Exterior House Painting
 

Aloha!

During our new home orientation with our builder, we were informed that it was recommended that our home be painted every 3-5 years. We are in a block and stucco home, so I am unsure why this is necessary other than maybe to keep the colors fresh from all the direct sunlight.

Growing in MN and having Stucco homes most of my life, we never painted our stucco and it never needed it.

So I guess what I am asking is: Do people paint their block and stucco homes every 3-5 years and why? Other than to change the color of course...

Mahalo!

Exterior House Painting
 

Mary and I have lived here 15yrs. We painted when we first moved in with Sherwin Wiliams Loxon, after patching many hair line cracks. The Loxon is a sealer and paint combo. This lasted 7 Years. Then we painted the house with Sherwin Williams "Super Satin" exterior paint. This still looks good. None of the cracks reappeared due to the Loxon sealing the stucco. By using the "Satin" we cut down on the mold growth and have only had to wash the house once. Welcome to the Villages. Len & Mary the Retired Half of Investment Painting.

We had ours painted at year six. The builder grade paint had faded, become chalky (come off on your hands) and looked thin and patchy.

We hired Elliott and Perkins, who did a first-class job. We bought Sherwin-Williams Duration, and expect this paint to last longer.

I seem to remember stucco on older northern homes had color mixed into the concrete.

We have used Investment Painters for both of our designer homes and were very pleased. They painted inside and outside. Quality work and nice workers.

Caught my attention as we are dealing with this right now. Painter coming tues.
Our paint is 9 years old and is original to the house. We had discussed changing the color but committed to original. The painter did not try to influence us either way. Reminder, they do not strip the old paint off. Thus if you home was tan and you decide to paint it grey any chip will show the tan under color.

May not be glamorous but a big part of the job is preparation. As far as painter, you have only his reputation. I would ask your neighbors. True or not. Our painter is pushing Sherwin Williams paint. I went to their store with a friend on another issue all together there was a pro on line behind us. As guess, they sell on credit to credit qualified pros. Our painter told us Sherwin Williams has announced a price increase-next year. Reminder next year is less than 30 days from now

We had the same experience with the builder's paint, thin and chalky. Also, moisture entered through a nail hole in the stucco applied to board in the garage gable. The stucco blistered, causing a costly repair. When that was fixed by T&D we hired Steve Kling Painting and we were very happy with them.

No way. Our paint 11 year original and in great shape as are our neighbor's.

House Painting
 

The paint job on our house from the builder was AWFUL. We had to have the house repainted after 3.5 years. We went with Steve Kling who used the Sherwin Williams formula of Luxon primer and super paint on top. Extremely satisfied with results. The Sherwin Williams manager inspected the job and gave us a great warranty. Steve Kling will do many extras like taking apart & repainting light fixtures, light poles, etc. that other companies don't do. Kling will also come back "free" to fix up any imperfections that occur years later.

I don’t know about northern homes, but I lived for years in California in stucco homes, and my ex-in-laws have lived for 55 years in a stucco home in a very expensive neighborhood without having the stucco painted. Not having to repaint it is one of the glories of stucco—it’s so much cheaper to maintain. You are right: the color is mixed into the top coat of stucco.

Here is what one paint company says about painting stucco:

“What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco
“Stucco is a hard surface building material similar to concrete; like concrete, it is made of cement, but has lime and sand mixed in as well. It is a breathable material full of voids that permit air and water vapors to permeate. When stucco is left untreated it moisture from the atmosphere passes freely through the material.
“Paint and Stucco: Not a Good Combination
“While you would resort to paint to protect many kinds of materials, stucco is one material that is not well matched with paint. For starters, because it readily absorbs moisture, the stucco sucks up all the paint and you need to apply many coats to cover the surface. The problem is most severe in humid climates. A bigger problem occurs when the moisture that has been absorbed into the stucco gets trapped beneath the sealing layer of paint: The result is unsightly blistering and peeling paint. As bad as this looks, what you can't see is even worse; the trapped moisture can wick into the wood framing of your home causing the wood to rot. The end result is dangerous mold which can only be removed by tearing out and rebuilding the affected areas.
“Once a stucco house is painted, it can be a nightmare to maintain. Because of the relentless peeling, the exterior will need to be scraped, cleaned, primed and repainted every few years.
“So what's the alternative?
“Stucco is a durable material that can be left as is; if moisture in the air can pass freely through its porous surface, it will not become trapped inside the building. Stucco can be cleaned as needed with an approved cleaning solution and low water pressure. If cracks occur in the surface, they should be repaired.
“Stucco comes in shades of white, neutrals and earth tones. If you are unhappy with the color of your stucco home it can coated with a Portland cement and water mixture that has been tinted with color pigment of your choosing.
“However, If you are still insistent about painting your stucco, choose an acrylic latex paint or elastomeric product formulated to resist blistering and peeling. These paints offer the greatest levels of moisture resistance. Elastomeric paints, in particular, have great elastic properties that allow them evenly coat the nooks and crannies found on stucco. Other good alternatives include penetrating masonry stains or clear finishes; they have the ability to penetrate and seal the gaps of a rough stucco surface.
“Before choosing and apply a product, talk to the professionals at your local home improvement or paint store for recommendations on products that are well suited to your climate and any previous finishes that may exist on the stucco. The most important thing to keep in mind is that any kind of paint will compromise the permeable nature of stucco and lock in atmospheric moisture.”

