When you drive past or walk up to your home, the exterior paint is one of the first things you see. If it has seen better days, it can detract from the entire home’s appearance, dragging the overall curb appeal down a few notches. If it’s in great shape, with a crisp, clean color, it can boost your home’s curb appeal.
But, of course, it is exterior paint, after all, so after a while, it’ll begin to fade, chip, and wear down. Thankfully, there are ways to keep your home’s exterior paint looking its best, namely through maintenance. Here are a few ways to keep your home’s exterior paint in tip-top shape.
Regularly Inspect the Paint
Your home’s exterior paint, like every other part of your home, will wear out after a while. Regularly inspecting it for signs of damage or similar issues is a huge part of slowing that process of wearing out and fading. When you check in on the paint every now and again, you can catch minor issues that could spiral into bigger, more expensive problems later on, so it’s a must.
Ideally, you should take a peek at your home’s exterior paint at least twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. Walk around your house and get a good look at the paint, looking for signs of peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint. Pay extra attention to the paint around windows and doors and other areas where water may collect or pool because this is usually where water damage starts to take its toll.
While you’re at it, look for chalky or faded patches that tell you the paint has been compromised by the sun’s unrelenting rays.
Keep It Nice and Clean
Your home’s exterior paint is, as the name implies, exposed to the great outdoors, so it’s only natural that it will get dirty. When dirt, dust, and grime accumulate on the exterior paint, it can dull the finish and cause the paint to look older and more faded than it actually is. Plus, it can help trap water against the side of your home, potentially leading to mold and mildew growth.
Thankfully, cleaning can help limit both of these effects. Here’s a quick rundown of how to clean your home’s exterior:
- Use a soft brush or pressure washer: Use a soft-bristle brush or a low-pressure setting on your power washer to rinse away dirt and debris. Avoid going too overboard with the pressure on your pressure washer because too much pressure can damage the paint (especially if it’s already peeling or cracking).
- Work in sections: Clean smaller sections at a time. This way, you’ll be able to scrub and rinse off the cleaning solution before it dries.
- Choose the right cleaning solution: Avoid using harsh or caustic cleaners on your home’s exterior paint. Instead, stick to mild detergents diluted in water and a solution of water and white vinegar for tougher grime or mildew.
- Don’t neglect the gutters: Clogged gutters and downspouts can contribute to the deterioration of your home’s paint by dripping water on parts of your home. So, while you’re at it, clean out the gutters and downspouts, giving them a good rinse to finish up.
Repair Damage Before It Spirals
If you find damage while meandering around your home’s exterior on your biannual stroll, fix it as soon as possible. Even itsy bitsy chips or cracks in your exterior paint can allow moisture to wiggle underneath the surrounding paint and work its way into the underlying wood or siding, which is a whole different (and expensive) problem.
Catching the issues sooner rather than later can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. So, if you notice any peeling paint, remove the loose parts, sand the area, and touch up the paint. If you find cracks, fill them with an exterior-grade caulk, then sand and repaint the area.
Consider a Protective Finish or Sealant
If you want to go the extra mile to protect your home’s exterior, consider applying a protective finish or sealant over the paint. Ideally, you should do this right after painting when the paint is still in great condition. A good-quality clear sealant can provide an extra layer of protection against moisture, dust, dirt, and UV rays, giving your paint a little extra boost and extending its lifespan.
When applying the sealant, choose one that is compatible with whatever paint you use on your home. The application instructions may vary slightly based on the type of sealant, so be sure to read them carefully before you start.
Repaint As Needed
Preventative maintenance and sealant will only go so far in extending the lifespan of your home’s exterior paint. After a while, Mother Nature’s impact on the paint will begin to show, often manifesting as fading, cracks, peeling, and other not-so-lovely eyesores. When this day rolls around, repainting is typically your best bet.
Generally, it’s a good idea to repaint every five to seven years, although you might get a bit more life out of the paint by adding a coat of sealant. Factors like the climate you live in, the quality of the paint job, and the amount of wear and tear your home experiences also play a role in this lifespan.
Need a Fresh Coat of Paint? Contact Image Painting Today
Maintaining your home’s exterior paint might seem like a whole lot of work, but in the long run, it’s well worth the effort. With regular inspections, cleaning, and minor touch-ups as needed, you can make a huge difference in the longevity of your home’s exterior paint.
Of course, the time for a fresh coat will eventually come, and when that happens, Image Painting is here to help. We offer complete house painting services, including exterior painting, to help refresh and revitalize your home. We make it easier than ever to upgrade your home with fresh paint since we take care of the entire process for you!Contact us today to learn more about our painting services and start with a customized quote!