How Often Should I Repaint Wood Siding in Moraga?

If you own a wood-sided home in Moraga, you've probably asked yourself when it's time to repaint. The answer isn't always simple—it depends on your wood type, the quality of the previous paint job, and how Moraga's climate affects your exterior. Most wood siding in the East Bay needs repainting every 5 to 10 years, but you might stretch that timeline with the right prep work and high-quality materials, or you might need to repaint sooner if the previous job cut corners.

We're Lamorinda Painting, a fully licensed and insured painting company based in Lafayette, CA. We've been painting wood siding throughout Moraga, Orinda, and the greater Bay Area for over two decades. In this guide, we'll walk you through the factors that determine how often you should repaint, the warning signs that it's time, and how proper surface prep can extend the life of your paint job. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our estimates are always free.

What Affects How Long Exterior Paint Lasts in Moraga?

Several factors work together to determine how many years you'll get out of a paint job on wood siding. Understanding these helps you plan maintenance and avoid costly wood damage.

Wood Type and Age

Different wood species hold paint differently. Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to rot and handle moisture well, so they often hold paint longer than softer woods like pine or fir. Older wood that's been painted many times can become dry and brittle, which makes it harder for new paint to adhere properly. If your Moraga home has original wood siding from the 1950s or 60s, you might notice paint peeling or cracking sooner than on newer wood.

Quality of the Previous Paint Job

The best predictor of how long your next paint job will last is how well the previous one was done. If the painter skipped proper cleaning, didn't scrape off loose paint, or failed to prime bare wood, the new coat won't bond well. Paint applied over dirt, mildew, or glossy surfaces tends to peel within a few years. High-quality paints from manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are formulated to last longer than budget alternatives, especially when applied correctly over properly prepped surfaces.

Moraga's Climate and Sun Exposure

Moraga sits in a transitional climate zone between the cooler, foggier areas near the coast and the hotter inland valleys. You get warm, dry summers with plenty of UV exposure and mild, wet winters. South- and west-facing walls take the most sun and heat, which breaks down paint faster. North-facing walls stay cooler and shadier, so paint lasts longer there. Moisture from winter rains can seep into cracks and gaps, causing wood to swell and contract, which stresses the paint film.

According to guidance from major paint manufacturers, UV radiation and temperature swings are the two biggest enemies of exterior paint. Moraga's mix of intense summer sun and seasonal moisture means you should expect repainting intervals on the shorter end of the typical range unless you use premium products and pay close attention to surface prep.

Color and Sheen

Darker colors absorb more heat and fade faster than lighter shades. If your Moraga home has deep navy, forest green, or charcoal siding, you might notice chalking and color loss sooner than a home painted in soft gray or cream. Higher-sheen finishes like satin or semi-gloss tend to show dirt and wear more quickly than flat or low-luster paints, but they're also easier to clean and more resistant to moisture.

Maintenance Between Paint Jobs

Regular upkeep can add years to your paint's lifespan. Washing your siding once a year to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew prevents buildup that traps moisture against the wood. Caulking small cracks around windows, doors, and trim stops water from getting behind the paint. Trimming back bushes and trees improves air circulation and reduces shade that promotes mildew growth. Moraga homeowners who stay on top of these small tasks often get 8 to 10 years from a quality paint job instead of 5 to 7.

Typical Repaint Schedules for Wood Siding in East Bay Homes

While every home is different, most wood-sided homes in Moraga and the surrounding East Bay follow a general timeline based on the factors above.

5 to 7 Years: Standard Repaint Interval

If your home was painted with mid-grade paint, received average surface prep, and faces typical Moraga sun and weather, plan to repaint every 5 to 7 years. This schedule keeps the wood protected and prevents minor peeling from turning into expensive wood rot. Homes with south- and west-facing walls in full sun often fall on the shorter end of this range.

7 to 10 Years: Premium Paint and Prep

When you invest in high-quality acrylic latex paint, thorough surface prep (scraping, sanding, caulking, priming bare spots), and experienced application, you can often push the repaint interval to 8 or even 10 years. This is especially true if you maintain your siding with annual cleaning and quick touch-ups when you spot small cracks or peeling areas. Many Moraga homeowners we work with prefer this approach because it saves money and hassle over the long run.

