[Cliff Fr]

Originally Posted by chenault55

We’ve been here 12 years and just repainted a few months ago but my sister had to have theirs painted after 6. In the past we just had it power washed to remove the mildew every couple of years. if it still looks good no need to paint in my opinion but I’m not an expert just sharing our experience.

Power or "pressure washing" forces moisture into the walls and some of that moisture may not come back out.

[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

Aloha!

During our new home orientation with our builder, we were informed that it was recommended that our home be painted every 3-5 years. We are in a block and stucco home, so I am unsure why this is necessary other than maybe to keep the colors fresh from all the direct sunlight.

Growing in MN and having Stucco homes most of my life, we never painted our stucco and it never needed it.

So I guess what I am asking is: Do people paint their block and stucco homes every 3-5 years and why? Other than to change the color of course...

Mahalo!

You are in very different climate (we are from Green Bay) Here's the secret - paint it now. Sherwin Williams Duration Satin. You won't touch it for 20 years.

[JDRVKR]

The reason to paint the stucco after the first 5 years is to seal hairline cracks that occur during the curing process. This prevents moisture from seeping behind the stucco which can cause long term damage.

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

Aloha!

During our new home orientation with our builder, we were informed that it was recommended that our home be painted every 3-5 years. We are in a block and stucco home, so I am unsure why this is necessary other than maybe to keep the colors fresh from all the direct sunlight.

Growing in MN and having Stucco homes most of my life, we never painted our stucco and it never needed it.

So I guess what I am asking is: Do people paint their block and stucco homes every 3-5 years and why? Other than to change the color of course...

Mahalo!

3 years is probably a bit soon but with builders paint maybe not. Builders typically do not seal the blocks before painting. If you wait until paint starts getting chalky you will have to reseal it. I've lived in FL 30 years and found the paint on the south side of my home would start to get chalky at year 7 so I always repainted at year 6. Procedure was a cleaning chemical for dirt and mold then repaint. Also trim was cedar so I repainted that at the half way point because at the 6 year mark the first time it all had to be scraped and sanded due to cracking and peeling. Use the best paint you can find and question the painter about preparations. The prep before painting is the MOST important part,

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by midiwiz

You are in very different climate (we are from Green Bay) Here's the secret - paint it now. Sherwin Williams Duration Satin. You won't touch it for 20 years.

Wrong, no paint will stand up to FL. Sun anywhere near that long.

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by Moonrunner

No way. Our paint 11 year original and in great shape as are our neighbor's.

Because it looks good from the street does not mean it's in great shape. Give the south side the rub test I bet it's chalky.

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by MandoMan

I don’t know about northern homes, but I lived for years in California in stucco homes, and my ex-in-laws have lived for 55 years in a stucco home in a very expensive neighborhood without having the stucco painted. Not having to repaint it is one of the glories of stucco—it’s so much cheaper to maintain. You are right: the color is mixed into the top coat of stucco.

Here is what one paint company says about painting stucco:

