Many homeowners are unaware of the actual condition of the exterior of their home. First time home buyers in particular may not know anything about exterior painting. But there are several very easy ways to tell whether or not it is time to paint your house.
1.PEELING PAINT – The most obvious sign that it’s time to paint again is peeling. If your window sills or siding are actually peeling or flaking you have waited too long to paint. Many homes have one particular side that gets the most exposure to the sun, wind, rain or snow. This area is the side of the house where the paint begins to show signs of wear first. Peeling window sills undoubtedly get a lot of sun. Peeling paint allows water to seep beneath the paint surface causing rot to your wood. If left unpainted you are sure to endure costly repairs to your wood siding and trim as well.
2.CHALKING PAINT – If your home isn’t yet showing signs of checking (spidery cracks that form before paint begins to peel) or peeling on the home look closing for chalking paint. Is there a whitish cast to the paint? When you rub your fingers across it do you pick up a chalky residue? This is a surefire sign that your paint is beginning to break down and it’s time to repaint.
3.WOOD ROT – Another sign is wood rot. Are there soft spots in your corner boards? You will find the most rot in areas typically exposed to a lot of moisture, such as lower trim boards near the base of a downspout. Press against the wood to see if there is any give to it. If so, the wood needs to be replaced immediately and painted with a fresh coat of paint. If left unprotected the area will just enlarge. Window trim, sills and chimney areas are other places where moisture occur and are typical for wood rot.
4.LOW GRADE PAINT – When you purchase a house, ask the seller when the home was last painted… what type of paint was used? Depending on the quality of paint used, the house will need repainting anywhere from five to ten years of less. New houses are often sprayed with low grade paint and many need painting within three years.
5.NEED A NEW LOOK? – Not only is painting a number one priority to protect your investment but it is also a reflection of the homeowner. Sick of that same old color on your home? Ready to switch it up a little? It may be time to look into painting.
Whether your home is peeling, chalking, cracking, rotting or your just plain sick of the old color on your home… North Pointe Painting is the company for you. With over 15 years of experience our crews are highly trained in customer service and detail so that we ensure to make a reference out of every customer, EVERYTIME! From your initial call, we are prompt, responsive, able to answer your questions and helpful with color selection. We take your painting walk with you every step of the way. So if you haven’t signed up on the schedule this year to paint with North Pointe Painting. Make the phone call today, it will be the easiest project completed on your home maintenance list this year!
