Since World War II, aluminum has been a popular siding material for homeowners. Due to its sturdy nature, weather protection and insulation abilities, it’s a valued exterior material for homes. Not to mention, it requires less maintenance than other kinds of siding. Many homes we see today have vinyl siding, but that doesn’t mean you should replace your aluminum siding if your home has it. There are plenty of ways to refresh your aluminum siding, like a fresh coat of paint.
Introduction to Aluminum Siding and Windows
Firstly, let’s understand what we’re talking about. Aluminum siding and windows are common elements of many homes due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. However, despite their many advantages, they can lose their aesthetic appeal over time due to weathering. The factory-applied finishes can fade, giving a dated appearance to your home. But hold on: it doesn’t mean your only option is a replacement.
The Big Question: Can You Paint Aluminum?
The big news is, yes, you can absolutely paint aluminum surfaces, including your windows and siding! A fresh coat of paint can transform those faded aluminum surfaces into something vibrant, or simply make them match a new colour scheme you fancy.
However, painting aluminum is not as straightforward as painting a wooden surface. It needs methodical preparation and the right approach for the results to be durable and visually pleasing.
How long does painting your aluminum windows or siding actually last?
There are many factors to consider when answering the question, “How long does paint last on aluminum siding?”. The environment can have an impact on your aluminum siding paint job, especially in Toronto and the GTA. We have plenty of different weather conditions throughout the year. A properly done paint job can easily last you seven to ten years, especially if it’s been done by a professional. Every few years, you may want to spruce up your curb appeal with some trendy paint colours. But the quality of your paint job will still be pristine.
How to Paint Aluminum Windows or Siding
When you’re ready to paint the exterior of your Toronto home, you’ll want to begin with some preparation. Especially if there are spots that are significantly damaged. Keep in mind that if you’re afraid of heights or you’re not familiar with exterior home painting, you may want to enlist the help of a pro. Working on the exterior of your home involves a lot of skill and working up high, so unless you have all the safety precautions in place, we recommend hiring a professional painting company.
Prep Work
If you have damaged spots on your siding, it’s best to repair them before painting. To fix them, you can:
First, indicate the sections you want to remove by drawing a square around them.
Second, cut out the section as uniformly as possible with tin snips and a utility knife.
Third, your replacement patch should be three inches bigger on every side than the section you removed.
Next, use the tin shears to remove the nailing strip off the patch.
Then, using clear silicone caulk, cover the back of the replacement patch and press it firmly in place.
Lastly, wipe away any excess silicone.
Cleaning the Exterior of Your Home
It’s an important step to make sure your home’s aluminum siding is cleaned well before you try to paint it. Any dirt, debris, or damaged spots won’t result in a quality paint job. If you have flaking paint from your previous paint job, you’ll want to scrape and peel off any spots where that is occurring. Sanding, pressure washing, and handwashing are necessary to get the best possible paint job.
If you have a pressure washer or want to rent one to save yourself time, make sure you’re using a low-pressure nozzle. And ever spray in an upward fashion. Doing this will result in dirt, debris, and excess water getting inside and behind the aluminum, leading to rust. You’ll want to remove any rusted spots before painting as well. Once you’ve prepped the surface, you’ll need to allow it to completely dry, so give it time before painting.
Painting Aluminum Siding or Windows
First, you’ll want to protect any plants, furniture, gutters, windows or architecture you don’t want to be painted with plastic or drop sheets and painter’s tape.
Once your home has completely dried from the prep work you’ve already done. You’ll want to start with a primer made of metal or aluminum. Using a paintbrush, you’ll want to cover the entire exterior in primer and leave it for at least four hours, or more, depending on the product directions. Until it’s completely dried. When your primer has dried completely, start with the first coat of exterior-grade paint. Make sure you’re paying close attention to detail with your rollers and paint brushes to get every spot on the exterior of your home. Once completely painted, leave it for a few hours for the first coat to dry. The specific paint you’re using should have drying time instructions. A second coat may not seem necessary, but it’s highly recommended to achieve a high-quality and long-lasting result. The best paint for aluminum siding is a high-quality, exterior-grade paint that’s designed to withstand the elements. It should be water-based and have a low VOC content. The aluminum paint will also have a long-lasting finish that resists chipping and peeling.
Keeping Your Painted Aluminum in Top Shape: Maintenance Tips
Now that you’ve painted your aluminum windows or siding, it’s time we divulge some tips to ensure that your fresh finish stays vibrant and lasts for years. Here’s how you can keep your painted aluminum looking stellar:
1. Regular Cleaning:
Frequent cleaning will prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime that could damage your paint job over the long term. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge to gently clean the surfaces.
2. Monitor Your Aluminum:
Regularly inspect your aluminum siding and windows for scratches, chipping, or peeling. If caught early, these minor issues can be addressed without the need to repaint the entire area.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Harsh chemicals can damage your paint job, leading to discolourations and weakening the bonding of the paint. Choose cleaning solutions that are pH neutral and labelled safe for painted surfaces.
4. Perform Seasonal Maintenance:
Before the onset of harsh weather, particularly winter and summer, perform a thorough inspection of the painted aluminum. Look for potential problems, such as loose or damaged siding or chipped paint, that might worsen during these rigorous seasons.
5. Repaint Every Few Years:
Even with the most diligent care, painted surfaces won’t last forever. Depending on your local climate and the quality of your original paint job, you may need to repaint your aluminum surfaces every 5-10 years to keep them looking their best.
By incorporating these maintenance tips into your routine, you’ll be able to preserve the vibrance of your freshly painted aluminum for a long time. Remember, consistent maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of your paint job and keeping your home looking its best.
Hiring a Professional
If you’re looking to have your aluminum siding or windows painted, call us or email us for a free quote. Our team has helped thousands of Toronto residents achieve the look they’re dreaming of for the exterior of their homes while improving their curb appeal. We will arrive at your home to provide you with a detailed quote and colour consultation to ensure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re satisfied, we will book you for a convenient time that works for you with all the details we discussed. Once we’re ready to paint, we will protect your yard, plants and outdoor furniture with drop sheets, and then we will get to work. Our professional painters will clean, sand, caulk, fill and prime any damage to your home and apply a fantastic paint job every time.
Your home will look fantastic with the Home Painters Toronto handwork for years to come. We’ll always make sure you’re 100% satisfied with every job before we leave, and we have a three-year warranty on our services because we know it’ll always be a job well done.
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If you’re thinking of doing some home exterior painting but don’t want to do the work yourself, let our exterior painters help! Even if you are undecided, professional house painters can help you with any problems or questions.
If the work involved sounds like it will take too much time and energy to do yourself, call us at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get your FREE estimate! And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
