Painting a House Exterior: How Often Should You Do It?

Exterior paint is a huge defining feature of a house. If you don’t believe us, just take a look at some of the colorful Southern houses. But maintaining exterior paint can be a huge job, and it can be tricky to know how often it needs a refresher.

The timeline for painting a house exterior depends on a number of factors. Read on to learn how often you’ll need to repaint the exterior of your home to keep it looking fresh!

How often you need to repaint your house will depend on what material it is made of. Different material will “hold” paint better than others. Depending on your material, the answer could range anywhere from every three years to a whopping twenty years of durability.

If you have wood or aluminum siding, you’ll need to plan on painting (or staining) it every three to seven years. Stucco can last a little longer, at about six to seven years before it needs a new paint job. Cement fiberboard siding and painted brick last the longest, at ten to twenty years between paint jobs.

Another huge factor in how often you need to repaint your house is the place you live. Areas that are sandier or saltier will wear on your paint job more quickly. Living by the beach may have its perks, but exterior paint durability is not one of them.

If you live in a coastal or desert area, where there is a lot of salt and/or sand, you’ll need to keep a closer eye on your paint job. Signs that it’s time for a new coat include exposed patches of a wall, chalky, powdery paint, or paint that is peeling , faded, blistering, or damaged. When these start to show up, it’s time for a new coat.

Of course, you get what you pay for in paint as in everything else. If your house hasn’t been painted since you’ve owned it, there’s no telling what the previous owner did in terms of exterior paint. If they did it themselves with cheap paint, you’ll likely need to do a little more prep work to get something that will last.

When you’re picking your new exterior paint , it may be tempting to choose affordability over quality. But if you’re invested in the long term value of your home, go for the good stuff!

The prospect of tackling painting a house exterior can be a daunting one, but with the right care, it won’t be a job you will have to do too often. Make sure you are getting a quality paint, and know how often your siding will need a refresher. Your home will look crisp and beautiful with the right care.

If you want the best for your home’s exterior paint job, reach out to us at Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction. We are Willamette Valley’s premier painting and construction company. Contact us today to get started on making your home look its best.