Common Painting Questions

#1.  What are the problems if I wait to have my house painted?

Interior: Generally no problems if you wait to have the interior painted.

Exterior: As a rule of thumb homes need to be painted every seven years in Michigan. Depending on environmental conditions where you live and the materials on the exterior timing may be sooner or later than seven years. When you see signs of fading and chipping paint, dry, separating,or missing caulk, or wood rot, it is time to paint. Missing or separated caulk and rotting wood allow moisture to penetrate your trim and fascia boards and can actually rot the structural support behind the trim if not repaired promptly.  Many Michigan homes have wooden window casings and sills, these windows need attention usually every four years as water from snow and ice build up and temperature extremes take there toll on the paint and caulk.

#2.  What could waiting to paint my house cost me?

Exterior: If moisture is allowed to penetrate into the wood,  structural materials can be damaged, fascias behind gutters may require removing the gutters to replace the trim boards and re-installing the gutters, windows may need to be replaced if the wood damage is severe, and water can penetrate into the home interior and cause mold and drywall damage. These repairs can result in high costs to the homeowner.

#3.  When is the best time to think about painting?

Interior: Interior painting can be performed any time of year, preparation is always key to a great paint job.

Exterior: Exterior painting can be accomplished from spring through fall, it is important to paint when temperatures are 50 degrees or above, although some paints can be formulated to allow painting at 35 degrees, we don’t recommend painting below 50 degrees.  Rain and summer sun will also adversely effect paint. The paint needs time to develop a dry skin in the coating before rain occurs (usually 4 – 8 hours),  and you should avoid painting in the direct summer sun on hot days so the paint does not dry to quickly (painters generally stay in the shade and proceed the sun around the exterior).