What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco | Chicago Painters

You can't go wrong with Sherwin Williams.

I have lived in Fl and TX for many years. Stucco needs to be painted every 8 to 10 years. The stucco here is not mixed with color. Paint seals the home from moisture intrusion. We have intense sun and humidity. You do not want flaking and chipping stucco. Forget what you used to do or know, Florida is different. 30 year roofs last 20, most stucco needs to be cleaned from mildew just like frame. Anything the builder told you should do he is the expert. Animals. Bugs, lawn care and houses are all different here. Good Luck. Agree with those that said builder paint is crap.

THIS is true.....not familiar with painting stucco as we have a vinyl-sided home but all the rest he/she said is true about living here. It's a learning curve for sure. Landscaping---the follage grows exponentially so be aware of that as well. What we knew "up north" more or less is put aside.

Painter
 

Our house is 20 years old in Santo Domingo.
Just had it painted. Highly recommend Lupe, 352-282-8177.
He painted our kitchen cabinets and our Stucco house. Very conscientious and highly dependable.
Looks great.

We’ve been here 12 years and just repainted a few months ago but my sister had to have theirs painted after 6. In the past we just had it power washed to remove the mildew every couple of years. if it still looks good no need to paint in my opinion but I’m not an expert just sharing our experience. :)

Paint
 

I doubt it. Go to south side of house and rub the paint, you will most likely ha e chalky paint on your hand. Time to reseal and paint. Paint on stucco does not Crack and peel like on wood but it degrades from sun and weather.

Power or "pressure washing" forces moisture into the walls and some of that moisture may not come back out.

You are in very different climate (we are from Green Bay) Here's the secret - paint it now. Sherwin Williams Duration Satin. You won't touch it for 20 years.

The reason to paint the stucco after the first 5 years is to seal hairline cracks that occur during the curing process. This prevents moisture from seeping behind the stucco which can cause long term damage.

Painting
 

3 years is probably a bit soon but with builders paint maybe not. Builders typically do not seal the blocks before painting. If you wait until paint starts getting chalky you will have to reseal it. I've lived in FL 30 years and found the paint on the south side of my home would start to get chalky at year 7 so I always repainted at year 6. Procedure was a cleaning chemical for dirt and mold then repaint. Also trim was cedar so I repainted that at the half way point because at the 6 year mark the first time it all had to be scraped and sanded due to cracking and peeling. Use the best paint you can find and question the painter about preparations. The prep before painting is the MOST important part,

Paint
 

Wrong, no paint will stand up to FL. Sun anywhere near that long.

Paint
 

Because it looks good from the street does not mean it's in great shape. Give the south side the rub test I bet it's chalky.

Stucco
 

Not sure about other states but have never seen a home or building in FL done with tinted stucco. I also nave never seen a stucco home with peeling and blistering paint, I've seen paint so old it got washed off by the weather back to original cement. Been in FL over 30 years. Paint away.

our acct w/ sher-wms was usually to buy loxon & Superpaint, same mtls we just used on our home

I went eight years on the builder's cheap paint, then had it repainted with a better grade paint because the original paint faded badly. It has been six years and it looks great. If and when you repaint, don't use flat, instead do satin finish because it is easier to keep clean and hose down.

After Luxon paint was applied to our stucco, the finish felt "silky" and thick, not "chalky," like the builder's paint. Same with builder's paint on the interior. Thin and chalky.

Whatever Steve Kling did to repair the ceiling cracks in the lanai has held up well. We are five years past repainting and no cracks.

To help seal hairline cracks.

I was advised by a former Sr. Executive in the home construction business in the area that the paint used by TV is good quality Sherwin Williams paint. He advised power. Washing every 1-2 years depending upon how much sun vs shade.