3 to 5 Years: Budget Paint or Poor Prep

If the previous painter used low-cost paint, skipped proper cleaning and scraping, or painted over peeling areas without fixing the underlying issues, you might see widespread failure in just 3 to 5 years. We sometimes encounter homes where the paint is bubbling or peeling within two years because moisture got trapped under a new coat applied over dirty or damp wood. This is why we always stress proper surface preparation—it's the foundation of a long-lasting paint job.

10+ Years: Cedar or Redwood with Premium Care

Well-maintained cedar or redwood siding painted with top-tier products can sometimes go 10 to 12 years before needing a full repaint. These woods are naturally rot-resistant and stable, so they don't expand and contract as much with moisture changes. If you have a redwood-sided Craftsman bungalow in Moraga and you keep up with maintenance, you might be able to stretch your repaint schedule into the double digits.

Signs It's Time to Repaint Your Moraga Wood Siding

Don't wait for a calendar reminder to tell you it's time to repaint. Your siding will show you when it needs attention. Catching problems early prevents wood damage that requires expensive repairs.

Peeling, Cracking, or Bubbling Paint

Peeling paint is the most obvious sign that your siding needs work. Small areas of peeling can often be spot-scraped, primed, and touched up, but if you see peeling across multiple walls or large sections, it's time for a full repaint. Cracking and bubbling indicate that moisture has gotten under the paint film, which means the wood is no longer protected. Left unchecked, this leads to rot.

Fading and Chalking

When paint fades from its original color or develops a chalky residue when you rub your hand across it, the paint film is breaking down from UV exposure. This is especially common on south- and west-facing walls in Moraga's sunny climate. Fading doesn't always mean the paint has failed completely, but it does mean the protective barrier is weakening. Most homeowners choose to repaint once fading becomes noticeable, both for curb appeal and to protect the wood underneath.

Exposed Bare Wood

If you see patches of bare wood showing through, moisture can soak directly into the grain and cause swelling, cracking, and rot. Bare wood needs to be cleaned, allowed to dry completely, and primed before you apply finish coats. If you spot bare wood on your Moraga home, don't wait—schedule a repaint or at least prime and touch up those areas to prevent further damage.

Mildew and Staining

Moraga's mild, damp winters create ideal conditions for mildew growth, especially on north-facing walls and areas shaded by trees. Mildew shows up as dark spots or streaks on painted surfaces. While you can sometimes clean mildew off with a solution of water and mild detergent, recurring mildew often means the paint has lost its protective properties and needs replacement. Staining from tannins bleeding through the paint (common on cedar and redwood) also signals that the primer layer has failed and a new paint system is needed.

Water Damage and Soft Spots

Press gently on areas where paint is peeling or cracking. If the wood feels soft or spongy, you've got rot starting. This is more than a paint problem—it's a wood repair issue. Before repainting, any rotted sections need to be cut out and replaced with new wood, then primed and painted. We often encounter this around window sills, door frames, and the bottom edges of siding where water collects.

How Proper Prep Work Extends Your Repaint Timeline

The difference between a paint job that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 10 often comes down to surface preparation. Cutting corners on prep saves time upfront but costs you money later.

Cleaning and Degreasing

We start every exterior painting project by thoroughly washing the siding to remove dirt, pollen, mildew, and pollutants. In Moraga, oak trees drop tannins and pollen that build up on painted surfaces, and these contaminants prevent new paint from bonding. We use a combination of gentle pressure washing or hand scrubbing with a cleaning solution, depending on the wood's condition. Clean surfaces accept paint better and hold it longer.

Scraping and Sanding

Next, we scrape off all loose and peeling paint by hand or with power tools. The goal is to remove anything that isn't firmly bonded to the wood. After scraping, we sand rough edges and feather out transitions between old paint and bare wood so you don't see ridges or bumps under the new finish. This step takes time, but it's critical for a smooth, professional result.

Caulking and Sealing

Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, trim boards, and siding joints let water seep behind the paint. We fill these gaps with high-quality exterior caulk that stays flexible as the wood expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. Proper caulking is one of the simplest ways to prevent premature paint failure and wood rot in Moraga's variable climate.

Priming Bare Wood and Stains

Any bare wood or stained areas get coated with a stain-blocking primer before we apply finish paint. Primers seal the wood, block tannins from bleeding through, and create a uniform surface for the topcoat to bond to. Without primer, bare wood soaks up the first coat of paint unevenly, and you'll see blotchy color and poor adhesion. Manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer exterior primers specifically formulated for wood siding, and we choose products based on your wood type and the issues we need to solve.

