Hands down, the most widely used exterior siding materials in the United States are either vinyl or aluminum. These materials last a long time, but they won’t last forever. Typically that means a good lifespan of 20 to 25 years on a home. So when it does come time to freshen the look of your house siding, should you replace it altogether or could you paint it instead? The answer depends on how you reply to the following questions.
What is the Overall Condition of Your Siding? The siding on your house can take a real beating. Against sun, wind, rain, and everything in between, siding helps keep the interior of your home protected. If your siding is in pretty good condition but the color has become chalky or faded, painting it might be best. The cost of painting your siding may cost half as much as replacing it, so if you just feel the color is no longer doing it for you, this is a much smaller, wiser investment than complete replacement.
How Long Do You Plan to Be In Your Home? Do you plan on living in your home for many years to come, or is your home a starter for the next several years? If your siding is in good shape but you don’t plan on staying in your home long-term, painting is the least expensive option and it will also economically add curb appeal. However, if you plan to be in your home for 15 to 20 years or more, painting your siding will likely not last that long. Then you’ll be faced with your original dilemma: paint or replace? Eventually replacement will be your only option.
Do It Yourself or Hire Someone? We like the idea of doing things ourselves. It’s easy on the wallet, we can control the timeline, and it makes us feel good to get our hands a little dirty. That being said, repainting or replacing siding can be a huge job–and it can become seriously monotonous if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you choose to go the do-it-yourself route, painting is a much easier task than replacement. If you plan to hire a contractor, be sure to take time to research the right company for the job. Look into reviews, their BBB rating, and ask around among neighbors, friends, and family.
The idea of painting or completely redoing house siding may seem overwhelming. Luckily, when you take time to consider your answers to the above questions, the decision can become quite clear. So what will you be doing about your siding this spring?
