Deciding Between Siding v. Painting

1. Type:  The type of siding you have is of the utmost importance. Vinyl: We do not recommend painting vinyl because of its extreme level of contraction/expansion and its flexibility. Bumping up against it will bend the vinyl, which may cause the paint to crack. Vinyl also has a tendency to warp over time, which will affect paint adhesion. Aluminum/steel: These surfaces are easily paintable. We recommend painting if you do not like the color, the color has faded, the surface has chalked or there are sections on the house that have been replaced and do not match the color of the rest of the house. Stucco and other masonry surfaces: These surfaces are very paintable. We recommend painting if your stucco is stained and cannot be cleaned with a good powerwash. Wood and hardboard composites: These surfaces are also very paintable. Wood surfaces should be painted. These surfaces need to be protected from the elements in order for them to remain healthy.



2. Age:  If your wood siding is very old and has multiple layers of paint on it, it may be better to re-side. Look at the back of a peeling paint chip. Is there a layer of wood grain evident on the back of the chip? Does your thumbnail easily indent the wood when you apply some pressure? If so, then it is probably time to re-side. Is your stucco crumbling? It is definitely time to re-side.



3. Condition:  Has your stucco been painted and is peeling badly? The preparation during the first coat or two of paint was improper and either stripping all the layers of paint or re-siding is your only recourse. Is your wood rotted? Is your hardboard warping or buckling? Then it is definitely time to re-side.



4. Length of stay:  This certainly is a key factor in your decision-making process. This is a judgment call that is completely dependent on the above three factors. Your realtor and/or your siding professional can help lead you down the correct path.



5. Cost-benefit analysis  Again, this is a judgment best left to you and/or your realtor. Weigh the cost of the project and compare it to the value it will add to your house (both in appreciation value and in the pleasure it will give you while living there).