There’s nothing like a postcard-fresh paint job on your Southern Utah own home or your rental home to make it look and feel brand new again. Still, it’s unlikely you’ll need a new coat of paint every year. So how do you know when it’s time to repaint? Let’s walk through some of the biggest signs that it’s time to break out the buckets and brushes.

The Purpose of Paint

Although paint is nice to look at, and the color you choose definitely tells a story and lends a mood to the whole neighborhood, paint serves another very important function as a sun and waterproof barrier. For many Southern Utah homes, especially those that are older, there’s very little standing between the siding or fascia and the living space. This is why having a good paint really matters. Paint protects the wood or under material from sun and it waterproofs siding which helps prevent moisture from crossing from the outdoors inward. Paint also slows the damage time brings like wood rot and damage from insects drawn to a moist environment. So even though it’s a lovely thing to look at, paint is really one of your best defenses against the elements. This is something homeowners and property management companies in Southern Utah are all aware of.

Painting isn’t limited to wooden fascia and siding, though. You can also paint many types of siding considered non-paintable with the right kind of preparation and primer. So, if your house is covered in a horrific color of vinyl siding, for example, all hope is not lost.

How to Tell It’s Time to Paint

Knowing when it’s time to paint your house is as much an art as a science. There are definitely things you can look for that indicate the time is coming near, but you’ll also need to balance that with the expense and effort involved. Here are a few clear indicators to watch:

  • Chipping Paint. Most people know that chipping paint is a sign it’s probably about time to start considering a paint job. But there’s a fine line between a little bit of acceptable flaking and serious chipping. If you’re only noticing a few very small flakes falling off here and there, you should be working on picking a new color, but you don’t necessarily need to stop everything to get to painting. On the other hand, if big chips of paint are shedding off in multiple places, you’ve probably waited too long. When people are looking for a home to buy or rent in Saint George and the surrounding area, the paint on the house will likely be one of the first things they notice.
  • Waterproofing is Failing. If your paint no longer keeps water from soaking into your fascia or siding, and instead it seems to be absorbing more water, your waterproofing has failed. Generally, you want water to bead up on your siding, then work its way down and onto the ground. If the paint is so far gone that your siding is soaking up rainwater, a paint job is needed ASAP. Waiting risks further, more serious damage.
  • Damage. Visible fascia and siding damage is a good sign it’s time to paint. After all, after you’ve fixed the holes in the siding created by woodpeckers, or by falling trees during storms, you’ll want to ensure the paint matches. Sometimes you can get away with just painting that side of the house, but large patches or siding replacements will usually not match existing paint, even if you use the same bucket. UV light breaks down the pigments quickly in this Southern Utah sun; just how quickly depends on the colors you’ve chosen.
  • Time for a Change. You can paint your house just because you hate the color or want a change. It’s totally legit and, frankly, can be a much easier process than painting when you must deal with damage or worn out paint. Just make sure you’re preparing the surface just like you would for a coat of new paint meant to be a repair so it’ll adhere properly. Whether your just living in a home, buying a home, selling a home, or have a Southern Utah rental – a freshly painted house can make all the difference.

Jensen Property Management & Leasing