4 Tips for Painting the Exterior of a Southern Home
In recent years, more and more Americans have begun moving South for job opportunities, lifestyle changes, and, of course, warmer weather. This migration will undoubtedly boost southern property values, making it that much more important for homeowners in these areas to maintain and improve their homes in any way possible. Whether you plan on selling your home in the near future or simply want to maximize your property value for your own sake, updating its facade with a fresh coat of paint is a great place to start.
How to Paint Your Southern Home's Exterior
1. Keep Your Southern Surroundings in Mind when Selecting Exterior Paint Colors
While it’s not necessary to blend in with your surroundings, there’s something to be said for homes that complement their immediate environment. Of course, the southern portion of the U.S. features varied terrain, from deserts to lush forests to marshy swamplands, and more. In other words, there is no definitive southern residential style -- it depends on where you’re located more specifically. Architecturally speaking, in Raleigh, North Carolina, for instance, you’ll find a blend of traditional homes, bungalows, modern homes, historical properties, condos, and victorian styles. These various types of residences may lend themselves more to a particular color palette. You’ll find that many traditional homes in Raleigh, NC opt for lighter, neutral shades. If you want to stick with a classic white exterior, consider going for a creamier version as opposed to a stark pure white to better fit into your surroundings. Reliable Raleigh house painters can help you navigate these complex color choices, so you end up with the perfect fit for your preferences and position.
2. Welcome Your Guests with a Vibrant Front Door
As you discuss your plans with your Raleigh painting partner, they might suggest that you make a statement with your front entry door by painting it a bold, perhaps unexpected color. This notion might not interest you at first, but installing a striking front door can go a long way toward boosting your home’s curb appeal. Beyond that, a vibrant entryway reflects that classic southern hospitality, welcoming guests with an energetic visual cue.
3. Shield Your Surfaces from the Southern Sun
The South is known for more than its biodiversity and neighborliness, of course -- it’s also known for its heat. While temperatures fluctuate in the South like anywhere else, things tend to be warmer year-round in these parts compared to the northern portion of the U.S. The southern sun can be especially brutal in the summertime, but it also threatens your home’s exterior surfaces all year long. Too much sun exposure can cause your paint job to fade and also loosen it from the substrate. Not only that -- an onslaught of sunlight can heat up your home, causing your energy bills to skyrocket during the hottest periods. If you wish to keep your home cooler, opt for lighter exterior colors to reflect (rather than absorb) the sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Additionally, your Raleigh house painting partner can protect your surfaces from deterioration by using specialized UV-resistant paint, which acts as a shield from the harsh sun.
4. Pick the Right Time of Year to Paint
Speaking of heat, the final tip we’ll discuss involves choosing the optimal time of year (and time of day) to conduct an exterior painting project. Simply put, you don’t want it to be too hot, windy, or rainy when it comes time to coat your home’s face, as these conditions make it difficult to work and may interfere with the paint’s application and curing processes.
Ideally, you’ll want to work on a day with temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, low winds, and no chance of precipitation. In Raleigh, NC, you can find plenty of these days during the middle of spring, early summer, and the majority of fall. There may even be a number of days prime for exterior painting in the winter, though not as many -- plus, the days won’t be as long during the winter, and it’s best to give yourself as much daylight as possible to complete your project. Whatever the case, keep an eye on the forecast so you can choose a string of days that will work in your favor.
Southern homes are becoming more attractive by the minute. Why not elevate your Raleigh property’s prestige with a fresh coat of exterior paint this year? If you’re thinking about it, Anderson Painting is here to help. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!