What Happens If You Don't Paint Your House?

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Homeowners often wonder what happens if you don’t paint your house. This is a vital question, as paint does more than just update a property’s color. On the other hand, no homeowner should pay for services they don’t need.

If you don’t paint your house, this can risk early deterioration of exterior materials. New paint also helps reduce mold and mildew growth on the structure. Older paint can also lower property values so that you lose equity rather than build it in your home.

This is just a quick answer to what happens if you don’t paint your house. For more details, keep reading! Knowing more about house painting can help you decide if it’s time to call a residential painting contractor near you. Their expertise ensures a job well done and a home you’ll be proud of for years to come.

What Happens If You Don’t Paint Your House?

If you choose not to paint your house or delay repainting for an extended period, you might face several consequences. The paint on your house does more than just make it look good. It also protects the building materials underneath and offers many other benefits. Note a few of those here, and what happens if you don't paint your house:

Deterioration of Exterior Surfaces

Exterior paint acts as a protective layer, shielding the building materials from rain, sunlight, wind, and moisture. Without regular maintenance, the exposed surfaces deteriorate faster, leading to premature wear and tear.

Also, the sun's UV rays fade and discolor the exterior surfaces of a house over time. Faded paint can give your home an unkempt appearance. It can also make every exterior surface look rundown and drab!

In addition to fading, as paint ages, it starts to peel and flake, especially in areas exposed to moisture. Peeling paint not only looks unsightly but can also expose underlying surfaces to further damage. Children, pets, and animals can also put paint flakes in their mouths, risking health concerns.

Wood Rot and Water Damage

If your house has wooden trim or siding, neglecting new paint can make them susceptible to rot and water damage. This can even compromise the structural integrity of the house and lead to costly repairs. On the other hand, new paint offers added protection for wood surfaces.

Additionally, note that moisture can penetrate all unprotected surfaces, leading to mold and mildew. These can grow on all surfaces but are especially damaging to wood. Both can also affect air quality and risk health issues.

Reduced Resale Value

A poorly maintained exterior impacts curb appeal and your home’s resale value. Potential buyers may be less interested in a property with an unkempt appearance. Since property appraisers base home values on what buyers might pay, neglecting needed painting can risk lower property values.

In addition to creating a rundown look, damage caused by neglecting needed painting also reduces home values. No buyer wants to buy a house riddled with mold, wood rot, and similar issues! In turn, painting can protect those values over time.

In summary, neglecting to paint your house can lead to cosmetic issues and even structural damage. Regularly painting your home's exterior helps protect the building materials, enhances its appearance, and maintains its value over time.

After How Many Years Should You Paint a House?

There is no simple answer as to how often you should repaint your house. Instead, you should consider several factors, including the type of paint used. Also, note the climate in your area, the quality of the previous paint job, and exterior surface conditions.

On average, a well-maintained house should be repainted every 5 to 10 years. Also, note some general guidelines to help you determine when you should repaint your house:

• Regularly inspect the exterior of your house for signs of paint deterioration, fading, peeling, or cracking. If you notice any of these issues, it's a sign that repainting may be needed.
• A high-quality paint job applied with proper preparation and premium materials tends to last longer. If your house was previously painted using high-quality products and techniques, it might not need repainting as frequently.
• Houses in regions with harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, rain, or high humidity, may require more frequent repainting. These elements can accelerate paint deterioration, including fading and cracking.
• The type of paint used can influence the lifespan. High-quality paints and primers designed for exterior use are more durable and last longer.
• Regular maintenance, such as cleaning exterior surfaces and addressing minor repairs, can extend the life of the paint.
• Darker colors tend to fade faster than lighter colors, so keep this in mind when choosing your paint color.
• Wooden surfaces, such as siding and trim, are more susceptible to weathering and may require more frequent repainting or staining.

How Important Is It to Paint a House Before Selling?

A real estate agent can note needed changes to your property before selling. In the meantime, you might note some advantages to painting a house before selling:

• A well-painted exterior creates a positive first impression for potential buyers. This can make your house stand out from other listings and entice buyers to explore further.
• A freshly painted interior can make your home look well-maintained and up-to-date. Buyers are more likely to see the property as move-in ready and might pay a higher price for it.
• If your home has bold or personalized color choices, repainting with neutral colors helps create a blank canvas. Buyers can then visualize their own furnishings and decorations in the space. Neutral colors also tend to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers.
• Painting can cover up minor imperfections, marks, and scuffs on the walls, making the interior look fresh and new.
• An aesthetically appealing home is more likely to sell faster, reducing the time your property spends on the market.
• In a competitive real estate market, a well-painted home can give you a competitive advantage over other properties with worn or outdated paint.

A Word From Our House Painting Team

The Kansas City House Painters is happy to help answer what happens if you don’t paint your house. If you’re ready for expert services, call our Kansas City residential painting contractors. We’ll prepare a FREE quote for all the painting you need to have done.