Improving a home’s curb appeal does not have to cost a fortune. There are many options that won’t break the bank. Some include installing a new front door or planting flowers; both make a home stand out. Another inexpensive option is applying a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. Enhancing or freshening up the color of the exterior is the most noticeable change to any home.  Keeping that look requires some maintenance.

Is It Time to Repaint?

How long you can go before another coat of paint is applied is dependent upon the following factors.

Location

If you live in a sunny and warm region the paint color on your house tends to fade faster over time. Darker colors will appear lighter. A beach home will require frequent paint jobs because the salt from the water, sand, and sun tend to deteriorate it more quickly. Sun damage can also cause the paint to bubble. If your home is in a colder climate, you can wait a little longer between repainting. Harsh winters, snow, and wind do cause the paint to lose its luster, however If you’re in the Carmel, Indiana area, you have a combination of these climates, so repainting every 5-7 years is the norm.

Surface

The type of surface or materials on the exterior of a home is a major factor in determining how often it should be painted.

• Wood surfaces should be painted every 3-4 years or stained every 4 years.
• Aluminum siding can go 5 years before a new paint job is needed.
• A paint job on cement fiberboard siding can last 10 to 15 years.
• Stucco should be painted every 5 to 6 years.
• Brick, if painted, can last 15 to 20 years. A good cleaning will do if not painted.

Quality of Last Paint Job

Was your last paint job a DIY bust? Or did the painting contractor do an inferior job? If the previous coatings of paint on your home’s exterior did not adhere properly, a new paint job is due. Proper surface preparation, paint quality, and application all contribute to a smooth, long-lasting painted exterior.

HOA/Historic District

The by-laws of your homeowners’ association can determine how often you need to paint the exterior of your home. Living in a historic district often means abiding by strict rules. Historic homes also require more work because of their age. Approval is often required by a commission to do exterior painting. More importantly, if a home was built before 1978, lead paint may have been used. Re-painting is necessary and should be performed by an EPA Lead Certified Contractor, such as Walla Painting.

Keeping Your Paint Job Looking Good Longer

To maintain the fresh look of your exterior paint, a few basic steps are necessary.

1. Prep for Exterior Painting

Preparation before a surface is painted can make the difference in longevity and appearance. Surfaces must be cleaned and sanded. You need to inspect for any cracks, rotting, mildew or mold and remediate, if necessary. Holes need to be filled and sealed. All surfaces must be smooth and primed for the paint to adhere properly.

2. Use the Right Paint

High quality paint can be expensive, but it costs more to repaint in a couple years if you use inferior paint.

3. Keep It Clean

To keep a paint job looking good longer requires a little Pressure washing the exterior of your home removes the dirt accumulated from the elements. However, you should be cautious with high-pressure sprays because they could cause the paint to chip and damage the surface. Sometimes just brushing away loose dirt and washing with a garden hose will do the trick. Inspect your house for loose caulking, peeling/cracked paint, and rotting wood. Fix these issues immediately to prevent further damage.

Hire the Right Painting Contractor

To get a long-lasting exterior paint job, hire a trusted and reliable contractor. Walla Painting is a locally owned business that specializes in residential home painting. We’ve won the Angie’s List Super Service Award winner for the past eight years. We are here to serve the Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers and McCordsville homeowners. We offer residential interior and exterior painting, as well as cabinets and trim painting. We’d love to paint your home! Contact us for a free estimate for your next painting request.