Top Reasons to Paint Your House Exterior
Exterior paint beautifies and adds personality to your home. It can transform the appearance of a dated home into a new modern addition to the neighborhood almost overnight. More importantly, exterior paint is your home's primary line of defense against natural elements like heat, ice, snow, rain, and humidity. It is important to understand that postponing exterior house painting, even for one season, can result in water damage and rotten siding that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. Here are the top five reasons why you should not wait to call us so we can examine your siding and give you a free exterior house painting estimate.
Nebraska Weather
In Omaha and Nebraska in general, a professionally done exterior house paint job, with the proper, high-quality paint coverage, and the proper preparation, should last about 7-10 years.
The exterior paint is under constant duress due to the extremes in our weather ranging from freezing to humid heat. Dramatic fluctuations in temperatures cause siding (especially wood) to contract and expand. If the exterior paint is not flexible enough, it will crack and flake off. Over time, moisture can cause paint to swell and soften, leading to cracking, blistering, flaking, and peeling. It can also support the growth of mildew.2. Hidden DamageMost homeowners who have postponed exterior painting are not aware of any issues with their home’s exterior until they get ready to paint. Once the prep work for an exterior paint job is started, it is not uncommon to find areas needing repair. If the exterior paint on your home is on its last leg, you may risk prolonged damage to your siding. It doesn’t take long for exposed wood to begin rotting.
The exterior paint is under constant duress due to the extremes in our weather ranging from freezing to humid heat. Dramatic fluctuations in temperatures cause siding (especially wood) to contract and expand. If the exterior paint is not flexible enough, it will crack and flake off. Over time, moisture can cause paint to swell and soften, leading to cracking, blistering, flaking, and peeling. It can also support the growth of mildew.2. Hidden DamageMost homeowners who have postponed exterior painting are not aware of any issues with their home’s exterior until they get ready to paint. Once the prep work for an exterior paint job is started, it is not uncommon to find areas needing repair. If the exterior paint on your home is on its last leg, you may risk prolonged damage to your siding. It doesn’t take long for exposed wood to begin rotting.
Definite Signs of Wear
Here are some signs that you can look for to determine if your home’s exterior needs new paint.
- Split Caulking - caulking in the wood starts to split leaving exposed wood
- Peeling Paint - wood is no longer getting the protection that it needs
- Fading Color - ultraviolet rays cause the paint to lose it's color
- Cracks or Fibers in the Wood - initial stages of wood rotting or splintering
- New Builds - some new homes have only a single coat of inexpensive paint
- Outdated Colors – home looks dated
- Chalking – Sun dries out the paint creating a dust-like substance
Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal
The most effective way to increase the curb appeal of your home for potential buyers is to paint its exterior. People who are looking to buy a new home often decide whether or not to look inside a home based on its curb appeal. The most popular colors for homes are neutrals such as gray, white, and brown. Bold shades are welcome as long as they are used as accents, such as on the front door or window shutters.5. Increase the Value of Your HomePainting the exterior of your home will not only help you protect your biggest investment, but it can also be one of the least expensive, most profitable, and fastest ways to sell your home. We have seen some homes’ values increase 15-20% after exterior painting alone.
If you would like us to come and evaluate your home’s exterior for this year’s painting, just give us a call. As always, we at Walls2Floors would be thrilled to hear from you!
If you would like us to come and evaluate your home’s exterior for this year’s painting, just give us a call. As always, we at Walls2Floors would be thrilled to hear from you!