How to Maintain Your Exterior Paint: A Homeowner’s Guide

A good exterior paint job should last 7 to 10 years—but weather, moisture, and sun exposure don’t always cooperate. Even the best products can’t last without a little maintenance. The good news? A bit of seasonal upkeep can keep your home looking great and delay the need for a full repaint.

In this post, we’ll walk through a few simple ways to protect your investment and keep your home’s exterior in top shape.

1. Wash Away the Dirt

One of the easiest ways to preserve your paint is to keep it clean. Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and mildew can all wear down the surface over time. Once a year (usually spring), give your siding a gentle cleaning. A garden hose and soft brush work well, but for deeper grime, a low-pressure wash is safe for most surfaces. Avoid high pressure, which can strip paint or damage trim.

2. Inspect Your Exterior Regularly

Make it a habit to walk around your home every season. Look for peeling, cracking, bubbling, or fading—these are early warning signs. Catching issues early means you can touch up small spots before they become large-scale failures. It’s especially important to check around windows, doors, and gutters, where water intrusion is more common.

3. Keep Plants in Check

Trees, shrubs, and climbing vines may look beautiful, but when they press against your siding, they trap moisture and wear down paint. Trim branches and keep landscaping about a foot away from the house to allow airflow and reduce the risk of rot or mold.

4. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged or damaged gutters can wreak havoc on your siding. If water overflows and pools along the base of your house, it can lead to peeling paint, foundation damage, or mildew buildup. Clean gutters twice a year and make sure downspouts direct water away from the structure.

5. Know When It’s Time to Recoat

Exterior paint doesn’t fail overnight. If your color is fading, the surface looks chalky, or water isn’t beading up anymore, it might be time for a new coat. Repainting before the old layer deteriorates completely will save you money in the long run by avoiding more extensive repairs.

Need Help From a Pro?

If you're not sure what your home needs—or you’d rather not get on a ladder—we’ve got you covered. Revolution Rollers offers full exterior repaints, seasonal touch-ups, and expert recommendations to keep your home protected year-round.

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