Signs It’s Time to Repaint Your Oklahoma Home’s Exterior

The first thing people notice about your home is its color. Whether it’s family you’re welcoming for a visit or a potential buyer who found your house on the market, their eyes will be drawn first to the paint. Of course, paint does more than just make your home look great. It is also the main source of protection for the wood, stucco, and other materials beneath. Because it’s so important to keep your paint in good condition, it’s vital that you know when you need to repaint it. Our expert painters recommend that you watch for these indicators that the time for new paint has come.

Old Color Trends

Nothing makes a house look more dated than paint inspired by a long-gone fad. Very few colors will stay in style longer than they’ll stay in good condition so it’s fairly likely that you’ll want to repaint strictly for an updated look, even if the paint is still performing well. This is especially true if you’ve placed the house on the market; a more modern color will do a great job of increasing your curb appeal.

It’s not hard to choose new colors if you use a logical plan to eliminate some choices. Look around the neighborhood. Think of colors that fit in with the houses around you so that your place seems to belong with those of your neighbors. You’ll also want to take into consideration the style of your home. Consult with us about how to narrow down the options and find your perfect color!

Fading & Discoloration

Exterior paint will always fade, especially in the rugged weather conditions we face in Oklahoma. The lovely shade you picked a few years ago will slowly evolve into something you may not recognize, with different shades on different areas.

Weathering also erodes the finish that provides much of its protection for the underlying surfaces. For that reason, faded paint is also a threat to the condition of your home, not just the appearance. Make sure you take control of the situation and get new paint as the first sign of trouble, before the deteriorating coat starts to take a toll.

Dusty Surfaces

As paint ages and begins to break down, the binder creates a white, chalky layer on the surface of the paint. This is a sign that the paint is in its final stages of life, and it means that the time has come to repaint.

You may have already discovered this problem. The dust shows up easily on your skin or clothes. It gives your house a dull appearance, distorting its original color while also giving the house less protection against the persistent sun, wind, and moisture.

If you don’t take action at this point, you will eventually see damage to the underlying surface. Repainting will get the house back in shape and restore its appearance and protection.

Damaged Paint Surfaces

Any signs of peeling or cracked paint are an indicator that it’s time to call someone for exterior painting. Bubbling paint is also a common sign of rapidly failing paint; it too will soon begin to fall off the house and expose the wood below.

Bubbling is also an indication of rot or mold. As gases form during these processes, they become trapped behind the paint and break it away from the surface. The longer you go without taking action, the more serious the damage to the surface beneath. The exposed areas will begin to experience more and more damage.

As soon as you see any indication that paint is beginning to separate from its surface, you need to contact your painting contractor at Kaleidoscope Paint and get started on repainting your home.

Signs of Mildew and Moisture

Water is one of the biggest enemies of your home. If your paint is failing to keep the underlying surfaces dry, you will have problems. The presence of mildew on your home’s exterior is an indicator of a moisture issue that you should investigate. Sometimes it’s just a result of shade or a leaky gutter, but there could also be a more serious problem.

When in doubt, get it repainted. New paint will not only cover the old damage, but it will also seal off the surface to prevent new water problems. Professional exterior painters will be able to determine just what is causing the moisture issue and help you address the results of the water issue as well as its underlying cause.

Damage to the Surface

Quality paint does a great job of protecting the surfaces beneath, but sometimes those surfaces develop problems of their own. Over the years, wood dries and shrinks, creating gaps and cracks that break the surface of the paint. To prevent further damage to the home’s exterior, it is crucial to apply new paint and seal those cracks.

This is also true of any signs of decay or breakage. Part of a good outside house painting job is proper sealing and filling of damaged areas in the wood or other surface, and our exterior painting work always includes thorough evaluation and repair of all suspect areas.

Quality paint applied by professionals should last at least five years. The longer you try to stretch it beyond that, the more damage you will have to the materials. Long-term neglect of paint can damage siding, studs, insulation, and more, so it is well worth your investment in frequent painting to avoid these large-scale (and high-dollar) repairs.

For years, homeowners in Edmond OK have found quality customer service, superior skill, and top value with Kaleidoscope Paint. Our team will work with you on every aspect of the project, from evaluation to color selection and final cleanup. We are licensed and insured, with a staff of experienced paint professionals who will provide you with friendly service. If you have questions, call us today! We’d love to help you restore the beauty and durability of your home.