Painting your home’s exterior walls can freshen things up while also boosting its curb appeal. If you are planning to put your house on the market, then you should apply a new coat. However, many people like to paint their house’s exterior to give it a unique look and feel after the dark, wet winter months.
If you think it’s time to freshen up your home’s exteriors, then this post is for you. Read on to find out why you should paint your exterior walls and how to choose exterior paints.
Reasons to Paint Exterior Walls
For some families, painting exterior walls is an annual event, while others are less enthusiastic about this job. Either way, it is something that you should consider for a variety of reasons.
Painting the outside can improve the curb appeal of your home and add value if you are planning to put your property on the market. But there are also many practical reasons to regularly paint your exterior walls.
Not only does a fresh coat of paint look good, but it also provides an added layer of protection to your walls. The exterior of your house is continuously exposed to the elements, which can cause damage to its structural integrity. Paint can help to waterproof wood, meaning it is less likely to rot. However, this protection has a shelf life, so it is important to apply new coats when you notice any signs of damage to the surfaces, such as peeling and cracking.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Paints
If you have decided to go ahead with a paint job, there are several factors that you need to consider when choosing exterior paints.
Step 1: Be Prepared
Before you buy any paints, you should consider the size of the exterior surfaces, the location of your home, and the type of material that your exteriors surfaces are made from. It is also vital you take into account the amount of sunlight that the surfaces are exposed to. The sun will cause the paint to lighten, so you may end up with a shade you don’t like.
All these factors can have a major impact on the ideal type of paint and color. You will want to make an impact, but you don’t want to choose a color that sticks out like a sore thumb in your neighborhood.
Step 2: Compliment Your Surroundings
As mentioned above, you may not want to draw attention to your home because you opted for a color entirely out of sync with the neighborhood. Likewise, you should carefully consider the existing features of your property so that the color compliments the surroundings.
Go for a color that works with your roof shingles, driveways, porches, and any other natural features on your property.
Step 3: Test, Test, Test
Once you have done all the steps above, you are ready to start looking for samples. This is not a decision that you should rush. Instead, take your time and select a variety of samples. If you plan to do the job yourself, make sure you get some advice from an expert before going ahead with a purchase. They will be able to advise you on the right shade and the proper quantity required for the job ahead.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the time or knowhow to do the job yourself, it is worth speaking to a professional painting contractor. They will be able to make your vision a reality without you having to go through all the time-consuming preparatory processes.