Many SCV homeowners are getting letters from their HOAs telling them they are in violation because their exterior paint is faded or peeling. I guess we have an image to keep up. So how long should you expect your exterior paint job to last? I get asked this question a lot.
Seven to 10 years is my first answer… but that is not my final answer. There are many factors that determine the lifespan of a paint job. Beyond the obvious variables, like climate and damage caused by moisture, there are other considerations.
The sun does play a big part in the breakdown of a coating. The sunny sides of the house (southern and western sides) will wear at a faster rate than the shady sections. The type of surface also is an important factor. Painted stucco usually holds up better than wood. Wood can actually be one of the toughest surfaces to keep paint on, especially “new growth wood” like that which most new homebuilders use. Wood from “old growth forests” is no longer available. That wood was denser and more stable and the paint job lasted longer.
Quality acrylic resin-based paints have come a long way. They don’t fade as fast, are more flexible, and breathe. A two-coat job is almost always better than one coat. Probably the most important aspect to a long-lasting paint job is a good prep job. This involves aggressive scraping and sanding, as well as intensive caulking and filling to lock out moisture. We place a high priority on prep work at A. Albright Painting, and we only use the highest quality materials. Anything less would be a waste of time.
Do what it needs! We would be happy to customize a proposal for your project, addressing what needs to be done and skipping areas like the stucco or shady areas that are still in good shape.
A.Allbright Painting would like to extend some special offers to help get you started. If you show us your violation letter for your exterior paint ($4,500 job minimum) before August 15th, 2010, we will give you a $500 gift card for use with our painting services. Another offer is our “Curb Appeal” special, where we prep and paint the front of your home to satisfy the violation. Prices start at $995. See the next page advertisement for more details.
For more information, you may contact A. Allbright at 661-294-1159 or schedule your own estimate online at www.aallbright.com.