“What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco
“Stucco is a hard surface building material similar to concrete; like concrete, it is made of cement, but has lime and sand mixed in as well. It is a breathable material full of voids that permit air and water vapors to permeate. When stucco is left untreated it moisture from the atmosphere passes freely through the material.
“Paint and Stucco: Not a Good Combination
“While you would resort to paint to protect many kinds of materials, stucco is one material that is not well matched with paint. For starters, because it readily absorbs moisture, the stucco sucks up all the paint and you need to apply many coats to cover the surface. The problem is most severe in humid climates. A bigger problem occurs when the moisture that has been absorbed into the stucco gets trapped beneath the sealing layer of paint: The result is unsightly blistering and peeling paint. As bad as this looks, what you can't see is even worse; the trapped moisture can wick into the wood framing of your home causing the wood to rot. The end result is dangerous mold which can only be removed by tearing out and rebuilding the affected areas.
“Once a stucco house is painted, it can be a nightmare to maintain. Because of the relentless peeling, the exterior will need to be scraped, cleaned, primed and repainted every few years.
“So what's the alternative?
“Stucco is a durable material that can be left as is; if moisture in the air can pass freely through its porous surface, it will not become trapped inside the building. Stucco can be cleaned as needed with an approved cleaning solution and low water pressure. If cracks occur in the surface, they should be repaired.
“Stucco comes in shades of white, neutrals and earth tones. If you are unhappy with the color of your stucco home it can coated with a Portland cement and water mixture that has been tinted with color pigment of your choosing.
“However, If you are still insistent about painting your stucco, choose an acrylic latex paint or elastomeric product formulated to resist blistering and peeling. These paints offer the greatest levels of moisture resistance. Elastomeric paints, in particular, have great elastic properties that allow them evenly coat the nooks and crannies found on stucco. Other good alternatives include penetrating masonry stains or clear finishes; they have the ability to penetrate and seal the gaps of a rough stucco surface.
“Before choosing and apply a product, talk to the professionals at your local home improvement or paint store for recommendations on products that are well suited to your climate and any previous finishes that may exist on the stucco. The most important thing to keep in mind is that any kind of paint will compromise the permeable nature of stucco and lock in atmospheric moisture.”

What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco | Chicago Painters

Not sure about other states but have never seen a home or building in FL done with tinted stucco. I also nave never seen a stucco home with peeling and blistering paint, I've seen paint so old it got washed off by the weather back to original cement. Been in FL over 30 years. Paint away.

[stadry]

our acct w/ sher-wms was usually to buy loxon & Superpaint, same mtls we just used on our home

[Proveone]

Originally Posted by bluedivergirl

We had ours painted at year six. The builder grade paint had faded, become chalky (come off on your hands) and looked thin and patchy.

We hired Elliott and Perkins, who did a first-class job. We bought Sherwin-Williams Duration, and expect this paint to last longer.

I seem to remember stucco on older northern homes had color mixed into the concrete.

I went eight years on the builder's cheap paint, then had it repainted with a better grade paint because the original paint faded badly. It has been six years and it looks great. If and when you repaint, don't use flat, instead do satin finish because it is easier to keep clean and hose down.

[Carla B]

After Luxon paint was applied to our stucco, the finish felt "silky" and thick, not "chalky," like the builder's paint. Same with builder's paint on the interior. Thin and chalky.

Whatever Steve Kling did to repair the ceiling cracks in the lanai has held up well. We are five years past repainting and no cracks.

[Lindaws]

To help seal hairline cracks.

[rogerk]

I was advised by a former Sr. Executive in the home construction business in the area that the paint used by TV is good quality Sherwin Williams paint. He advised power. Washing every 1-2 years depending upon how much sun vs shade.

He then suggested 7-9 years after construction, then 8-10 years. That is to provide a good base for the future. After the second painting the paint should last 10-15 years with frequent (every 1-2 years) power washing.

I hope this helps!

[ptgy1]

Absolutely not. If you have received a initial paint job with good quality materials houses go 7 to 10 yrs before a repaint is necessary. You should hire a responsible home /commercial powerwashing company to clean your home at least once every year and a half to keep it fresh. Of course if you are under trees or other conditions you may need to do more. Our UVs here can destroy coatings causing fading and chalking especially to deep colors and cheap contractor series paints. Medium to light colors in 100% acrylic water based paint us best suited here. Ive been a journeyman painter since 1974,ran my own buisness in Ocala and been the Paint Foreman for Marion County Schools from 1994 to 2014.

[cgesner]

I honestly think you’re being fed a load of crap. Need a new painter. Call John Schwartz. He just did an amazing job on my house for a very very reasonable price

[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by Larchap49

Wrong, no paint will stand up to FL. Sun anywhere near that long.

Sorry I must be wrong apparently my EXPERIENCE is no where close to right