I can't speak for the whole world but in Sweden the use of red paint for wooden buildings dates back to the 16th century and the color itself is referred to as "Faluröd" ("Falu red") from the town of Falun which used have a large copper mine.

The more widespread use of this paint started in the 19th century as it was relatively inexpensive and preserved wood well.

The paint itself is made from a form of burnt iron oxide which was plentiful around copper mines such as the one in Falun.