Features of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a very durable form of plastic used for the exterior of homes and apartment buildings. Made mostly from polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), vinyl siding requires little maintenance and lasts a long time.  There is even insulated vinyl siding and polypropylene siding available. It remains the most popular option for siding in the United States due to its easy installation, easy cleaning, and resistant to rot. 

According to the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), vinyl siding is tested to ensure it remains the best product on the market. Testing is done to ensure the siding will:

• Withstand winds of 110 mph

• Endure the effects of hot summer days, cold winter nights, and torrential rains

• Lie flat on the wall and not buckle

• Meet manufacturers’ advertised specifications for length, width, and thickness

If you are not happy with the color of your home’s exterior vinyl siding, you may be considering giving it a new paint job instead of replacing it with brand new siding. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to give many features of your home new life without spending a fortune. While it is possible to paint over vinyl you should be aware of the pros and cons of doing so.

1. Cost

Painting vinyl siding is much cheaper than replacing it, granted that the original siding is still intact. The cost of replacing vinyl siding will depend on the size and location of the home, installation process, the current condition of the original siding and outside walls. 

You can save fifty percent by adding a new color to the exterior of your home. Angie’s List estimates that the cost of painting old siding is between $99 and $242 per 300 square feet.

Although it will definitely cost less to paint your existing siding than replace it,  be aware that saving money now may cost you more in the long run. You’ll be sacrificing the lasting beauty of the siding as well as energy efficiency. It will also cost you more in maintenance.

2. Home Value

Perhaps if you are planning to move very soon, painting the siding may be an economical decision. Fresh paint will brighten the exterior of your home and make it show better. It will boost curb appeal and make the home more attractive to prospective buyers.

However, if you are planning on living in the home for the foreseeable future, the paint will not last more than a few years. So it will not increase your home value in the long term.

3. Warranty

Most vinyl siding manufacturers include a warranty on their products. Reputable contractors who install it also offer warranties. If you decide to paint the siding, it may nullify your warranties. So proceed with caution.

If your warranty is still active, you must confirm if painting the vinyl siding will void the warranty. Some vinyl siding manufacturers do not honor warranties if the siding is painted. You should check this before you buy any paint supplies or hire a professional painter to start work on your home. 

If the warranty has expired or is no longer valid, then painting vinyl siding can be done without penalty. Another cautionary measure includes insurance claims due to damage to your home. Confirm if the claim will be honored by your homeowner’s insurance policy if the vinyl siding is painted.

4. Siding Damage

If there is any existing damage or underlying problems with the siding, they should be corrected before painting. Painting will not correct or cover damage to the siding from wind, hail, or rocks thrown from the lawn mower. Damage spots can serve as points of infiltration for moisture or pests, causing problems like mold and nesting.

5. Color Choices

Even though the color options for vinyl siding have greatly expanded, you still don’t have as many as you do with paint.  If you’re looking for a unique color, you may find it more easily in the paint hues. 

6. Time

Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, it usually takes less time to paint your siding over replacing it. However, when you factor in cleaning, prep and cleanup, the time savings may be negligible.

7. Appearance

Although there have been advancements in paint quality, painting siding will still fall way short of the look and feel of new siding. 

What to Consider Before Painting Vinyl Siding

Will painting your vinyl siding be the best long-term solution for your home? There are some factors to consider before you decide if you should paint.

Paint Color Selection

Choosing the wrong color can have negative effects on vinyl siding. Dark colors absorb more heat than light colors. You should not choose a color darker than the current color of your vinyl siding. This will cause the siding to warp and buckle from heat absorption. The heat from the sun is trapped between the coating and vinyl causing damage to the siding.

Be sure to select an appropriate color based on the siding brand and current color. It is recommended to use a siding color that is similar or lighter than the color of your current siding. Some major paint companies, such as Benjamin Moore, offer a curated palette of 59 colors that they consider to be safe for vinyl siding.

Age and Condition of the Vinyl Siding

If your vinyl siding is twenty years or older, a fresh coat of paint will not get the job done. You will need to replace the siding.  It’s always a good idea to have your siding inspected before deciding on painting or replacing it. If you are unsure of the siding’s age, a professional contractor can estimate it and provide the best solution for you.

The condition of vinyl siding is important to check before any paint application. If there are any dents, holes, or gaps, it may be time to replace your vinyl siding. Painting over holes would be a waste of time and effort. 

Insulation

Painting your vinyl siding can change the appearance of your home.  Adding insulated vinyl siding can change the amount of energy you save in your home. This product has insulation permanently attached to the back that improves energy efficiency in your home.  If this is of interest to you, the better option would be to replace it with energy-efficient, insulated siding.

Helpful Tips for A Successful Paint Job

If you do not properly paint vinyl siding, it can make your home’s appearance worse than before, and the money you spent on the paint job will have been wasted.  Here are some helpful tips that can give you the best exterior paint job possible.

• Surface Prep

The vinyl siding surface must be prepared by thoroughly washing it.  Any dirt and grime left behind on the old siding will make a mess of your new paint job, not to mention making paint rollers and paint brushes dirty. Power washing the siding will get most of the dirt off, however, you may have to hand wash some of it as well. 

If there is mold or mildew on the siding, you can mix warm water and bleach to clean the surface. Remember that if the vinyl siding is not properly prepared and cleaned, the paint will not adhere to the surface.

• Prime Time

Next, you’ll need to prime the siding. Priming is necessary if your old siding is porous or pitted. Using a primer will ensure that the paint you use will have proper adhesion. 

• The Painting Process

Paint in the shade if possible so the paint doesn’t dry too quickly. Buy high-quality paint and tools that won’t leave unsightly streaks, such as synthetic bristle brushes. Make sure you have the correct type of paint required for vinyl siding. To confirm you have the right paint, perform an adhesion test.  If the adhesions test fails, then you need a full prime coat and better quality paint. 

• Maintenance

To ensure your vinyl siding remains in good condition, it is necessary to regularly wash it to get rid of mildew, mold, dirt, and the chalky oxidation that builds up on the surface over time.  If you intend on painting your vinyl siding, keeping up with the maintenance is key to the paint’s longevity.

Is Painting Vinyl Siding Really Worth it?

Painting vinyl siding is possible but the results will be less than optimal and not very long-lasting. A better longer-term  solution would be to get new vinyl siding installed. 

Banner Construction will install premium vinyl siding that will last for decades. We offer a choice of Mastic Home Exteriors siding and Revere Sovereign Select premium vinyl siding.  Both require very little maintenance. 

Mastic siding adds an aesthetic appeal with a classic wood look. Their Quest® panel offers 35 base colors and more than 700 DreamColor® hues to meet all your vinyl siding color choices. 

Revere Sovereign Select premium vinyl siding has a cedar grain finish in many color choices. It is dent-resistant and can withstand moisture without rotting or warping.