5 Signs Your Home Needs Exterior House Painting

Your home's exterior is the first impression you, your guests, or potential buyers see when looking at your house. Is it time for a new exterior paint job?

If it's been a while since your last paint job, there's a good chance your home's exterior paint has started to weather. This can significantly affect your home's curb appeal. Even more importantly, neglecting weathered paint can lead to damage to the underlying surfaces, resulting in expensive repairs later on. That’s why it’s smart to take action as soon as you notice the signs telling you to call your local professional exterior painters in Seattle. We often underestimate the power of a new paint job.

Applying a fresh coat of paint can instantly refresh your home's appearance while also adding an extra layer of protection against the elements. You might also be wondering how long should my exterior house paint last? Additionally, it's important to understand what impacts my paints' lifespan? We'll cover everything you need to know about exterior house painting for Seattle homeowners. Let's review the 5 most common signs it's time to call Brotherton Painting for a paint estimate on your home.

Signs You Need New Exterior Painting

Peeling, Cracking, Bubbling

Peeling and cracking paint is caused when exposed to the elements and extreme weather conditions. Addressing cracking paint on the exterior of your home is important because it’s often the first sign that your protective barrier is breaking down. Once paint starts to crack, moisture can seep in, leading to wood rot, mold, and structural damage. Fixing it early helps prevent more costly repairs down the line and keeps your home looking well-maintained and protected from the elements.

Bubbling occurs when moisture or air gets trapped beneath the surface of the paint. This can happen if the surface wasn’t properly cleaned or primed, if the paint was applied to a damp or hot surface, or if low-quality paint was used. Heat and sunlight can also cause bubbling by causing the paint to dry too quickly on the outside while trapping moisture underneath. Proper prep and timing are key to preventing bubbles.

Fading and Chalking

Fading exterior paint is a sign that your home’s protective layer is wearing out. When paint fades, it’s often due to sun exposure and weather damage, which means the surface underneath is becoming more vulnerable to moisture, cracking, and deterioration. Refreshing the paint not only boosts curb appeal but also helps preserve the materials underneath, extending the life of your home’s exterior.

Chalking paint on your home's exterior is a sign that the paint is breaking down due to sun and weather exposure. If left untreated, it can lead to further paint deterioration, reduced protection for the surface beneath, and poor adhesion for future coats of paint. Addressing chalking early ensures a proper surface for repainting, helps maintain your home's appearance, and protects it from moisture and other damage.

Moisture Problems

If your home's wood siding isn't properly protected, moisture can cause serious damage over time. Water can seep into the wood, leading to swelling, warping, and eventually rot. This weakens the structure and can create entry points for pests like termites. Moisture also promotes mold and mildew growth, which can stain the surface and pose health risks. Without proper sealing and paint protection, wood siding can deteriorate quickly, leading to costly repairs or replacement. This is a more common issue for homeowners in the Pacific Northwest due to the rainy climate.

Getting Ready to Sell

Painting the exterior of your house before selling is important because it instantly boosts curb appeal and makes a strong first impression on potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint signals that the home is well-maintained, which can increase buyer confidence and even raise the perceived value. It’s a relatively affordable upgrade that can help your home stand out in a competitive Seattle market and potentially sell faster and for a higher price.

If you are looking for a great realtor in the Seattle region our team at Brotherton Painting recommends Kamila Kennedy, she's great!

New Look

Maybe you’ve recently bought a home and aren’t a fan of the current paint color, or perhaps you’re simply ready for a change from the existing look. Giving your home a fresh coat of exterior paint is a quick and effective way to elevate and completely transform its appearance. In the Seattle region, we recommend Brotherton Painting for all exterior house painting services.

What Impacts My Paint's Lifespan?

Paint Quality

Paint quality plays a major role in how long your exterior paint job will last. Higher-quality paints are made with better resins, pigments, and additives, which means they adhere better, resist fading, and are more durable against weather, UV rays, and moisture. They also offer better coverage, so fewer coats are needed. In contrast, lower-quality paint tends to break down faster, leading to chalking, peeling, and the need for more frequent repainting. Investing in premium paint, such as Sherwin Williams Duration or Sherwin Williams SuperPaint, can save time and money in the long run by extending the life of your home's exterior paint job.

Location

The location of your home can significantly impact the lifespan of your exterior paint due to environmental conditions. Homes in areas with intense sun exposure can experience faster fading and breakdown of paint due to UV rays. Coastal homes are exposed to salt air and high humidity, which can cause paint to deteriorate more quickly and promote peeling or mold growth. In regions with heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperature swings, moisture and freeze-thaw cycles can lead to cracking and damage. Even nearby trees or vegetation can affect paint by trapping moisture or staining surfaces. Your home’s surroundings directly influence how well and how long exterior paint holds up.

Climate

Climate has a major impact on how long your home's exterior paint lasts. In hot, sunny climates, constant UV exposure can cause paint to fade, dry out, and crack more quickly. In humid or rainy areas, excess moisture can lead to mildew, peeling, or bubbling paint. Cold climates with freeze-thaw cycles can cause paint to expand and contract, leading to cracks and flaking. Wind can also wear down surfaces by driving debris and moisture against the paint. Overall, harsh or fluctuating weather conditions can shorten the lifespan of your paint and may require more frequent maintenance or repainting.

Weather

Weather can significantly shorten the lifespan of your home's exterior paint. Sun exposure causes fading and cracking, while rain and humidity promote mold, mildew, and peeling. Extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to expansion and contraction of the paint, causing it to crack or flake. Wind can also wear down the surface, carrying debris and moisture that damage the paint over time. All these weather elements can make your paint job deteriorate faster, requiring more frequent touch-ups or repaints.

How Long Should My Exterior House Paint Last?

The lifespan of your exterior paint depends on several factors, including the quality of the paint, the climate, and the material of your home. Most "experts" and paint specs suggests to repaint the exterior of your home every 7-10 years, but there is no firm timeline for every home. Especially for homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, your home is exposed to moisture on a constant basis, which can lead to serious problems if your home is not properly protected with the first layer of defense - Paint. Below is the average paint lifespan based on the material of your home.

• Wood siding: 5 to 7 years

• Stucco: 5 to 6 years

• Vinyl siding: 10 years or more

• Metal siding: 5 to 7 years

• Brick: 15 to 20 years

Higher-quality paints, proper surface preparation, and a stable climate can extend the lifespan, while harsh weather conditions may shorten it. Most homes in the Seattle region are wood siding. Hiring professional painters in Seattle that know how to properly prep and and paint the exterior on your house will likely increase the lifespan of your home's exterior paint job. Regular maintenance and touch-ups can also help keep your exterior looking fresh longer.

Call Your Local Professional Painting Company

Brotherton Painting has served homeowners in the Seattle region for more than 30 years - offering high-quality exterior house painting and exceptional customer service. We take pride in being one of Seattle's top recommended and most established painting companies.

Our team of skilled house painters in Seattle manages projects of all sizes, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish. Whether you need a simple refresh or a complete transformation, we deliver stunning, cost-effective results—so you can relax while we handle the hard work. We offer exterior painting services in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Tacoma, and more!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your home's exterior painting.