Fall is the season to save on exterior house paint! Did you know that planning a professional exterior painting job in the fall can save you more money than any other season? Fall offers unique opportunities to save BIG:

• Keeping the heat IN and the cold air OUT is a challenge for all homeowners. According to the US Department of Energy, small gaps in the joints around windows, doors, and trim are one of the largest sources of heat loss. Large painting contractors include extensive caulking in their preparation process: sealing cracks, gaps, and joints. Professional caulking prevents wood from rotting and keeps drafts and heat-seeking critters OUT of your home. A professional paint job with a solid prep job prevents heat loss and saves you money.
• Because most painting contractors are busiest in the spring and summer months, you’re more likely to get a discount on the price of exterior painting during the fall. Also, due to shorter hours, many contractors are able to provide better customer service and a little more attention to their work during the fall.
• In some cases, that extra attention translates into even more cost savings. Since the stairs are ready, good painters will offer to clean gutters, wash windows, or do wood replacement or repair for a small additional fee. All of these are usually a huge savings over hiring another company to make a trip and do the job. Check a few more items off your fall “to do” list!

The temperature facts

Many homeowners worry that cold weather and paint won’t mix.
The facts: Good quality paint is safe to apply up to 35 degrees throughout the drying and curing process. (The paint can indicates this on the label.) Exterior painting during cool fall days is comfortable for most experienced painting contractors and allows for proper curing during cooler overnight temperatures.

TIPS: All good painting contractors will leave you with the leftover paint for future touch-ups or color matching. Remember to store paint indoors (ideally in a basement) rather than in a garage where it can freeze and reduce the life and quality of additional paint.

Natural Benefits
When flower beds have been uprooted and foliage thinned, access to your home is easier and there is less chance of damaging your garden. Painters can easily reach all surfaces in your home. Another reality: With the absence of flowering trees and shrubs, your fresh coat of paint, possibly a new color or two, allows your home to sparkle for neighbors and guests during the winter months. Imagine a fresh, new exterior color that welcomes your family and friends all season long.

If you’re one of the many homeowners who finds yourself with an unfinished “to do” list for the summer, don’t worry, there’s still time this fall to hire an exterior painting contractor. In fact, you can be the smartest guy in your neighborhood by saving some money and making sure your home is well-protected before it starts to snow.