There are a number of options that you can consider when you decide to do improvements to the exterior of your home. Some decide to go the easy way by painting the material that is already on the outside of the home to give it a fresh new look; however, others decide to go a completely different road by installing new siding as there are a multitude of colors, styles and designs to choose from. While your budget will heavily weigh in the decision, it is important that you consider both options. Here is why.
Cost
While painting will be cheaper upfront, vinyl siding will pay for itself overtime due to its low maintenance. Paint could have to be maintained frequently due to moisture in the walls causing the paint to peel. In addition, if the outside of the home is not properly prepared for painting, it will not last for long.
Design
Painting can only do so much to your home to give it a fresh look. With vinyl siding, however, there are many options available in terms of style and design. You can find vinyl siding that mimics that of wood while only paying a fraction of the cost. Vinyl siding can give you’re a home an updated look that looks like it cost much more than it really did while painting can only give you a fresh color.
Maintenance
Vinyl siding requires a thorough cleaning once per year with soapy water and any broken panels should be repaired. Vinyl will never peal nor will it fade. In a sense, vinyl siding lasts forever.
Painting could be required every five or so years depending on the location and its climate. Painting could be required more frequently if proper precautions were not taken in preparation. Painting can be exhausting if you were to do it on your own due to it being very time consuming…and it can become very tedious after a while.
Longevity
Vinyl siding is by far the better choice in the long run. While it will cost more up-front, you will save money over time by not having to re-paint your home. Vinyl siding is definitely one of the best investments that you can make when improving the exterior look and feel of your home.
The Verdict
Each homeowner has their own preference and some may like the fact that paint can actual unveil the home’s natural beauty that lies beneath. If you should decide to paint the exterior of your home rather than use environmentally friendly vinyl siding then it is imperative to ensure proper prep work is carried out. In fact, it may be better to hire a professional to ensure that it is indeed done correctly, as this will cut down on the frequency of future paintings.