Aluminum siding provides many benefits, including excellent insulation, easy installation, and a lightweight form. It won’t rust, rot, or swell, and it provides great protection against moisture and pests. However, it also dents easily, can be scratched, and fades over time. After years of use, if your siding is showing its age, you may need to learn how to update aluminum siding. Utilize the tips below to paint, repair, or replace your home’s siding.
How to Update Aluminum Siding
REPAIR YOUR SIDING
I hate to break it to you, but repairing dents on aluminum siding can be difficult and time consuming. Your first option is to replace the piece entirely. This can be costly if several pieces are dented, and it may be difficult to find a matching product for a uniform finish. Next, you could drill a hole into the dent and pull it out. Afterward, seal and paint the hole to hide it. Finally, your last option is to purchase a dent puller, which will be applied via an adhesive and pulled outwards. Once the dent has pulled or popped out, remove the product with an adhesive remover (which should come in the kit). If you’re having trouble, contact a contractor for help.
Scratches, on the other hand, are typically quite simple to repair. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the scratched area, continuing until you reach the aluminum. Wipe off the area. After applying a bit of primer, paint over the spot with a color that matches the rest of your siding. It’s as easy as that!
PAINT YOUR SIDING
Before painting your siding, be sure it is in good shape and correct flaws as needed. Use the tips above to repair any dents or scratches, and replace badly damaged pieces when possible. Then, clean the surface of the siding, so that it is free of dirt, grease, bird droppings, mold, mildew, tree sap, old paint (not the original paint), etc. Hire a contractor for best results. If tackling the job yourself, use a pressure washer and aim the water downward, not under the siding. Let the siding dry completely before moving on to the next step.
After that, apply a primer if the surface feels very chalky, which indicates that the existing coating is disintegrating. This will help the paint cling to the siding’s surface. Next, cover nearby surfaces and items for protection (bushes, ground, windows) or move them (cars, potted plants).
Finally, when you are ready to paint the aluminum siding, hire a professional who can apply the paint using a spray gun. Although you could accomplish the task with a brush or roller, spray guns provide the best overall performance. They are fast, easy to use, and they offer uniform coverage. If completed correctly, a good paint job will last decades.
REPLACE YOUR SIDING
If your home’s exterior is too far gone, learning how to update aluminum siding may be to no avail. In this case, consider investing in new siding. When you’re reading to replace your home’s current siding, contact Taylor-Made Roofing if you live in southwest Missouri. Give us a call at 417-326-8778 (toll-free number) or 417-326-8778 (local number) for a free estimate. We would be happy to help!