How Often Do You Need To Repaint Your Home In Florida?

One of the challenges of homeownership is the need to do maintenance. Your home is a major investment, so taking the time to take care of it makes sense. This includes repainting it periodically if the exterior of your home is painted.

While exterior paint may last for 15 years in other parts of the country, your paint job may only last 5 to 7 years in Florida. Regular inspection can allow you to spot signs of damage - like peeling and cracking - indicating a need to repaint. You can then either repaint your house yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

At Eaton Realty, we know that while home maintenance can be a burden, keeping your home in top shape is important. Whether you’re looking to buy a low-maintenance house (that doesn’t need to be painted) or want to put your house on the market, we can help. We represent buyers and sellers throughout Hillsborough County, using our expertise to help you make the right decisions for your family. Reach out today to talk to a member of our real estate team.

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How Long Does Exterior Paint Last In Florida?

When picking an exterior paint for your house, you may note that the can promises that the paint will last for a certain period of time. Indeed, exterior paint often holds up for as long as 15 years. However, certain variables affect that time frame - including climate, the material used on the exterior walls, the quality of the prior paint, damage, and how well the house has been maintained.

Factors That Affect The Lifespan Of Paint

Paint Quality

When it comes to paint, you absolutely get what you pay for. Lower-budget paint options typically contain less binder and pigment. The result is a paint that fades faster and doesn’t adhere to surfaces as well. Higher-end paint options can add several years to the lifespan of your home’s exterior paint.

Material

In Florida, exterior walls are usually made of wood, aluminum, brick, cement, or stucco. Generally, exterior paint on aluminum siding, stucco, and wood will last 5 to 6 years. Paint on cement fiber siding may last 10 to 15 years, while paint on brick can last for 15 to 20 years or longer.

Climate

Florida’s climate plays a huge role in the longevity of exterior paint. West Central Florida has a humid environment. The average humidity in the Tampa region is 74% - which means there is a lot of moisture in the air that can affect paint. The bright Florida sunlight will also cause paint to fade more quickly.

Weather

Of course, another big factor in paint longevity in Florida is the weather. Tropical storms and hurricanes can do a number on a home’s exterior, from the wind and rain battering a home to debris slamming against it. For this reason, homes in Florida usually need to be painted more frequently.

How to Know When It’s Time to Paint Your House

If you have any question about whether your house needs to be repainted, you can do a quick inspection to check for signs of damage. Paint is the primary waterproofing layer protecting your home so it’s important that this layer is well-maintained. Take a walk around the outside of your house and look for any signs of peeling, cracking, or fading. If you see any of these issues, then it is a sure sign that you need a new paint job.

How to Paint the Exterior of Your House

If you have decided that your house could use a fresh coat of paint, you can either choose a contractor to paint it for you - or do it yourself. If you choose the DIY route, you will first need to select an exterior paint.

Deciding On Paint

There are two main types of exterior paints for your house. Water-based paint (also referred to as vinyl or latex paint) is durable, flexible, and easy to use. Oil-based paint is more susceptible to fading, peeling, and blistering. It might be a good choice for high-traffic areas like porch floors, but using it on your house’s exterior walls usually isn’t the best choice.

A higher quality paint - with titanium dioxide pigments and at least 45% solids by weight - costs more up-front but can save you money over the long term since you may not have to paint as frequently. Check the label for the type of binders included in the paint. 100% acrylic binders resist weathering - a big problem in the Florida climate - better than vinyl or vinyl-acrylic binders.

Once you have chosen a paint, you must select your color. You might want to stick with what you already have, or something close to it. If you decide to make a change, take into consideration the color of neighboring houses, your home’s architectural style, and fixed elements on your house (like trim). Of course, in Florida, you can often get away with a brighter and more fun color - but if you live in a community with a homeowner’s association (HOA), check the rules on exterior home colors. Some HOAs require approval before painting, even if you’re repainting using the same colors.

To determine the quantity of paint you will need, multiply the height of your house by its perimeter. Then you will need to subtract the total area for doors and windows. When you get the number, divide it by the coverage listed on the paint can (usually 400 square feet per gallon). This number represents the cans you will need for a single coat of paint. Remember that textured or porous surfaces - like stucco - usually require more paint.

You should also purchase a high-quality latex primer with 100% acrylic binders. Applying a coat of primer before painting can protect your house from weather damage from wind and water. You will also need equipment, such as:

• Brushes
• Rollers
• Sprayers
• Drop cloths
• Dust masks or respirators if using a sprayer
• Paint trays
• A sturdy ladder

Prep Surfaces For Paint

Before you start painting, you must prepare your home’s surface. Paint prep can be a time-consuming step, but it is essential to the overall success of the paint job.

First, check for any signs of damage - such as rotted wood or areas with water damage. Address those issues before doing anything else.

Second, you will need to clean the exterior of your house to remove dirt, mildew, and paint residue that may make it hard for the fresh paint to stick. You should wet your walls first, and then either scrub them or use a power washer with a cleaning solution.

Third, depending on the surface and the condition, you will need to scrape and sand your house. If the paint is older, be sure to do a lead test before this step so that you know what precautions you need to take. Then, you can scrape off any loose, bubbling, or peeling paint. You can then sand any areas where you scraped. You can then fill any minor cracks and dents with a patching compound and larger cracks with a two-part epoxy.

Perform Painting Work

Once you have completed the prep work, you can start painting. The primer should be the first coat. After the primer is dry, you can caulk all small joints with a siliconized acrylic caulk. You can then start painting using a brush, roller, and/or sprayer. Make sure to tape off anything you don’t want to paint and lay drop cloths as necessary.

After you have finished painting, you can extend the life of your home’s exterior through proper maintenance. Ensure you address any water drainage issues promptly and inspect for damage regularly. Clean your home’s exterior annually and touch up any chips in the paint. You should also make sure that trees and shrubs stay trimmed to prevent abrasion and moisture buildup against the house.

Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the longevity of your paint. Ideally, you should paint the exterior of your home when the humidity is below 60%, there is no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours, and the temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees. In the Tampa region, it can be hard to find these conditions - so be sure to check the forecast.

While it is possible to paint the exterior of your house on your own, it is a physically demanding and time-consuming job. It can also be expensive if you need to buy tools and equipment to get the job done. While hiring professionals is costly, it may save you in the long term if the paint job lasts longer and looks nicer.

Work with Eaton Realty to Buy or Sell Your Home

Repainting your home can be both expensive and challenging - but it is necessary to keep your home in good condition. If you want to list your house, then a fresh coat of paint can help to boost curb appeal. If you’re looking to buy a house, you may want to avoid the issue entirely by buying a house that doesn’t need to be painted.

At Eaton Realty, we represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions in the greater Tampa region. With our background in home construction, we offer a unique perspective when it comes to purchasing a new home - including on things like long-term maintenance needs. If you need a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent, we can work with you to help you achieve your goals. To learn more, fill out our online contact form or call our office at 813-672-8022.