Get matched with top vinyl siding cleaning pros in Santa Fe, NM

You can refresh your siding by washing it, painting it, repairing damage, or using a siding restoration kit. Removing debris, mildew, and dirt buildup makes your siding look brighter and fresher. If you seal and fix issues, the siding looks newer. And if you paint faded areas, the color can be more seamless.

Vinyl siding is the cheapest option in terms of upfront costs. The average cost to install vinyl siding is around $12,173, with certain types like vinyl shake, clapboard, or dutch lap costing as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. While vinyl is very low-cost, it may not last as long as natural materials or metal, with a typical lifespan of 20 to 40 years. In contrast, metal siding is more expensive initially but can save you money in the long run due to its longer lifespan, which is often double that of vinyl. It's recommended to consult a siding professional to determine if the lowest-cost option is the best material for your specific home.

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.

If you’re trying to cover up damaged vinyl siding with some other material, properly repairing the damage is likely just as easy. Avoid covering up damaged siding under most circumstances. Water and mold can easily get trapped behind it and cause more harm than the damage already there. 

If you need a fast, temporary repair until you have time to fix the damage properly, use a generous amount of caulk or spray foam insulation to fill the gap, knowing that you’ll need to remove the material later.