If you’ve lived in Vancouver for any length of time, you know this city has its own personality — especially when it comes to weather. It rains a lot, the winters are damp, and the summers — while beautiful — can get surprisingly hot and dry.
But have you ever stopped to think how that climate affects the outside of your house?
We get asked this all the time:
“How often should I paint my house in Vancouver?”
The short answer? Every 5 to 7 years — but let’s dig into why that number isn’t set in stone.
A Quick Look at Vancouver’s Weather (And Why It Matters)
Most of the year, Vancouver’s climate is humid, cool, and rainy. That means:
-
Paint has to stand up to constant moisture
-
Mold and mildew are more common
-
UV rays in summer still do serious damage to color and texture
-
Wood siding and trims expand and contract with the seasons
If your home isn’t protected with a high-quality paint job — or if it hasn’t been touched up in a while — you’re likely looking at peeling, cracking, or fading sooner than you’d expect.
So, How Often Should You Paint?
Here’s a breakdown based on your exterior surface and exposure:
Wood Siding:
Repaint every 3–5 years, especially on homes that get hit by full sun or face prevailing rain.
Fiber Cement Board:
Lasts about 7–10 years with proper prep and paint.
Stucco:
Typically needs repainting every 5–7 years.
Aluminum or Vinyl Siding:
Can stretch to 10 years, but color fades faster. You may want to paint sooner for aesthetic reasons.
Signs It’s Time to Repaint
Don’t just rely on the calendar. Look for these early warning signs:
-
Peeling or bubbling paint
-
Cracked caulking along windows or doors
-
Fading color or patchiness
-
Bare wood exposed
-
Mold or mildew spots (especially near gutters or trim)
Once you spot these, it’s best not to wait. Delaying can lead to more expensive repairs — especially in a damp city like Vancouver.
A Client Story: Kitsilano Home Gets a Refresh
One of our favorite repeat clients in Kitsilano reached out last spring. They had painted their cedar siding just four years earlier but were already seeing peeling paint and black mold spots along the trim.
Turns out the previous company had skipped surface prep — no power washing or proper primer. We came in, cleaned, prepped, repaired rot spots, and applied a premium weatherproof paint system.
Now it’s been a year, and the finish still looks brand new. That’s why how you paint matters just as much as how often.
Why Quick Sidekick is the Go-To for House Painting in Vancouver
Painting your home in Vancouver isn’t just a cosmetic update — it’s protection. At Quick Sidekick, we take local conditions seriously.
Here’s what sets us apart:
-
We power wash and prep all surfaces
-
Use mildew-resistant, exterior-grade paint
-
Repair rot, cracks, and caulking before painting
-
Offer touch-up and maintenance plans
-
Service Vancouver, Burnaby, North Shore, and beyond
If you’re unsure whether your home needs repainting, we’ll come take a look — no pressure, no obligation.
Check out our exterior painting service page or rot repair services for more info.
How to Make Your Paint Job Last Longer
Want to get the most out of your next paint job? Here are a few tips:
-
Clean your siding annually to remove mold and dirt
-
Trim nearby trees to reduce moisture buildup
-
Repair caulking and cracked trim early
-
Choose paint specifically rated for coastal/wet climates
-
Consider a maintenance inspection every 2–3 years
Want help staying on top of it? Quick Sidekick offers affordable seasonal exterior checkups to keep your home protected.
