You probably need to repaint the interior and exterior of your home more often than you think.

It just happens: One day you wake up and your home looks a little more dingy than it did before. The upholstery isn’t the problem, and neither is the color palette. It’s actually the paint. Turns out, painting isn’t something you’re only supposed to do when you’re in the mood for a change—it’s actually something you need to do as part of your home’s maintenance. Here’s what you need to know.

Meet the Expert

David Sutter is President of Five Star Painting, a Neighborly Company

When to Repaint Your Home Exterior

According to David Sutter, President of Five Star Painting, a Neighborly Company, you should repaint the exterior of your home every 5-12 years. The range starts at five years for cedar and other wood siding, and you can make it up to 12+ years for fiber cement. This can vary, however, based on two primary considerations: climate and paint quality.

Climate

If you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, you should expect to repaint your exterior more often (a local pro can advise on the exact timeline). “Heat, freezing temperatures, and humidity wear down the surface, which increases fading and other failures,” explains Sutter. For the most accurate estimate, reach out to a paint professional in your area who has experience with exteriors.

Paint Quality

Considering labor is the largest cost, it only makes sense to use the products that will last in order to lower costs in the long-term. “High quality paints contain more titanium dioxide, which holds the colorants longer to protect against fading and chalking,” Sutter says. “The binders are better and will adhere longer, and most contain added agents to fight mold and mildew.” They even clean more easily than the lower quality ones.

Related: 5 Types Of Paint Finishes To Know Before You Paint

When to Repaint Your Home Interior

It's generally recommended to repaint your interior home walls every 5-7 years. However, Sutter says there are a few factors that can influence this, including how often the room gets used, the conditions the paint is exposed to inside, and your region's climate.

Usage

Not every room gets the same amount of use. Just like with anything else, it follows that the less something is used, the longer it lasts. “Consider kids bedrooms: These rooms get scuffed up and the paint can take a beating,” Sutter explains. “High-use rooms like these, along with kitchens and hallways, should be painted every 2-4 years to maintain a fresh look.” Doors and trim, mudrooms, and laundry rooms also need a little extra TLC.

Condition

It’s unsurprising that cooking grease in the kitchen and steam in the bathroom can cause damage to paint, but they’re not all you have to look out for. “Ceilings exposed to heavy smokers or sustained water damage need to be repainted more frequently as well, and the correct blocking primer is a must,” says Sutter.

This is the factor you’ll be able to see the most clearly, so you’ll just know when it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. Maintenance can be a big help here: wiping down the walls, running the exhaust fan, and only smoking outside can all extend the life of your paint.

Climate

Just like with the exterior, the interior paint is susceptible to fading as a result of extreme weather conditions. A painter in your area will best be able to advise on how often you can repaint, as well as any preventative measures you can take such as maintaining mild temperatures indoors and leaving the windows closed.

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