Exterior Painting Costs Explained

Substrate and surface condition

Wood siding and trim need the most attention because they take the direct weathering. Aluminium siding can be repainted once cleaned and correctly primed. Previously painted brick needs a breathable system. Each substrate has a different preparation and product requirement, and mixed substrates on one building mean multiple systems in one quote.

Condition then multiplies everything. Sound, adhered paint requires washing and spot work. Widespread scraping back to bare wood, followed by priming, can easily double the labour on an elevation.

Access and height

• • Single storey with clear ground access — the least expensive to work on
• • Two or more storeys — ladders or staging, slower and safer working pace
• • Steep grades, decks, landscaping or tight side yards restricting access
• • Dormers, gables and high peaks requiring specialised access

Weather and season in Ontario

Exterior work is restricted to a window where surface temperature and moisture allow proper curing. That compresses demand into part of the year and makes the schedule weather-dependent. Rain days extend the calendar even when they do not add labour hours.

Elevation-by-elevation work

Because south and west elevations weather faster, it can be sensible to repaint the failing sides rather than the whole building. This costs less, though colour matching against aged paint on the remaining elevations should be discussed before committing to it.