You just painted your home’s exterior and it looks fresh and new! This job was a big investment of time and money. You’d like to extend the longevity of your paint so you can go longer between repainting projects. Is this possible? The following are some simple tips for keeping your exterior paint job looking great for years to come.

• Use a three-coat system on vulnerable areas: To keep wind, rain, sun and snow from damaging your exterior paint job, coat problem areas (window seals, fascia boards, exposed horizontal surfaces, joints, wood close to the ground, and soffits) with primer and two finish coats. This provides extra protection for vulnerable areas and extends the life of your paint job.
• Undertake touch-ups: Some parts of your home will require repainting before others. Doing touch-ups can add significantly to the life of your paint job. Examine your home and do a touch-up painting every year or two.
• Address peeling immediately: If you notice peeling and/or damaged paint, your home’s surface is no longer fully protected and your paint job is threatened. Using a scraper or 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose, cracked, or peeling paint from the damaged area. Use a cloth or damp sponge to wipe the area free of any sanding grit. Prime and repaint the section as soon as possible. 
• Deal with mould and mildew: The growth of mould and/or mildew will damage your paint. Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the affected areas. Leave it for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with a garden hose. Repaint the area if necessary.
• Pressure wash: Once a year, pressure wash your home’s exteriors to rid it of surface contaminants (pollen, dirt, air pollutants, bird droppings, mildew, mould spores, etc.). This helps the structure look fresher and keeps the paint from deteriorating. Don’t have a pressure washer? Use a long-handled, soft-bristled scrub brush and a mild solution of soapy water. Rinse with your garden hose. 
• Maintain landscaping: Trees and plants that touch the side of your home promote rot, attract insects and cause deterioration of your paint. Trim bushes, shrubs and trees so that there is room for airflow and sunlight around the perimeter of the house. 
• Use caution with window cleaning solutions: Avoid stains and deterioration from window cleaning solutions by carefully rinsing them off your home’s exterior after completing window washing.
• Use sprinklers wisely: Overspray can cause premature failure of your paint job. Use caution when watering your lawn and plants. 
• Check gutters and downspouts: Neglected gutters backup and allow water to overflow onto parts of your home’s exterior creating unnecessary wear and tear on your paint. Keep them clean and functioning properly.
• Check caulking: Caulk can split or crack over time, allowing water intrusion and leading to the deterioration of your paint. Check and refresh caulking yearly around doors, windows, vents and other items on your home’s exterior. 
• Hire a professional residential painter: If you want to get the most out of your exterior paint, call on an expert residential painter. They’ll use high-quality paints, the correct tools and proper preparation techniques to give your home a paint job that lasts. Many also warranty their work for a particular time frame. 

Because of weather conditions and normal wear and tear, your home will likely need to be repainted every seven to ten years. Follow the above tips and you can ensure that your exterior paint lasts long and looks great.

Want a paint job that looks great for a long time? Need a professional painting company? Call the Calgary residential painting experts, Cal Res Coatings at (403) 835-4817. We have experience with exterior and interior painting. We’re a residential painting contractor that strives for quality, has an eye for detail and colour, and will not rest until your job is done to your satisfaction. Request a free quote today.