Highlights
Stains with added sealants and UV protectants will shield your wood from extreme weather conditions.
Stains are an excellent preventative measure against termites.
A fresh coat of paint—both indoor and out—will boost your curb appeal and overall home value.
A stain on deck flooring and low-VOC paint indoors can be a smart choice.
Giving your home a fresh coat of paint or stain allows you to decorate your space in whatever shade brings you the most joy. But that’s not the only perk— these materials also have plenty of practical benefits, from preventing pesky insects to protecting the structural integrity of your house. Read on to learn of all the ways painting and staining your home can add big advantages.
1. Prevents Termites
Using termite-proof paint and an oil-based stain is an excellent way to ward off these pests. The paints are infused with chemicals that repel termites, and the oil stain soaks into the wood, making it unappealing to the bugs. For added protection, apply a layer of borate-based wood preservative before painting and staining, and make sure to get regular home inspections for termites.
2. Protects Against Harsh Winters
Untreated wood is vulnerable during extreme weather like rain, hail, and snow, but a layer of protective stain will keep out the moisture from winter conditions. You might need to sand or remove an old finish before you start staining. We also recommend applying the stain in thin coats with a paint roller and using a paint brush for corners and smaller areas.
3. Protects Against the Sun, Too
Winter snow isn’t the only weather condition that will impact wood. UV rays from the sun can age your wood over time and cause it to fade from its original luster. Many stains have added pigments to protect against these harmful UV rays, and some also include a sealant to offer extra protection.
4. Improves Curb Appeal
The cost to paint your home exterior can be a valuable investment, particularly from a resale perspective. Hiring a local painting professional to apply a fresh coat to your home, both inside and out, gives it that extra oomph that potential buyers love to see. Not only will you cover up signs of age and weather, but you can update the colors to something more modern. If painting the entire exterior is outside of your budget, consider painting at least the trim.
5. Extends the Life of Your Siding
Depending on care and materials, siding should last 20 to 50 years, but extreme weather and general wear and tear can age your siding quicker than anticipated. Give your siding the protection it needs by painting it and shielding it from sunlight and moisture, the latter of which can cause rot.
6. Preserves Structural Integrity
Without a layer of protection, wood is susceptible to mold and mildew, which can eventually rot your wood. There’s nothing you can do about rotten wood except have it completely replaced, which can cause damage to your home’s structure. Regularly painting the exterior of your home will give it a strong defense. Other ways to prevent mold and mildew include cleaning your gutters regularly, putting a dehumidifier in the basement, and sweeping standing water away from outdoor decking.
7. Protects You
Temperature fluctuations over time can cause wood to cup, warp, and split, leading to splinters. Stain and seal your wood deck’s flooring to protect the surface and your bare feet.
In addition, repainting the inside of your home with low-or-no VOC paint can offer a healthier environment for you and your family. This paint isn’t petroleum-based and contains little or no formaldehyde or heavy metals, while VOC paints might irritate the nose, mouth, and throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can paint vinyl siding, but be sure to select a color that is similar to the color of your vinyl, or a slightly lighter hue. One major perk of painting your vinyl siding instead of replacing it is the price—you’ll save money by adding a fresh coat of paint versus completely overhauling your home’s siding. Make sure you clean the siding well before painting and purchase an exterior paint that contains acrylic and urethane resins.
Painting the exterior of your house is worth it if you want to extend the life of your siding while also adding curb appeal. Painting your home’s exterior can save you thousands of dollars in the long run, because it makes your siding stand up better to the elements and resists the buildup of mold and mildew. This means you’ll save on the cost of having to replace your siding.
Typically, exterior paint should last between five and 10 years, although the timeline varies depending on the quality of the paint job and your home’s exterior material. For instance, aluminum siding needs to be painted every five years, while painted brick can last as long as 17 years.
You can paint over old exterior paint as long as you properly prepare the surface. You may need to sand your siding before painting over it—especially if you have wood siding. In some cases, if your siding is in good shape, a simple exterior primer is enough to prepare the surface for a new coat of paint. Touching up your home’s exterior can not only increase your curb appeal, it can also help your home’s siding be more durable and long-lasting.
