How Often Should You Repaint Your Home’s Exterior in the Pacific Northwest?

How Often Should You Repaint Your Home’s Exterior in the Pacific Northwest?

If you're wondering how often you need to repaint your home's exterior, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get, especially here in Centralia, Chehalis, and the rest of Lewis County, where our weather can be a little unpredictable (to say the least). 🌧️☀️

And while we wish there was a one-size-fits-all answer, the truth is: it depends.

☁️ Why the PNW Weather Wears Paint Down

Living in the Pacific Northwest means dealing with a lot of moisture, long rainy seasons, and intense UV exposure during our few dry months. That combination can really mess with your exterior paint.

• Rain and humidity cause expansion and contraction of wood, which leads to cracking or peeling.

• Moss, mildew, and algae love our shady corners.

• Sun and wind fade and break down even high-quality finishes.

That’s why, around here, paint needs to be more than just pretty. It needs to hold up to the elements.

🕐 A Good Rule of Thumb: 5 to 15 Years

While it depends on surface type, prep, product, and exposure, most homes in our region fall somewhere between every 5 to 15 years for exterior repaints.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Surface TypeRepaint TimelineWood sidingEvery 5–7 yearsFiber cement (Hardie)Every 10–15 yearsAluminum or vinylEvery 7–10 yearsTrim and fasciaMore often. These take the brunt of the weather.

🛠 Pro Tip: South- and west-facing walls usually fade faster due to heavier sun exposure. If parts of your home are looking worn before others, you might only need a partial repaint or refresh, which is something we’re happy to help with.

👀 5 Signs It’s Time for a Repaint

Even if you’re not counting the years, your house might be telling you it’s time:

1. Fading or dull color

2. Peeling, bubbling, or cracking

3. Chalky residue when you rub the paint

4. Exposed or raw wood

5. Mildew or mold growth

Catch these early and you’ll avoid more costly repairs later on.

🧰 Prep, Product, and Painters Matter

How long your paint lasts isn’t just about time. It’s about quality.

• Was the surface cleaned and prepped properly?

• Was the right paint used for the surface and climate?

• Was it applied in the right conditions (not too hot, not too wet)?

We see it often. Homes that were painted quickly or with cheap products may only get 2 to 3 years before problems start showing up.

💬 So, How Do You Know for Sure?

You don’t need to guess. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to give an honest opinion, even if it’s, “You’ve got another couple years left.”

We can also do partial refreshes, like just trim or sun-faded walls, to help stretch the life of your paint job. That’s become more popular with rising costs.

Final Thoughts

There’s no exact expiration date on your paint, but there are definitely signs it’s time. In Lewis County and across Western Washington, staying ahead of those signs is the key to protecting your biggest investment, your home. 🏠

And if you’re seeing those signs now, just know you’re not alone. June looks good on you… but maybe your house could use a little touch-up too.