Now that nice weather is finally in the Columbus, Ohio area, it’s time to evaluate the condition of the exterior paint of your home. Is the paint still in top shape? Here are some signs you need to repaint your home.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Repaint Your House?
- Peeling paint: If the paint is peeling, it is past the time to repaint. You’ll have to repaint at soon as possible. If you don’t, you risk exposing the structure of your home, like the wood, to damage. Fixing structural damage will be more expensive than painting.
- Bare wood is exposed: The great thing about exterior home paint is that it’s multifunctional. Paint protects the materials the home is made with, as well as looks great. If bare wood is exposed, you need to paint your home quickly. Remember, structural damage can be a major expense—avoid this problem by painting the exterior of your house.
- Mold or water stains: When paint starts cracking and peeling, mold can start to grow underneath the paint. This is a major problem and signifies a need to repaint. Stains can be removed with the right mixture of chemicals.
Wood rot: Beyond just having wood exposed, if you notice wood rotting, your home needs to be repainted as soon as possible. There are structural dangers to a home having rotted wood. - Chalky residue: Take your hand and run it over the paint on your home. Is there a chalk-like residue on your hand? If there is, consider it a warning sign your paint is deteriorating. You might have some time before repainting becomes totally necessary, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Fading paint: Fading paint isn’t inherently bad, but it limits your curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint can make your home stand out again. Every few years, paint fades enough where new paint would be beneficial. Paint will generally begin to peel within a few years of significant fading.
- Outdated colors: Did the color you painted your house look great in 1980? Chances are, the paint is outdated by now. You don’t necessarily have to repaint because colors are outdated, but if you ever plan on selling, outdated exterior colors are a turnoff for many potential buyers.
Is your home showing any of these warning signs? Still not sure if you want to take the plunge and repaint your house? Consider some of the consequences of not painting.
What Happens if You Don’t Repaint Your House?
- Home damage: Exposed wood will rot if not shielded by paint. The structural integrity of your home could be compromised. If the wood rots too much, you could have a huge repair job on your hands. If stucco is cracking and falling apart, be prepared for a large bill: stucco almost always has to be replaced in its entirety.
- Extended mold and mildew growth: Mold is a living organism. If you don’t kill it, it will grow. Mold growing underneath cracked paint will only expand. You won’t be able to get rid of the mold with a regular garden hose; you’ll have to spray with a power washer and use a chemical mixture.
Painting the exterior of your home is as much preventative maintenance as it is cosmetic. For more information about Prim Painting’s exterior home painting services for the Columbus, Ohio area, please contact us today.