How Often Does Wood Siding Need To Be Painted

How often should you paint.

How often does wood siding need to be painted.

For example cement fiberboard siding should need painting only about once in 10 15 years. Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking. Hardieplank siding is a composite material made of fiber cement which means it doesn t fall victim to the climate the same way that wood does. The most damaging element to cedar siding is moisture.

Depending on the quality of the paint you choose you could spend anywhere from 25 to 100 on just one gallon of paint and so if you have a 3 000 square foot home which is about average in the u s that s going to be something like 600 to 1 500 in just paint costs alone. Engineered wood siding can be purchased pre primed ready to paint or pre finished in any number of finish options which reduces the field and labor time once installed. Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding and one of the most expensive. Whether it s hot or cold or wet or dry james hardie siding products stay in a constant state as opposed to wood or masonite siding that is going to expand contract shrink and swell in.

Bear in mind also that because the material naturally expands and contracts throughout the year homeowners with wood siding often need to redo the caulking around exterior window and door trim. This siding also comes with the added bonus of being termite proof and fire resistant although it still looks like real wood. One advantage of lp engineered wood siding products over maintenance free vinyl siding becomes apparent after 10 years of wear. Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years.

According to the terms of lp s application instructions all exposed edges of lp smartside siding and trim must be primed and painted with approved paint to protect the siding substrate. Wood siding should be repainted every 3 7 years or stained approximately every 4 years. Aluminum siding can go about 5 years between paint jobs and stucco 5 6 years. In contrast lp smartside siding and trim comes pre primed and holds paint like wood.

Vinyl siding can fade and weather over time leaving a home s exterior looking drab until the siding is replaced. The back side is better left unpainted. Therefore do not prime the back side of the siding or trim.