How Often Should You Repaint Your Home's Exterior in Burlington?

Published: December 2024

Living in Burlington, Ontario means dealing with diverse weather conditions that can significantly impact your home's exterior paint. Understanding the optimal repainting schedule is crucial for maintaining your home's protection and curb appeal.

Burlington's Climate Challenges

Burlington experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and significant seasonal temperature variations. These conditions, combined with humidity from Lake Ontario, create unique challenges for exterior paint:

• Temperature fluctuations: Expansion and contraction cycles stress paint films
• UV exposure: Intense summer sun can fade and degrade paint
• Moisture: High humidity and precipitation can cause paint failure
• Winter conditions: Ice, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles test paint durability

Recommended Repainting Schedule

For Burlington homes, we recommend the following timeline:

• Wood siding: Every 3-7 years, depending on exposure and paint quality
• Aluminum siding: Every 5-10 years
• Vinyl siding: Every 10-15 years (if painting is desired)
• Stucco: Every 5-10 years
• Brick: Every 15-20 years (if painted)

Signs It's Time to Repaint

Don't wait for the scheduled timeline if you notice:

• Peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint
• Significant fading or color changes
• Chalking (powdery residue when touched)
• Exposed wood or substrate
• Mold or mildew growth

Extending Paint Life in Burlington

To maximize the lifespan of your exterior paint:

• Choose high-quality, weather-resistant paints
• Ensure proper surface preparation
• Apply paint during optimal weather conditions
• Perform regular maintenance and touch-ups
• Keep gutters clean and properly functioning

Choosing Durable Paint for Burlington's Changing Weather Conditions

Published: December 2024

Burlington's variable climate demands careful paint selection to ensure your home's exterior remains protected and beautiful year-round. The right paint choice can mean the difference between a paint job that lasts 3 years versus one that lasts 10 years.

Understanding Burlington's Weather Patterns

Burlington experiences:

• Summer temperatures: Often reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F) with high humidity
• Winter conditions: Temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F) or lower
• Annual precipitation: Approximately 900mm, including snow
• Lake effect: Increased humidity and moisture from Lake Ontario
• UV exposure: Significant sun exposure during long summer days

Essential Paint Characteristics for Burlington

Your exterior paint must possess these key properties:

1. Thermal Flexibility

Paint must expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking. Look for:

• 100% acrylic latex formulations
• Elastomeric properties for maximum flexibility
• Low-temperature application capabilities

2. Moisture Resistance

Critical for Burlington's humid environment:

• Excellent water repellency
• Breathability to allow moisture vapor escape
• Mold and mildew resistance
• Fast drying properties

3. UV Protection

To combat sun damage:

• High-quality UV absorbers and stabilizers
• Fade-resistant pigments
• Titanium dioxide for superior opacity

Recommended Paint Types

Premium 100% Acrylic Latex

The gold standard for Burlington exteriors:

• Excellent adhesion and flexibility
• Superior color retention
• Easy cleanup and low odor
• Brands: Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin Williams Duration

Alkyd-Modified Latex

Combines benefits of oil and latex:

• Enhanced durability and leveling
• Better adhesion to previously painted surfaces
• Ideal for trim and detailed work

Color Considerations for Burlington

Climate affects color choice:

• Light colors: Reflect heat, reduce thermal stress
• Medium tones: Balance heat reflection with fade resistance
• Avoid dark colors: On south-facing surfaces due to heat absorption
• Consider LRV: Light Reflectance Value should be above 40 for most surfaces

Application Timing

Burlington's climate offers specific windows for optimal painting:

• Best months: May through September
• Ideal conditions: 15-25°C, low humidity, no precipitation
• Avoid: Painting in direct sunlight or on surfaces above 35°C
• Morning application: Often ideal for temperature and humidity

Professional Recommendations

For Burlington homes, we typically recommend:

• Primer: High-quality bonding primer for all surfaces
• Paint system: Two coats of premium acrylic latex
• Sheen level: Satin or semi-gloss for durability and cleanability
• Warranty: Look for paints with 15-25 year warranties