Maintaining the life of your home’s exterior paint is essential in order to preserve its beauty and enhance its curb appeal. From hot summers to wet winters, your home can take a beating all year long, so keeping the outside of your home looking fresh is imperative.
When done properly, exterior painting can last for years. However, if taken for granted or ignored altogether, you will eventually face either the cost of a full repainting or difficulty selling later on down the line.
In this article, we discuss how best to maintain and extend the life of your home’s exterior paint through several simple and practical tips.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Regularly Scheduled Maintenance
- Steps to Extend the Life of Your Home’s Exterior Paint
- Additional Ways to Protect Your Home’s Exterior Paint
- Summary
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The Importance of Regularly Scheduled Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your home’s exterior should be done at least once a year. Keep in mind, a key component of maintenance is simply eyeballing areas of your home to look for new signs of damage.
This approach will help prevent further damage to the paint job, such as cracking, chipping and fading. Additionally, regularly scheduled maintenance will help keep your house looking new and beautiful, so it stands out from other homes in your neighborhood.
Though exterior paint is primarily thought of as an important aesthetic trait of home, well-applied paint also provides an added layer of protection against the harsh elements. The regular checking of your home’s exterior will also help you detect a wide-range of issues early, when it is easier and less-costly to fix.
Paint, in particular, can provide excellent early proof of water intrusion, for example, if you stay abreast of your home’s condition. When paint starts to crack, moisture can seep into the underlying material, causing water intrusion, which can lead to rot and structural damage.
Taking a proactive approach will also increase your confidence and lower your stress levels when assessing the condition of your home and planning for future repairs.
Steps to Extend the Life of Your Home’s Exterior Paint
- Prepare the Exterior Surface
- Select a Quality Exterior Paint
- Prep and Prime the Exterior
- Apply Multiple Coats of Paint
- Protect Your Investment
- Repaint When Needed
1. Prepare the Exterior Surface
Ensure your home’s exterior is free from dirt, dust, and debris before starting any outdoor painting project.
When painting the exterior of your home, preparation is critical. Before breaking out the brushes and paint cans, you’ll want to ensure that the surface is clean and free from any dirt or debris that could compromise the quality of your paint job. This means thoroughly power washing the exterior and scrubbing any stubborn grime by hand.
You’ll also need to inspect the surface for any cracks or imperfections that could affect the finished product. Patching or sealing cracks is best done during periods of pristine weather, as you will have time to research and test the best products and methods for your situation. Conducive weather will also allow you to patch imperfections patiently and thoroughly, as you will want to prevent recurring issues, such as water intrusion.
Taking the time to properly prepare your home’s exterior surface will ensure a beautiful result and help extend the life of your paint job.
2. Select a Quality Exterior Paint
Choose a quality paint designed to last longer and provide superior protection from the elements.
Choosing the right exterior paint can be daunting, given the numerous options available in the market. The obvious first step in selecting an outdoor paint is to opt for paint specifically designed for exterior use to withstand harsh weather conditions and protect your home from damage. However, not all exterior paints are created equal, so selecting the right one requires careful consideration.
With research and guidance from a painting expert, you can find a paint that will last years and maintain its appearance without fading or peeling. Investing in superior-quality exterior paint will enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect its beauty for years.
When considering cost tradeoffs, keep in mind that higher quality paints will typically cost more. Higher upfront costs can be warranted with a better-looking and longer-lasting finished product that will be easier to maintain.
In general, a high-quality outdoor paint will have a high level of pigmentation, provide better coverage, hide imperfections, and resist fading and chalking.
3. Prep and Prime the Exterior
Properly prep and prime the surface of your home to ensure that the paint adheres correctly and lasts for its total life expectancy.
When painting the exterior of your home, prepping and priming are also crucial steps that should be approached diligently. Properly preparing the surface will ensure that the paint adheres effectively and lasts as long as possible. This means taking the time to clean, repair, and patch any areas that need attention before applying a coat of primer.
When selecting a primer, choosing one suitable for the surface material and the type of paint you plan to use is essential. By taking the necessary steps to prep and prime your home’s exterior, you ensure a professional-looking finish and prolong the life of your paint job.
4. Apply Multiple Coats of Paint
Multiple coats of paint are better as they will provide better coverage and durability over time.
Applying more than one coat may seem like a hassle or unnecessary, but the result is well worth it. Not only do multiple coats provide a fuller and more even coverage, but they also lead to increased durability over time. By layering the paint, you create a barrier that protects your walls from scratches, marks, stains, and general wear and tear.
Plus, the color will stay more vibrant for longer. So, don’t shy away from applying multiple coats – it’s an investment in the longevity and quality of your paint job!
5. Protect Your Investment
Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your home’s exterior in good condition: pressure wash or clean off any dirt, dust, or debris buildup every few months.
As a homeowner, protecting your investment should always be a top priority. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring that your home’s exterior remains in good condition for years.
