Homeowners care about how their home is perceived by neighbors, guests, and people driving by. The exterior siding of a home speaks volumes about the perceived curb appeal. Faded, damaged, or warped siding can make a home appear worn down and uncared for. As a homeowner, you have a couple of options for reviving the look of your siding. These options include either painting your vinyl siding or having it replaced. While painting may seem like a faster, more cost-effective option, there are a few important factors you’ll want to consider first.
Siding warranty
Major aspects of your home, such as your roof or siding, often come with warranties. These warranties help to protect you from having to pay out of pocket for damages that aren’t due to your own actions. These warranties often come with specific stipulations to keep them valid. Most major vinyl siding manufacturers will not honor warranties if the siding is painted, even if it is newer.
If you are considering painting, you should read through your specific warranty to make sure your provider won’t void the warranty. Another important factor to consider is significant home damage that can happen due to storms and other extenuating circumstances. Some insurance companies may not honor your claim to replace your vinyl siding if it is painted.
If your warranty is already expired or no longer valid, or if voiding your warranty isn’t a concern to you, painting could potentially be a cost-effective option. However, it is helpful to compare the time and money commitment to painting your siding compared to replacing your siding.
Painting vs. replacing
The average cost to paint an exterior of a home ranges from $1,600 to $4,000. This largely depends on how many coats of paint will be necessary as well as the size of the home. You could potentially save money by painting the exterior of your home yourself, but you’ll need to set aside a significant amount of time as well as purchase all the right tools to get the job done correctly.
It may seem like a straightforward task, but if you are unfamiliar with painting, you could end up with inconsistent layers or drips. Improper painting can make a home’s appearance go from bad to worse. In these instances, you’ve essentially wasted the money you invested in tools and paint, as well as your time spent painting.
New siding can cost anywhere from $5,000-$14,000. New siding is typically guaranteed by manufacturers for 30 or more years. New siding looks fresh and vibrant and requires no regular painting or maintenance. While this is a more expensive up-front cost, there are other factors to consider. Homeowners typically need to add a new coat of paint to their homes every five years. This time frame can be shorter if your home is often exposed to extreme weather elements, such as direct sunlight, hail, rain, or snow. You may also have to repaint sooner if your paint didn’t adhere correctly to your vinyl or clashed with your color selection.
Know the current condition of your siding
Your siding plays an important role in protecting your home from outdoor elements, such as water, moisture, and pests. Making changes such as painting could potentially degrade that defense. Removing old siding is the perfect opportunity for accessing any issues behind the siding, such as damage caused by walls settling. Catching these issues early can save you significant time and money in the long run. When you simply paint your old vinyl, you miss the opportunity to catch any underlying problems. If your vinyl siding has any damage, paint won’t solve the issue, and these damaged spots could become a weak spot in your siding defense.
Limited color selection
If you choose to paint your siding, it is vital you select an appropriate color based on the brand of your siding and its current color. In general, it is recommended that you use a siding color that is similar to or lighter than your current siding. Even with the right color selection, you may need multiple coats to ensure the new color properly adheres to your siding. The best way to get to choose a color you truly want is by installing new siding. New siding is available in thousands of colors, allowing you to really pick what you want versus just settling for what is available.
New siding provides better insulation
Insulation is an important factor for keeping heat where it belongs and your heating and cooling bills at an appropriate level. New siding with added insulation can improve your home’s appearance, energy efficiency, and durability.
Weigh your pros and cons
You can paint your vinyl siding yourself. However, you’ll want to consider the long-term investment of doing so. If your siding is older or damaged, replacing it could be a better investment. Painting can be a cost-effective method for short-term results, but you may need to repaint in just a few short years. For a professional opinion and a free estimate, contact the experts at siding contractors at Mr. Roof.
