Wear and tear on the external paint of your home can say a lot! It’s important to be aware of what is happening to the exterior condition of your home, especially when you’re trying to sell it. But how can you tell when it’s time to prime, repair and/or repaint?
Flakes and Cracks and Bubbles, Oh My! These signs in paint can signal dry rot, wet rot or mold caused by faulty weatherproofing. Strong sunlight, harsh winters, extreme humidity, storms, blowing sand and ocean breezes can contribute to the damage.
It’s Hard to be Caulk: As your home is exposed to more extreme weather cycles (sunny days vs really cold nights, for example), caulking will lose its elasticity. Press down on the caulk and if it’s really hard and/or cracking then it’s time to replace.
Fading Paint: Dark colors tend to fade faster than paler shades, and direct sun is the biggest factor. Do a comparison of the hue by taking a small chip of paint from a “hidden” spot of the house and comparing it to a portion that is hit by direct sunlight. FYI: if you’re seeing fading on shady sides of the house, then there could be a problem. Look for suspicious stains dripping downward on the paint. If you can’t pinpoint the source, call us.
True Colors? UV rays cause the paint to fade but they also can transform the color entirely. For example, beige can transform to pink in a matter of weeks. Make sure the paint is an exterior grade that can withstand UV effects.
Look at That!! As far as curb appeal goes, if the house looks faded, the trim blends in or there is nothing to make the house ‘pop’ against its surroundings, a fresh coat of paint usually will do the trick…and increase the value of the house!
Although most homes need to be painted every seven to 10 years, it really varies by material and region. Let us come out and evaluate whether or not your house needs a fresh coat or other repairs to make your home as colorful as it can be!
