A fresh coat of exterior paint can boost curb appeal and protect your home against the elements. However, factors like weather, dirt, and UV rays can cause damage to your paint and make it fade over time. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to preserve its longevity and keep it looking fresh. In this blog, we list practical strategies to make your home’s exterior paint last longer, so you can enjoy a beautiful and well-protected home for years to come.
5 Ways to Make Exterior Paint Last Longer
Exterior paint enhances the look of your home—and so much more. When properly and professionally applied, exterior paint can:
- Act as a barrier between your house and the elements
- Help prevent moisture damage and wood rot
- Reduce the likelihood of mold growth
- Improve durability
- And safeguard your home from pests
To fully maximize these benefits, you’ll want your paint to last as long as possible. This will keep your home’s exterior looking fresh longer and minimize the need for frequent touchups, saving you time and money. Follow these steps to preserve the longevity of your exterior paint.
1. Regularly Clean the Outside of Your Home
Keeping your exterior clean with regular maintenance is a simple and reliable way to extend the life of your paint job. Wash your home’s exterior with a simple cleaning solution every few months, or as needed whenever you notice dirt or grime. To make your own cleaner, just mix 70% water with 30% vinegar.
For stubborn dirt, a soft-bristled brush can be helpful, but be gentle to avoid scratching the paint. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt and grime, which can stain the paint if you let it sit for too long.
2. Pressure-Rinse Once a Year
In addition to regular cleaning, pressure rinsing your home’s exterior once a year will keep it looking fresh and help it last for the long run. This method rids your exterior of dirt and grime, which can degrade the paint quality over time.
Annual pressure rinsing can even help remove stubborn stains, allowing your home to remain spotless for much longer. However, this should only be done once a year; pressure rinsing more frequently may damage the paint.
3. Remove Vines from Your Exterior Walls
Although a wall covered in ivy looks beautiful, you should consider removing any vegetation from your home’s exterior. Vines and other plants clinging to your house can trap moisture against the paint, promoting mildew growth, peeling, and chipping over time.
Vegetation can also harbor pests that may cause further damage to your walls and paint.
4. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is key for not only ensuring proper water drainage but protecting your exterior paint as well. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and cascade down the siding instead of being channeled away from your house.
This overflow can cause peeling paint and moisture damage to your home’s underlying structure. Maintaining clean gutters solves this issue, allowing you to protect your paint job and prevent costly repairs down the road.
5. Hire a Professional Residential Painter
Hiring a professional residential painter is the best way to ensure your home’s exterior paint lasts as long as possible. They will provide meticulous prep work to every exterior surface of the home, greatly increasing the lifespan of your paint job.
They will also use professional tools, equipment, and techniques to ensure the paint adheres perfectly and stays that way for years to come.
Contact Timmins for Expert Residential Painting Services in Sonoma County
A paint job is an investment worth protecting. By regularly cleaning the outside of your house, keeping your gutters clean, and implementing strategic landscaping, you can help your home’s exterior paint last for years to come.
At Timmins Painting, we understand the value of a high-quality, expertly applied coat of paint. If you’re in need of residential painting services in Sonoma County, contact us online today for a FREE painting estimate, or give us a call at (707)-792-0773 to learn more about what we can offer you.