2 Ways to Keep Your Home’s Paint Looking Fresh

Many homeowners assume that once an exterior painting job is complete, there’s nothing left to do. In reality, a few simple maintenance habits can help preserve your investment and extend the life of your paint job for years to come. Here are two good places to start:

Remove contaminants. Over time, dirt and mildew can accumulate around windowsills and shaded areas of your home. Regularly rinsing these surfaces will help prevent staining and premature wear. Wash away dirt before it becomes embedded in the paint, and use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water) to remove mildew and kill spores.

Inspect and maintain caulk joints. Caulk around windows, trim and other exterior features can crack or separate as it ages. When this happens, water can penetrate the paint and damage the underlying materials. To prevent moisture damage and extend the life of your paint job, try to inspect caulk joints every spring and replace cracked or deteriorated caulk as soon as possible.