In an ideal situation, you'll plan to paint your home's exterior in the spring or summer months. You can even paint in the early fall without too much concern. However, if you've found yourself in a position where you absolutely have to paint your home during the late fall or winter season, there are some things you need to consider. Here's a look at what you need to know about exterior house painting in the winter months.

What Makes Winter a Special Consideration?

One of the most important things to think about when you are planning to paint your home during the winter is the fact that winter weather and seasonal temperatures are not conducive to drying and curing paint. Most exterior paints require ambient and surface temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures are below that, the paint does not dry as efficiently and may not cure. This can interfere with the final paint finish you are trying to create.

What Timing Considerations Are There?

If you are starting an exterior painting project during the winter, you'll have to make sure that you time the work correctly. Plan to start working later in the morning, when the temperatures have warmed from the overnight chill. You'll also want to plan to stop working by mid-afternoon because the temperatures will drop rapidly in the evening. That means you'll have a short window to work during the winter season. A few hours a day means you have to be as productive as possible while you can work. 

What Weather Factors Matter?

The weather factors that you'll have to consider will partially depend on the type of exterior paint that you choose for your home. Make sure that you know what the lowest recommended temperature is for your paint, and watch the weather forecast to be sure that you have several consecutive days that are at or above that temperature.

You'll need to account for the number of days that it will take you to paint, as well as accounting for at least two days afterward for the paint to dry. Remember that it takes far longer for the paint to dry in the cold weather, and if the temperatures drop below the recommended temperature during that time, it can interfere with the paint's ability to cure as it is supposed to.

If you want your exterior painting project to have the best possible chance of success, you should reach out to a local painting contractor for assistance. Professional painting can help to ensure that you get the finish you are hoping for.

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