Exterior Home Painting vs Siding Replacement in Omaha, NE

Are you stuck deciding between sprucing up your home's exterior siding with a fresh coat of paint or opting for a complete siding replacement in Omaha, NE? It's a common comparison that many homeowners face, juggling the desire for a beautiful home with practicality and cost concerns. 

Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we're no strangers to exterior home improvements. With 25+ years of experience serving homeowners in Omaha, NE, we've become experts in both exterior painting and minor siding replacement. Our team is made up of skilled professionals who are passionate about delivering top-notch results and helping homeowners like you navigate the choices available.

In this article, we'll break down the differences between exterior painting and siding replacement. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, to help you make the right choice on which is best for you.

Exterior Painting vs Siding Replacement: Current Condition of Your Siding

Signs of Damage: Begin by examining your siding for any damage or deterioration. Look for cracks, warping, rot, mold, mildew, and insect infestations. If your siding shows extensive rot or widespread damage across the majority of your home, siding replacement might be necessary. 

However, for minor damages, repairs followed by a fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate your home's exterior without the high cost of replacement.

Structural Integrity: Evaluate the stability of your siding. Loose, unstable, or improperly installed siding may not provide adequate protection against the elements and could be contributing to higher energy bills. While replacing such siding might improve insulation and energy efficiency, painting can also be a viable option if the structural integrity is largely intact.

Extent of Repairs Needed: Consider the scope of repairs required. Minor issues like peeling paint or small cracks can be easily addressed with exterior painting and minor repairs. Extensive damage, however, may necessitate full siding replacement. Being realistic about the necessary repairs will help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Painting vs Siding Replacement Cost Considerations

Exterior Painting: Painting your home’s exterior is generally more budget-friendly. The cost varies based on the size of your home, paint quality, preparation work, and any required repairs. On average, professional exterior painting in Omaha, Nebraska ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, making it a more accessible option for many homeowners.

Painting allows for periodic updates overtime at a lower cost. This should involve power washing, caulk, and paint touch-ups. Paint touch-ups should be offered in a long-term warranty by your painter. 

Home exteriors typically need repainted every 7 to 15 years, depending on the quality of paint and prep work that was previously done on the last job.

Siding Replacement: Siding replacement involves a much higher investment due to the cost of materials and labor. Prices vary depending on the type of siding (vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal) and installation complexity. In Omaha, NE, costs range from $15,000 to $45,000 or more, which can be a significant financial commitment.

While exterior painting is more affordable initially, siding replacement offers greater durability and lower maintenance over time.

Exterior Painting vs Siding Replacement Quality and Durability

Siding Replacement: New siding often provides superior durability and protection. Modern materials like vinyl and fiber cement offer excellent insulation, moisture resistance, and UV protection, preserving your home's structure and reducing energy costs. Siding can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Exterior Painting: Painting enhances your home’s appearance and provides a fresh look. High-quality paints and proper preparation can extend the lifespan of a paint job, although painted surfaces require more frequent maintenance. While not as durable as new siding, exterior painting is a practical option for maintaining and updating your home’s exterior.

Nebraska Weather Considerations: It’s important to remember that neither replaced siding and exterior paint are indestructible. Both can face be set up to try to withstand rough weather conditions, but neither are 100% going to hold up against damaging winds, tornadoes, or hail.

Exterior Painting vs Siding Replacement Longevity and Maintenance

While siding replacement offers a longer-term solution with materials like vinyl, fiber cement, or wood, it also comes with higher initial costs. It also depends on occasional exterior painting for longevity and maintenance, so its not 100% reliable on its own.

Exterior paint, on the other hand, typically lasts between 7 to 15 years, depending on the quality of paint and local weather conditions. Advances in paint technology have significantly improved the durability of exterior paints, making it a great long-term solution with proper maintenance.

Maintenance of exterior painting involves bi-yearly power washing, yearly caulking, and yearly paint touch-ups.

Exterior Painting vs Siding Replacement Time and Disruption

Painting the exterior of a home typically takes less time and causes less disruption to daily life compared to siding replacement. A professional painting job can usually be completed within a week, whereas siding replacement can take several weeks, depending on the scope of the project.

Exterior Painting Colors vs Siding Replacement Colors

One of the most enjoyable aspects of home improvement is the opportunity to enhance your home's curb appeal and express your personal style. Both exterior painting and siding replacement offer a range of aesthetic options to suit your preferences and complement your home's architectural style.

Exterior painting allows for virtually unlimited color choices, giving you the freedom to create a custom look that reflects your personality and enhances your home's exterior. Whether you prefer classic neutrals, bold accent colors, or trendy shades, there's a paint color to suit every taste and style. 

Additionally, exterior paint can be used to highlight architectural features, add depth and dimension to your home, and create visual interest.

On the other hand, siding replacement offers a limited variety of materials, styles, and textures to achieve the look you want. Whether you're drawn to traditional clapboard siding, the modern sleekness of metal panels, or the rustic warmth of wood, there's a siding option to suit many architectural style and design preferences, but not as many color options as painting. 

Siding Replacement vs Exterior Painting

Ultimately, the right choice between exterior painting and siding replacement will depend on the condition of your home, budget, and long-term goals for your home. 

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to refresh your home's appearance and protect it from the elements, exterior painting may be the way to go. To get the most out of an exterior painting investment, be sure to hire a reputable painter and choose a product that you can trust.

However, if you have major damage to your siding and are seeking superior durability, minimal maintenance, and a potentially higher return on investment, siding replacement might be your preferred option.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we know how transformative an exterior project can be, but it can also be an investment. With our experience in Omaha since 1996, we strive to help homeowners make the best decision for their home improvement projects. If you are looking for a long-lasting exterior painting project for your home, click the button below to schedule a quote.

Whether you choose an exterior painting or siding replacement, it’s important that you choose the best contractor for the job. Download the ultimate guide to hiring a painter, so that you don’t make any mistakes when it comes to tackling your next outdoor project.