Repainting: How Often and Why?

Repainting: How Often and Why?

A great paint job can revitalize your home. For interiors, new paint can add color and light to a previously under-utilized room. For exteriors, painting or staining can aid in protection against harsh weather (especially in New England), insects, and damage. Think of it less as a “want based” expense, and more of an investment in the future of your home. If your painting project is done right, it can last over 10 years!

The main reason customers call us for exterior painting is damage. Either boards in the exterior need repair or replacement, or the previous paint job is peeling and needs a fresh coat. Oftentimes, our customers have both of these issues when they call MDF. Sunlight and moisture are constantly hitting the exteriors of our homes and are the main culprit behind the damage. If the exterior of your home is starting to feel chalky, the protective film that painting creates has worn away. UV rays break it down so that only the pigment remains. If left untreated, more damage will ensue.

Other warning signs that your exterior is breaking down:

• Alligatoring: Cracking patterns in the paint. The term comes from its resemblance to scaly alligator skin. This problem could be caused by how poorly the previous paint job was completed. Other times, its just a reaction from an aging oil-based paint. Expanding during the summer and contracting during the winter will speed up this aging process.
• Blistering: Bubbles in the paint job due to moisture. If the surface in need of painting has over 13% moisture, it needs to be drier before starting the project.
• Cracking & Peeling: Cracks running through each layer of paint that grow bigger over time. If the house has been painted multiple times, or if the paint is spread too thinly, this problem typically rears its ugly head. Cracking could also be a sign that the prep work wasn’t done properly. Hiring a painter who takes prepping seriously ensures that the paint job will last.
• Fading: Caused primarily by sunlight but is also an indication that sub-par paint may have been used during your project. There are also certain colors that are pre-disposed to fade more quickly. It’s important to discuss any concerns with fading when choosing colors and finishes for your exterior.

Exterior re-painting can prevent long-term damage to your home, but interior painting is just an aesthetic, right? Actually, there are other benefits to re-painting the interiors of your home. It impacts the health of your home as much for these reasons:

• Air Quality Improvement: A lot of the homes in Connecticut have a history to them. Sometimes that history includes less than stellar paint being used. When you add new paint, it not only updates your look, but it helps seals in any hidden chemicals that could be affecting breathing.
• Added Home Value: Instead of ripping up your floors or finishing your basement, adding new paint to rooms or even just strategic areas (think accent walls, ceilings, doors, etc.) can increase your home’s value. It’s typically less costly than other home improvement renovation and involves less commitment.
• The Cover-all Solution: Think of all the scuff marks, stains, accidents, pets or children your home has encountered over the years, maybe for a long time running before you moved in. A great paint job will paint over life’s little mistakes and could possibly cover any lingering funky odors you can’t find the source of.

These reasons aren’t just for homes! Whether it’s your “home office” or your company cubicle that needs an update, MDF also works on commercial jobs. Commercial buildings need TLC too!