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How to Maintain Your Exterior Paint Through the Seasons

Jamie
January 25, 2024

As we age, so do our homes. They are affected by the natural patterns of sun, wind, rain, and snow as the seasons change, and this weather process has a profound effect on paint.

While it takes a long time for your home to break down, even after a few years its protective paint exterior won’t be as effective as it once was. With years and seasons, the elements take their toll, affecting paint, metals, and wood. The ground can shift, putting stress on your home’s foundation. And the most noticeable structural damage to your home is its paint job.

So, what are the best ways to maintain your home’s paint job throughout the seasons?

How Does the Weather Affect Your Exterior Paint Job?

Sun

Sunlight might be the most damaging type of natural weathering, because of how continuous it is and how its effects last throughout the seasons. Exposure to intense sunlight and/or high temperatures can result in chalking, fading, and cracks. The sun’s UV rays break down the binders and pigments in paint, which in turn cause it to lose color. This results in a weathered and dull appearance that can be fixed by a professional paint crew.

Rain

The excessive moisture caused by downpours can lead to bubbling, peeling, and cracking in your paint. When unchecked or unprotected, rainwater can penetrate openings, which leads to wood rot and mold growth. Your home’s paint job actually does more than add a bit of color and character—it protects your home by making the wood resistant to weathering. Humid conditions can also affect your paint job and factor into what kind of paint should be used on your home.

Freezing Temperatures

Cold weather creates brittleness, which can in turn cause your paint to flake and crack. The hardening and thawing of freezing temperatures also makes the paint expand and contract, creating further flaking and peeling.

Extreme Weather (Hail, Wind)

Hailstorms, hurricanes, heavy snowfall, and other extreme weather can of course cause extreme damage to any exterior all-weather paint job. Detritus kicked up by high winds will chip, crack, and peel paint over time.

All of these weathering conditions feel unavoidable, so what can you do about it?

How Can You Make Your Paint Job Last Longer?

Prep Your Home Exterior Properly

Good home preparation can make all the difference in ensuring that your paint job lasts. Whether you’re painting your house yourself or you’re hiring professionals, there are a few steps to take that can ensure any great paint job lasts.

Surface Cleaning: Paint adheres best to freshly cleaned surfaces that have been sanded for adhesion.
Repaired Siding: Damaged siding will cause your paint to chip and flake. Any rotted or damaged boards should be replaced and sealed.
Always Use Primer: Tinted base coats placed beneath top coats can greatly extend the life of any paint job. This also smooths away imperfections, reduces chipping, and improves paint adhesion.

Hiring professional exterior painting services is the best way to guarantee that your paint job lasts longer. ProServ’s work is made to last and can endure the hardships brought on by the changing seasons.

Use the Right Type of Paint

Using the right type of paint makes a significant difference in any paint job. Always use high-quality paints to protect your home, and when painting the exterior stick with acrylic latex paints. You want to use versatile paints that aren’t water or oil-based because they won’t harden over time, they’re resistant to mildew, and they prevent blistering. It’s important to make the right environmental considerations when painting; cutting corners or using cheap paints will only increase the potential damage to your home.

Use Good Painting Practices

Paint grants your home a fresh look while simultaneously protecting it from the elements. When it’s properly applied, paint is a defensive layer that shields your home from the weather. Professional painters have the means, training, and tools to work efficiently and ensure that the paint job is done right. But if you’re attempting to DIY, consider these practices:

Apply Multiple Coats: Exposed or improperly painted areas are vulnerable to damage. Apply at minimum two coats of finish paint after applying the primer to ensure that your home is properly protected.
Avoid Sunlight: Don’t apply paint in direct heat and sunlight, as this will cause your paint to dry too quickly and create an uneven finish. Paint the side of the house opposite the sun’s current position, and don’t paint your home on hot days.
Don’t Paint Wet Surfaces: Paint doesn’t adhere well to damp surfaces, so if it has recently rained it’s better to wait a few days. Check the forecast and try to plan your painting days accordingly.

Keep Your Home Exterior Clean

If you let debris and detritus build up around your home’s siding it will cause your paint to fade, peel, and strip. Regularly washing your home is the best way to guarantee that your paint job lasts.

Incorporate regular exterior paint maintenance into your routine, which can include hosing surfaces, pressure washing, cleaning out gutters and overhangs, etc. There are plenty of products available that can help you maintain your home and ensure that your paint job is doing what it’s supposed to.

Can You Paint Over Old Exterior Paint?

If the wall is smooth and spotless, and painted with the same material, you can paint without having to apply primer.

Always clean the surface first, which includes pressure washing to remove any flaking or peeling paint. You might also need to scuff sand the surface to ensure the new paint adheres properly. If you’re applying a color that’s lighter than the existing color, you might need to apply a tinted primer so that the paint doesn’t show through.

The condition of the existing paint plays a crucial role in these steps, but with proper knowledge and care, you can refresh your home’s exterior without going through every single step. Preparation is key for any professional-looking paint job, and if you feel overwhelmed by the prospect it’s better to hire professional painters who have experience handling all types of painting scenarios.

What Is the Longest-Lasting Exterior Paint?

Acrylic paints last the longest in weathered environments. Professional painters agree that acrylic paints give a longer-lasting finish to exteriors, and they also resist the damage caused by natural variables. Acrylic paints resist fading caused by the sun, making them an attractive option for hot regions.

There are a number of acrylic paints to consider such as latex, enamel, and combination latex enamel. These paints have many benefits over other types of finishes, especially if you live in a hotter climate. Acrylics are more resilient against temperature fluctuations and work on most outside surfaces such as wood, metal, and siding. Ask professional painters for advice on paint types and quality!

What Color Exterior Paint Fades the Fastest?

If you’re worried about fading, red is the color to avoid. Intense reds fade fast, and you might have noticed that it’s a rather uncommon color for homes. As red fades it turns into a pink or coral color, and most home exteriors avoid this paint color altogether.

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