What's actually causing this
Exterior paint peels when moisture gets beneath the paint film. This happens from inadequate caulking around windows and trim, missing or blocked soffit vents (causing interior moisture to push outward), or applying new paint over a dirty or glossy surface.
What you'll need
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- Paint scraper Shop →
- Pressure washer or scrub brush Shop →
- Exterior wood primer Shop →
- Exterior paint Shop →
- Caulk and caulk gun Shop →
Step-by-step fix
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1
Address the moisture source first
Check caulking around windows, doors, and trim. Ensure gutters are directing water away from the wall. Check that soffit vents are clear.
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2
Scrape all loose paint
Use a paint scraper to remove all peeling paint. Don't just paint over loose areas — the new paint will peel within months.
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3
Clean the surface
Wash the entire area with a pressure washer or scrub with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution. Let dry fully — at least 24 hours.
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4
Sand and feather edges
Sand the edges of the scraped areas with 80-grit sandpaper to eliminate hard lines. Smooth bare wood with the direction of the grain.
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5
Prime and paint
Apply an oil-based or stain-blocking exterior primer to all bare wood. Let cure per the product spec (usually 24 hours). Apply two coats of exterior paint.
Roofing and siding contractors in New York typically charge $100–200/hr. Roof replacement averages $6,000–15,000, while siding replacement runs $8,000–25,000+ depending on material and home size.
Roofing and exterior work typically requires New York permits and inspections. Get quotes from at least two licensed contractors.
Brownstone facades and masonry are common. Pointing and brick repair are frequent maintenance items. Window restoration in historic buildings requires specialized craftspeople. Roof access on multi-unit buildings is shared; repairs need landlord/board coordination.
Standard roof and exterior maintenance schedules apply in New York.
DIY in New York: NYC's building code and co-op/condo board requirements make DIY repairs more restricted than most metros. Simple fixture swaps are generally fine, but anything touching plumbing lines, electrical, or structural elements typically requires licensed professionals and permits.
- Peeling covers more than 30% of the surface — full repaint is needed.
- You find rotted wood beneath the paint.
- Lead paint is suspected — home was built before 1978 (test before sanding).
- The surface is above the second story.
Let Uncle AI diagnose it first.
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