How Often Does an Exterior of a House Need Painting in the Bay Area?
The best time to paint the exterior of your house in the Bay Area is typically spring, summer and fall. Now that spring is upon us, some may be asking, “How often does the exterior of a house need painting?” There are a few considerations that should be taken—both aesthetic and practical—in order to properly answer this question. Here are a few helpful principles to keep in mind:
First, you paint a house when it needs it! Peeling, discoloration, and even layers of dust are signs that your house could use a new coat. Sometimes you have to go with your gut. Check the stucco, siding and the trim on your home’s exterior—these are usually the first areas to begin falling apart. Many make the mistake of only touching up the trim when the trim looks worn down. The problem with this is that when the trim begins to go, the rest is soon to follow. Save yourself having to do the job twice and have it all done at once!
As a rule of thumb, five to ten years is the amount of time that most homes in the Bay Area require a new exterior painting job. Weather severely affects the life of any coating. If you’ve had an unusual amount of wind, rain, and other sorts of precipitation, five to ten years might be too long of an estimate. For example, in northeastern states, the time between new paint jobs is actually shorter because of the harsh climate.
People looking to sell should always paint. Statistics show that repainting your home is one of the surest ways to increase its selling potential and value. Not only does a fresh paint job protect your home from the elements, but it also causes it to look radically fresh and new.
Lastly, it depends on the paint. You have more work with cheaper tools and products. It’s a fact. If you used a cheap paint the first time around, don’t be surprised if discoloration and peeling begin to show after a year or two. This will not happen with higher end paints (assuming they are applied correctly). Save yourself time and money, and have it done right the first time around.
One final piece of advice that’s worth sharing is that the longer you put off painting your home, the harder the job will be. Building materials used today typically need a constant and strong barrier from the weather to keep them from swelling and contracting. Keep your paint fresh and strong, and the surface beneath will have a longer shelf life and cause you less problems.
Remember to contact MB Jessee for all your painting needs in the San Francisco Bay Area! 510-655-7000
