Painting Your Home’s Exterior? What to Do First If Your Siding Is Damaged
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to update your home’s curb appeal. Whether you're preparing to sell, boosting pride of ownership or just refreshing the look of your home, exterior painting can make a powerful difference. But before you start picking paint swatches and hiring a painter, there’s a critical first step many homeowners overlook: inspecting your siding for damage.
Painting over damaged or deteriorating siding doesn't just waste your investment, it can also hide serious issues and lead to much bigger problems down the road.
How Painting Reveals Siding Problems
In the excitement of choosing paint colors and planning an exterior upgrade, it’s easy to miss the fact that the skin of your home is past its prime. When siding is cracked, warped, rotted or moldy, painting won’t fix the problem, it just masks it temporarily.
Here are some ways preparing for a paint job may bring siding issues to light:
- Power washing or sanding may expose soft, rotten wood or peeling boards.
- Painters removing flaking paint might uncover mildew, insect damage or warping.
- Close-up inspection for painting may reveal cracks, gaps or missing caulk that weren’t visible on casual inspection.
This is why it's important to thoroughly inspect and repair any damage before beginning a paint project. Painting over failing siding not only looks bad but also reduces paint adhesion and lifespan.
Common Siding Issues to Watch For
Rotting or Soft Wood
If you have wood siding, feel for soft spots or visibly decayed areas. These are signs of moisture infiltration. No amount of primer or paint will fix wood rot.
Warping or Buckling
Vinyl and wood siding can both warp due to age, heat or poor installation. Warped siding won’t hold paint properly and can signal deeper structural problems.
Cracks and Holes
Cracks or punctures in any siding type, especially near seams and corners, can allow water and pests into your walls. These areas should always be sealed or replaced before painting.
Mold and Mildew
Green or black streaks on your siding are more than just an eyesore. Mold and mildew indicate excessive moisture, which should be addressed before applying any new paint.
Loose or Missing Boards
Loose, wavy or gapping boards won’t provide a solid surface for painting and compromise the weather resistance of your home.
What to Do First If Your Siding Is Damaged
Schedule a Professional Siding Inspection
A qualified contractor, like Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc., can evaluate the true condition of your siding. They’ll identify problem areas, recommend whether spot repairs or full replacement is necessary, and help you avoid investing in a paint job that won’t last.
Repair or Replace Compromised Siding
Minor cracks, loose sections or isolated water damage can often be repaired. In cases where a large portion of the siding is deteriorated or reaching the end of its lifespan, replacement may be more cost-effective and longer-lasting solution.
Remember, siding is not just cosmetic. It’s a major barrier between your home and the elements. Prioritizing siding health before painting will also help ensure your new paint looks good for a decade or more.
Clean and Prep the Surface Thoroughly
Once your siding is repaired or replaced, proper surface preparation is key. This includes:
● Power washing to remove dirt, mildew and chalky residue
● Scraping off any peeling or blistering paint
● Replacing caulking around windows and seams
● Priming bare wood or repaired sections to ensure uniform paint coverage
Proper prep allows the paint to adhere correctly and perform its protective function over time.
Choose Paint Designed for Exterior Siding
Once your siding is ready, be sure to use high-quality exterior paint that’s suited for your specific siding type, such as wood, fiber cement or vinyl. The right paint adds an additional layer of protection against UV rays, rain and seasonal temperature swings.
Why Acting Early Matters
Exterior siding damage can escalate quickly when ignored. Moisture intrusion, pest infestations and structural damage are all possibilities if failing siding is covered up rather than corrected. Taking the time to address issues before painting is a smart investment in your home’s longevity and value.
Plus, well-maintained siding enhances paint appearance, helps it last longer and ensures that your exterior transformation looks as good as you imagined.
Start With a Siding Check From a Construction Company Operating in Seattle, WA and Throughout the Puget Sound Area
Before you make a downpayment on exterior painting services, make sure your siding is ready for its close-up.
If you’re considering an exterior paint job, let us inspect your siding first to make sure your investment is protected. We also offers expert painting services, so you won’t need to deal with multiple contractors to rejuvenate your home’s exterior.
Contact us at Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc. today by calling (877) 611-1514.
