When Should You Repaint Your Commercial Building Exterior
Posted Jun 30, 2022 by Dave Scaturro
Key Takeaways
- Exterior repainting timelines vary based on the building material, local weather exposure, and the condition of the existing coating.
- Waiting until paint is badly peeling or fading can leave the exterior more exposed to moisture, corrosion, and other damage.
- Materials like aluminum, brick, and wood all have different maintenance and repainting needs, so timing should be based on both condition and surface type.
The paint on your exterior keeps your commercial space looking good, but also serves the important role as a first line of defense against the elements.
Indicators including chipping, peeling paint and fading colors are simple ways to know that it’s time to repaint. However, you may actually want to start the process before the physical signs begin to show. After all, prolonged wear and tear can lead to unnecessary damage.
How often you need to repaint can vary based on factors such as the craftsmanship, paint, location of your building and the type of exterior, including aluminum, brick or wood. While on average, exteriors need repainting every five years, here are some simple tips for when to plan your next exterior paint job:
Aluminum
Aluminum siding has existed for nearly a century and is generally a durable, weatherproof, low maintenance option. We recommend repainting (and repairing where needed) aluminum siding every 5-10 years, especially if you’re starting to see fading or corrosion.
Aluminum siding should be painted in dry, warm temperatures and indirect sunlight. Working with a professional, like Alpine, can help you determine the best time to paint as well as the best course of action for your siding.
Brick
The Brick Industry Association recommends exterior brick be painted every 3-5 years though chipped bricks, fading paint and deterioration are indicators that your siding may be past due for a refresh. Unpainted bricks should see a power washing every 3-5 years to keep them corrosion and damage-free.
Wood
If properly maintained, wood siding can last years though we recommend repainting every 3-7 years, depending on condition. Keep in mind that if your building is subject to direct sunlight or extremely wet or hot temperatures, you may want to paint more frequently.
Being familiar with your exterior is the first step in knowing how often to repaint, but choosing the right paint can also impact how often you’ll need to paint again. Alpine has decades of experience helping commercial and industrial clients with exterior paint jobs and providing expertise and guidance on the proper paint and process to use. Click below to get started with a free estimate!
