4 Things To Consider When Choosing Siding Color

Repainting your siding or adding new siding is like a facelift for your home. Your new siding color should last for several years to get the most out of the project, so it pays to take some extra time to weigh your decision. Here are four things to consider when choosing a siding color for your home to help make the choice easier.

1. House Size

The same siding color can have a significantly different effect depending on the size of the house it's applied to. Color swatches make visualizing the final result easier, but the appearance of a color may be slightly different once you see it on your siding since color swatches cannot replicate the lighting conditions around your home.

A good rule of thumb is to lean toward darker colors for small homes and lighter, neutral colors for large homes. Dark siding helps your home stand out, but bold colors may be overwhelming if your home is too large. Similarly, small homes can seem even smaller if they are painted in light hues. Finding the right balance between home size and siding color will give your home a unique presence.

2. House Architectural Style

Matching the color of your home with its architectural style will help to create a more congruous appearance for your home. A good way to get ideas is to search online for siding colors for your home's specific style. Color choices that are in line with your home's architecture will help to link it to the unique historic appeal of that style, while mismatched colors can make a home seem out of place.

Single-story ranch homes are often decorated with flat shades of beige, brown, and gray to match their rustic appeal. Country and colonial-style homes often use a two-tone scheme, featuring white or light gray siding paired with dark blue or gray trim. Spanish and Mediterranean homes commonly use bright orange, yellow, or tan siding to create a pleasant contrast with red tile roofs.

3. Other Homes in Your Neighborhood

While everyone wants their home to reflect their personality, there should be some sense of color harmony between your home and your neighbors' homes. After all, you probably see the outside of your home much less often than your neighbors do.

If you're looking for second opinions, it wouldn't hurt to show your immediate neighbors some samples so they can weigh in. You may even find inspiration by driving around your neighborhood and looking at other homes that are similar in style to your own.

4. Your Local Climate

Siding protects your home from the effects of the elements, but no siding is immune from the effects of the environment. Temperature changes cause siding to expand and contract, and precipitation can cause rot and mold growth if it is able to penetrate your siding. Homeowners in areas that are prone to hurricanes or high winds may want to invest in wind-resistant vinyl siding, which should withstand winds of at least 110 miles per hour.

Certain siding materials may be better suited to your local climate than others. Wood siding requires frequent resealing to stave off the effects of moisture, while metal siding resists mold and rot naturally. On the other hand, vinyl siding can blister and peel in the sun, so wood or metal siding may be a better choice in hot climates. Remember to consider the physical properties of the material in addition to color and cost when choosing siding.

As you can see, choosing a siding color for your home isn't always a simple decision. Weigh these factors carefully so you can choose siding you will be happy with for years to come.


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