Owning a property in Washington, especially near the Seattle Metro Area, is something you should be proud of. This location is a thriving community offering great opportunities while being close to nature, making it an enviable region for those who want to enjoy both natural beauty and urban convenience. 

However, one drawback you must consider is the location's damp and ever-changing weather. These climate conditions can affect your property's exterior, especially the painting. A home can take a beating from rainy days, chilly weather, and other instances of extreme atmospheric disturbances. 

How do you know when your house needs to be repainted because of these challenges? In this blog post, EA Pro Painters discusses five definitive signs, so you know when to repaint your home's exterior. 

1. Peeling or Cracking Paint 



One of the most common and noticeable signs that your property needs repainting is peeling or cracking paint. You'll see specific areas of your siding, fence, or walls where paint curls up and falls off, exposing the surface underneath. 

Not only is this unattractive, but peeling paint is also a warning sign that your current coat no longer protects your home as much as intended. The primary cause of this phenomenon is exposure to the elements, which wear down the adhesive. As the paint falls off, the surface becomes exposed to the same elements, making your siding more vulnerable to rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. The compromised material becomes more prone to rot, mildew, and insect infestations. 

In older homes, peeling may also signal the presence of multiple, aging paint layers that have built up and can no longer bond properly. If left unattended, the damage can worsen quickly, requiring more extensive repairs. 

Repainting becomes a preventative measure that slows down any further exposure. You can better preserve the structural integrity of your home, preventing more expensive issues in the future. If you're starting to see signs of peeling or cracking paint around windows, siding, or trim, it's time to schedule an exterior paint job. 

2. Fading Colors 

Another common yet subtle sign of deteriorating paint is fading colors. Washed-out hues are normal and natural, with repeated UV exposure causing the pigments to fade in vibrancy. This issue is prevalent in south-facing walls, where sunlight hits for a significant part of the year. What was once a rich navy, crisp white, or bold red might now appear dull, chalky, or washed out. Fading is even more noticeable in darker, more saturated colors. However, lighter shades will still lose their vibrancy, given enough time. 

Fading colors are more than just an aesthetic issue, though. Washed-out colors indicate severe UV damage, especially with the paint's adhesive compounds. The weaker adhesion leads to quicker wear and tear, resulting in the cracking and peeling mentioned above. As the surface underneath gets exposed to the elements, wear and tear can affect its structural integrity. 

If you see fading colors as the months pass, it may be time to repaint your home. UV-resistant paint is available, and investing in this type of product helps prolong the vibrant colors of your property. Repainting also gives you a chance to refresh your home's color palette, perhaps even going for a more modern or complementary tone. 

3. Mold or Mildew Growth 

Washington experiences rain twice as often as most other states in the U.S. While the precipitation is not as heavy, constant humidity and dampness are still present for at least one-third of the year. As such, mold and mildew growth becomes a frequent problem for many homeowners. 

These fungi don't just grow in bathrooms and basements. Mold and mildew can also infest your exteriors. If you start to see dark green, black, or gray patches forming on your siding or walls, especially in shaded or north-facing areas, this could be a sign of mold or mildew growth. Aside from the unsightly, discolored paint, these organisms can quickly degrade the material underneath the paint, resulting in structural issues. 

More than the damp climate, improper painting techniques can encourage mold or mildew growth on your property. This problem is especially true if you keep power-washing the surface, but the growths return anyway. At this point, repainting may be necessary. Using the right paint products and techniques to resist these organisms is essential. When you decide to repaint, follow the correct surface prep steps and use paints with mold-resistant properties. 

4. Exposed Wood or Siding 

As paint peels off or wears away, the surface underneath gets exposed to the elements. Here's how certain materials will react to exposure. 

• Wood: Most Washington homes are made with wood, even some outdoor components like siding and trim. Unprotected wood absorbs moisture, leading to rot, warping, and insect infestations. Without paint or sealant, wood can rapidly deteriorate, compromising both the structure and aesthetic of your home. 
• Concrete: Compared to wood, concrete is durable even without paint. However, proper sealing is vital to resist moisture. Otherwise, the material could crack and weaken due to freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, staining, erosion, and structural weakening can occur without proper sealing. 
• Brick: Like concrete, brick walls are susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles. Paint can act as a sealant that prevents moisture from seeping in, making bricks more resistant to the elements. Exposed brick will allow water to seep in, causing efflorescence, spalling, and deterioration of mortar joints. These issues can compromise the brick wall's appearance and its structural integrity. 
• Vinyl: While vinyl won't rot, UV rays can fade its color and make it brittle over time. Exposed vinyl may warp, crack, or degrade prematurely without protective coatings or paint. 

Given these effects, checking your exterior regularly for exposed surfaces is important. Once you see areas that no longer have protective paint, repainting becomes an urgent matter. 

5. Desire for a Fresh Look 

For some people, repainting doesn't have to be about repairing damage or covering exposed surfaces. Sometimes, you just want a fresh, updated look for your property for the sake of it. You may have felt that the grey you've had for years is too dull or the vibrant yellow is too loud. Whatever the case, you have the free will to repaint your property in whatever colorways you want. 

Other people want to repaint homes to increase the property's curb appeal, especially before a sale. A brand-new coat can increase the number of offers and even the final sales price. For others, repainting may be necessary to complement the landscape, neighborhood, or architectural style as mandated by the HOA. 

Beyond aesthetics, repainting allows you to address minor repairs, seal gaps, and apply protective coatings. You can also upgrade to eco-friendly or low-VOC paints that are better for your family and the environment. 

Why Work with EA Pro Painters for Your Exteriors 

If you've spotted any of the issues discussed above, it may be time to repaint your property's exterior. Working with a professional like us is an excellent investment because we offer the following benefits. 

• Trained and Experienced Team: Our painting technicians are knowledgeable and experienced, working to ensure that the project is done right the first time around. 
• Local Knowledge: As a homegrown Washington company, we keenly understand the state's climate conditions and weather. This knowledge allows us to employ techniques or use products that help your exteriors resist these environmental factors. 
• Long-term Cost Savings: While the initial investment is higher than DIY, professional paint jobs will help you save in the long run. Our application techniques and painting products ensure that the coat lasts for a long time. You won't need to repaint every few years compared to DIY projects. 

Wrapping Up: When To Repaint Your Home's Exterior 

Knowing when to repaint your property's exterior is crucial to avoid structural damage and prolong the life of your home. Signs like peeling paint, fading colors, and exposed surfaces are just some of the issues to look out for. 

When you need professional painting solutions for your siding, windows, trim, and other exterior elements, EA Pro Painters is here to help. Contact us today, and let's discuss your painting needs!