How often should you repaint your house exterior in Ireland?

If you live in Ireland, you already know: the weather does what it wants. One day it’s calm. Next day? Hail, rain, or wind straight off the Atlantic.

So when it comes to exterior painting, people ask:

“How long should it last?”, “When should we repaint?”, “Is it really time, or can we leave it another year?”, Let’s break it down — simply, honestly, and from the brush’s perspective.

What affects paint lifespan in Ireland?

Not all paint jobs are created equal. And in Ireland, weather is king.

Here’s what really affects how long your exterior paint lasts:

  • Exposure – south- or west-facing walls fade and flake faster
  • Paint type – weathershield, oil-based or acrylic? Cheap paint won’t survive the damp
  • Surface – render, pebble-dash, brick or timber? Each one ages differently
  • Previous prep – was the last paint job power-washed, primed and sealed? Or rushed?
  • Trees & moss – shaded areas stay damp and feed algae and lichen

General rule of thumb

  • Rendered walls – every 5 to 7 years
  • Wooden surfaces (fascia, soffits) – every 3 to 5 years
  • Windowsills, trim, doors – every 4 to 6 years, depending on sunlight
  • Coastal homes – expect more frequent painting (every 3 to 5 years)

A real case from Dun Laoghaire:

We were called to repaint a house that hadn’t been touched in 11 years. You could peel the paint off like a sticker. Moss had climbed up 2 feet on the back wall.

The owner said: “I thought exterior paint lasted forever.”

Not here. Not with this weather.

After a full scrape, wash, repair, prime and two coats of Weathershield — the house looked sharp again.

Signs it’s time to repaint

  • Fading or chalky colour
  • Flaking or cracking
  • Visible hairline cracks in render
  • Mould or moss creeping in
  • Paint bubbling or peeling near gutters/windows

Irish tips to make it last

  • Clean your exterior once a year with a low-pressure wash
  •  Keep gutters clean — water damage ruins paint jobs fast
  • Use top-quality, breathable paint (cheap paint won’t stick to damp walls)

Final word

  • In Ireland, your house fights the weather all year. Painting the exterior isn’t just about beauty — it’s about protection.

    So if it’s been more than 5 years, or if you’re seeing the signs — it’s probably time to repaint. Need a second opinion?

    Talk to us — no pressure, just straight advice.

Painting your exterior house in Dublin