How Often Should You Repaint the Exterior of Your Home?
There's no universal timetable for exterior decorating.
How long an exterior finish lasts depends on the surface being decorated, the products previously used, the quality of the original preparation and how exposed different parts of the property are to weather.
South-facing timber receiving significant sunlight may deteriorate differently from a protected elevation. Render, painted timber, oak, doors and windows also require different maintenance and coating systems.
Rather than relying purely on the number of years since a property was last decorated, homeowners should look for changes in the condition of the surfaces.
Early warning signs can include fading, cracking, peeling paint, exposed timber, failed sealants, weathered surfaces or coatings beginning to lose adhesion.
Addressing these problems early can often prevent more extensive deterioration underneath.
Preparation is particularly important outside. Applying expensive exterior paint over a poorly prepared or unstable surface won't compensate for problems underneath. Weathered coatings need to be assessed, defective material removed and bare surfaces treated appropriately before finishing.
