I've been living in my home for about 3.5 years, and I'm faced with a tough decision. My cedar siding needs both painting and some repair for rotten wood and trim. The quotes I've received for this work vary significantly, from around $10k to nearly $30k. I'm not looking to skimp on this job to avoid repeat issues in a few years, but I'm wondering if spending $20k-$30k is smarter than switching to vinyl siding at this point. We love the aesthetic of cedar, but the ongoing maintenance, time, and financial costs are starting to weigh on us. What should I consider?
2 Answers
My cedar siding has lasted a solid 62 years with good upkeep! I only had to replace a small section of trim due to pest issues. Regular maintenance has kept it in great shape, and I find power washing every couple of years and painting every 6 works well for me. However, I can see how the costs add up quickly, especially if you're looking at hefty $15-$20k jobs every few years.
I wouldn’t jump straight to vinyl! There are plenty of amazing engineered siding options available today that might suit your needs better. For me, vinyl would be my last choice. I understand your dilemma since I'm also dealing with old wood siding. My plan is to paint it once and then switch to something like Hardy Plank later, since I expect that paint won't last too long anyway. Your neighbor's $70k quote also sounds extremely high!
True, but vinyl is often the most cost-effective and requires less maintenance in the long run. I haven’t seen quotes yet, but it seems like if painting costs this much, Hardy Board will be astronomical.
Yeah, the thought of painting so often for that price is overwhelming! Is it really worth the trouble?