Spring Painting Checklist for Iowa Homeowners

Iowa winters are tough on homes, and spring is the ideal time to assess the damage and plan your painting projects for the year. A systematic spring inspection can identify problems early, before they become expensive repairs, and help you prioritize your painting budget for maximum impact. Start with the exterior — walk around your home and look for peeling or flaking paint, which indicates moisture infiltration or adhesion failure. Check caulking around windows, doors, and where different materials meet; cracked or missing caulk allows moisture to penetrate and should be replaced before painting. Look for wood rot on window sills, door frames, fascia boards, and anywhere wood is in contact with the ground or frequently wet. Check your deck and fence for peeling stain, gray weathered wood (a sign the stain has failed), and loose or damaged boards. Inside, spring is a good time to assess walls for scuffs, marks, and wear from winter activities. Check bathrooms and kitchens for mildew stains that may have developed during the humid winter months. Look at trim and doors for chips and scratches that accumulate over time. TrueEdge Paint offers free spring assessments for Des Moines homeowners — our team will walk through your property, identify painting needs, and provide a prioritized recommendation and estimate for the year's painting projects.