One of the most effective ways to maintain the outside of your home is by pressure washing or cleaning off any dirt, dust, or debris buildup. According to painting professionals at Groovy Hues:
“About once a year, it’s a good practice to pressure wash your home to remove the accumulation of surface dirt.”
Doing so keeps your home looking its best and prevents damage that can occur over time. With just a little effort, you can help protect your investment and ensure that your home continues to be a source of pride and security for you and your family.
6. Repaint When Needed
As time passes, you may need to repaint the exterior of your home to maintain its appearance and protect it from further damage caused by weathering or other factors.
Maintaining the appearance of your home is of utmost importance, and repainting the exterior is a crucial aspect of ensuring its longevity. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause damage that not only detracts from the visual appeal of your home but can also lead to structural issues down the line. By repainting when needed, you refresh the look of your home and create an additional layer of protection against the elements.
Trusting a professional to handle the job ensures that the final result is one that not only looks great but offers maximum benefit in terms of protection and longevity. Don’t wait until signs of wear and tear are too obvious. Instead take the necessary steps to paint your home when needed and ensure its beauty and durability for years to come.
Additional Ways to Protect Your Home’s Exterior Paint
When thinking of the long-term protection of both your home and its exterior paint, there are many creative methods to consider when focusing on harsh sunlight and heavy rainfall.
In fact these two natural elements can work in tandem to cause extensive damage to your home. For example, harmful UV rays can cause cracks in various parts of your home, including previously waterproofed surfaces, where rainfall and water runoff can enter afterward.
- Ways to Protect Your Home Against Harsh Sunlight
- Ways to Protect Your Home Against Heavy Rainfall & Water Damage
Ways to Protect Your Home Against Harsh Sunlight
Methods of protecting your home against prolonged periods of harsh sunlight typically relate to improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Here are a few techniques to consider that will provide extra protection against the sun that will, in parallel, reduce your energy bills:
Shade Trees
As the name implies, the right types of trees can provide valuable shade during the hottest and sunniest months of the year that will prolong the vibrancy and life of your exterior paint. As can be expected, the interior of your home will be cooler, as a result as well.
When choosing to plant trees on your property always research to understand the risks and dangers that each type of tree may represent in relation to your home.
Retractable Screens
Another convenient and effective method of providing protective shade for your home is to install retractable screens that can block harmful and oppressive sunlight, enclosing areas such as decks, balconies, and patios.
Image courtesy of Pro Builder
Shade Sails
Shade sails are another popular method of generating shade for one’s home to make indoor-outdoor living more comfortable, while protecting the exterior of your home from damaging sunrays.
Ways to Protect Your Home Against Heavy Rainfall & Water Damage
- Clear Rain Gutters & Drains
- Waterproof Your Decks and Balconies
- Make Sure Your Windows are Well-Sealed
Clear Rain Gutters & Drains
The gutters and drains around your home play a critical role in redirecting water away from your home during rainstorms. During periods of heavy rainfall, these vital passageways can become clogged with debris, causing water to flow where it was not intended to go, including pooling at the base of your house.
To prevent this, be sure to clear your gutters and drains regulary. Some jobs, especially those involving drains, may require a professional.
Waterproof Your Decks and Balconies
The impact of sunlight and water can lead to devastating damage of decks and balconies over time. UV rays during summer months can cause cracks and breaks in the waterproofing system’s surface, leading to water intrusion and subsequent damage to the areas below. Water damage can then lead to structural failure if not detected and remedied soon enough.
When addressing water intrusion issues, especially when waterproofing decks and balconies, we always recommend hiring a waterproofing specialist, as the risks are too great otherwise.
Make Sure Your Windows and Doors are Well-Sealed
Another essential step to protect your home during periods of heavy rainfall is to seal your windows and doors. Heavy rainfall can cause water to seep through the small gaps in your home’s structure, leading to water damage and mold growth, and in severe cases, structural damage.
Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed using weather-stripping, caulking, and other types of sealants to remedy exposed gaps.
Summary
Maintaining your home’s exterior paint is vital not only for appearances but for its longevity. Regular maintenance, such as pressure washing and cleaning off dirt, dust, and debris buildup, will help keep the surface looking great. Taking the time to prepare, prime, and paint your house with materials that are meant to last can save you money and help maintain the life of your paint.
When the time comes that your home needs a fresh coat of paint, make sure to do it with quality paint and steady strokes to get the best results possible. Caring for your home’s exterior can be daunting, but following these simple steps will help ensure your home remains pristine for years.
Recommended Curb Appeal & Home Maintenance Reading
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- 4 Ways to Maximize Your Home’s Value
- Want a Tough House that Looks Great? Try Engineered Wood Siding!
- Need a New Roof? Why You Should Give Solar Shingles a Chance!
- 10 Best YouTube Channels for First-Time Homeowners
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