Do I need to repaint my home exterior? Factors of lifespan and benefits

Taking care of your home is like taking care of your car. If any broken parts are neglected, you’re going to notice your car not working as efficiently as it should, and it’s going to fail you eventually.

When your windows or doors are broken and aren’t working properly, you will typically notice through daily use. But what about the paint on the exterior of your house? 

Repainting your house might not seem like a maintenance priority. However, there are several benefits to keeping up with your home exterior paint.

Maintaining your home's exterior paint helps take care of the siding, providing a seal to repel moisture. Depending on the material of your siding, there are various problems that a repaint will deter. 

Southwest Exteriors is a local exterior expert for over 30 years, specializing in siding replacements and exterior painting. Our professional design consultants, project managers, installers, and painters have seen what damage can occur if you neglect your exterior. 

This article will detail the lifespan of the paint on your home’s exterior as well as the benefits of repainting your siding. 

After reading, you will know how long your paint lasts, as well as what to look for to know when you should repaint your exterior. 

How long does exterior paint last?

Depending on the brand and type of paint, application, color, and type of siding on your home, the paint will have a different lifespan. 

For the average San Antonio home, you should typically repaint your exterior every seven years, depending on these factors. 

Brand and type of paint used

The brand and type of paint are one of the largest factors that will determine how long your paint will last. 

Like any other product you purchase, a less expensive, low-quality paint will not last as long as a high-quality exterior paint. 

Sherwin-Williams Duration and BEHR Premium plus are some of the top-rated exterior paints. 

Another aspect of paint quality is whether or not the contractor you choose waters down the paint. This is a tactic used by some contractors to save money on paint. 

If a cheap or watered-down paint is used, it will only last a few years before it starts chipping, cracking, peeling, or fading. 

Along with the brand and quality of the paint, how it is applied will influence how long it will last.

Application of the paint

Installation and application processes are among the most important factors that determine the lifespan of any home improvement project. 

If a high-quality exterior paint is applied poorly, the result will not be the most appealing, which will cause you to invest in a repaint sooner than anticipated.

The best practices for an exterior paint application are first to apply one coat of quality primer and allow it to dry overnight before applying the topcoat. 

A sprayer should be used to apply the primer and topcoat for most of the siding and small brushes and hand rollers around the edges and trim. 

A sprayer is recommended over rollers for the siding because when rollers are used, they disperse the paint and pick some product back up when they are rolled back and forth. This can cause the paint to appear patchy and uneven. 

A patchy paint job will not give your home the appearance you wish, and you will more than likely want to repaint the exterior very soon. 

Each type of paint must also be applied to the proper mil or thickness. If the paint is not applied to the proper mil, it can fade quickly. 

Color of paint

It might be surprising to learn that the color of paint you choose will affect the paint’s lifespan. However, the science behind it is simple. 

Darker colored paint, like black, grays, and navy blues, will not last as long as lighter-colored paint. This is because dark objects absorb light rather than reflecting it as light colors do. 

This means that dark paint on your exterior will fade quicker because it is constantly absorbing sunlight. Excess sunlight can also cause the paint to crack, peel, and blister. 

Type of siding

The type of siding on your home is the final factor that will influence the lifespan of the exterior paint. 

High-quality fiber cement siding allows for your paint to last for 15-20 years. This type of siding is one of the best recommended for Texas homes as it is long-lasting and can withstand the harsh climate. 

Paint on wood or masonite siding does not last as long as paint on fiber cement. When wood is painted over, the paint absorbs and bonds into the wood. This means that the paint can unevenly absorb into the wood over time and cause it to appear patchy.

Paint on stucco siding will also absorb into the siding over time. 

For all types of siding, the paint will start to crack, blister, peel after its lifespan is up. These are the most common signs that it is time for a repaint. The older your siding is as well will shorten the lifespan of the paint.

Now that you know the factors that influence the lifespan of exterior paint and signs to look for that indicate it’s time for a repaint, what are the benefits of repainting your siding?

Why you should repaint your exterior when the time is up

Maintaining the paint on your exterior and repainting it when you notice cracking, peeling, blistering, or fading helps maintain your siding. 

Paint adds an extra protective seal on your siding that helps to keep out water. When the paint starts to crack or chip, it can allow water to infiltrate into the siding, which will cause internal rot. 

Water buildup in the siding can also cause bowing or swelling of the siding. This is a sign that you may need a siding replacement along with a repaint. 

Overall, the upkeep of your exterior paint helps to preserve the lifespan of your siding. If there are problems with your siding or signs your paint is failing, your best option is to invest in a high-quality siding and paint replacement to protect your home for the long run.

Maintaining your exterior paint is just like maintaining your air conditioning. Small issues here and there may not seem like a big deal, but if they are neglected, the buildup will continue to cause issues and cost you more when you decide to finally repair them. 

Regular, yearly check-ups on your siding to look out for any signs of cracking, peeling, blistering of the paint, rot, bowing, or swelling of the siding are recommended. 

If you notice any of these signs, getting them repaired immediately is best to take care of your home and make your exterior last. 

Is it time for your exterior to be repainted?

Knowing how long paint lasts on your home and the signs to look for that indicate it’s time for a repaint will help you take care of your exterior, maintain its health, and make it last longer. 

Regularly checking up on your exterior is just like checking up on your body’s health. Taking care of any repairs or replacements sooner after you notice them, rather than neglecting them, helps to maintain your home’s exterior and prolong its lifetime, saving you money in the long run. 

At Southwest Exteriors, we want to offer you the best possible solution to whatever problems you are experiencing. If we run into any unforeseen issues during your project, we are prepared to fix them, and if we can’t fix them, we’ll help you find the right contractor who can. 

Our goal is to give you the highest quality exterior repaint that will last.