The exterior of your home is often the first impression that others will get of your home, so it is vital to pay attention to the exterior painting to keep your home looking fresh and inviting. You may also want to re-paint the home for your family to enjoy, or you may be selling and looking to maximise the potential value of your property. Apart from aesthetics, painting the exterior of your home also keeps the structure and building itself in the best condition possible. Sometimes you may not know the last time the house was painted, and therefore you may be unsure when to re-paint and touch up. Below, our professional house painters from SG Coatings have listed 5 common signs that your home exterior is due for re-painting.
Bubbling/cracked paint
Paint can begin to bubble and crack either due to poor application or just due to general wear and tear over time. Either way, when you begin to notice abrasions and cracks it is a tell-tale sign that the wall may require a new coat of paint. If there are holes and gaps in the paint, the cladding is exposed to the outside elements which can cause long term damage to your home, especially in coastal regions like Bayside Melbourne, and the Mornington Peninsula. This could include rotting wood, which can be a costly thing to fix.
Cracked caulking
If you begin to notice that the caulking around the windows and doors of your home is starting to harden or crack, it may be time to apply another layer of caulking, and apply a fresh coat of paint on top to provide extra protection. Ignoring the cracks can lead to moisture build up which also damages the home with mold and mildew.
Fading colours
Over time, colours are bound to fade, even with the best quality paints. Years of harsh Melbourne weather conditions such as sun, rain and wind can break down the pigment and cause it to fade. This not only makes your house look unattractive but is also a strong sign that the paint is no longer providing the protection that it once did. If you notice that your royal blue walls are beginning to look more basic blue, it may be time to apply a fresh coat of paint. Not only will you improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, but you will also improve the protection that your home has against the elements.
Chalking
When paint has been left on an exterior wall for an extended period time, it can begin to produce a chalky layer of residue. Chalking is a result of UV light from the sun degrading the resin in the paint. Chalky paint can be harmful if the dust is inhaled, and can also damage plants and vegetation in the garden.
Shrinking
If you notice that your wall cladding is beginning to shrink away from the doors and windows of your home, there’s a good chance that it requires some maintenance. Over time, all construction materials are affected by harsh weather, so eventually, they will need some work. After fixing the holes and filling in the gaps, a fresh coat of paint on top will have your walls well protected and looking brand new again.
If you’re looking for an even easier fix to enhance your home’s street appeal you could start with painting your fence. Generally, front and side fences are more exposed to the elements than your home exterior, so giving them a fresh coat of paint every few years is recommended. If you are going to paint your fence yourself, you can check out our article on how to paint your fence in a weekend.
If you want to re-paint your home exterior and you’re seeking some assistance, our friendly team of residential painters at SG Coatings are up for the job. With years of experience, top of the range equipment and the best quality paints, our expert team can guarantee that your exterior paint-job will really make your home stand out. Our professional painting service, based in Frankston, is committed to providing our customers with high-quality home painting. If you would like to book a free design consultation and/or free painting quote to discuss re-painting your home’s exterior or any other domestic painting on the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside Melbourne, or the surrounding suburbs, please contact us here.