Using Quality Paint Products

We use only high-quality acrylic latex paints designed for exterior wood. These paints are formulated to expand and contract with the wood, resist UV damage, and shed water effectively. While premium paints cost more upfront, they contain better resins and pigments that hold up longer in Moraga's sun and weather. A paint job using top-tier products and proper application can easily outlast a budget job by three to five years.

How Much Does It Cost to Repaint Wood Siding in Moraga?

Costs vary based on the size of your home, the condition of the existing paint, and how much prep work is needed. For most single-story homes in Moraga, you can expect exterior repainting to cost several thousand dollars. Larger two-story homes or homes with extensive wood rot, peeling paint, or intricate trim details will cost more.

Factors that affect pricing include the total square footage of siding, the number of stories (two-story homes require scaffolding or ladders, which adds time and labor), the amount of scraping and wood repair required, and whether you're changing colors or repainting the existing shade. Homes that were well-maintained and have minimal peeling typically cost less than homes where we need to scrape and prime large areas.

We always recommend getting a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the scope of work, prep steps, and materials. This helps you understand exactly what you're paying for and ensures there are no surprises. Our estimates are always free, and we're happy to walk your property and discuss your goals and budget.

Why Choose Lamorinda Painting for Your Moraga Wood Siding Project

We've been painting homes in Moraga, Lafayette, Orinda, and throughout the East Bay since 2003. We understand the local climate, the common home styles in the area, and the challenges that wood siding faces in this region. Our attention to detail sets us apart, and we always leave your home spotless when the job is done.

When you hire us, you get a crew that protects your landscaping, covers your walkways and driveways, and cleans up thoroughly at the end of each day. We follow a proven process: thorough surface prep, high-quality primers and paints, careful application, and a final walkthrough to make sure everything meets your expectations. We're fully licensed and insured, and we stand behind our work with a 6-year warranty.

We know Moraga homeowners value quality and professionalism. You want a painting company that shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers results that last. That's exactly what we provide. Contact us today for a free estimate on your wood siding repaint project.

FAQs About Repainting Wood Siding in Moraga

How often should I repaint my wood siding in Moraga? Most wood-sided homes in Moraga need repainting every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the previous paint job, the wood type, sun exposure, and how well you maintain the siding. Homes with premium paint and proper surface prep can often go 8 to 10 years, while budget jobs or homes in full sun might need attention in 5 to 7 years.

Can I wait longer than 10 years to repaint? You can, but it's risky. Once paint fails and bare wood is exposed, moisture can cause rot, which requires expensive wood replacement. It's almost always cheaper to repaint on schedule than to fix rot damage later.

What's the best time of year to repaint wood siding in Moraga? Late spring through early fall is ideal. You want warm, dry weather with low humidity so the paint dries and cures properly. Avoid painting in winter when moisture levels are higher and temperatures can dip below the manufacturer's recommended minimums.

Do I need to prime before repainting wood siding? You need to prime any bare wood, areas where you've scraped down to the substrate, and spots with tannin staining. If the existing paint is in good condition and you're repainting with a similar color, you might not need to prime the entire surface—just the repaired and bare areas.

How can I make my paint job last longer? Invest in proper surface prep, use high-quality paint, and maintain your siding with annual cleaning and quick repairs when you spot cracks or peeling. Trimming back vegetation and keeping gutters clean also helps by reducing moisture and shade around your siding.

Should I use oil-based or latex paint on wood siding? Modern acrylic latex paints are the industry standard for exterior wood. They're flexible, breathe well, resist UV damage, and clean up easily. Oil-based paints are rarely used anymore except for specific trim applications or to match historical finishes.

Ready to Refresh Your Moraga Wood Siding?

If your wood siding is showing signs of wear—peeling paint, fading color, or bare spots—it's time to schedule a repaint. Waiting too long puts your wood at risk of rot and water damage, which costs far more to fix than a fresh coat of paint.

We offer high-quality painting services at affordable prices, and we're based right here in Lafayette, serving Moraga and the entire Lamorinda area. Give us a call at (925) 890-0361 or email us at lamorindapainting@gmail.com to schedule your free estimate. Let's protect your home and give it the curb appeal it deserves.