Get matched with top vinyl siding repair pros in Cloudcroft, NM

While painting vinyl siding is never necessary, people who paint vinyl to update the look of their homes can potentially get the secondary benefit of giving siding a protective seal. However, the wrong paint can actually promote vinyl siding melting or warping by attracting sunlight and heat. It's important to choose a vinyl-safe paint color that is either equal to or lighter than the current shade to prevent attracting heat to a darker color. Most homeowners who choose to paint vinyl siding need to repaint every five to 10 years.

The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for cleaning vinyl siding can vary, so it's best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, vinyl siding can handle high pressure, from 2,500 to 3,500 PSI. For comparison, more delicate materials like wood and aluminum siding should not face more than 1,500 PSI. To safely disperse the pressure on vinyl, use a tip with a wider spray span, such as a green (25-degree) or yellow (15-degree) nozzle. For routine cleaning of light dirt, a garden hose with a spray nozzle may be sufficient. Always exercise caution to avoid using excessive pressure that could damage the siding.

The most durable solution is to use siding fasteners to fix loose siding. However, an inexpensive and popular method is to use caulk by adding it every 6 or 8 inches along the affected siding. It's best not to use too much caulk, though, so it doesn't ooze out from behind your siding. Another solution to fix loose siding is to insert screws through drain holes. 

Matching new vinyl siding to old siding can be difficult. Vinyl siding fades in the sunlight, so even after a few years, its color may differ from the original; dark-colored siding tends to fade faster than light-colored siding. Additionally, manufacturers frequently update their products and techniques, meaning older styles are often discontinued, making it hard to find an exact match for the color and design.

For the best chance at an accurate match, try to purchase the same model and color of siding that your home currently has, though fading may still cause a slight mismatch. Cleaning the original siding is a good first step to reveal its current true color. You can also consider painting your existing siding to create a better match with the new panels.