If you’ve been considering a new look for the outside of your North Carolina or South Carolina home, you’re not alone. Many homeowners need a change from time to time. If you’ve been looking for inspiration online, you might have found yourself thinking about all of the options that are out there, including painting the cladding you already have on your house. For budget-conscious renovation enthusiasts, this often seems like a great idea.
However, it’s important to note that some types of cladding — such as stucco and wood siding boards — take better to painting than others. If you have vinyl siding, the most popular option in the United States, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about painting this material.
First, let’s consider some of the key issues you should evaluate before deciding between painting your existing vinyl siding and investing in brand new materials.
How old is the siding?
New, high-quality vinyl siding is generally rated to last for 25 to 30 years before it needs to be replaced. If your home’s current siding was installed at least a decade ago, it’s expected lifespan may be shorter, meaning it might already be nearing the end of its days. In this case, replacing your siding is probably the best choice.
If, however, your vinyl siding is relatively new, but you just aren’t fond of the color, painting it could be the right option for you. You will at least have the assurance that you won’t go to the effort of painting your home only to need new siding soon.
What is your budget?
As with all remodeling jobs, budget is key. The average cost to put new vinyl siding on a 1,500 square foot house is approximately $5,000. Painting a home of the same size, however, averages just about $3,700. If, therefore, you are on a tight budget, but still want to improve your curb appeal, painting your vinyl siding might be the smartest option for your bank account.
Do you mind the maintenance?
Perhaps the biggest thing to consider before you paint vinyl siding is that it will require regular maintenance after it is painted. Even the best brands of exterior paint eventually fade, crack, and peel. Typically, homeowners find that they have to repaint their homes every couple of summers to keep them looking great.
What does your siding manufacturer have to say?
If you visit your siding manufacturer’s official website, you should be able to learn more about your specific type of siding material. Some vinyl siding styles will not absorb paint properly, so it isn’t even worth buying the supplies for a painting project. If you have questions about your siding in particular, contact the brand’s customer service line.
If you are beginning to think that new siding may be the way to go, the expert crew at Hatch Homes is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us with any questions you may have anytime.