Check your exterior wood for paint or stain needs

Check the condition of the exterior paint or stain on your house.

Time

30 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

Expertise

None

Frequency

Once a year

Where

All US

Overview

Most wood siding and exterior trim requires painting or staining, so take a moment each summer to check its condition. Wood deteriorates quickly unprotected, so look for warning signs of moisture or wear. Moisture penetration can cause rot, while exposure to ultraviolet light can deteriorate the surface.

Check the entire exterior of you house for paint failures such as bare spots, cracking, peeling and blistering. Use binoculars to look at eaves and other areas to which you can't get close.

Steps

1. If the paint is failing in a reasonably uniform pattern, or in areas exposed to more weathering, then the paint is simply wearing out.
2. If the paint is failing in localized areas, further inspection is required. Blistering paint, for example, usually indicates moisture in the wood.
3. Check carefully wherever the end grain of wood is exposed. Paint is critical in these areas to prevent moisture penetration.
4. Look behind bushes, shrubs and vines. These areas stay wet longer, causing the paint to deteriorate more quickly.