The outside of your home gets a beating. It’s directly exposed to the elements, getting hours of sun, snow, wind, rain, sleet, and anything else Mother Nature chooses to throw its way. It’s no wonder that after some time, home siding colors can fade or start looking a little tattered. But if your home siding colors are looking a little less than pristine, you might want to think about how to get them looking brand new again. After all, your home’s siding is the first thing people will see about your house and curbside appeal — and the value of a neighborhood — matters. Not just to realtors and the neighbors, but also to you, if you’re thinking of selling your home down the line. Old, worn-out siding can make your home’s price drop by as much as 10%. You want the best price for your home and keeping up with it is a surefire way to do so.
Why Siding Matters
First and foremost, the aforementioned siding that’s directly exposed to the elements keeps you from being directly exposed to the elements. Your siding is the first line of defense, so to speak, against rain, wind, or snow. Think of it as your home’s armor. If your siding is effective, it can even help reduce your energy bills, by keeping your home better insulated against drafts.
And, of course, siding also makes your house look the way it looks. There’s all kinds of siding, from vinyl composite to wooden or aluminum siding. Uniform siding in a neighborhood can give it a unified feel and unique types of siding can help express a homeowner’s aesthetic or personal style. It’s part of what can give the outside of a home a particular kind of charm.
Is There a Way to Keep My Home Siding Colors From Fading?
It can be difficult to keep your home siding colors from fading for good, but you can apply varnishes and other protective coats to keep it from happening too quickly. You can always ask a home improvement sales rep what they recommend for your type of siding and what they’ve found to be most effective.
However, don’t lose hope! Even if you can’t totally keep your home siding from fading, there are certainly ways to bring that color back without replacing all your siding. Pressure washing with vinegar and water can help (the vinegar will discourage or kill mold and other types) and applying a vinyl restorative agent will also go a long way towards brightening up your home.
After you’ve done the “base work,” and have a clean surface to work with, primer and paint can help freshen up your faded siding with a few extra protective coats on top. Wooden and aluminum siding usually don’t fade, but it’s still a good idea to pressure wash that type of siding from time to time as well and make sure that things still look like they’re in good shape.
Maintaining your siding will also help you avoid needing siding repair or siding replacement, which ultimately saves you money.
What Kind of Siding Might Be Best For My Home?
Vinyl siding is one of the most common types of siding you’ll see because it’s fairly economical, doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, and you don’t necessarily need to paint it, unless you want a different color. It also lasts for quite awhile — an average of 40 years with good maintenance.
Composite siding, like fiber cement, is another popular choice. It tends to be more economical than hardwood and blends the best of masonry with other popular aesthetics like painted wood clapboards, shingles, and in some cases, even stone or brick!
Wooden siding offers a beautiful, specific look, and is easy to acquire and install. It’s also easily replaceable and biodegradable. However, water damage and insect damage can make wood siding a tough choice for some homeowners, depending on where they live.
If you keep up with your home’s siding, you won’t be sorry you did. Your home will look gorgeous and you’ll keep your home better insulated and protected.