In This Article, You Will Learn:
1. Can Vinyl Siding be Painted?
2. 12 Risks to Consider Before Painting Your Vinyl Siding
3. Should Your Vinyl Siding be Painted or Replaced?
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While we continue to spend our time at home, the warmer weather has finally allowed Canadian homeowners to prepare for the summer season ahead!
From energy-saving renovation projects to value-enhancing property upgrades, the changing Canadian climate often leaves a narrow window for any outdoor projects to take place. If an exterior facelift is on your bucket list this summer, then painting your vinyl siding may seem like a quick and easy DIY project!
At T. Simpson Roofing Ltd, we are committed to helping our clients get the most out of their homes.
To help you make the best decisions for your property, the following article will explore the 12 risks to consider before painting your vinyl siding.
Can Vinyl Siding be Painted?
While vinyl materials have come a long way since the 1950’s, it is not uncommon for long-term UV exposure to fade its colour over time.
For homeowners that are looking to freshen up their curbside appeal, many have opted to paint their existing siding over the expense of replacing it.
While this may seem like a quick and easy solution at first, there are a variety of special requirements to consider when it comes to painting the exterior of your home.
From prep work and paint type to application and experience, there are many risk factors that can severely impact the success of your project!
While some paint jobs can make for great DIY projects, here are 12 risks to consider before painting the vinyl siding of your home:
12 Risks to Consider Before Painting Your Vinyl Siding
1. You Might Lose Your Warranty:
In most cases, vinyl siding manufacturers will not honour warranties for products that have been altered and/or painted.
In the event of any property damage, there are some cases where insurance companies will also decline the claim if the vinyl has been repainted.
Before moving ahead, it is important to read the fine print on both your warranty and home insurance policies.
2. The Right Equipment Can Get Expensive:
While interior painting is a common home DIY project, painting the outside of your home’s vinyl siding can often require a specific set of equipment.
From sprayers and scaffolding to the right amount of paint, preparing the right equipment to ensure safety and precision can often include a variety of additional expenses.
3. The Project Will be Very Time Consuming:
While a DIY painting project can save a lot of money short-term, they often make up for it in the expense of time and recurring maintenance costs.
If you are looking to paint the vinyl siding of your home, be prepared to devote many hours to not only completing the initial project, but keeping up with paint maintenance as necessary.
Although new siding can be expensive by comparison, a professional replacement is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 30+ years and will not require any painting or maintenance routines.
4. Painted Homes Require a New Coat Every 5 Years:
On average, painted siding will require a new coat of paint roughly every 5 years.
As vinyl can sometimes be difficult to paint due to its texture and constant expansion and retraction, any problems with paint adhering or peeling due to sunlight or moisture may also require frequent paint maintenance.
5. Finding The Right Paint is Crucial:
While regular paint will not adhere to vinyl materials, vinyl siding is limited to water-based paints that contain a blend of urethane and acrylic resins.
As the vinyl expands and contracts in response to cold and warm temperatures, any other type of paint will not be able to move with these materials, causing them to warp and/or peel.
Although these problems can have a negative impact on your property’s overall curb appeal, it is important to note that an unkempt appearance can also have a negative impact on property value when it comes time to sell.
6. Colour Selection is Important:
If you decide to paint your vinyl siding, it is generally recommended to select a colour that is similar or lighter to your existing siding.
The problem with darker colours is that it will absorb heat from the sun, trapping it between the paint coating and causing it to warp beyond repair.
By choosing a lighter, vinyl-friendly paint colour, your siding will be able to reflect more of the sun’s heat, protecting the paint from any risk of damage.
7. Preparation and Paint Application Will Impact Appearance:
While paint type and colour are important factors to consider, the application process is equally as important to the success of your finished product.
If the siding is not properly prepared, cleaned, primed and painted with an even coat, the paint will peel.
As peeling paint will be difficult to repair, many Canadian homeowners prefer to replace their siding altogether as it is guaranteed to improve curb appeal for many years to come.
8. There May be Underlying Damage:
To update your home with new vinyl siding, professional contractors are typically required to remove the old installation first.
With access to the areas behind your vinyl siding, contractors can easily inspect your home for any rotting, pests and/or moisture damage that may be hidden from view.
With an opportunity to repair these areas before installing the new siding, homeowners can rest assured that their property is safe, efficient and well-protected from the risk of further damage.
9. Old Siding May Not Be As Energy-Efficient
When planning to update the outer appearance of your home, it’s very easy to forget about energy-efficiency.
While a careful paint job might increase your curb appeal, adding insulation under new siding can provide significant energy savings long-term!
With many insulated vinyl products on the market, an energy-efficient replacement will prevent air from entering and escaping your home, decreasing your monthly utility expenses.
10. The Weather Can Impact Your Success:
Planning outdoor renovation projects around Canadian weather patterns can be a real challenge.
While most painters would recommend mid spring or early fall as the ideal time to paint your siding, the risk of rain and heat can also damage a fresh coat of paint.
As vinyl is a tricky material to paint already, seasonal cooperation may be difficult to work around.
11. There are Aesthetic Limitations:
Unlike a replacement project, painting your vinyl siding will come with a variety of aesthetic limitations.
For one, paint will not be able to sufficiently cover any dents or damage caused by rocks, bumps or warping.
For homeowners who are looking for a brand new colour, shine or finishing details (such as scallops or underlayment), a siding replacement project is the perfect opportunity to customize your home to match your personal needs.
12. The Finished Product Can Impact Resale Value:
The overall appearance and efficiency of your home can have a major impact on your potential resale value.
While a successful paint job can also increase both value and curb appeal, there is a much higher margin for error when compared to a professional siding replacement.
Although more expensive by comparison, it is important to note that a siding replacement will also have a much higher return on investment.
Should Your Vinyl Siding be Painted or Replaced?
When renovating your property for increased curb appeal, it is hard to resist a seemingly easy DIY project.
However, not all DIY projects are as easy as they seem, and in the case of vinyl siding it may be worth considering the benefits of a full replacement.
From customization and curb appeal to energy-efficiency and increased property value, our team at T. Simpson Roofing Ltd. will always have your best interest in mind. Whether you need help with siding or want to explore our roofing services, designed to meet all your needs with expertise and efficiency, and see how we can enhance the durability and aesthetics of your home.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a vinyl siding replacement, click here or call 1-800-925-3044 for more information.