He then suggested 7-9 years after construction, then 8-10 years. That is to provide a good base for the future. After the second painting the paint should last 10-15 years with frequent (every 1-2 years) power washing.

I hope this helps!

Absolutely not. If you have received a initial paint job with good quality materials houses go 7 to 10 yrs before a repaint is necessary. You should hire a responsible home /commercial powerwashing company to clean your home at least once every year and a half to keep it fresh. Of course if you are under trees or other conditions you may need to do more. Our UVs here can destroy coatings causing fading and chalking especially to deep colors and cheap contractor series paints. Medium to light colors in 100% acrylic water based paint us best suited here. Ive been a journeyman painter since 1974,ran my own buisness in Ocala and been the Paint Foreman for Marion County Schools from 1994 to 2014.

I honestly think you’re being fed a load of crap. Need a new painter. Call John Schwartz. He just did an amazing job on my house for a very very reasonable price

Sorry I must be wrong apparently my EXPERIENCE is no where close to right

interesting theory you have data to confirm?

[QUOTE=MandoMan;2037959]I don’t know about northern homes, but I lived for years in California in stucco homes, and my ex-in-laws have lived for 55 years in a stucco home in a very expensive neighborhood without having the stucco painted. Not having to repaint it is one of the glories of stucco—it’s so much cheaper to maintain. You are right: the color is mixed into the top coat of stucco(only in traditional 3 step hardcoat nut not always )

Here is what one paint company says about painting stucco:

“What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco
“Stucco is a hard surface building material similar to concrete; like concrete, it is made of cement, but has lime and sand mixed in as well. It is a breathable material full of voids that permit air and water vapors to permeate. When stucco is left untreated it moisture from the atmosphere passes freely through the material.
“Paint and Stucco: Not a Good Combination
“While you would resort to paint to protect many kinds of materials, stucco is one material that is not well matched with paint. For starters, because it readily absorbs moisture, the stucco sucks up all the paint and you need to apply many coats to cover the surface. The problem is most severe in humid climates. A bigger problem occurs when the moisture that has been absorbed into the stucco gets trapped beneath the sealing layer of paint: The result is unsightly blistering and peeling paint. As bad as this looks, what you can't see is even worse; the trapped moisture can wick into the wood framing of your home causing the wood to rot. The end result is dangerous mold which can only be removed by tearing out and rebuilding the affected areas.
“Once a stucco house is painted, it can be a nightmare to maintain. Because of the relentless peeling, the exterior will need to be scraped, cleaned, primed and repainted every few years.
“So what's the alternative?

Painting Experts
 

[Here is what one paint company says about painting stucco:

“What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco
“Stucco is a hard surface building material similar to concrete; like concrete, it is made of cement, but has lime and sand mixed in as well. It is a breathable material full of voids that permit air and water vapors to permeate. When stucco is left untreated it moisture from the atmosphere passes freely through the material.
“Paint and Stucco: Not a Good Combination
“While you would resort to paint to protect many kinds of materials, stucco is one material that is not well matched with paint. For starters, because it readily absorbs moisture, the stucco sucks up all the paint and you need to apply many coats to cover the surface. The problem is most severe in humid climates. A bigger problem occurs when the moisture that has been absorbed into the stucco gets trapped beneath the sealing layer of paint: The result is unsightly blistering and peeling paint. As bad as this looks, what you can't see is even worse; the trapped moisture can wick into the wood framing of your home causing the wood to rot. The end result is dangerous mold which can only be removed by tearing out and rebuilding the affected areas.
“Once a stucco house is painted, it can be a nightmare to maintain. Because of the relentless peeling, the exterior will need to be scraped, cleaned, primed and repainted every few years.
“So what's the alternative?[/QUOTE]

Investment Painting Contractors has been painting "Stucco" for 55yrs Never had one of our jobs peel. Years ago some builders in California & Orlando took the cheapest bid and the stucco which was applied over "plywood" not block, and let moisture into the wood. Elastomeric has been known to bubble if not applied properly. Loxon and Sherwin Williams Satin is the prefered coating for new stucco. We have never had any problems in Florida using this method. Pre- painted homes can just be washed and repainted. If your the powerwasher blows water through your paint fire him imediately he does not know what he is doing. Lots of "EXPERTS" posting on this site. Len

much of our work in atl was maintaining/repairing stucco hoa bldgs - never experienced failures as noted

I've never heard of having to paint stucco..

A lot of variables can affect paint life. 3-5 years is probably way to short. Should last 8-10 years. In some of the stuccos used in Florida color is mixed into the stucco and that type of "paint" can last 20+ years. It will have a duller look.

Sounds like the person is looking for new business 3-5 years from now.