1. Use hard-finish gloss paint (including semi-gloss) in areas of excessive wear and tear, such as doors and door frames and any horizontal surface you choose to paint.

2. Install an effective gutter and downspout system to direct rainfall away from the house thus preventing water damage and stains.

3. Wash your house. A house is in some ways like a car, whose finish can be damaged by weather and dirt. So it is a good idea to wash the exterior of your home between paint jobs, especially those areas that are not exposed to the rinsing action that rainfall provides, and shady areas that are prone to mildew growth and dirt build-up.

4. Remove snow and ice from window sills and other horizontal surfaces.

5. Repaint every 3 to 5 years before paint failure and harsh weather conditions damage the home underneath the paint.

6. Ensure that humid rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms are well ventilated. Moisture in these rooms can actually be drawn through the walls to the outside, damaging exterior paint.

7. Of course the best way to prevent damage is to prime and prep well, and use premium paints in the first place. At A. Quiros, Inc. we take great care in how we paint because we understand that paint, in addition to beautifying your home, protects it against the elements. Your home is one of your largest investments, and we want to help you to protect it.