Is it time for a siding replacement? Or is the paint on your siding starting to show fading or peeling? Choosing a siding color can be an overwhelming experience. After all, it is likely that you'll be keeping the same siding color on your home for several years to come.

First, before diving into color swatches, it is helpful to understand the expected paint lifespan on various siding materials:

Vinyl. Vinyl siding is the most affordable and popular siding option; however, one major downside of vinyl siding is that it often cannot be repainted. Once you choose a color, you are typically stuck with it until it is time for a replacement. On average, vinyl siding has a lifespan of around 20-40 years.

Wood. Wood is a timeless and traditional favorite for home siding. If properly maintained, wood siding can last decades. According to Bob Vila, "Failure to paint, stain, or otherwise seal the material makes it vulnerable to moisture, and as any homeowner knows, moisture and wood do not mix". Thus, the paint on wood siding is only expected to last around 3-7 years.

Fiber Cement. While fiber cement siding is known to have a warranty of around 30 years or more, the paint warranty is separate. This is because the paint is often put on at the factory. According to James Hardie's ColorPlus® Technology Express Limited Finish Warranty, their siding will not chip, peel, or crack for 15 years after the purchase date. Although the paint lifespan is extended, fading will happen over time and it will need to be repainted.

Choosing a Siding Color

Now that you know how long your siding color is expected to last, it is important to address a few key tips and tricks in selecting the right siding color. We have complied a few key factors to help you choose the right siding color:

The color of your roof.

Your roof color will play an important role in your siding color selection. After all, the lifespan of a shingle roof is around 20-30 years. It may not be a good idea to select a siding color too similar to the roof color. For example, a dark roof and a dark siding color can make the home look dreary and uninviting; on the other hand, a light roof and a light siding color can make the home look too bright and sterile.

The size of your home.

The size of your home is another factor to consider when choosing your siding color of choice. A larger home may look drab with darker siding since the dark color can be overbearing. However, a larger home shouldn't have exclusively light colors. It is also important to create contrast. A good idea would be to contrast lighter siding with dark accents, such as the shutters. Plus, since dark colors grab your eye, we suggest including dark colors in accents or places where you want to catch the viewers' attention.

The architectural style of your home.

What's the architectural style of your home? Often, different home styles are known for different siding colors. For example, Colonial style homes often have white siding and Craftsman style homes are known to have darker siding colors, such as sage. However, don't be afraid to bend the rules...well, to an extent. To give an example, a home style that is known for white siding might look attractive with light gray siding. The subtle shift of color is unexpected and fun, without looking to out of place.

Color Trends

In addition to these tips, it is also a wise decision to avoid a siding color that is too trendy. After all, the siding that you choose is a huge investment and cannot be easily changed - no matter the material you choose. If you want to include a trendy color, it is best to include it in accents that are easier to swap out. This can be in items such as entry mats, planters, and the like. That way, it is simple to swap pieces out when you grow tired of that color.

In conclusion, when choosing a siding color for your home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. To make it easier, some key factors to consider when choosing your siding color include the color of your roof, size of your home, the architectural style of your home, and your own personal taste. For more information regarding our siding services, click here to view our trusted brands or contact us for a free estimate.