How Long Does Exterior Paint Last?

Get the job done right the first time to make the exterior paint of a house last as long as possible. A house can go five to ten years without a new coat of paint, depending on the original paint quality and the location of the house. Many factors can also lengthen the lifespan of the paint. Find detailed descriptions below that will help homeowners enjoy their home’s exterior for years to come.

Signs That a Home’s Exterior Needs a Fresh Coat

A painted house exterior will give homeowners signs that a new coat is needed to protect the materials underneath. Chips, cracks, and fading serve as clear indicators that the time has come to paint a home’s exterior. Let’s examine the three most common signs that a house exterior needs a fresh coat

Chipped Paint

When the exterior paint starts to peel off or chip, it means that the elements have taken a toll on the house's outer walls. The paint quality can also act as a determining factor in how quickly the paint chips off. When paint flakes from the home’s exterior walls, it exposes the layers underneath to the sun, mildew, and dry rot.

Cracked and Split Caulk

Caulk seals open spaces between exterior elements, protecting them from moisture seepage and other damages. Caulk can crack over time and lose its elasticity, which means it no longer serves its purpose.

Fading Colors

The paint on the outer walls of the house fades after years of exposure to direct sunlight. If the house enjoys some shade from tall trees, this may provide some protection against fading. However, shaded houses in wooded areas might need regular maintenance to keep the moisture under control. Darker paints also tend to fade faster under the sun’s powerful rays than lighter paints do.

How Often Does a Home’s Exterior Require Painting?

How often a home’s exterior needs painting will depend on several factors, including the substrate. Home exteriors can consist of many different materials, including metal, wood, stucco, and brick. See how the paint holds up on each type of material below.

Metal Siding

The average lifespan of metal sidings ranges from 40 to 70 years with proper care and maintenance. Some popular choices for metal sidings include aluminum and steel. Carry out an exterior paint project on metal sidings every ten years to refresh the surface and give the house a new look.

Wood Siding

Made from organic materials, wood siding needs more attention and care than metal. As a general rule of thumb, wood sidings require a fresh coat of paint every three to seven years. Keep a lookout for old, peeling paint because the wood can rot due to exposure to the elements. A freshly painted house with wood siding improves curb appeal and adds charm to residential neighborhoods.

Stucco

As an energy-efficient material, stucco has become a popular choice for homeowners. Stucco houses can remain unpainted and still withstand the inclement weather. However, many people still like to paint their stucco walls regularly for aesthetic reasons.

Experts recommend painting stucco houses every five to ten years. Different factors, like climate or the quality of a previous painting job, can determine the timetable for the next paint project. Aging stucco walls can develop cracks which will compromise the structure of the house if left unattended.

Brick

A brick exterior house requires repainting every three to five years. Painting brick walls poses a risk of trapping moisture inside the brick. Humidity from the mortar can travel to the brick with no avenue of escape. This can lead to the deterioration of the brick from within. Consulting with the experts will save brick homeowners a lot of trouble.

Preparations for a Long-Lasting Exterior Paint Job

A long-lasting paint project demands careful planning and organization. Many factors, such as surface prep or paint choice will determine how long the exterior paint lasts. The following tips and tricks will prolong the paintwork by at least a few more years.

Power Wash the House

The first step for an exterior painting project involves a thorough wash of the house. A good power washing session will remove debris, flaking paint, and any dirt that lies on the surface. The power wash will make the surfaces smoother, clearing all dust particles so that the paint adheres to the walls.

Choose a Professional Painting Contractor

Perform research to pick the best painting contractor in the area. Ask neighbors and family members for recommendations or check out sites like Yelp and Angie’s List.

Verify that the painting contractor possesses a license and insurance before signing any agreement. Contractor licenses and bonds serve the public interest by ensuring that painting contractors perform the work according to code.

Surface Preparation

After a thorough power wash, prepare the surface of the walls to ensure a long-lasting finish. Surface preparation includes sanding, caulking gaps, and smoothing the grooves for a clean look. Wash fascia boards with a mild detergent so the new paint sticks on well. Remember to layer a coat of primer on wood sidings before applying fresh paint.

Purchase Good Quality Paint

Investing in good quality paint saves time and money in the long run. Whether one chooses dark or light colors, exterior paint needs to handle extreme heat, humidity, and cold. Invest in premium paint for outer walls because they remain exposed to harsh weather conditions all year long.

Exterior paint also serves the purpose of protecting the rest of the house and enhancing the property’s curb appeal. Repainting the house because an affordable paint choice started to chip after a few years is something all homeowners want to avoid.

What Is the Lifespan for Exterior Paint? | Groovy Hues

Now that you know what you should do to get the most out of your exterior paint, start by contacting a professional painting contractor. At Groovy Hues, our painting experts know how to get the best performance from exterior paint. Call us at (844) 394-8660 to schedule a free consultation today!