A house with siding will need to be painted every five to ten years. The exact frequency will depend on a number of factors, from the type of materials used to the weather conditions in your area. What this boils down to is that there is no specific timeline on which you need to paint your house because each home’s conditions are unique. The following factors can influence how long a paint job will last.
Depends From Siding Materials
Paint fades and peels from different materials in different ways. This means that certain types of siding may necessitate more frequent paintings than others.
1. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding can last up to 40 years if it’s well-maintained. You’ll probably need to paint vinyl siding every ten years to keep your home looking fresh.
2. Wood Siding
Wood siding can be a great option for your home, but it does need to be painted more frequently than vinyl. Typically, you’ll need to paint your wood siding between every 3 and 7 years, depending on where you live.
3. Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is popular because it is sturdy and can last for up to 40 years. It should, however, be repainted every 4 to 6 years.
Make Your Paint Last Longer
If you purchase aluminum siding with an electrostatic powder coating, your paint could last up to 25 years.
4. Cement Fiberboard Siding
Cement fiberboard siding is a newer material and can hold paint for a bit longer than some of the other options. This type of siding will need to be repainted every 10 to 15 years.
Depends From The Weather
The weather can also have a major effect on how long a paint job lasts. Areas with mild temperatures are typically the best for longer-lasting paint.
1. Direct Sunlight
Sun beating down on your siding can cause it to fade more quickly. This means that homeowners living in Florida, which is well-known for its sun and heat, may need to repaint more often.
Shield Your Siding from the Sun
Trees offer shade that can protect your siding and its paint from the heat of the direct sun.
2. Strong Storms
Another factor that can impact how long your paint lasts is storms. Florida’s hurricanes can cause paint to age much faster than normal in addition to the other damage they can cause.
3. High Humidity
Florida is also known for its humidity, which is another weather-related factor that can reduce the lifespan of a paint job.
4. Harsh Winters
Harsh winters can also wear away at paint more quickly. Florida residents, fortunately, don’t have to worry about this particular type of weather.
The Quality of the Previous Paint Job
On top of the materials used for the siding and the weather, another player is the quality of the more recent paint job, including the following factors.
1. Type of Paint
Some types of paint last longer than others. 100% acrylic paint tends to be more durable and longer-lasting than other kinds of paint.
2. Number of Coats of Paint Applied
The more coats of paint that were applied, the longer the paint will last. Three coats are better than two, for example.
3. The Color of the Paint
The color of the paint may not seem important, but it does actually play a role. The darker the paint color, the more obvious any fading will be. Lighter colors can go for a lot longer without noticeable wear and tear.
4. The Weather During Painting
What the weather was like when the paint was applied can also have an effect on how long the paint will last. If it was sunny on the day the siding was painted, then it may dry too quickly, which can result in the paint not adhering as well to the siding. Paint can last longer if it’s applied on an overcast day.
When Should You Repaint Your Siding?
Because of all the different factors that can influence the lifespan of your paint, it’s important to pay attention to what your siding looks like. If it’s starting to fade or the paint is peeling, it’s time to repaint it so that your house looks as good as it possibly can. Appearance can influence property value as well as curb appeal, after all.
Keep an eye out for these signs it’s time to repaint:
- Fading
- Cracking
- Peeling
- Bubbling
- Flaking
Warning
Signs that it’s time to repaint your siding can also be signs that your siding has damage like wet rot, dry rot, or mold. Keep an eye out for other signs of damage to your siding.