14 September 20265 min readBy Mike
How often should you repaint a house exterior in Adelaide?
Adelaide's long hot summers and strong UV are tough on paint. Homes near the coast also cop salt air.
So how long should an exterior paint job last here, and how do you know when it's time to repaint?
How long exterior paint lasts
| Surface | Typical life in Adelaide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rendered or brick walls | 10 – 15 years | Premium acrylic, well prepared |
| Weatherboards | 7 – 10 years | Timber moves with heat, so joints crack sooner |
| Window frames and sills | 5 – 8 years | Take the most sun and water |
| Fences and eaves | 6 – 10 years | Depends on how much direct sun they get |
Signs it's time to repaint
- Chalky walls: Wipe your hand on the wall. White powder means the paint is breaking down.
- Fading: Darker colours and north or west-facing walls fade first.
- Cracking and flaking: Especially on timber sills, doors and fascias.
- Bare timber: Once wood is exposed, rot follows. Repaint before this point.
"Repainting a year early is always cheaper than repainting a year late. Once the timber's bare, you're paying for repairs as well."
How to make it last longer
Do
- Gently wash walls every year or two
- Keep gutters clear
- Touch up sills early
- Use premium exterior paint
Avoid
- High-pressure blasting old paint
- Letting gardens grow against walls
- Painting in extreme heat
- Skipping primer on bare timber
Is your exterior due?
Mike can take a look and tell you whether it needs a full repaint or just the worst-hit areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just repaint the worst sides?
Often, yes. West and north-facing walls and sills can be done first, matching the existing colour.
Does colour affect how long paint lasts?
Yes. Dark colours absorb more heat and tend to fade and stress timber faster in Adelaide's sun.
Do you wash the house before painting?
Always. Every exterior is washed, scraped and sanded before any paint goes on.