Last week, we discussed reasons why exterior paint fails prematurely. This week, we would like to discuss how long it should last!
On the east coast, we deal with lots of changing weather. Hot sun, high humidity, powerful storms with gusting winds, and cold winters filled with ice and snow. Your exterior house paint is the first line of defense, keeping your home protected from the elements.
How long should it last? The short answer is anywhere between 5-8 years, but there are a variety of factors that can increase, or decrease, the longevity of your paint.
Increase the Life of Exterior Paint
Premium quality paint: Premium quality paint is the best choice when it comes to repainting your home. Over the years, they pay for themselves by extending the life of the paint job. This is due to the high quality ingredients. They provide:
- better bonding
- better color retention
- strong resistance to weather.
Multiple coats of paint: Two is better than one! Two coats of paint will stand up to weather better and cover more evenly. Plus, the upfront cost of two coats of paint is less than having to repaint the entire house again sooner rather than later.
Careful surface preparation: We cannot stress this enough! Proper surface preparation increases the performance of your paint. Look for a contractor who cleans the surface from contaminants and failing paint. Repairing and replacing damaged surfaces comes next. And last, priming the surface.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance is a crucial part of the process. A small amount of annual maintenance will help extend the life of your paint. This includes:
- Washing the siding
- Trimming shrubbery to allow for airflow on siding
- Re-caulking the windows and doors
- Touch up painting.
Hire the best!
When it’s time to repaint your home, you will want that paint job to last as long as possible! AG Williams has been serving Westchester and Fairfield counties for over 100 years. We are one of the oldest painting companies around. Our dedication to providing the best service, highest quality products and outstanding service sets us apart.
We are here to serve you! When you are ready for your next painting job, reach out to us for an estimate.