(To paint or not to paint… that is the question.)
There is no such thing as a maintenance free home, whether
painted or sided.
Any house, regardless of age or building material, requires
routine maintenance. Homeowners frequently ask a painter's
opinion about vinyl or aluminum siding. Siding covers areas
that need attention and hides a problem, but siding sometimes
aggravates a problem. The most debilitating aspect of the
current siding epidemic is the false sense of security it
gives the homeowners.
A siding cover-up gives us a false sense of security because
it prevents a homeowner from monitoring the condition of the
house. People are misled into thinking that if they can't
see the problem, it isn't there. Wrong. Unsightly exterior
damage, badly peeling paint, warped clapboards all reflect
deeper problems that require more attention than a cosmetic
fix-up. These problems are related to water or humidity condensing
within the walls. It is important to deal with these moisture
problems before making the home look good again with paint
or with siding. Demand for insulated, airtight, climate controlled
houses puts new strain on older homes. Peeling paint, mildew,
musty odors and moisture damage are symptoms the wise homeowner
will heed.
Beyond the physical blemishes to vinyl or aluminum siding
(dents, cuts, worn surfaces, and rust spots on older siding),
siding detracts from the historic appearance. Decorative details
like corner boards and cornices are removed thereby eliminating
the qualities that give an old house its character and beauty.
Aluminum and vinyl siding marketing strategies tout the rewards
of never having to paint again. But, vinyl and aluminum siding
both require an occasional face-lift, just as a wood-sided
home does. Today, every major paint company sells paint specifically
recommended for aluminum siding and if you are thinking of
repainting your siding go ahead because if the job is done
right by a qualified, licensed painting contractor it will
last along time and be well worth the price you paid. Remember
when the ad says, "vinyl is final," think again.
American Painting Contractor magazine reports a high incidence
of vinyl siding repaint work. Apparently the deteriorating
effects of ultraviolet light cannot be underestimated.
Most homes that were aluminum sided 30 years or so ago have
already been or need repainting today because the original
coatings have broken down under the elements of the sun and
weather. Granted most sidings last longer than paint, you
have to weigh the difference in cost and decide what your
preference is. While siding your house usually costs four
to six times as much as painting it one could say that there
are benefits to both. Painting your house every five years
can offer a nice change in colors. Giving your house a fresh
look every so often is a wonderful thing! When you're making
your siding decision, search out homes sided five years ago.
Look for amount of dents, faded colors, siding that sags.
And if you have an older home, remember the decision to apply
vinyl or aluminum siding is a serious one. It is a decision
not to be made lightly.
Alex Boozenny
President
Action Painting Company
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