When Is The Best Time To Have Your Homes Exterior Painted?

Derek Obringer • July 25, 2023

A new coat of paint on the exterior of your house is certain to give it a whole new feel, and preserve the wood or siding for a good long while. Most likely you have been looking at the old paint for a while. Now you are getting around to it, you may even have the money set aside already, but you aren't sure if the current season will affect the paint. Let's look at the best time to have our homes exterior painted.

The Best Time Of Year For Exterior Home Painting

The best time to have the exterior of you house painted is generally accepted to be late spring or summer. The experts agree. You have a greater window of acceptable weather, and that's when most painting contractors are pushing those jobs.

A better way to determine the best time to paint your home's exterior is by looking at the weather regardless of what season it is. If there is no rain, and the temperature is great, and no other external factors that might impede painting, you are good to go.

It is a great idea to keep an eye on the weather when you schedule an exterior painter to come out, and keep checking it in the days preceding the job, and after since it takes a bit for the paint to properly cure to be able to take on the elements.

Home Exterior Painting in The Fall

If you are setting out to have your home painted in the fall, we recommend you do it early when the day and night temperatures are closer and there is not a huge temperature gap when the sun goes down yet. Paint has a hard time curing if the temperature fluctuates drastically. Depending on where you live, and how far into fall you are, temperatures can be hot during the day, and much cooler at night. It is important to take your location into account when you are making the decision to paint in the fall.

Home Exterior Painting During Winter

In Pennsylvania, you are likely out of luck if you want to paint your home in the winter. If you live in a warmer climate like Florida, your chances go up considerably, as it is possible to celebrate Christmas in a swimsuit in many parts of that state. The general statement is that you shouldn't paint outside when temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but some newer paint formulas can accommodate lower temperatures.

If It Is ___ Out; Don't Have Your Home Exterior's Painted

Windy

You might think that wind would be your friend when tying to have your house's exterior painted in the Pittsburgh area. Wind can not only blow debris such as dried grass and dust onto a freshly painted house, but heavy wind can cause streaks if the paint is applied to thick. If you are hiring a professional painter, they will know not to apply a thick layer of paint as this increases the chance that it cracks down the road, regardless of the weather surrounding the time of application. In cases of extreme wind, and a tall house, wind can also be a safety hazard to painters on ladders or scaffolding, or even cause paint cans to blow over causing waste, and an unpleasant mess. A professional painter will unlikely paint if the conditions are bad, but if they determine them to be acceptable, a professional painter worth his salt is licensed and insured should anything happen.

Damp

You may think that because it is not raining outside, it will be okay to have the painters you scheduled come out. Guess again! Though it may be frustrating to delay the project, you will thank yourself later. If it is humid outside that humidity can make its way into the paint. If the air stops being humid, the surface still might not be dry yet. Be sure to check!

Hot

If you are shooting for a day when the temperature is too hot, the paint can dry too fast and not cure properly. The surface will likely be too hot as well if the air around it is, but if it is, the paint will not stick properly, and can result in a bubbling or blistering that can end up cracking and peeling. Painting outside surfaces should not be done unless it is less than 85 degrees out. It is best not to paint in these conditions unless the paint you are working with specifically says otherwise.

Cold

Painting when it is too cold outside is not good either. If it is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit it is not a great idea to paint. If it is below 35 degrees, water based paint can freeze, causing your paint to not cure correctly. Moisture forming as a result of low temperatures can also result in improperly cured paint. Stick between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and you will be good to go!

Professional Exterior Painters

If you hire professional exterior painters they will know the optimal conditions for applying paint on the exterior of your home. At Obringer's we use only quality paint, and our trained experts have the knowledge and experience to give your home the paint job it deserve. Give us a call today, or fill out a form on our website for:

A Licensed and Insured paint contractor
Assurance that the job will be done right the first time.
High quality paint that goes the distance
Superior job quality from experienced painters

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Author: Derek Obringer

Owner & Founder of Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, Derek Obringer brings attention to detail, together with experience, and superior customer service into each and every home that his company does work.

Painting And Remodeling Blog

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors: Which One Do You Need?

