If you own a home here in Colorado, you already know that exterior painting in Littleton takes a beating. Between the high-altitude sunshine, unpredictable snowstorms, and dry climate, your home’s exterior can show signs of wear faster than homes in lower-elevation areas. The good news? Most paint issues are fixable—if you know what’s causing them.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common exterior paint problems Littleton homeowners face, why they happen, and what you can do to keep your home looking great for years. Whether you’re DIY-curious or planning to hire pros, these fixes will help you protect your home and your budget.
Why Exterior Painting in Littleton Comes With Unique Challenges
Before we get into the problems, let’s talk about what makes exterior painting in Littleton so different from painting homes in other parts of the country.
At 5,351 feet above sea level, Littleton gets significantly stronger UV rays. That alone reduces paint lifespan. Add in sudden temperature swings, hail, dry air, and intense sun exposure, and your paint has a lot working against it.
That means even high-quality paint jobs may show signs of wear sooner than expected. It also means the prep work—and the paint you choose—matters more here than in most cities.
The Most Common Exterior Paint Problems in Littleton (And How to Fix Them)
Below are the issues painters in Colorado see every single season—and what you can do about them.
Fading Paint From Colorado’s Intense UV Sun Exposure
Fading is the most common issue for homes that face south or west. The UV exposure here can be equivalent to desert regions.
Why it happens:
High-elevation sun breaks down pigments.
Dark colors fade faster.
Poor-quality exterior paint loses color quickly.
How to fix it:
Choose fade-resistant, UV-stable paint.
Stick to lighter, earth-tone colors—they last longer.
Repaint with premium acrylic latex instead of bargain paints.
Apply an extra coat for added protection.
Pro tip: If your home is already fading unevenly, you may need a full repaint—not just touch-ups—so the color blends smoothly.
Peeling or Flaking Paint After Snow, Ice, and Moisture Exposure
You know the drill: warm day, sudden snowstorm, melt, freeze, melt again. That cycle repeats all winter here.
Why it happens:
Moisture gets behind the paint layer.
Poor caulking or failed siding allows water intrusion.
Paint wasn’t properly adhered due to bad prep.
How to fix it:
Scrape and sand all peeling areas.
Repair or replace damaged siding first.
Use moisture-blocking primer.
Repaint using high-quality exterior paint with elasticity.
Cracking and Blistering Paint Caused by Temperature Swings
Colorado is famous for 30-degree morning swings. Your paint expands and shrinks constantly, and eventually—it cracks.
Why it happens:
Cheap or old paint becomes brittle.
Surfaces weren’t cleaned before painting.
Painting was done during temperature extremes.
How to fix it:
Sand down the cracked areas.
Use a flexible, elastomeric patching compound.
Repaint using paints designed for cold and hot climates.
Only paint when temps remain stable for 24–48 hours.
Wood Rot and Moisture Damage Beneath the Paint
This one is less obvious because you usually don’t see the damage until the paint starts bubbling or splitting.
Why it happens:
Water gets behind trim boards.
Gutters overflow and saturate siding.
Old caulking fails, letting moisture seep in.
How to fix it:
Replace rotted wood (don’t paint over it!).
Prime with oil-based primer.
Seal joints with high-quality exterior caulk.
Add gutter extensions or improve drainage.
Hail Damage to Painted Surfaces (Yes, It Happens Here A Lot)
Littleton and the surrounding metro area get hit with hail more often than most cities in the country.
Signs of hail damage:
Chips in the paint
Dents in wood or metal
Exposed substrate
Fine cracks radiating outward
How to fix it:
Sand damaged areas down.
Fill dents with exterior filler.
Prime and repaint.
In severe cases, replace damaged boards.
How to Prevent Exterior Paint Problems in Littleton
If you want your next paint job to last longer, prevention is key.
Best Strategies:
Use premium exterior paint made for high-UV areas.
Pressure wash the home before painting (but gently).
Remove loose paint and sand thoroughly.
Prime bare wood, patched areas, or previously damaged spots.
Seal every seam with high-quality caulk to prevent moisture intrusion.
Schedule painting in spring or early fall when temps are stable.
Remember: it’s not just the paint—it’s the prep. A high-quality paint job is 70% prep and 30% application.
When to Hire a Professional for Exterior Painting in Littleton
Some paint jobs you can tackle yourself. But if you’re seeing widespread peeling, rot, or hail damage, it might be worth calling professionals.
A skilled local painter understands:
How Colorado climate affects paint
Which materials work best at high elevation
When to paint for proper adhesion
What surfaces need extra prep
How to prevent fading and peeling for years
Thinking about hiring painters?
Make sure you read our related guide: Reliable Painters in Littleton? Here’s What to Know Before You Hire — this will help you avoid costly mistakes and choose a team you can trust.
Call to Action
If your home is showing paint problems, and you want long-lasting results, consider getting a professional evaluation. A quick inspection can save you thousands by catching issues early. Ready to refresh your home? Reach out today for a free exterior painting consultation in Littleton.