10 Signs Its Time to Repaint Your Home

A fresh exterior paint job can do wonders for a home. It provides protection from harsh weather conditions, improves curb appeal for potential buyers, and boosts the aesthetic value of your entire neighborhood.

But a fresh paint job rarely stays fresh for long. To keep your house looking glossy and appealing throughout the year, you must repaint your exteriors frequently.

Here are ten tell-tale signs that may indicate it’s time for a new paint job:

1. Peeling Paint

One of the most evident signs that it’s time for a touch-up is when you notice parts of the wall paint peeling. This could be due to the collection of dust and dirt, moisture seeping into the structure, or simply because it’s been a long time since your last paint job.

If left unchecked, peeling walls have a butterfly effect. The underlying materials will become exposed and vulnerable to the elements, increasing mold risk. As anyone who has experienced mold infestation will attest, it’s very hard to eliminate. 

To avoid dealing with bigger problems in the future, it’s vital to tackle the issue head-on. So when you see parts of your wall starting to peel, consider consulting a contractor. They will assess the extent of the damage and devise a touch-up plan.

2. Fading Color

A bold new paint job can be striking and inviting. Light and faded colors have the opposite effect. Over time, all paint will begin to fade, mainly due to exposure to wind, rain, and rays from the sun.

Darker colors, especially, tend to fade much faster than lighter tones. This can make your home quite an eyesore and expose the underlying materials to harsh weather conditions. So, when you notice color beginning to fade, it’s time to schedule a refresh.

3. Fungal Growth

If you notice a green, black, or brownish-red growth on your paint, it may be a sign of fungal growth. These are common in areas with little to no sunlight or moisture exposure.  

Mold is hazardous—it can cause a host of respiratory issues and spreads quickly. In fact, studies show it could take just 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow and spread after wood or other construction materials are exposed to just a little water. 

If left unchecked, this could cause serious issues. To prevent fungal growth, you should repaint your home at frequent intervals.

4. Blistering Paint

Another sign that it’s time for a new paint job is when you see blisters or bubbles forming on your walls that are pushing paint up off the surface. This is caused by moisture and occurs when your previous layer of paint is not applied correctly. 

These kinds of blisters can cause damage to your walls if left untreated. So don’t wait for the problem to get worse—call a contractor as soon as possible and let them know what’s happening.

5. Gaps or Shrinking Wood Siding

If you notice significant gaps between wood panels in your home, it’s likely due to a sudden change in temperature that has caused shrinkage. This is another sign that it might be time for repaint to smooth over those uneven surfaces. 

If the damage is extensive, you may need additional repairs before you can repaint. A contractor can help determine if this is the case.   

6. Weather Damage

Another indication that a fresh paint job is in order is when your walls become discolored due to the harsh effects of weather – such as heavy wind, hailstorms, or extreme humidity. This might look like blotches or uneven patches on your wall, but it could also be deeper than that.

Call a contractor to inspect the damage and determine its severity. Then they can recommend whether a touch-up or a full repaint is necessary.

7. Stained Paint

When stains pop up on your exteriors, it could be due to water damage, air pollution, or even mold growth.

Stained paint is difficult to remove and requires a professional’s touch. It is best to call in a contractor to inspect the affected area and make the necessary repairs before you repaint. This will ensure that your home looks aesthetically pleasing for a longer duration of time.

8. Cracks in the Caulk

Caulk is the material used to seal joints in windows, doors, and other openings in your home to prevent leakages. Any cracks that begin to appear could lead to severe water damage, which can cause serious issues in the long run. 

Applying a fresh layer of paint around these joints is a great way to protect your house from moisture-related issues.  

9. Wear and Tear

Any visible wear and tear on the exterior of your home is a sign that your previous paint job is beginning to lose its protective qualities. This is a sign that it may be time for a new paint job.

To determine if this is the case, consult a professional painting contractor to assess the extent of the wear and tear and how you can fix it before it leads to more serious issues. 

10. You’re Ready to Sell

Finally, the surest sign that it is time for a refresh is if you plan to sell your home. Nothing improves the value of your home and makes a better impression on potential buyers than a bright, fresh paint job. It makes your home look well-maintained, boosts curb appeal, and increases value.

A professional contractor can help you pick the right color combinations and finishes to make your house look as good as new. Alternatively, for tips on choosing the right colors by yourself, check out this guide.

Wrap Up

The benefits of adding a new layer of paint to your home cannot be understated. Far from being simply an aesthetic upgrade, it prevents mold, protects underlying materials, and keeps moisture out. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get inspecting.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, contact Premier Painting & Coating for help. With over six decades of experience, we have the expertise to fix any paint-related issues you may face.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!