Plan on roughly 7 to 10 years, per Sherwin-Williams, though Benjamin Moore puts the range at 5 to 12 depending on the last paint job, the paint, the weather and the surface. In Indianapolis, late May through September gives you the most days inside typical paint temperature limits.
Short answer: most exterior paint jobs last somewhere around 7 to 10 years. That’s Sherwin-Williams’ figure. Benjamin Moore gives a wider range, 5 to 12 years, depending on the quality of the last job, the type of paint, local weather and what the surface is made of. Good prep and the right painting weather push you toward the long end.
Why does exterior paint wear out faster on some houses?
The paint makers point to the same few culprits:
- Moisture. Sherwin-Williams says too much moisture in the surface will most likely lead to peeling. Wood and masonry hold more water than vinyl or aluminum and may need more drying time after heavy rain.
- Cold or damp curing. Sherwin-Williams says colder temperatures and moisture on the surface keep the paint film from forming properly.
- Sun and heat. Direct sun can make paint dry too quickly, and very hot surfaces can dry before the paint has a chance to adhere, per Sherwin-Williams.
- Poor prep. Sherwin-Williams says chalky siding that isn’t cleaned first won’t hold paint properly, and peeling or cracked paint has to come off before you repaint.
- The paint itself. Benjamin Moore lists the type of paint and the quality of the previous job as factors in how often you’ll repaint.
Indianapolis weather matters here too. NWS Indianapolis normals put average lows below freezing in December, January and February, and May and June are our wettest months. That’s why the timing of the job, and letting siding dry out, matters so much.
What are the signs it’s time to repaint?
Walk around the house once a year and look for:
- Peeling or cracked paint
- Chalky residue that rubs off on your hand
- Faded color, especially on the sunniest sides
- Bare wood showing at trim, sills or the bottom of siding
- Mildew or staining that keeps coming back
Peeling is the one not to ignore. Since moisture is a common cause, ask your painter whether there’s a water problem to fix before fresh paint goes on top of it.
What are the best months to paint a house in Indianapolis?
Start with the can. Sherwin-Williams’ general guidance is to avoid painting below 50°F or above 90°F. Some of its products, like Duration, Resilience, SuperPaint and A-100 Exterior, are made to be applied as low as 35°F. Its FAQs add that temperatures should stay in range and above the dew point for at least 48 hours after you paint.
Here’s how that lines up with Indianapolis’ 1991–2020 normals from the National Weather Service:
| Month | Avg. high (°F) | Avg. low (°F) | Avg. precip (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 63.9 | 43.3 | 4.34 |
| May | 73.4 | 53.7 | 4.75 |
| June | 82.0 | 62.9 | 4.95 |
| July | 85.2 | 66.4 | 4.42 |
| August | 84.3 | 65.0 | 3.20 |
| September | 78.2 | 57.4 | 3.14 |
| October | 65.6 | 45.5 | 3.22 |
Read that with the 50°F guideline in mind: May through September are the months when both the average high and the average low sit above 50°F. April and October can work on the right days, but nights often drop lower. Sherwin-Williams warns about exactly that fall mistake: warm afternoons, cold nights and dew that keeps the paint from forming a proper film.
Summer has its own catch. Sherwin-Williams says direct sun can dry paint too fast, so good crews follow the shade around the house. Rain matters too: Sherwin-Williams says exterior paint typically needs at least 24 hours to cure before rain, and suggests letting the house dry 24 to 48 hours after pressure washing.
Does my older Indianapolis home have lead paint?
If your house was built before 1978, assume it might. The EPA says about three-quarters of U.S. homes built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint.
Under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing must be certified, including one-person businesses. The EPA recommends hiring a Lead-Safe Certified contractor and has an online search to find certified firms near you.
The rule doesn’t apply to homeowners working on their own pre-1978 home, with exceptions such as renting out all or part of the home, running a childcare center there or flipping houses. The EPA still recommends lead-safe work practices if you do it yourself.
What should I ask a painter before I hire them?
- How will you prep: washing, scraping, filling, priming bare wood?
- What paint will you use, and what are its temperature limits?
- How will you handle peeling areas or moisture problems?
- If my house is pre-1978, is your firm EPA Lead-Safe Certified?
- What does your warranty cover, and is it in writing?
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Sources: Sherwin-Williams: How to Paint a House Exterior; Sherwin-Williams: Exterior Product Application FAQs; Benjamin Moore: Exterior Paint; NWS Indianapolis: Local Climate (1991–2020 normals); EPA: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program. Checked November 2026.
