How Often Does Wood Siding Need To Be Painted

Wood siding is one of the most beautiful of all types of siding and one of the most expensive.

How often does wood siding need to be painted.

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. 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. 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. How often should you paint.

Not only does this type of siding often come with a warranty of up to 50 years but you also won t need to repaint it for at least 15 years. Wood siding should be repainted every 3 7 years or stained approximately every 4 years. This siding also comes with the added bonus of being termite proof and fire resistant although it still looks like real wood. In contrast lp smartside siding and trim comes pre primed and holds paint like wood.

For example cement fiberboard siding should need painting only about once in 10 15 years. 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. New types of materials require less frequent touchups. Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking.

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. The back side is better left unpainted. Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years. If you d like to avoid repairs that could cost thousands of dollars and you d like to keep your clapboard shingles or board and batten lasting for decades regular upkeep and maintenance is critical.

Vinyl siding can fade and weather over time leaving a home s exterior looking drab until the siding is replaced. Therefore do not prime the back side of the siding or trim. One advantage of lp engineered wood siding products over maintenance free vinyl siding becomes apparent after 10 years of wear.