How often should exterior paint be redone?

Exterior paint in Ottawa typically needs refreshing every 7-10 years, though this varies significantly based on your home's exposure, materials, and the quality of the previous paint job.

The harsh Ottawa climate is particularly tough on exterior paint. Our freeze-thaw cycles, intense summer UV exposure, and significant temperature swings from -30°C winters to +35°C summers cause paint to expand and contract repeatedly. This leads to cracking, peeling, and fading faster than in more moderate climates. Homes with south and west-facing exposures often show wear 2-3 years earlier than protected sides due to intense sun exposure.

Material type makes a huge difference in paint longevity. Wood siding typically needs repainting every 6-8 years, while fiber cement and properly prepared metal siding can go 8-12 years. Stucco and masonry surfaces often last 10-15 years between paint jobs. The quality of surface preparation and primer used during the last paint job is equally important - a rushed job with poor prep work might fail in just 3-4 years.

Signs it's time to repaint include chalking (paint powder coming off when you touch it), visible wood or substrate showing through, cracking or peeling paint, and significant fading. Don't wait until the paint is completely failing, as this leads to much more expensive surface preparation and potential substrate damage.

For Ottawa homes, late spring through early fall (May to September) provides the best painting conditions. Avoid painting when temperatures drop below 10°C or during high humidity periods. Many Ottawa homeowners book their exterior painting in January or February for spring completion, as good contractors fill up quickly.

Professional vs DIY considerations: While homeowners can handle single-story homes, multi-story painting involves significant safety risks and specialized equipment. Professional painters also have experience dealing with Ottawa's weather challenges and can spot underlying issues like wood rot or failing caulking that need attention.

Next steps: Walk around your home this spring and assess each side separately. Take photos of any problem areas and get quotes from 2-3 licensed painters if you're seeing multiple warning signs. A quality paint job costs $3,000-8,000 for an average Ottawa home but protects your much larger investment in the house itself.