How Often Should You Repaint Your House?

Have you noticed your home’s paint job isn’t looking as pristine as it once did? It can be difficult to tell when is a good time to repaint. Factors like the type of material, location, damage from the elements, and many others all affect how long each coat will last.

So, how often should you repaint your house? Read on for a guide on how long each coat of paint should last.

How Often Should You Repaint Your House’s Exterior?

The exterior of your house should be repainted at least once every 5 to 10 years. The actual timespan depends on a number of factors.

Surface Material

The type of exterior surface at your home affects how long the paint will last. Every home is different, but here are some general guidelines to follow.

Wood siding requires a paint job every 3-7 years. Aluminum siding requires one every 5 years. Stucco paint jobs last about 5-6 years.

The Previous Paint Job

Knowing the details of the previous paint job can help you make your decision as well. If you’ve owned your home for a while, you probably have this information. However, if you’ve just bought your house, it can be helpful to find out information like:

• The types of paint used
• The quality of paint
• The number of coats applied
• The color of the paint
• The time of year the paint job was completed, or the amount of sun

You may be wondering how some of these factors could possibly affect paint longevity. Well, if the house was painted during a warm season, it’ll cure more evenly and therefore last longer. Multiple coats of high-quality paint, preferably in a lighter color, will also increase longevity.

These are just some of the factors to consider when choosing to revamp your exterior painting. It’s a good investment to hire a painter that knows how to extend the lifespan of your paint job.

Weather

Weather matters not only when the paint is curing, but also after it dries. Depending on where you live, your paint will react differently to the surrounding elements.

Direct, intense sunlight can cause the paint to fade or bubble. Meanwhile, harsh winters can result in premature aging of your paint job.

Determining Whether You Need to Repaint

So, how often should you repaint your house? Why should you care if your paint job is nearing the end of its lifespan? It doesn’t affect the quality of the house, right?

Not exactly. Cracking, peeling, and gaps in the paint can be problematic as they can cause moisture damage to your home. This can cause serious issues with the structural integrity of your home.

Also, if you’re looking to resell, a paint job is a great way to increase curb appeal, and can drastically raise the value of your home. Browse more articles on our blog for more home improvement suggestions and tips!