about exterior paints is ideal for protecting the material used to the hose and also makes the house have an amazing look.

Often, the paint will act as the first defense against all external factors, so when you see your wood getting exposed, then you’ll need to paint it as soon as possible to avoid incurring further maintenance and repair costs. 

Peeling paint

Probably this one of the major signs that many of us know but some still ignore it while waiting for other signs. The moment you start noticing flaking, cracking, peeling, or chipping paint, then you should know that your paint can’t hold it anymore. Often, the presence of moisture under your paint can be the major cause of peeling paint and as time goes by and the paint becomes looser, mildew and molds will develop under the paint.

If not attended to in time, then there is a high chance that the wood in that area will begin to rot which can cause further structural damage. Instead of dealing with structural maintenance, why don’t you begin by removing the peeling paints and then repaint your exterior house? At least it will make the home look new again. 

Chalky residue

By running your hand over the paint, you may notice chalky residue on your hand. If you don’t, then your walls are in good condition and there is no need for repainting. However, if you notice chalk like a residue, then don’t want to wait any longer because it’s the right time to paint your home again as the paint is deteriorating. Delaying the process may cause the paint to lose its color and that amazing look on your wall. Therefore, we suggest that you don’t be sorry later because this is the right time to make things right.

Outdated colors

We don’t know the last time you painted your house but sometimes you’ll realize that it’s only your paint color that looks outdated in the neighborhood. Well, we know you are not appointing your house to please others but at least you need to be up to date. There are paints that were used in the 1980s, surely, with the increased technology, we don’t expect people to have walls with such paints.

The major reason why you need to paint your home exterior walls when they have outdated color is to make them look new and increase the home value. Buyers can be interested in your house and you can sell it at an amazing price. Look around, talk to exterior painting agencies, you’ll get the most current paints that will be ideal for your home. 

 exterior paint job

Personal preference

Unfortunately, some of us have to wait for the exterior painting to wear out before they can repaint them, well, here is a challenge for such people. You may have a preference, perhaps you need a change in your exterior decoration. This is the time when you can think of painting your house with the paint color of your choice.

Generally, you’ll discover that several paint colors in the market can match your exterior decoration desire. So, take your time, think critically, and choose one that will not only amaze you but also your family. 

Presence of Gaps or shrinks

The boards on your home may begin shrinking or at times you may notice gaps between the boards. However, this could be caused by dry rot that resulted from the moisture accumulated on the exterior wall surface. The truth is that your eye isn’t wrong; it’s alerting you that you need to prepare for the repainting task. 

It’s long since the last painting job

You don’t have to wait for signs to repaint your home because you may have to incur extra costs. If the house was constructed or painted five years ago, then you need to take some measures. During construction, painters often spray a single coat of paint, so, you can call a professional painter to paint the work after 5 years or you can do it yourself if you have got experience. 

If you don’t repaint your house, what will happen? 

Mildew and Mold Growth

Failing to repaint your exterior house can result in extended growth of mold and mildew. It’s also important to understand that mold is a living organism and failing to kill it will give it a chance to keep growing and destroying your house. If they grow under your cracked paint, they will expand over time. In such cases, a regular garden horse may not remove the mold and mildew you’ll need a sprayer having a power washer plus a mixture of chemicals. 

Home damage

If your house is made of wood and you fail to paint it when necessary, then they will be exposed to and certainly, start to rot. Therefore, the integrity of your house will be compromised. Failing to take immediate action can cause the wood to continue rotting which will force you to carry out a bigger repair, you know what that will cost you, time, resources, and energy. So, it would be better if you take action when you begin noticing signs that your exterior house needs repainting. 

How often should you repaint the exterior of your house?

In most areas we have been dealing with, you discover that homeowners leave their house for more than ten years before they think of repainting them. In the long run, it has caused them some extra repair and maintenance costs. Therefore, it’s ideal to know the exact period that the paint can stay while still maintaining that beautiful look of your exterior wall facing the entrance.

If you used regular or low-quality paints, then you should take approximately 5 years before you can repaint it. However, if you invested in high-end paints, then it can stay 8 or more years before you can repaint it. Generally, it may be troublesome to find an exterior painting that can last up to 10 years but if the wall doesn’t receive much sun or water, then it can also stay for quiet sometimes. 

When should you paint the exterior of your house?

As much as you are interested in knowing the signs that your house requires painting, it’s also ideal to know when it needs to be painted. Because you are uninformed, the painting contractor can do shoddy work so it’s ideal to have information to ensure your paint lasts longer. 

Moisture: One rule of successful painting is to ensure you don’t apply paint on an area that’s being rained on. However, when it’s rainy but the wall surface is dry, then you want to have any problem. When you apply the paint on a wall with a 50% Relative humidity level, then the paint may take too long to dry. 

Temperature: before you begin painting your house, you should know that temperature affects the curing process. When the surface gets direct sun, then the surface may end up with unappealing waves and ripples making your house look awkward. Moreover, when the surface temperature is below 34-37 degrees F, probably, the paint will not dry.

Time and season: the best time to apply exterior painting is late morning when the dew has evaporated and mid-afternoon to allow the paint to dry effectively. Summer could be the best season to paint the exterior of your house. Moreover, early Fall and late spring could also be ideal as there is minimal temperature spike

painting the exterior of the home

How to hire an exterior painting contractor

If you do not like DIY painting or if you lack painting experience, then it’s ideal to hire a painting expert to help you. The major challenge is that getting the best painting contractor has never been easy bearing in mind that there are a lot of them around you and in the city. So, without proper guidance, you may pay inexperienced painters that may do unpleasant work or damage your materials. So, below are a few tips to help you find the best painting contractor.

Request painting estimate

As much as you need your house to look great again, you don’t have to spend all the money in your bank account. What we mean is that you should choose the best painter who can do an amazing job at affordable costs. When you have a lot of options to make, then you can go ahead and request a painting estimate which includes labor, paint, material, and project timeframe.

By paying upfront, you’ll be safe as no issues will arise later. You should also find out if the pressure washing and caulking cost is included in the budget estimate. By so doing, you can know the exact amount required and choose a painting contractor that falls under your budget. 

Check the painter’s credentials

We believe you don’t want to risk anything and in case of damages caused by the painter; you’ll not be ready for covering that cost. So, how do you stay safe? Well, the first task is to check if they have a valid license and permit following your state requirements. For example if you live in Woodland, CA you would do a google search for Exterior Painting Woodland CA and look for the highest reviewed painting contractor. Moreover, the painter must also have valid insurance that can be handy when he/she gets injured while doing your job. Also, in the situation of property damage ding painting, their insurance should cover for the cost. By so doing, you could save a lot of unexpected damage costs. 

Understand what is required of you

Yes, you need a professional painter, are you willing to cooperate? Without proper communication and cooperation, even professionals may not deliver the best. Therefore, it’s ideal to find out what they require if you as far as preparation is concerned. If you have to move some of your furniture or prone some trees that may hinder his work, then you should be willing to cooperate. By knowing the amount of work required for you, you can choose a painter that will let you do less work but still perform beyond exemption. 

What is the payment plan?

When you award a painter a contract, they will need upfront payment, say 10-50%, or even more, can you make it up to them? Moreover, some painters may expect you to pay the whole cost before they begin work. Generally, that can be a big mistake. So, narrow down a painter with low upfront payments and only pay the rest when the work is completely done.