5 Telltale Signs it’s Time to Paint Your Home
If you’re like most people, your home is your biggest investment and the place where you enjoy time with your loved ones. But, you may be missing signs that delayed maintenance on your home is costing you money and losing its charm.
According to Consumer Reports, homes with exterior paint that was old, faded or damaged sold at a value 3% less than comparable neighborhood homes. That means a house valued at $250,000 would be leaving $7500 on the table…
Don’t worry, we’ll give you a shortlist of telltale signs that it’s time to paint your house.
#1 You notice peeling paint on your home…
Nobody likes the look of peeling paint, and it’s an easy way to spot if your home needs to be repainted.
Peeling occurs when moisture is able to get below the surface of the paint and into the wood. To prevent paint from peeling, it is vital that the surfaces receive the proper preparation before applying a fresh coat of paint. The thoroughness of the preparation is every bit as important as the quality of the paint.
#2 You spot rotting wood on your house…
We all know that your home needs protection from outside elements like wind, rain, and snow. But, not everyone knows that caulking and exterior paint plays a huge role in making sure that your home stays safe from the elements. Over time, the caulk dries out and cracks. This is prevalent in low-quality caulk and areas with high humidity and temperature variation like Dallas-Fort Worth. Additionally, the protection added by the paint coating WILL slowly deteriorate over time. Failure to address and maintain the exterior painting on your home leads to rotting wood siding, eves and trim.
Many Dallas-Fort Worth homes built in the 60s and 70s were built with materials such as yellow pine. Unlike the James Hardie Fiber Cement that Phillips Home Improvements uses, yellow pine is likely to absorb water and rot over time.
In the 1980s, Masonite and other composite materials became popular due to their low cost and ease of installation. The problem is that these products deteriorate quickly when exposed to water.
Problems like rotting wood, Masonite or other builder-grade materials, are almost always more extensive than what was visible to the naked eye. The cost of repairs tends to increase quickly into THOUSANDS of dollars to repair. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home. It might cost you…
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#3 Your friends & family are telling you “Your house looks old…”
Most people upgrade your car every 3 to 5 years but too many ignore their home. Color trends have changed and that exciting paint choice from 2012 is going on 10 years old. Updating the color of your home is a simple way to add personality to a home that had a previous owner. A good example is to update a traditional brick siding home with a trending color like Naval by Sherwin Williams. This will take years off the look of your home.
#4 You have received notice that you HAVE TO paint your home…
You might not notice the paint problem on the side of your home, but the city or homeowners association will. There can even be damage that you aren’t looking for that a trained professional can see a mile away. When you get a notice that your home has to be updated, you don’t have time to get three quotes then… Find these problem areas beforehand and get it fixed so that you can deal with them on your terms. This will save you a fine and ensure that you have the time to find the right company for the job.
#5 New painting technology…
If you have an aging home, your old paint might not be cutting it. Over time, paint manufacturers have developed safer, more durable and longer-lasting options.
Before being banned in 1977, many homes were painted using lead-based paints. Paint flakes of these homes need to be disposed of carefully because they can be a major health hazard if not disposed of properly. Today, we don’t have these issues.
Better paint technology has also allowed for better adhesion for materials that would otherwise be too difficult to paint over. This means that your finish will go on smoother, last longer and look better over time.
Some paint brands even have self-cleaning paint that keeps problems from happening. Loxon by Sherwin-Williams makes dirt and grime that would normally stain the side of your home simply wash away when it rains. This will help you keep your home looking beautiful for even longer.
To learn more about how Phillips paints homes, click here to visit our Painting page. After reading this, if it’s clear that your home needs new paint, call Phillips Home Improvements at 972.867.9792 for a free color consultation.
