Are the walls dirty? Are they covered in green/red mould? Is the paint starting to crack or bubble in places?

Are the fascia/soffits, or window window frames starting to flake and peel exposing the wood underneath?

Is the deterioration of the outside starting to cause issues inside? For example damp?

If so, then its perhaps time to think about repairing and painting these areas to protect your home.

Let's look at some of these issues in more detail.........

Blistering/Bubbling Paint

If the paint on your exterior walls is bubbling and cracking, then it most likely means that water/moisture is getting in behind the paint and pushing it off.

There are various causes for moisture getting in behind the paint - could the gutters need cleaned out, could the downpipes be blocked, could it be rising (perhaps due to an ineffective damp proof course), or could it be that rainwater is being absorbed through the failing paint?

If the blisters/bubbles are left unattended, the paint will eventually peel off leaving the surfaces exposes - potentially causing more problems.

Mould/Algae

If the walls on the exterior of your house are covered in either green or red mould/algae, then it is time to rectify the situation. Organic growth such as mould and algae need moisture to survive, and if you see this on your walls, then it probably means the surface has become porous and is holding moisture.

Flaking paint can also be a sign that the surface was not clean before repainting on a previous occasion - it is vital that all mould and algae is removed by your decorator by treating the surface PRIOR to applying paint. Whilst many masonry paints contain a fungicide, it is pointless if the paint is going onto a dirty surface. The manufacturer would not stand over any 10/15 year guarantee on the paint if the process of application was incorrect.

This is a sign that the paint is coming to the end of its life, and needs to be re-done.

Peeling and Flaking Paint

If the paint on your property has started to flake and peel away from the surface, then there is a problem with adhesion.

It may be that the incorrect product has been used previously, it has been applied to a dirty surface (see above) or even that the surface was dusty or chalky before the paint was applied.

Dealing with this promptly means that the walls of your home are not exposed to the weather elements, preventing further damage.

Rotten Windows & Doors

When moisture gets into wooden doors and window frames, it causes a lot of damage, meaning they will eventually need to be replaced (a very costly exercise). Regular maintenance can prevent damage. Usually, a good decorator can actually repair damage to doors and frames with a bit of t.l.c.

Fading

Faded paint is caused by the pigments breaking down because of UV light from the sun. Normally this is far more visible on darker colours, and will also be more noticeable in areas which are in direct sunlight for larger parts of the day.

Higher quality (trade) paints will help absolve this issue.

Summary

Painting the exterior of your home doesn't just protect against issues caused by water ingress, it also transforms the look, giving your home "kerb appeal".

If nothing else, it makes your neighbours jealous!

A Final Word.......

Remember that your safety is vital if you intend to tackle the exterior decoration of your home. Most houses are approximately 7-8 metres high. It can be tricky (not to mention scary) trying to balance on a ladder at that height, holding a brush and roller, the paint scuttle - and that's before you start taking a hand off the ladder to paint the walls!

A professional decorator will have all the necessary training and equipment to do the work safely and will be insured just in case something happens.

In addition, they will also be aware of the best products for a particular job, and will often be able to secure these at a better price than you would.