How Often Should You
Paint Your Home’s Exterior?
Exterior Painting in Ann Arbor, MI
Schedule your appointment today!
Summary
1. Painting a house in Ann Arbor
2. What time of year is best to paint a house in Michigan?
3. Types of Paint for Michigan’s Climate
4. Different types of exterior siding and paint
5. Common signs that tell it’s time to repaint
6. What to do if you need to repaint your home
7. Exterior home painting in Ann Arbor
Painting a house in Ann Arbor
Deciding how often to paint your house is an important question for any homeowner. A regular schedule will protect the integrity of your home and help it maintain value. It can also maximize the investment you’ve made in your home’s exterior by minimizing weathering effects and keeping your home looking better than those homes that lack attention.
Most people aren’t all that concerned about their homes’ exteriors. After all, from the street, most houses look very similar. And because most homes are roughly the same size and color, rarely is one more aesthetically pleasing than the next. But what if your home’s exterior paint job is not just outdated but also unattractive? In this blog, we will cover all the things you need to consider when planning to repaint your house in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As the climate differs from other states, there are a few special considerations to make sure your new paint job will last.
What time of year is best to paint a house in Michigan?
Exterior painting is a cost-effective investment that makes your home more attractive and increases its value and visual impact. It also decreases energy costs and protects the materials beneath it from sun damage, water damage, and atmospheric pollution. Many people are surprised to learn how many benefits there are to exterior paint jobs. If you are considering paint for your exterior, there are many paint types and paint colors to choose from. The paint you choose will depend on the results you are looking for, your home’s architectural style, and the paint job techniques that will be required. All paint jobs start with surface preparation steps – cleaning it properly, removing any loose paint or peeling paint, repairing any damage or flaking paint, and filling in cracks. Once the surface is prepared, you will need to apply a paint primer before applying paint to create a uniform paint job that looks neat and professional. Apply paint carefully and evenly across all surfaces of your home for best results. Painting your home can do much more than just beautifying it – it can help protect it from weather and other elements and save energy costs as well. When painting an exterior paint job, choose a paint with superior coverage so you won’t have to paint very often.
Types of Paint for Michigan’s Climate
There are two main types of exterior paint: water-based and oil-based.
Water-based Paints
Water-based paints are water-soluble, which means they can be cleaned up with water. They’re also safer for the environment because they don’t release harmful chemicals into the air as oil-based paints do. This makes them ideal for those who are environmentally conscious or have allergies. One drawback is that they still have a strong odor and can be messy if not applied correctly.
Oil-based Paints
Oil-based paints are made from linseed oil and other oils mixed with color pigments and resins to create a durable finish on surfaces such as walls and ceilings. They contain no solvents, so they only emit water vapor when drying, which means they are considered “green” alternatives since they don’t pollute the air as much as water-based paints do. However, oil-based paints require more work to remove than water-based ones because they’re more difficult to clean up after application – especially if you spill some onto a hard surface like ceramic tile or wood flooring.
Different types of exterior siding and paint
As any Michigan homeowner knows, the exterior of your home is constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, this can take a toll on paint, causing it to fade, chip, and peel. To keep your home looking its best, it’s important to repaint the exterior every few years. Here are some of the most common materials used in home construction and how often you should repaint each one:
Wood
One of the most popular materials used in home construction, wood is strong and durable. However, it is also susceptible to damage from the elements, including sun, wind, and rain. Because of this, you should repaint your home’s exterior every three to seven years.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a type of siding made from a mix of cement, sand, and wood fibers. It is strong and durable, making it a good choice for those who want a low-maintenance exterior. This type of siding usually comes pre-painted, but it will eventually need to be repainted. It is recommended to repaint every ten to fifteen years.
Stucco
Stucco is a type of plaster made from Portland cement, sand, and water. It is commonly used as an exterior finish on homes. Stucco is a low-maintenance option, but it should be repainted every five to six years to keep it looking its best.
