Some times it is obvious when it’s time to paint your house. If it is not obvious, here is a short guideline for when it is time. The trick is always to try and catch your home before it has extremely failed paint. It can reach a point where it becomes much more expensive to repaint just because of the extent of the failure.

Your paint is failing. Peeling, flaking, blistering paint are all signs that it is due for a makeover. Some paint may appear to be sound but has faded considerably. You can sometimes remove a downspout to see the “before and after” or track how much your home has faded. Faded paint is a early sign of failure. Don’t ignore failing paint, it can lead to bigger problems down the road.

Selling your home. Curb appeal is always a factor when selling your home. Repainting your home is a small investment for the big sale. A freshly painted house is a sign of a well cared for home. You have one opportunity to make a first impression.

Carpentry issues. Damaged siding, window trim, etc. can be signs of additional issues. Have them addressed as part of a new exterior paint job. You may have wood rot, water damage issues, carpentry ants/ termites, etc.

Failing Caulk. Once caulk fails the above begins. Water damage, etc. The best time to have your home professionally caulked is as part of a exterior paint job.

It’s due. You don’t have to wait for damage or obvious signs of paint failure. It’s better and cheaper if you don’t. The life of an exterior paint job in the Omaha market is dependent on several factors. The quality and degree of prep work, the quality of the paint, How often the home is washed and minor paint issues addressed, etc. If everything was done right, you should expect 10 to 15 years on the life of you painted exterior. High Quality Paint makes a big difference. If your paint job is 10 years old or more, it’s time to paint your house.