Knowing how often you should paint your house can sometimes be tricky to navigate. But when it comes to protecting what is possibly your biggest investment, keeping up with exterior painting is really important. Putting off painting for even a few extra years can be enough to cause some serious damage. Continue reading to learn about what signs to look for and how to know when to take the leap into updating your exterior paint. If you need a house painter in the Tucson area, we serve the entire area including Marana. We also do interior painting and cabinet painting!
How Often Should You Paint Your House?
It’s a good rule of thumb to repaint your home’s exterior every 5-10 years depending on when you see signs of wear and tear. The type of surface of your home and the quality of paint previously used both play into the equation. For example, stucco should be repainted every 5-6 years if your home has a wooden exterior, plan on repainting every 4-7 years. Aluminum siding should also be repainted approximately every 5 years.
How to Know It’s Time to Repaint Your House
● Fading Paint
Paint naturally fades due to constant exposure to sunlight, rain, and other weather conditions. The Arizona sun and heat can definitely speed up the process. If you notice that your home’s colors are significantly lighter or duller than they once were, it’s a clear sign the paint is no longer providing the same level of protection. Faded paint also means the pigments have broken down, which can lead to a lack of waterproofing. This is especially common in areas that get the most sun, like the south or west-facing sides of the house. Repainting not only restores the color but also reinforces the protective barrier against moisture and UV damage.
● Getting Ready to Sell Your Home
A fresh exterior paint job can make a huge difference when you’re trying to sell your home. Buyers are naturally drawn to properties that look well-maintained, and the exterior is the first thing they see. Peeling, cracking, or faded paint can make your home seem older or neglected, which may lower its perceived value. Updating to a popular and trending color signals to potential buyers that the home has been cared for and gives it a polished, move-in-ready look.
● Before Obvious Signs of Wear and Tear
Many homeowners wait to paint until they see damage like peeling or chipping paint, but that can be a really expensive mistake. By the time paint starts to fail visibly, it may already be exposing the wood or siding underneath to moisture, mold, or rot. Proactively repainting before the damage appears can save you from costly repairs down the road. Look for early warning signs like slight bubbling, uneven texture, or small cracks—these are indicators that the paint is nearing the end of its life. Repainting sooner rather than later ensures your home remains protected from weather, pests, and other potential issues.
● Hardened or Cracking Caulk
Caulking is definitely necessary for sealing joints and gaps around windows, doors, and other trim areas. Over time, caulk can harden, crack, or even separate from surfaces, allowing water to seep in. This can lead to structural damage or rot if left unchecked. When you repaint, the process typically involves replacing old caulk, and providing a fresh seal that keeps your home airtight and watertight.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Last?
The lifespan of exterior paint depends on several factors like paint quality, surface material, and climate. Typically, a good paint job lasts 5 to 10 years, but that range can shrink in areas with extreme weather conditions. Regular maintenance, like washing your home’s exterior and addressing minor issues early, can help extend the life of the paint.
In sunny and hot climates like Arizona, exterior paint tends to fade and wear down more quickly due to intense UV exposure and temperature swings. Dark colors, in particular, absorb more heat and break down faster, so if your home is painted in a deep shade like navy blue or dark gray, you might need to repaint every 3 to 5 years. Lighter colors fare better under the sun, lasting longer and even helping to keep your home cooler by reflecting heat.
The dry air and dramatic day-to-night temperature changes common in Arizona can also cause paint to crack or peel sooner, especially on wood or stucco surfaces. Investing in high-quality, UV-resistant paint and keeping an eye on sun-exposed areas like south- and west-facing walls can make a big difference.
What Properties to Look for in Exterior Paint
● Durability
Look for paints specifically formulated to withstand your local climate. For areas with extreme heat or cold, choose paints with advanced weather-resistant properties. High-quality paints resist cracking, peeling, and fading, even in harsh climates.
● UV Resistance
Intense sunlight can cause paint colors to prematurely fade. The best exterior paints include UV-resistant formulas that help preserve color vibrancy, especially in sun-drenched areas like Arizona.
● Moisture Resistance
Exterior paint should form a waterproof barrier to protect your home from rain and humidity. Look for paints with excellent sealing capabilities to prevent mold or mildew growth.
● Self-Priming and One-Coat Coverage
Many premium paints are self-priming, which means they adhere well to surfaces without requiring a separate primer. This can save time and provide a smoother application. One-coat paints provide better coverage, reducing the need for multiple coats.
● Flexibility
Temperature fluctuations can cause surfaces to expand and contract. Paints with flexible properties adapt to these changes without cracking, making them ideal for areas with hot days and cooler nights.
Best Exterior Home Paint
You can spend hours at your local hardware store agonizing over what paint is right for your home. To save you time, we’ve come up with a list of the top-rated exterior paints based on durability, color retention, and overall performance:
1. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex
Known for its exceptional durability and mildew resistance, this paint offers a smooth finish and excellent coverage. Its UV resistance makes it a top choice for homes in sunny climates.
2. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint
This paint features excellent fade resistance, self-priming properties, and a mold- and mildew-resistant finish. It’s a favorite for vibrant, long-lasting color.
3. Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint
With built-in primer and superior weather protection, this paint resists cracking, peeling, and fading. It’s also great for resisting mildew in humid climates.
4. Dunn-Edwards Evershield Exterior Paint
Designed for extreme weather conditions, this paint offers excellent UV resistance, durability, and protection against chalking and fading.
5. PPG Timeless Exterior Paint and Primer
This paint boasts one-coat coverage and advanced UV protection. It resists fading and protects against mildew and mold for long-lasting results.
6. KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint
Though marketed for fences and barns, this durable paint is also a great option for homes. It’s budget-friendly and highly resistant to peeling and cracking.
How Often Should You Paint Your House Exterior Conclusion
Keeping your home’s exterior looking great and well-protected means choosing the right paint and knowing how often to do it. Most homes need a fresh coat every 5 to 10 years. In the more dry climates like Tucson, repainting every 5 to 7 years is recommended to combat fading and wear. If you’re in the Tucson area and need expert help with your painting project, give Spahr’s Painting a call. Our experienced team specializes in delivering flawless, long-lasting results tailored to your home and the Arizona climate. We take pride in using top-tier materials and proven techniques to make sure your home looks fantastic. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy the transformation!
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