7 Signs Your Florida Home Needs a New Coat of Paint

Exterior paint is your home's first line of defense against sun, rain and humidity. When it starts to fail, water gets into stucco and wood. Here are seven signs it is time to repaint.

1. Chalking

Rub your hand on a sunny wall. If it comes away with a powdery residue, the paint is breaking down. Chalky surfaces need to be washed and often primed before new paint will stick.

2. Fading

Compare a sun-facing wall to a shaded one, or to an area behind a shutter. A big difference means the finish has lost much of its protection.

3. Cracks in stucco

Hairline cracks are common, but once they open, water can get behind the paint and into the wall.

4. Failed caulk

Look at the joints around windows, doors and trim. Split, shrunken or missing caulk is an easy entry point for water.

5. Peeling or blistering

Peeling usually means moisture or poor adhesion. It is most common on wood trim, fascia and doors.

6. Mildew that keeps coming back

Some mildew is normal in Florida. If it returns soon after cleaning, the coating has likely lost its mildew resistance.

7. Soft or damaged wood

Push gently on trim and fascia boards. Soft spots mean water has gotten in, and the wood may need repair before painting.

Why it pays to act early

A home that is repainted when the first signs appear usually needs washing, caulking and paint. A home that waits often needs stucco and wood repair first. Read more about how often to repaint in Florida, or ask us to look at your exterior.

Get a free estimate

Custom Painting Pro has painted homes and businesses across Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties since 2010. Call (727) 237-1455 or book a free estimate online. We look at the property in person and send a written proposal with the scope spelled out.