5 Signs You Need to Repaint Your House

Paint does more than change the look of a home. On exterior surfaces, it also helps protect timber, masonry and other materials from the weather.

The trouble is, paint usually gives you warning signs before it completely fails.

If you know what to look for, you can often deal with the problem before preparation becomes more extensive and expensive.

Here are five common signs that it may be time to repaint your home.

1. Peeling or Flaking Paint

Peeling, cracking or flaking paint is one of the clearest signs that the existing coating is starting to fail.

On exteriors, this can happen because of age, weather exposure, poor previous preparation or moisture getting behind the coating.

Once paint begins to lift, simply painting over it is not the answer. Loose material needs to be removed and the surface prepared properly before repainting.

On older Hobart weatherboard homes, this preparation can be a significant part of the job.

You can read more about our approach to exterior house painting in Hobart.

2. Fading or Chalking

Exterior paint can gradually lose colour and break down after years of exposure to sun, rain and changing weather conditions.

Sometimes you will also notice a powdery residue on the surface. This is commonly referred to as chalking.

A small amount can occur naturally as coatings age, but heavier chalking can be a sign that the surface needs attention before repainting.

Proper cleaning and preparation are important because new paint needs a sound surface to bond to.

3. Cracks, Gaps and Failed Sealant

Small cracks and gaps can appear around trims, joints, windows, weatherboards and other areas over time.

Sealants can also deteriorate and pull away.

These issues do not always mean the entire house needs repainting immediately, but they are worth inspecting.

If moisture is able to get into vulnerable areas, the underlying timber or surface can deteriorate further.

Repainting is often a good opportunity to address these defects as part of the preparation process.

4. Weathered or Exposed Timber

Bare or heavily weathered timber is a sign that the protective coating has broken down.

You may notice timber becoming grey, rough or exposed where paint has worn away.

The longer bare timber is left exposed, the more preparation may be required before it can be coated again.

Depending on the condition, this may involve cleaning, sanding, repairs and appropriate priming before the finish coats are applied.

For older homes, our guide to painting weatherboard homes in Hobart explains some of the issues we commonly see.

5. The Finish Looks Tired Even Though It Has Not Failed

Not every repaint happens because paint is peeling off the walls.

Sometimes the coating is still reasonably sound but the house simply looks tired.

Interior walls can become marked, scuffed and patched over time. Exterior colours can fade or lose their freshness.

A repaint can make a big difference when the surfaces are structurally sound but no longer look their best.

For interior work, see our Interior Painters Hobart page.

Do You Need to Repaint the Whole House?

Not always.

Sometimes only one elevation, room or section of the house needs attention.

Other times, several areas are showing signs of deterioration and it makes more sense to deal with the project as a whole.

The best approach depends on:

• The condition of the existing paint
• The surface underneath
• Exposure to sun and weather
• Previous repairs
• Access
• The age and type of the home

That is why we prefer to inspect the job before recommending what should be done.

Do Not Paint Over the Cause of the Problem

One important point: paint cannot fix an underlying building issue.

If there is an active roof leak, ongoing moisture problem, rotten timber or another defect causing paint failure, that problem should be addressed first.

Once the cause has been dealt with, the affected surfaces can then be prepared and repainted correctly.

Repainting Older Hobart Homes

Older homes often need more preparation than newer properties.

Weatherboards may have layers of older coatings, timber can deteriorate in exposed areas and interior walls may contain lath and plaster, previous repairs or movement cracks.

The condition of the surface matters far more than simply how many square metres need painting.

This is one reason two similar-looking homes can require very different amounts of preparation.

If you are trying to understand likely costs, our Hobart painting cost guide explains some of the factors that affect pricing.

When Should You Get a Painter to Take a Look?

If you are seeing peeling, bare timber, cracking or other obvious deterioration, it is usually worth having the surfaces inspected rather than waiting until the coating fails further.

Performance Painting has been working around Hobart homes since 1994.

We inspect the condition of the surfaces, explain what preparation we believe is required and provide a written quote based on the actual job rather than guessing from a few photos or square metres alone.

Our workmanship is backed by our 5-year workmanship warranty, provided the coating system is maintained as recommended.

Get a Quote

If you are unsure whether your home needs repainting now or whether it can wait, we can inspect it and give you a practical opinion.

Book a free quote and we’ll take a proper look at the condition before recommending the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if exterior paint is failing?
Common signs include peeling, flaking, cracking, heavy chalking, exposed timber and failed sealants around joints or trims.

Does faded paint mean the house has to be repainted?
Not necessarily. Fading alone may be mainly cosmetic, but it can also indicate an ageing coating. The overall condition of the surface should be considered.

Can you just paint over peeling paint?
No. Loose or poorly bonded paint needs to be removed and the surface properly prepared before repainting.

What causes exterior paint to peel?
There are many possible causes, including age, poor previous preparation, moisture and failure of the existing coating system.

Should I wait until the paint is badly peeling before repainting?
Usually not. Dealing with deterioration earlier can reduce the amount of preparation required compared with waiting until the coating has failed extensively.