The General Rule -- and Why PNW Homes Break It
Most paint manufacturers suggest repainting your home's exterior every seven to ten years. In the Pacific Northwest, that timeline shrinks to five to seven years -- and sometimes sooner. Our climate is uniquely hard on exterior coatings.
Factors That Shorten Paint Life in the PNW
Persistent moisture and rain exposure, especially on west- and north-facing walls. Moss, algae, and mildew growth that traps moisture against the surface. UV exposure during our intense summer months. Siding material -- wood siding needs repainting more frequently than HardiePlank or fiber cement. Quality of the previous paint job.
Why Surface Prep Extends Paint Life
The single most important factor in how long your exterior paint lasts is not the paint itself -- it is the preparation. At Fridenmaker Painting, we spend more time on surface preparation than on painting itself. This is why our exterior work consistently outlasts the competition.
