5 Signs You Need To Repaint Your House
Keeping an eye on your walls may sound boring but maintaining your paint not only guarantees your home looks good but keeps your walls and ceilings in good condition. If you’re wondering if it’s time for a repaint read below as we discuss the warning signs to look out for.
Fading & Dated Colours
If your home happens to be situated in the heat and the sun, then it’s likely your exterior paint job is fading. Over time, UV rays can break down the chemical bonds found in paint, resulting in the pigment to fade. If you compare the unexposed places in your home to those affected by the sun and they are significantly darker, it’s probably time for a repaint. Darker shades of paint also tend to be faster fading.
Additionally, even if your original paint job appears to be in good condition, trends and colours can have an expiration date. Older or unattractive paint colours can be remedied through repainting and increase the value and overall aesthetics of your home.
Peeling & Cracking
Impossible to ignore, peeling or cracking paint means it’s time for a paint job. The problem generally occurs when water vapour gathers in between the structure and the paint; separating the coating from the surface until it peels away. Peeling paint can usually indicate a leak or poor ventilation in the home, so be mindful of this issue while fixing the peeling paint. If you see spidery cracks in your exterior paint, you have a similar problem. Cracking can result in paint chipping and flaking off from the walls and ceilings, leaving flakes of old paint the floors.
Unfortunately, peeled or cracked paint won’t get better over time. The only option is to redo the paint job. We suggest not hesitating when it comes to either of these issues, as water damage will continue to affect the underneath surface.
Hardened Caulking
Caulking is a waterproof filler designed to expand over time. Continuous exposure to extreme weather can damage caulking, hardening it. If you find it feels rigid to touch, it might be time to call in an expert. Additionally, depending on the date of your last repaint, it may be a good idea to schedule another soon.
Outdoor Paint Chalking
Chalking is commonly found in exterior paints, as age and exposure to sunshine weakens and deteriorates the binder holding the paint together. The result is a chalk-like powder covering the outermost surface of the wall. Over time all exterior paint is weaken meaning that a new coat is inevitable. We suggest maintaining your exterior every 3 to 7 years as the longer you wait, the bigger the job becomes.
Mildew & Mould
Mould and mildew affect areas where it’s damp or poorly ventilated, simply painting over these spots will result in the mould continuing to grow under the fresh coat.
Mould is found on the wooden sidings of doors and windows. It can also be spotted by gutters, in poorly ventilated rooms or near any leaks. While special pesticides can act as a temporary solution, removing the mould and repainting the area is the best solution.
Though regularly repainting your home may seem like quite the task, it makes a significant difference when it comes to the quality of living and old paint doesn’t go unnoticed. Everyone who enters your home, from guests to potential buyers or renter will leave with a poor first impression, so understanding when it’s time to open up a paint can is a valuable lesson for any homeowner.
Whether you’re tackling your painting project DIY or seeking expert help keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs and read up on common painting problems and their solutions.
