Do I Need to Paint My Siding?

Summer is in full swing, and so are those outdoor home projects. Now is the time for you to boost your home's curb appeal. Maybe you've got your landscaping exactly how you want it, but you've taken one look at your exterior and are thinking...do I need to paint my siding? A fresh coat of paint is always an easy way to make any area of your home, interior or exterior, look great.

Whether you have wood or vinyl siding, both can be painted. Wood siding takes more upkeep, and will need to be painted approximately every 3-5 years, depending on weather conditions. If you have vinyl siding but don't want to replace it just yet, paint can be a good way to change the look of your home without breaking the bank. Painted vinyl will last around 10 years, but again, that depends on the climate conditions during that time.

So...what do you need to do to get started?

1. Clean the exterior: Whether you have vinyl or wood, you need to clean your siding. Vinyl siding can stand pressure washing, while you can simply hose down wood siding (or keep your pressure washer at a low setting to avoid any damage). For mold or algae buildup on vinyl siding, you may need to dilute cleaners like powdered laundry detergent or household cleaner and use a soft-bristled brush that attaches to the end of your hose. Wood siding may need some extra cleaning products to get rid of any mold or mildew that's built up. There are plenty of products on the market made for cleaning wood siding, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. With both types of siding, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Scrape and sand: This is for wood siding only. Paint won't adhere to surfaces with cracked, peeling paint, so you'll want to use a paint scraper, hand sander, or power sander carefully to remove the paint. Be sure to take proper precautions if you suspect the paint may have lead in it (check out the EPA's website here for more information).

3. Repair: Now that the siding is dry, you can take stock of any repairs you need to make before you paint. If your vinyl siding is really bad in parts, you may need to replace a small section with something similar. Wood siding has more to look out for: Fill any dents and holes with either a wood or epoxy filler and sand the surface. If you notice any major rot problems or large sections of damaged siding, you should hire a professional carpenter to replace those sections. Now is also a good time to correct drainage problems that cause water to pool and promote rot and mildew. Then, do final cleanup on any sections you had to repair, both for vinyl and wood siding.

4. Surface prep: Protect your windows, doors, and exterior lights with plastic sheeting. Cover your landscaping, patio furniture, and parked cars (or move them to a different location) as well.

5. Prime: Wood siding needs a primer, and most manufacturers will recommend a primer for vinyl siding as well. After you prime, wood siding may require extra caulking around any holes or gaps in edges and seams. You'll want to create an airtight seal so that no moisture can get inside and cause damage. The caulk will need to dry for several hours before you begin painting.

6. Paint: Finally, it's time to paint! Choose your colors wisely--dark colors will trap heat in the summer months, which could lead to damaging the siding underneath. Let the first coat dry fully before applying a second coat. Then, paint any trim or accents and enjoy your freshly painted home!

If you need assistance with siding repair, new siding, power washing, or other services, call Hunter Handyman Services at (815) 780-7884 for more information or a free estimate.