Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?

A majority of modern homes are outfitted with vinyl siding, and for good reason. It’s an affordable, long-term solution for your siding needs. Like everything, though, vinyl siding eventually starts to show its age. At this point, homeowners typically ask, “Can you paint vinyl siding?”

Painting vinyl siding might not always be the best solution to improve its appearance. Depending on its age and other factors, it might be better to replace it. PJ Fitzpatrick offers the best vinyl siding replacement services throughout the Delaware Valley. If it isn’t time to replace your siding, you should consider five factors to determine if painting it is a good option.

1. The Warranty of Your Vinyl Siding

The first thing that you should consider is your siding warranty. Assuming that your vinyl siding is still under manufacturer warranty, you need to check the terms. In some cases, painting vinyl siding negates the warranty. If it’s no longer valid or about to run out, painting your siding can be a low-cost solution for enhancing curbside appeal.

On the topic of warranties, consider the insurance policy on your home. Some insurance providers won’t honor any claims that you make in regard to siding if it’s painted. Check with your insurance company to see if this is true for your policy.

2. Install New Siding vs. Paint Existing Siding

When you’re considering painting your siding, you also need to consider the cost. Yes, it’s true that painting it has a lower upfront cost than replacing it, especially if you paint it yourself. However, don’t underestimate how long it will take to paint your house. Usually, it takes much longer than a weekend.

Also, think about how soon after the paint application that you’ll need to replace the vinyl siding. If it’s relatively soon, you could use the money that you were going to invest in painting into getting new siding instead.

Remember that you typically have to repaint vinyl siding once every five years. You might have to do it more often depending on your home’s exposure to sunlight and moisture. If you simply invest in new siding to start with, you can avoid spending extra on repainting it every few years.

3. The Integrity of Your Siding

Siding has a very important job. It’s one of your home’s first lines of defense against Mother Nature. That said, it does degrade over the years. As that happens it loses its ability to protect your home and belongings.

If your vinyl siding is starting to crack, chip or fade, it might be time to completely replace it. Are you unsure whether it needs to be replaced? You can call the professional home improvement experts at PJ Fitzpatrick at 1-877-246-4354 for an inspection. We can take a look and tell you if it’s time to replace your siding.

4. Choosing the Right Color of Paint

Picking the right color of paint for your vinyl siding can be difficult. If you choose a color that’s too dark, it can store heat and make the siding warp much easier. As such, it’s best to pick a lighter color. If you do decide to paint your vinyl siding, make sure you select a paint that is safe to apply and is created for exterior use. There are many major paint suppliers who offer a variety of colors to choose from.

5. Consider Insulated Vinyl Siding

Lastly, remember that vinyl siding isn’t there just to improve the curb appeal of your home. If you’re thinking just of painting it, consider its insulative properties first. By choosing to replace the siding instead, you can install new Energy Star insulation underneath. While this might cost more money up front, it will save you a lot of money in the long run. It will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, effectively reducing your annual energy bill.

Count on PJ Fitzpatrick for All of Your Siding Needs

At PJ Fitzpatrick, we put our customers’ needs first. Since 1980, we’ve been proudly serving customers in the Delaware Valley. Once you paint your home’s vinyl siding, it can’t be easily undone. Contact us today for help with weighing the pros and cons before you start. Don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule an estimate for a vinyl siding repair or replacement if you opt not to paint.