Painted Brick
Brick is a popular material used in home construction because it is strong and durable. Painted brick is defective usually in color or the paint is starting to chip. Painted brick should be repainted every 10-20 years.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a type of plastic siding that is made to look like wood or other materials. It is a popular choice for those who want a low-maintenance exterior. Vinyl siding usually doesn’t need to be repainted unless they are faded.
Common signs that tell it’s time to repaint
Every homeowner has to deal with repainting one way or another. You don’t want to wait until your house looks terrible, so it’s important to know the common signs that indicate it’s time for a new coat of paint:
The paint is faded or discolored
The first sign that it’s time to repaint your home’s exterior is when the paint has faded or discolored. As time goes on, the sun’s rays will gradually wear off the paint and make it look dull and faded. If you want to restore your house to its original color, you should consider repainting it as soon as possible.
The paint is peeling, flaking, or chipping
Another common sign that it’s time to repaint your exterior is when the paint starts peeling off from the wood surface or chipping away from the brick walls. This happens because of excessive exposure to moisture and humidity in the area where your house is located. If this happens with one part of your home but not with other parts, then it means that there’s some kind of moisture problem in that area that needs to be resolved before you can proceed with painting again.
There are cracks in the paint
Cracks can occur for many reasons, but they tend to happen most often when a surface is exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. Over time, these cracks can get bigger and become more noticeable. If you notice cracks in your walls or ceilings, you may need to repaint sooner rather than later.
The paint is blistering or bubbling
When paint begins to bubble or blister, this is usually due to moisture trapped underneath the surface of the paint. This moisture can cause peeling and bubbles on top of your walls and ceilings as well as discoloration over time. If you notice any signs of blistering or peeling on your walls or ceiling, consider repainting immediately before it becomes worse.
Bare spots
If you look at the walls, there may be areas where the paint is peeling off. This can be a sign that the paint has not been applied in a long time or that it was applied incorrectly. It’s important to take care of this problem before it gets out of hand and begins to damage your walls and ceilings.
By being aware of these common signs, you can repaint your home’s exterior before it becomes an eyesore and costly to fix. If you’re not sure when the last time your home was painted, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional from Paint It Right.
What to do if you need to repaint your home
If you are in a situation where you need to repaint right away, the first thing you should do is consult with a professional from Paint It Right. We can help you determine the best course of action and what type of paint to use for your particular situation. But in any case, you should:
Prep the surface
Whether you’re painting over wood or brick, it’s important to prep the surface before you start painting. This includes removing any old paint, sanding down the surface, and cleaning it with a degreaser. By properly prepping the surface, you’ll ensure that the new paint will adhere properly and last longer.
Choose the right type of paint
Once you’ve prepped the surface, it’s time to choose the right type of paint. There are many different types of paint on the market, so it’s important to consult with a professional to determine which one is best for your particular situation. Also, take into consideration all mentioned above. As Michigan is a state with 4 seasons, you will have to keep that in mind when choosing the right type of paint.
Paint in the right order
When you’re ready to start painting, it’s important to paint in the right order. Start with the trim first and then move on to the body of the house. This will help you avoid any paint drips or smudges on your newly painted surfaces. As always, be sure to consult with a professional from Paint It Right before beginning any painting project.
Take your time
Painting your home’s exterior is a big project, so it’s important to take your time and do it right. If you rush, you may end up making mistakes that will cost you more in the long run. By taking your time and following all of the steps above, you can ensure that your home’s exterior will be looking its best for years to come.
Exterior home painting in Ann Arbor
There’s no better way to improve your home’s curb appeal than by giving it a fresh coat of paint. By doing it properly, you can not only make your home look great, but you can also protect it from the elements. So, how often should you paint your home’s exterior? It really depends on a few different factors, but generally speaking, it’s a good idea to repaint every 5-10 years.
With this in mind, if you think it’s time to give your home’s exterior a makeover, be sure to contact Paint It Right. We offer professional painting services that will leave your home looking its best. We also offer a wide variety of color consultations to help you choose the perfect color scheme for your home. Give us a call today to learn more!
Exterior Painters
Exterior Painting in Ann Arbor, Michigan.