By Derek Obringer • March 27, 2025

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers: Key Differences When planning your kitchen renovation, choosing the right professional is crucial. Should you hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling contractor ? While both handle renovations, their expertise and scope of work differ significantly. General Contractors General contractors oversee large-scale remodeling projects, such as whole-home renovations or additions. They handle structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, and permit approvals. Because they manage multiple subcontractors and coordinate various trades, hiring a general contractor is typically more expensive. They are best suited for projects that go beyond just the kitchen. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Kitchen remodelers specialize in kitchen-specific renovations, focusing on layout, design, and materials. They often work directly on the kitchen, rather than overseeing multiple subcontractors. Because their expertise is limited to one area of the home, they provide more cost-effective solutions for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens without altering other spaces. Which One Do You Need? If your project involves multiple rooms or structural changes, a general contractor is the best choice. However, if your renovation is kitchen-focused and you want a more budget-friendly approach, a kitchen remodeling contractor is the way to go. Understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your home renovation needs. Key Differences: General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers When planning a home renovation, it's essential to understand the key differences between general contractors and kitchen remodelers to ensure you hire the right professional for the job. While both play crucial roles in home improvement, their scope of work, expertise, cost, and project management styles vary significantly. 1. Scope of Work The primary difference between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler is the scope of work they handle: General Contractors: General contractors oversee broad renovation projects that may involve multiple rooms, entire home remodels, or structural changes. Their responsibilities often include: Managing large-scale renovations, including home expansions and floor plan modifications. Overseeing structural changes such as removing walls or adding new rooms. Coordinating various subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, to complete the project efficiently. Kitchen Remodelers: Kitchen remodelers, on the other hand, specialize exclusively in kitchen renovations. Their work is focused on: Optimizing kitchen layout design for better functionality and efficiency. Installing cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Choosing the best materials, finishes, and storage solutions for an aesthetically pleasing and practical kitchen. If your project involves multiple rooms or structural modifications, a general contractor is necessary. However, if your focus is solely on updating or redesigning the kitchen, a kitchen remodeler is the better choice. 2. Expertise & Specialization The level of expertise required for a renovation depends on the type and complexity of the project. General Contractors: These professionals have broad knowledge across multiple trades, including: Structural modifications (e.g., knocking down walls or adding load-bearing beams). Electrical and plumbing work to support home expansions. Permitting and building code compliance for large-scale projects. Kitchen Remodelers: In contrast, kitchen remodelers focus specifically on kitchen design, materials, and functionality, which includes: Understanding the latest kitchen trends and space-saving solutions. Customizing cabinets, countertops, and islands for improved workflow. Ensuring optimal appliance placement to enhance efficiency. If your renovation requires significant structural changes, a general contractor is the right choice. However, if you want a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences, a kitchen remodeler's specialized knowledge is more beneficial. 3. Cost Considerations Cost is a major factor when choosing between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler. General Contractor: In most cases, they will charge a percentage of the total project cost, often ranging between 10% and 25%. Their services are more expensive due to the larger scale of work and involvement of multiple trades. Costs may include permits, labor for structural changes, and extensive material selections. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Offer a more budget-friendly option for homeowners focusing solely on the kitchen. Since they specialize in one area, their labor and material costs are often more predictable and controlled. Homeowners can choose from different levels of renovation, from minor upgrades to high-end, custom kitchen designs. If you're planning a whole-home remodel or structural work, a general contractor's higher costs are justified. However, if you need a cost-effective kitchen transformation, a kitchen remodeler is the smarter financial choice. 4. Project & Subcontractor Management Managing a renovation project requires careful coordination, and the approach differs between general contractors and kitchen remodelers. General Contractor: Act as project manager, hiring and overseeing subcontractors for various tasks such as flooring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. Ensure all trades work in sync to meet project deadlines. Handle any unexpected construction challenges, such as hidden electrical issues or outdated plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Typically, they work with a smaller, more specialized team of designers and craftsmen. Provide a hands-on approach by focusing on specific kitchen elements, ensuring quality control throughout the project. May still work with subcontractors (e.g., electricians or plumbers) but on a much smaller scale than general contractors. If your renovation involves multiple professionals across different areas, a general contractor is necessary. However, if you prefer a more direct and focused approach for your kitchen, a kitchen remodeler provides the expertise needed. Both general contractors and kitchen remodelers bring valuable skills to the table, but their expertise is suited for different types of projects.