Painting the exterior of your home in Connecticut is indeed crucial to guard the house against harsh weather conditions and enhance its looks, longevity, and value. But the question is, at what frequency should one expect to paint your home’s exterior? Some factors that need to be considered when defining the proper painting schedule include the following:
Climate Conditions in Connecticut
Connecticut experiences all four seasons, but the winters are severe, and the summers are hot and humid. The state also receives moderate amounts of rain and snowfall during the year. These climate conditions put a lot of stress on the exterior paint, which, in turn, makes it necessary to paint the exteriors more frequently than in other dry areas. The water, ultraviolet radiation, fluctuating temperature, and humidity contribute to the paint’s marring, blushing, and deterioration.
Type of Paint Used
The type of paint used on your Connecticut home impacts how long it will last until needing new paint:
– Latex paints have a durability of 5 to 10 years on average
– Oil-based/alkyd paints have a durability of 10 to 15 years
– Some of the best brands of paint last longer compared to the most basic types of paint
Look up how many years the paint manufacturer expects that type and color of paint to last. Paints of higher quality or those that are specifically produced for weather resistance can help in increasing the period before repainting.
Age and Condition of Existing Paint/Siding
If the paint is already chalking, faded, old, damaged, or blistering, then it will require another coat earlier, even if it was painted not that long ago. Any area that has paint that is worn out should be spot-painted as needed, not on a whole home painting basis.
If it is new siding, it is best to paint immediately because this will help seal the siding material. Newly installed sidings will need little or no repainting as compared to sidings that have been exposed to harsh weather elements for years.
Exposure to the Sun and Location of the House
Paint on your house’s sunny southern and western walls will fade faster than your home’s more relaxed, shadier regions. These regions may require more frequent spot touch-ups as they are exposed to high amounts of sunshine. For Connecticut homes in general, it is recommended that the whole south/west side of the house be painted at least once every seven to ten years to keep the paint coat even and looking new. It is advisable to paint the north/east sides only after 10 to 15 years if the paint on the walls remains intact.
Recommendations for Connecticut Homes
Considering Connecticut’s climatic conditions and that many homes were built in the early 20th century, most people will have to repaint their home’s exterior every seven to ten years. Paints on expensive siding on new homes might last up to 12 years before they require complete repainting. In between, you might need spot painting touch-ups, especially on the areas most exposed to the sun.
The main steps include proper surface preparation, priming of the surface, and the application and adhesion.
Whether you paint every 5, 10, or 15 years, it is essential to prepare the surface correctly and apply the primer. Stripping the chalking paint, proper scraping, sanding, and cleaning the surfaces ensure the paint adheres to the surface. It is essential to prepare surfaces, including bare wood or masonry, before painting or applying any coating to guarantee proper adhesion and sealing. These preparatory measures contribute to the durability of the paint.
How to Choose the Right Color and Hire a Professional vs. DIY Painting
Even when your house looks like it could use a new coat of paint to make the outside more attractive, painting is strenuous, dirty work that can be hazardous. In most cases, it is cost-effective to hire professional painters who have the appropriate tools, paint, and expertise to paint the house without any risks. They also know which prepping methods and paints are ideal for Connecticut’s climate.
If deciding to take on the painting yourself, look up and follow any applicable safety and surface preparation guidelines. Consult a professional at your paint store to advise you on which products to use.
Conclusion
It is recommended that Connecticut homes be repainted every 7 to 10 years to maintain the quality and look of the paint. But for the most part, occasionally check the state of your home’s paint and sidings, and then repair imperfections as soon as possible. It may be advisable to hire house painting professionals rather than attempt to do it on your own, especially for anything above the first floor. By adequately preparing and choosing the right paint, your new exterior paint job will improve your residence’s aesthetics and safeguard your biggest asset – your house.
