How to Know When Your Exterior Needs Repainting

It's easy to put off exterior painting until the house looks obviously worn, but by then you may be paying for repairs in addition to paint. Catching the early signs lets you repaint while the job is still mostly prep and paint, instead of wood replacement.

8 Signs Your Exterior Needs Paint

1. Fading. Colors look washed out, especially on south- and west-facing walls. Fading on its own is cosmetic, but it often means the paint film is starting to break down.

2. Chalking. Rub your hand across the siding. If a white or colored powder comes off, the paint's binder is breaking down and it's losing its protective ability.

3. Cracking. Fine cracks in the paint, especially on wood trim and siding, let water in. Small cracks become peeling and flaking over time.

4. Peeling or flaking. Paint lifting off the surface is a clear sign it's time. Wood underneath is now exposed to moisture.

5. Failed caulk. Cracked or shrunken caulk around windows, doors, and trim lets water get behind the paint.

6. Bare wood. Any spot where you can see raw wood needs attention soon. Unprotected wood absorbs water and can start to rot.

7. Mildew and staining that won't wash off. Stains that return quickly after cleaning can mean the paint film is no longer protecting the surface.

8. Soft or damaged wood. Press on window sills, fascia, and the bottom of trim boards. Soft spots indicate rot that should be repaired before painting.

Where to Look First

Start with the areas that take the most weather: window sills, the bottom edges of siding and trim, fascia boards under gutters, porch railings, and the sunniest sides of the house. Problems usually show up there first.

Don't Wait for Total Failure

When paint is faded and chalky but still intact, repainting is mostly washing, light prep, and two coats. Once paint is peeling and wood is exposed, the job requires heavy scraping, sanding, wood repair, and priming. Repainting at the right time protects your siding and keeps costs down.

Partial Repaints

If one or two sides of the house are worn but the rest looks good, repainting only the affected areas may be possible. Keep in mind that newer paint can look slightly different from older, weathered paint. Repainting by full elevations helps keep the color consistent.

The STRIPES Takeaway

Walk around your home once a year and look for fading, chalking, cracking, peeling, failed caulk, and bare or soft wood. Repainting when you first see these signs costs less and protects your home better than waiting until the paint has failed.

Planning an Exterior Painting Project in Atlanta?

STRIPES PAINTING CO. paints and protects home exteriors throughout the Atlanta area, with careful prep and quality products. Contact us to schedule a free estimate.

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