Fall Home Maintenance: Why Exterior Painting Services Are a Smart Pre-Winter Move

What if we told you that painting your house this fall is a smart choice… from a maintenance perspective? Sure, that fresh coat will make your house look great! But there’s more to it than that. Just as stain protects a deck, exterior painting services can add protection to your siding, trim, and other surfaces just in time for harsh wintry conditions.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why Timing Matters for Exterior Painting

Timing is everything, and a home paint job is no exception. Its success relies heavily on temperature and humidity, and guess which season provides arguably the ideal levels of both. If you said “fall,” you’re spot on! 

Summer is filled with hot days, and that level of heat may cause paint to dry too quickly. This leads to cracking, peeling, and uneven finishes—all things you want to avoid if you’re putting the time and money into exterior painting services. On the other hand, winter weather can prevent paint from properly curing, which can make it more susceptible to premature wear and tear.

And here is where we encounter a Goldilocks scenario. Summer is too hot and winter is too cold. But fall? Fall is just right! Moderate temperatures and lower humidity create an ideal environment where paint can cure and adhere properly.

Preparing Your Home Before Painting

Prep is essential to any paint job. Don’t even think about opening that first can of paint before:

• Inspecting your home’s exterior for peeling or cracking paint
• Cleaning every surface that will be painted to remove any dirt or mildew
• Repairing any damage that may hinder the painting process

Of course, if you hire a professional painting contractor, this preparation work is part of the process!

Choosing the Right Paint and Materials

Say it with us: Not all paints are created equal. There are different applications to consider, a primary one being outdoor versus indoor painting. On top of that, some paints are just of a much higher quality than others.

Begin your considerations with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints. They’re durable and safe for the environment, and everyone loves a win-win scenario! In addition to the paint, though, the finish you choose is equally important. For siding, a satin finish is a great choice, while gloss paints are more appropriate for applications on doors and trim.

And of course, don’t forget the primer. It helps seal the surface and allows for strong adhesion of your topcoat.

Benefits of Painting in the Fall

We’ve already discussed why fall weather conditions make it a great season for exterior painting services, but there’s more to it than that.

• Winter Protection: New paint can seal cracks in your exterior and provide much-needed protection from snow and ice.

• Improved Curb Appeal: Everyone loves to decorate their home for the holidays, and a new paint job will make it look even better!

• Easier Scheduling: Despite the benefits of painting in the fall, the reality is that many people love to take care of home projects in the spring and summer. This means your favorite painting contractor or residential painter has more availability in the fall. Take advantage of that!

What to Consider Before Winter Hits

Want to provide as much protection as possible from winter’s frigid grasp? Make sure you schedule your exterior painting services 4–6 weeks before consistently freezing temperatures arrive. In Maryland, such low ranges are more typical of January through early March, so plan accordingly.

Another consideration you should make is a bit more tricky, and that’s avoiding rainy or windy days. This is where the weather forecast can come in handy, as it lets you identify stretches of dry days that you can take advantage of.

When the job is done, be sure to seal any leftover paint and store it in a place where you’ll be able to find and access it down the line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Painter

Now, these tips we’re providing are valuable for anyone intending to paint their home exterior themselves. If you’re a DIY-enthusiast with the skill and commitment to take on such a task, who’s to say you aren’t up for it? However, if you lack the experience or expertise, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a residential painter.

DIY can save you money, but be aware that the preparation and painting itself require careful planning and patience. A professional painting contractor will take care of all that stuff for you, so you can kick back and relax with the knowledge that the job will be done right.

Still want to do it yourself? We support you! Want to hire us? Feel free to take a look at the work we’ve done to support your decision.

Bonus: Interior Painting in Fall

Since you’re painting the exterior of your home this fall, why not expand the project and paint two birds with one brush (sorry)? Give some interior rooms a painting upgrade and take advantage of the moderate temperatures by leaving your windows open and aerating your home. It’s a great way to brighten up your home in time for the holiday season, and we’re happy to help you make it happen!

Expert Exterior Painting Services by Albaugh & Sons

Ready for your home to get fall-ready (and look good in the process)? Exterior painting services are a great upgrade in the moderate months of fall! With the right materials, timing, and a bit of careful preparation, your home will be ready for anything!

At Albaugh & Sons, we don’t cut corners (unless a literal corner needs to be cut, but that’s not the point). We’ll make sure the preparation and painting process is carried out with care from beginning to end. Give us a call and we’ll schedule your exterior upgrade in time for the winter weather!