What goes wrong with siding & exterior paint if you wait
Wood siding that soaks up rain and rots
Bare or cracked wood absorbs water every time it rains. Cedar is naturally rot resistant, but even cedar breaks down when it stays wet for months. Boards cup, split and eventually go soft, especially near the ground and under windows.
Mildew, algae and moss
Shaded walls that never fully dry grow green algae and black mildew. It looks dirty, but it also holds moisture against the surface and breaks down the paint faster.
Water getting into the wall
Failed caulking at butt joints, corners and around penetrations lets wind-driven rain behind the siding. That can rot the sheathing and studs and lead to mould inside the wall, which is far more expensive to fix than a repaint.
Faded, chalky paint and lower curb appeal
UV breaks down paint on sunny walls until it chalks off on your hand. Faded, peeling siding is one of the first things buyers notice and it lowers what your home is worth.
Common jobs we take on
- Cracked or rotten siding board replacement
- Exterior caulking around windows, doors and trim
- Small exterior painting jobs and touch-ups
- Mildew washing before painting
How Lower Mainland weather affects siding & exterior paint
The Lower Mainland is famous for its rain, and the Tri-Cities get more than most of Metro Vancouver because the clouds pile up against the mountains. From fall to spring, north-facing and shaded walls can stay damp for weeks. Wind-driven rain during winter storms pushes water into any joint that is not sealed. BC learned the hard way during the leaky condo crisis how quickly wall rot spreads once water gets behind the cladding.
Summer brings the opposite stress. Hot, dry spells and record heat like the 2021 heat dome cause wood to shrink and the paint film to crack, especially on south and west walls. That cycle of soaking in winter and baking in summer is why exterior paint here usually lasts about 7 to 10 years, and less on the sunny side.
Warning signs to watch for
- Peeling, cracking or blistering paint
- Chalky residue when you rub the siding
- Green or black stains on shady walls
- Split, cupped or soft siding boards
- Gaps or cracked caulking at joints, corners and windows
Maintenance tips
- Gently wash siding every year or two to remove dirt, mildew and algae
- Touch up chips and bare spots before the fall rains
- Re-caulk open joints and gaps around windows, doors and vents
- Keep shrubs and soil back from the bottom of the siding
- Plan a full repaint every 7 to 10 years, sooner on sun-baked walls
How G2 Home Services handles siding & exterior paint
We wash and prep the surface, scrape loose paint, replace rotten or split boards, and re-caulk every joint and gap. Bare wood is spot primed, then the house gets two coats of high quality exterior paint suited to our wet climate. We protect your plants, windows and walkways, and clean up completely when we are done.
Every job is backed by our written promise: a locked-in price before we start, we redo anything you are not happy with, and a one-year workmanship guarantee.
Exterior Painting & Siding Repair near you
We are based in Coquitlam and take on these jobs across the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore. Got other small jobs too? Add them to the list and we will do them in the same visit. See small jobs & odd jobs.
Exterior Painting & Siding Repair: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to paint a house exterior in Coquitlam?
Usually late May to September, when there are several dry days in a row and temperatures stay above about 10 degrees overnight. We watch the forecast and schedule around rain.
Can you replace just a few siding boards?
Yes. We cut out damaged boards and blend in new ones, then prime and paint them to match as closely as possible.
How long does exterior paint last in the Lower Mainland?
Most homes need repainting every 7 to 10 years. South and west walls that get strong sun and walls that stay wet often need attention sooner.
