How Often Should You Paint Your House?
Repainting your house is more than just a visual refresh—it’s a crucial part of home maintenance. When is the best time to repaint your house? How often should you paint your house, especially the exterior? Chances are that if you’re thinking about repainting, it’s time. You definitely don’t want to wait until the old paint is coming right off. That just means more work for you.
So, when is it best to paint your house again? Keep reading to find out!
How Often Should You Repaint Your House?
The average lifespan of exterior house paint is between 5 and 10 years, which is a great guide for keeping a regular repainting schedule. We recommend every five years so your home is always in tip-top shape.
But how often should you paint every surface? It depends on the material:
Wood siding should be painted every 3–7 years
Aluminum siding typically lasts 5–10 years
Stucco surfaces should be painted every 5–10 years
Painted brick may last 15–20 years
However, there are some instances where you’ll need to repaint your house more often. For example, darker paint colours fade faster, so they’ll need to be touched up more often to stay vibrant. This is also the case for homes that get more than average sun exposure.
Homes in areas with high humidity, extreme temperatures, or harsh winters also experience quicker paint deterioration. Coastal homes, in particular, may need to be painted more frequently due to salt in the air.
Why Regular Repainting Is So Important
You may think that regular repainting is just another chore, but it’s actually pretty beneficial to your home. Let’s talk about why.
Maintenance & Upkeep Is Easier Than A Whole Makeover
It’s much easier to regularly repaint your house than wait for the paint to peel and chip off. There’s no need for extensive prep work, especially if you’re going with the same colour.
If you maintain the previous paint job with occasional touch-ups, you can delay a full repaint. A new paint job done properly can last much longer with simple upkeep like pressure washing and caulking cracks as they appear.
Fresh Paint Protects Against Weather
It may surprise you, but paint is more than just for looks. It protects your home’s exterior from the weather. Each coat of paint creates another layer of protection against rain, snow, mould, sun damage, and more.
This barrier is especially important for porous surfaces like stucco, which absorb moisture and can develop cracks or rot without proper sealing.
Well-Maintained Homes Have Better Property Value & Curb Appeal
When homes are well-kept, they sell better. It’s just that simple. Regular repainting helps you keep up with the rest of the neighbourhood trends and helps your property look more valuable to buyers.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase curb appeal before selling your home.
More Opportunities To Spot & Fix Damage
Every time you paint your house, you give yourself another chance to look closely at your house. To inspect it and see any issues, like leaks or tiny cracks in the siding, that need repairs before they get worse.
It’s also a chance to check for signs of wood rot, cracked caulk around windows, or areas where water might be seeping in. Early detection avoids turning a small repair into a big job.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Repaint Your House?
While cold weather doesn’t really affect paint the way it used to, we recommend painting in the summer or fall rather than the winter or spring.
Paint cures best in mild, dry conditions—ideally between 10°C and 25°C (50°F–77°F). Avoid painting during rainy weeks or in high humidity, which can interfere with drying.
Signs You Should Repaint Your House
Again, you shouldn’t wait until your house looks run-down before you repaint it. The best time to repaint is as soon as you see one or more of these signs:
Bubbling/Cracking
Peeling/Chipping
Fading or Discoloured Paint
Hardened or splitting caulk
Visible water stains or mildew
Dusty residue (chalking) on the paint when touched
How to Make Your New Paint Job Last as Long as Possible
To get the most from your next exterior paint job, preparation is key:
Thorough surface cleaning (e.g., soft-washing or sanding)
Caulk gaps and cracks in trim or siding
Apply a primer, especially on raw or porous surfaces like stucco or exposed wood
Use premium 100% acrylic exterior paint designed for your specific surface
Let the surface dry completely before painting, especially after rain or power washing
The goal is to make your new paint job last as long as possible and reduce the need to paint again sooner than expected.
When It’s Time To Repaint Your Home, Call The Local Favourites!
Is it time to repaint your house? Get the local favourites at McHugh Painting to do it for you! Save your time and energy for better things, and contact us to keep your house looking its best!