If you’ve lived in Akron for a while, you already know how unpredictable our weather can be. One day it’s warm and sunny; the next day it’s cold enough to freeze anything left outside. Add in humidity, rain, snow, and the occasional surprise heatwave, and it’s no wonder so many Akron homeowners deal with peeling exterior paint.
As painters here in Akron, we see this problem in every neighborhood — Highland Square, Firestone Park, Ellet, Goodyear Heights — you name it. Sometimes it’s a little flaking around the window trim, and other times entire sheets of paint peel off with one pull. The good news is that peeling paint can be fixed, and when it’s done the right way, your home looks cleaner, newer, and much better protected. Here’s what causes peeling paint in Akron and how to fix it so it doesn’t come back next year.
Why Paint Peels in Akron (The Real Reason)
Many people think paint peels because their home is old, but age isn’t the main problem. Akron weather is. Moisture gets behind the paint, freezes, expands, and forces the paint to pop off — and our winters are full of freeze–thaw cycles. Humidity also makes the wood on your home expand and contract, which leads to cracking. Old or cheap paint jobs fail quickly too, especially if they were done without primer or with low-quality paint. And if you notice peeling mostly on the south or west side, that’s the sun slowly breaking down the paint.
How to Fix Peeling Paint on Your Akron Home (Step-by-Step)
Start by taking a slow walk around your house. Look for curling paint, bubbling patches, long cracks, or areas that feel soft from water damage. A careful inspection saves you a lot of trouble later. Next, scrape off every loose piece of paint. If it lifts easily, it has to go — otherwise it will peel again. After scraping, sand the edges so the paint transitions smoothly. This small detail makes a huge difference in the final look.
Before you paint, fix anything that allows moisture in. Check for leaking gutters, missing caulking, cracked wood, or places where water splashes onto the siding. If you paint over a moisture problem, the peeling will return quickly. Once the surface is dry and repaired, apply a good exterior primer. Primer is essential in Akron because it helps the paint bond properly and survive our climate. Then choose a high-quality acrylic exterior paint that’s flexible, UV-resistant, and designed for humid or wet conditions. Finally, apply two coats — not one. One coat might look fine at first but won’t last through Ohio weather.
Common Mistakes Akron Homeowners Make
People often paint too early in spring or too late in fall, paint wood that’s still wet, skip sanding or primer, paint on humid days, use old leftover paint, or forget to seal cracks and gaps. These shortcuts almost always lead to peeling again.
Should You Fix Peeling Paint Yourself?
DIY is fine if the peeling area is small, you’re comfortable on a ladder, and you have the right tools. But it’s better to hire a pro if the peeling is widespread, your home is two stories, the wood is soft or damaged, or the moisture problem keeps returning. A professional painter knows how Akron’s climate affects your home and what products hold up best.
FAQs From Akron Homeowners
Why does my paint peel only on one side?
Usually because that side gets more sun, more wind, or more moisture.
Can I paint in early spring?
Only if the temperature stays above 35–40°F at night. Akron spring weather is unpredictable.
Will pressure washing help?
It’s fine for cleaning, but pressure washing loose paint won’t replace scraping — you still need to do it.
Protect Your Akron Home
Peeling paint is common here, but it’s completely fixable. With the right prep, primer, and paint, your home will stay protected and look great for years. And if you’d rather have it handled professionally, we work with homes all across Akron and know exactly how to make the paint last in our weather. Reach out anytime for a quick, no-pressure estimate.