When Is Exterior Painting Season in Iowa?
Every spring the phone starts ringing the first warm week in March, and every spring I have to say the same thing: not yet. Here's how we decide when exterior season really starts in Cedar Rapids.
The 50-degree rule
Most exterior paints need the surface and the air to stay above about 50°F for the coat to cure, including overnight. In Linn County that usually means mid-May through early October. Some low-temperature products go down to 35°F, which can stretch the season a few weeks on each end.
Humidity and dew matter more than people think
Paint applied late in the day on a humid August afternoon can get hit by dew before it skins over. That leaves surfactant streaks and a dull finish. We stop earlier on muggy days and start later after a wet night.
Why the schedule fills by June
A full exterior takes one to two weeks of good weather. With maybe 20 workable weeks a year, the calendar fills fast. Homeowners who get a walkthrough in March or April pick their dates. Homeowners who call in July take what's left.
What you can do in the off-season
- Book a walkthrough and lock a spring date.
- Have us pressure wash and inspect in fall so repairs are planned, not discovered.
- Use the winter for interior work, which is when our crews have the most availability.
Questions about your house? Call me at (319) 432-0151 or request an estimate.
— Angie