Ontario weather is tough on a house. Freeze-thaw cycles, summer UV and humid days all work against exterior paint. The good news: with proper prep and quality paint, most exterior paint jobs in Southwestern Ontario last 7–10 years.
Typical lifespan by surface
- Wood, vinyl and aluminum siding: about 7–10 years with good prep and quality paint
- Trim, fascia and soffits: similar to siding, but south- and west-facing trim fades faster
- Front doors: often need a refresh sooner because of sun and daily use
- Decks and fences (stain): usually every 2–3 years because they take foot traffic and standing water
Why some paint jobs fail in 2–3 years
Most early exterior failures come down to one thing: poor preparation. Paint applied over dirt, chalky old paint, loose flakes or bare wood will not bond properly. Other common causes are painting in cold or damp weather, skipping primer on bare wood or metal, and using interior or low-grade paint outside.
Signs it is time to repaint
- Peeling, flaking or bubbling paint
- Chalky residue when you rub the siding
- Faded colour, especially on sunny sides
- Cracked or missing caulking around windows and trim
- Bare or grey wood showing through
How we make exterior paint last
Every exterior we paint is pressure washed, scraped, sanded, caulked and primed where needed, then finished with two coats of Sherwin-Williams exterior paint made for our climate. Read more about our process on the exterior painting page.
Planning your repaint
Exterior painting season in Ontario runs from late spring to early fall. Book your estimate early, since summer fills up fast. See our guide to the best time to paint your house in Ontario.
We serve homeowners and businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London and Woodstock, plus nearby towns along Highway 401.
Ready for a fixed-price quote? Book your free on-site estimate or call (519) 781-4382.