Experienced Exterior Painting in Atlanta 

How to Know When You Need Exterior Painting 

If you don’t remember (or just plain don’t know) when your house was last painted, there’s a good chance it’s overdue for a refresh and restore. While exterior paint is often viewed as a cosmetic process meant to enhance curb appeal, the truth is that your home’s exterior paint does a lot more in terms of damage prevention than most homeowners realize. Depending on environmental factors and the exterior surface material of your house, the exterior paint may need to be refreshed as often as every three to four years. With the sun and humidity in Atlanta and the Southeast, it’s a safe bet that your house’s exterior paint is not doing as much as it could to protect your home from the wear and tear that so much sun and moisture causes on a daily basis.

On average, you should expect to repaint your home exterior every 5-10 years. You can expect it to last longer with regular upkeep and, of course, when you hire an experienced contractor who uses quality materials and doesn’t skimp on prep. In general, here are some guidelines for repainting based on the exterior surface:

• Wood surfaces should be repainted every three to seven years.
• Aluminum and fiberglass siding should be refreshed every five years or so.
• Stucco house exteriors need repainting every five to six years.

Questions to Ask an Exterior Painting Contractor

• What is included in my painting estimate?
  • A reputable painting contractor will provide you with an exterior painting estimate that is clear, comprehensive, and fully itemized. You should know exactly what needs to be done, what materials will be used, and how much it will cost.
• Where can I find reviews and feedback on your work?
  • An established business should have these readily available to potential clients – many publish them on their website for easy access. You can fact-check their reviews on your own, too: before committing to a contractor, check out resources such as the Better Business Bureau, Houzz, Yelp, Google, and your state licensing board for residential and general contractors.
• What surface preparation do you recommend?
  • Typically, a thorough preparation of the exterior surface includes the following:
    • Sand, Scrape, and Scrub: Any loose or peeling paint should be completely removed, and your house should be thoroughly washed to prevent any dirt and debris from getting trapped under that fresh coat of paint.
    • Prime and Seal: This step should also include careful attention to protecting everything you don’t want painted. Make sure you ask your contractor how they protect your landscaping, too! This is also when any repairs will likely be done, like sealing cracks or refinishing uneven surfaces.
• What kinds of materials do you use?
  • Quality materials go a long way to extending the life and durability of your painting – and it doesn’t only apply to what brand of paint you use! It’s not uncommon for minor to moderate repairs to be part of the exterior painting process, so the quality of materials such as caulk is just as crucial for ensuring a long-lasting and beautiful exterior painting.

How Do I Get Started in the Process with Perimeter Remodeling?

A professional (and free) consultation, of course! If you need exterior painting in the Atlanta, GA area, reach out to Perimeter Remodeling for more info on how we can help you refresh your home and ensure the continued protection of your home’s exterior.