How long should a good exterior paint job last on a house in the Vancouver area?

A professionally done exterior paint job in Metro Vancouver should last between 8 and 12 years on average, though the actual lifespan depends heavily on surface material, paint quality, prep work, and your home's specific exposure to the elements. Vancouver's marine climate is harder on exterior paint than drier regions of Canada, so you should set realistic expectations.

Wood siding, particularly cedar, typically sees paint lasting 7 to 10 years in our climate. The constant moisture cycling of rain, dew, and humidity stresses paint films more than in drier areas. South and west-facing walls get more UV exposure and may show wear sooner, while north-facing walls stay damper and are more prone to mildew staining even if the paint itself is intact.

Stucco surfaces hold paint somewhat longer, often 10 to 15 years with quality products, because the surface itself is more dimensionally stable than wood. Fibre cement siding like HardiePlank holds paint the longest, often 12 to 15 years, because it doesn't expand and contract with moisture the way wood does.

The quality of the preparation is the single biggest factor in paint longevity. A paint job where surfaces were properly cleaned, scraped, sanded, primed, and received two full coats will outlast a single-coat job over dirty surfaces by years. This is especially true in Vancouver where any shortcut in moisture management will show up quickly.

Regular maintenance extends paint life considerably. Washing your exterior walls annually with a garden hose to remove dirt and mildew, and touching up any chips or cracks promptly, can add two to three years before a full repaint is needed.

Schedule a visual inspection of your exterior paint every spring to catch early signs of failure before they spread.

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