Siding Replacement vs. Painting

Is the siding on your home starting to look a little run down? Has it lost its overall curb appeal? If you’re thinking about revamping your dull and dreary siding, there are two popular options for you to consider: repainting the material or total replacement.

If you’re unsure which direction to take, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve created a list of tips that every homeowner faced with this decision should read. This info can help you decide whether replacing or painting siding is your best option.

Types of Siding Available for Home Exteriors

It’s important to know the various types of siding because some have a longer lifespan than others. The type of siding you have may impact your decision to upgrade with paint rather than a siding replacement.

Types of siding include:

Each of these materials varies in maintenance, durability, cost, and style.

Replacing vs. Painting Siding

Many homeowners start thinking about painting their siding when they notice peeling paint or other issues. However, cracks, holes, and mildew are the most common problems with deteriorating siding. When these problems are present, painting isn’t a viable choice and you should replace your old siding.

Painting siding is recommended if your siding is in good condition and you just want to update to a new look. Another reason you may paint your siding is if the colors have lost their vibrance.

Can You Paint Any Siding Material?

You can paint most siding that remains in good condition. However, it’s crucial to buy the right kind of paint. Any paint you buy for this project must be acceptable for exterior use. You must also ensure that painting the siding won’t void any applicable warranties.

Hardie Board

Fiber cement Hardie board is designed to be painted. If the paint has been correctly applied, it creates a more wood-like feel. Hardie board is resistant to pests, rot, warping, and burns.

Stone 

Natural and synthetic stones are typically used for accents on your home and are not meant to be painted. However, the choice is yours. Should you decide to complete this project, using masonry paint is your best option.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Painting or Replacing Your Siding

You should always consider every factor before deciding between painting siding or replacing it.

How Old Is Your Siding? 

This should be the number one question you ask before beginning this project. A paint job might not be the best option if your siding is between 15 and 20 years old. Top-of-the-line siding lasts from 20 to 40 years, so why invest in the paint if the siding will need to be replaced in a few years?

Your best option here will be to begin planning for siding replacement.

Investment vs. Value

Painting siding rather than buying new exterior material will cost significantly less in the short term. However, a complete siding replacement may give you a better return on investment. If you have the money in your budget, replacing your siding makes more financial sense when you look at the big picture.

Are You Planning to Move? 

A siding replacement is a substantial investment for any homeowner. If you know you’re eventually moving but there’s no significant siding damage, a fresh coat of paint should please any likely buyers. A large investment like siding doesn’t make sense when you know you don’t plan to live there much longer.

Your Siding’s Condition

Painting is out of the question if your siding has visible holes, warping, pest damage, or signs of water damage. Painting damaged siding is equivalent to putting a Band-Aid over it. The structural integrity will remain compromised, meaning you’ll have more future repairs.

Manufacturer Warranty

Many siding manufacturers sell their products with a warranty that becomes voided when you paint your siding. You can check on your warranty, but investing in new siding is better to keep it intact. James Hardie products with ColorPlus Technology are one example.

Why Replacing Your Siding Is the Better Option

Regardless of how experienced your painting contractor may be, they’ll likely leave behind inconsistencies in their brush marks. Consistency is key to keeping the exterior of your home looking clean and crisp.

Siding manufacturers use specialized machinery to ensure their products have an even coating, reducing the chances of inconsistencies appearing on the finished product.

Lasting Colors

Another benefit of new siding is its brilliant colors. Advances in manufacturing technology allow the colors to shine brighter for longer. Some companies even have a technology that creates UV-ray-resistant siding, preventing the material from fading as it has in the past.

Increased Durability

Temperature changes may also have weakened your siding. This makes your home vulnerable to leaks, which can’t be repaired with paint. New siding with UV-resistant technology enhances the durability of your siding.

Energy Efficiency

Investing in new siding may help decrease your energy bills. While a new layer of paint can improve curb appeal, painting siding doesn’t provide additional insulation for the cracks and holes that are forming. Installing new insulated siding can increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your heating and cooling costs.

Improved Property Value

Painting siding and replacing it can equally improve the aesthetics of any home. But new siding adds to the home’s general property value while paint does not. New siding may be a considerable investment, but you’ll likely see the payoff later when you sell your home.

Replacing your siding also prevents structural damage and keeps your home in tip-top shape while you are preparing your house for the market.

Cons of Siding Replacement

There are so many pros to a siding replacement that it’s hard to believe there could be any cons. One of the most significant downsides for any homeowner is the cost. But you can get a quote from any reputable siding contractor to help you make an informed decision.

Another disadvantage of siding is the color selection. Some materials have a limited selection, so you may choose to paint them anyway.

The Right Partner for New Siding

When you are ready to give your home an exterior makeover, a siding professional can answer any of your questions about color selection, available materials, and the installation process for replacing your siding.

Contact Siding Now for a free estimate for new siding on your home!