As much as we would love paint to last forever, it doesn’t. Just as you have to replace your windows or doors, you’ll also have to replace that decade-old paint job. However, while there are the obvious signs such as the peeling or chipping of paint, there are also not-so-obvious signs that it’s time to repaint your house. If you’re not sure what you should be looking out for, then keep reading to find out when it’s time to repaint your house:
The paint is peeling, bubbling, and/or cracking
If your paint is peeling, bubbling, and/or cracking, that’s means one of two things: that your paint wasn’t applied properly, or that you’re dealing with dry rot, wet rot, and/or mold. If it’s the latter, that means years of rain, harsh sunlight, and wind has finally taken its toll, and you’ll have to take extra steps in order to rid your home of the rot or mold.
The paint has faded
No matter what you do, paint will fade over time. This is largely due to sun bleaching, but if you find faded paint on the shady side of your house, this could be a sign of water intrusion. Check to see if there are any water stains to determine if there’s a water leak anywhere in or around your house.
Or the paint has color morphed
Just as sunlight can cause paint to fade, it can also cause it to morph into a different shade or a different color entirely. For example, beige can turn into pink with enough exposure to sunlight. To prevent this from happening again, make sure you repaint your house with exterior grade paint that can withstand the effects of the sun’s UV rays.
The caulk has hardened or cracked
The change in seasons is going to make your house expand and contract. Caulk is meant to expand and contract with it, but after so many seasons, your house’s caulk will begin to lose its elasticity. If you find your house’s caulk is brittle, has cracks in it, or has hardened entirely, then it’s time to re-caulk and repaint your house.
The stucco is cracked
Check the stucco around your windows and along your foundation. If you notice cracks, it’s time to repaint. Patching stucco cracks alongside repainting your house is usually the most cost-effective solution, as otherwise you might be left with streaks or a patchwork that doesn’t match your paint color.
There’s gapping or shrinking
Take a look at the boards along your home’s exterior—are there gaps or noticeable signs of shrinking? If so, this could mean moisture has seeped into your home’s wood and caused dry rot. Anytime there’s a sign of dry rot, you’ll want to fix the problem immediately and then repaint your home as soon as possible.
Time has passed
Just because you don’t see any of the above signs doesn’t mean it isn’t time to repaint your home. In fact, repainting your home within a reasonable timeframe will prevent many of these signs from occurring in the first place. As a general rule of thumb, your home should be painted every five to ten years, but other areas of your home may need to be touched up sooner. Wood surfaces, for example, need to be repainted every three to seven years, aluminum should be repainted every five years, and stucco should be repainted every five to six years.
If you find any of these signs on your home, then your house is telling you that it’s time for a new paint job. So, if you’re in Southern California and need someone to repaint your house, be sure to contact Richard Stewart Painting to see how we can make your house look like new again.
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