Exterior painting – Why it is worth the investment

In this blog, we explore why you should consider an exterior paint job, the benefits of painting the exterior of your home, the best practices for exterior painting, and why it’s a wise decision and money well spent.

Is it time to paint the exterior of your home?

There are several reasons why you may decide to paint the exterior of your home.

You are getting ready to sell your home and want to improve its curb appeal and resale value

You have damage to your home’s siding or trim from insects, rodents, woodpeckers, or harsh weather

You want to modernize your home’s aesthetic

You are required to paint your home’s exterior by your HOA (Homeowners’ Association) as part of its upkeep, typically within an 8-year cycle

The Perks of Professional Exterior Painting Services in Westchester

1. Curb appeal: The exterior of your home matters to potential buyers. Freshly painted homes look attractive to buyers, who know they will not have to invest in this work. A fresh coat of paint will make your home stand out when buyers consider their choices, as they can feel good about how the house has been maintained.
   
   
2. Keep nasty pests away! Quality exterior painting can cover small cracks, gaps, or holes in a building’s walls, doors, and windows. This process makes it more difficult for rodents like mice and insects like ants or termites to enter, and some paints even contain chemicals to deter mosquitoes and termites. While woodpeckers can still damage a well-painted home, well-painted wood may be more difficult for woodpeckers to grip or peck into the surface, mainly if you use a smooth or glossy finish.
   
   
3. Financial benefits: Exterior house painting provides multiple monetary advantages. A quality paint job will protect one of your most significant investments! It can prevent expensive repairs in the future and result in a higher appraisal value for your home. If you refinance, you can take advantage of a lower interest rate and eliminate the need for mortgage insurance. Finally, quality exterior painting provides an excellent return on your investment. You will dramatically be able to improve the look of your home and can provide up to a 152% return on investment.
   
   
4. Guard against harsh weather: Quality paint will protect your home from the many environmental factors that can compromise its look and structural integrity. Paint is a barrier to prevent damage from harsh storms such as snow and hurricanes that may damage your siding and trim. It can also safeguard against sun, wind, and dust damage, which can all cause deterioration in your home. You will be less likely to have to repair peeling and staining.
   
   

Be prepared! The best practices for painting your home.

1. The first step for an exterior painting project is to power-wash the home to remove all dirt, debris, and deposits.
2. Repair any damage to the siding and trim by caulking holes.
3. Sand the exterior to have a smooth base for painting.
   
   

Factor in the size and complexity of your project to pick the best tools. For larger spaces, you will want to use a roller to cover the most surface area and brushes for the woodwork details, doorways, and fixtures. For a stucco home, you will want to consider the spray technique.

Make the best choice of paint for your needs, and consider the material of your home’s siding as well as your budget:

Oil paint is the most durable and costly type of paint. It is harder to apply and takes longer to dry than other types. Oil best suits wood or metal siding and protects against UV rays and weather-related problems like moisture.

Latex is an excellent choice for homes with stucco siding and masonry. It adheres easily, dries faster, is better for the environment than oil-based paint, and is more flexible and elastic than oil-based paint. This helps it resist cracking, chipping, fading, blistering, and peeling. It is also less expensive than oil-based and easy to clean.

The finish: While paint comes in several varieties, such as satin, gloss, and semi-gloss, an eggshell finish is best for exterior painting. Eggshell isn’t dull like a flat finish or too shiny like a high-gloss sheen. It looks great on various siding types, including Hardie Plank, stucco, and wood.

Use a primer. Primer adds a layer of protection and keeps the paint from soaking into the wood. It also makes for the most even paint application. Primer protects wood from moisture, warping, cracking, mildew, and other water damage and will prolong the paint’s longevity.

Consider your climate and neighborhood style before choosing a color. Light and Neutral shades for your exterior, like off-white, cream, or light gray, are timeless, inviting, and good for resale. These colors also reflect sunlight, helping to keep the house cooler and preventing paint from fading quickly.

Brush up on your home’s value!

A fresh coat of paint is an excellent investment in your home and an essential step in maintaining longevity. Ready to give your home a facelift? Contact Kevin Roberts Painting.

We have provided expert painting and renovation services to Westchester and Putnam for almost four decades. Since 1986, we have helped homeowners choose the colors and materials best suited to their preferences and needs. If you have questions or want a free estimate, call us on (914) 741-2791 or book an appointment.