Should You Paint Your House in Fall?
Come October, you’ve been noticing cracked, chipped, and faded paint on your home’s exterior. So, re-painting it seems like a no-brainer, right?
Not exactly. Unpredictable weather, more so than regular cold or days of heat, is actually the worst time to do an exterior paint job. Consistency means avoiding cold and damp evenings, which ultimately make it harder for the paint to dry and properly bond to the surface.
Because of this, more risks arise when you plan to paint in fall. Things might seem okay at first, but because of the conditions, some of the ingredients eventually rise to the surface, over a year or two, and the paint begins to flake off again.
However, the notion isn’t absolute, and there are a few factors to consider.
1. The Paint
It used to be that traditional latex paints needed to be added in temperatures at or above 60°F. More modern formulations have expanded the possibilities, however, as they can be applied in temperatures nearly down to 35°F. So, for fall weather, make sure, above all, the right paint is being used.
2. When in Fall
Fall’s lack of predictability means some professional house painters just don’t do the season at all. In New England, you’ll come across companies that cut off exterior painting right at the start of October; others, however, go as far as early November. Generally, the colder it gets, the harder it becomes to find a team willing to take on the job.
3. The Full Job
Realize that painting a home’s exterior often goes beyond a single coat. The surface has to be prepared – power washing to remove mold, dust, dirt, and other accumulations. Then, depending upon the job’s scope, caulk, putty, and primer become necessary. All of these take longer to dry than standard paint, which makes the overall project far more challenging to complete.
4. Interior Painting
While painting the exterior is a questionable move, this isn’t to say the interior is off limits. In fact, fall and winter is the optimal time of year for undertaking these projects. It’s easier to achieve the right balance between hot and cold to allow the paint to dry and bond. As the home has less interior humidity, moisture won’t contaminate the paint.
Whether you’re considering an interior or exterior paint job, work with M. Brett to get it done. If you’re in New England, contact us about our house and commercial painting services.