Exterior House Painting: More Than Just Good Looks

When you own your own home, you have an immense feeling of pride. Your home is a reflection of who you are, what you like, how you live, and what’s important to you and your family. Your home also probably is your largest investment and represents the majority of your personal wealth. As such, you want to maintain it in the best possible condition, not only to preserve your investment, but also to increase your home’s potential resale value should you need or want to sell it in the future.

Many homeowners get so caught up in interior remodeling, renovating, and redecorating that they tend to overlook the importance of exterior painting. They usually don’t consciously look at their home as they go in and out on a daily basis. Consequently, they often miss the telltale signs, such as peeling, bubbling, cracking, or fading paint, that indicate that their house needs to be repainted.

While there are many benefits to repainting the exterior of your house, here six of the main benefits

1. Structural Integrity

Unprotected wood surfaces are susceptible not only to water damage, but also to mold and mildew. When wood absorbs rainwater and/or dew from the atmosphere, it starts to soften, swell, and ultimately to decay. This may lead to the necessity of replacing individual boards or even whole decks or siding. Painting or repainting, after the proper preparation of scraping and removal of any mold and mildew, acts as a barrier to water damage and makes your home a healthier place in which to live.

2. Siding Integrity

High-quality vinyl siding can last for up to 50 years. However, even the best vinyl siding is faced with a daily onslaught of dirt, dust, and other atmospheric debris which can shorten its life. Painting keeps your siding looking fresh and new and extends its life.

3. Protection From Harsh Winters and Hot Summers

If you live in an area of the country that is subject to substantial seasonal temperature swings, not to mention snow and ice, you know the damage that harsh winters can cause to sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Your house is subject to the same harsh conditions. A fresh coat of quality paint puts a barrier between your exterior surfaces and Old Man Winter.

If you live in a more temperate climate, don’t forget that sun, too, can damage your home’s exterior surfaces, especially if you live in the Desert Southwest or in Florida where the sun shines nearly every day of the year. Wherever you live, it’s a good idea to paint your house at least every 7-12 years to keep it in its best condition.

4. Termite Protection

Termites love wood. They eat it, they burrow into it, they nest in it. Paint seals exposed exterior surfaces and makes it far more difficult for these and other wood-eating pests to take up residence in your home.

5. Increased Curb Appeal

While that sparkling new look of fresh paint certainly isn’t the only reason to paint your house, nevertheless the benefit of increased curb appeal cannot be overlooked or overemphasized. A before and after gallery of pictures is enough to set any homeowner’s eyes to shining. If you will be selling your home in the near future, such a dramatic difference in its appearance is one of the best investments you can make.

6. No More Splinters

Paint and stains aren’t just for the exterior walls of your home. Your wood decks and patios also can benefit from them. A good paint or stain not only protects your feet when walking barefooted outdoors, but also can actually add several years of life to your beautiful outdoor structures.

For all of these reasons, plus many more, painting your house just makes good sense. You’ll appreciate its great new appearance and it will thank you for keeping it in tip-top condition.