In Michigan, homeowners should repaint their exteriors every 5 to 10 years.
The aggressive timeline can be explained by the extreme Michigan winters. Of course, we experience cold weather and snow. Oh, and don’t forget how hot and humid it gets in the summer.
Exterior paint expands and contracts constantly due to temperature changes. In the hot summer, paint expands, stretching over the surface as it heats up. During the colder winter months, it contracts as temperatures drop.
This continual movement can lead to cracking, peeling, and fading, especially when paint ages and loses its elasticity.
How Different Exteriors Affect Repainting Needs
The type of siding on your home will affect how often it should be repainted. Here’s a closer look at common exterior materials and their general repainting requirements in Michigan:
Wood Siding: Wood siding requires frequent upkeep and repainting every 3 to 7 years. Due to Michigan’s wet and humid climate, wood is susceptible to moisture damage, leading to peeling and cracking if not properly maintained.
Aluminum and Vinyl Siding: These materials last longer, with a repainting schedule every 10 to 15 years. Vinyl, in particular, is more resistant to weathering, but the paint on both materials can fade over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
Brick: Brick siding usually only needs painting every 15 to 20 years, provided it’s in good condition. A high-quality, breathable paint can enhance its durability against Michigan’s freezing and thawing cycles. However, any structural issues or efflorescence buildup (a white, powdery residue) may require additional maintenance.
Fiber Cement Siding: Often painted every 10 to 15 years, fiber cement siding holds up well against extreme weather, making it a popular choice in Michigan. It’s moisture-resistant, crucial in high-humidity areas, and provides a smooth surface for paint adhesion.
Related: How To Choose Exterior Paint Color
Why You Should Paint Within This Timeframe
Repainting your home’s exterior within this recommended timeframe isn’t just about aesthetics—it plays a crucial role in protecting your house from Michigan’s harsh weather. A quality paint job forms a protective barrier against moisture, preventing water from seeping into the siding and causing issues like mold, mildew, and rot.
More.
A fresh coat of paint helps protect against UV damage, which can lead to fading and degradation, especially on south-facing walls exposed to direct sunlight.
When your exterior looks good, you can expect a better curb appeal. For homeowners thinking of selling, a freshly painted exterior can be a worthwhile investment that makes a lasting first impression on potential buyers.
What Happens If You Don’t Repaint?
When paint starts to peel, crack, or fade, it loses its ability to protect the siding. Water can infiltrate unprotected siding, causing wood to rot, metal to rust, and other materials to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs that might have been avoided with regular maintenance.
So, What’s The Best Paint?
High-quality, flexible paint is designed to handle this natural expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of wear. Regularly repainting within the recommended timeframe helps maintain this flexibility, ensuring that the paint can protect your home effectively against Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
Stay tuned to our blog as we'll soon discuss the best paints for exteriors in Michigan. We're already one of the best painting companies in Grand Rapids and maybe the entire state. We're now building the #1 painting blog in Michigan, focusing on painting topics that matter to homeowners in The Mitten.