We have an older aluminum siding home in East Vancouver - can it be painted and how long will it last?

Aluminum siding can definitely be painted, and many older East Vancouver homes from the 1960s through 1980s are excellent candidates for this kind of refresh. Aluminum siding itself is incredibly durable and rarely needs replacing, but the factory-applied paint finish oxidizes and chalks over time, leaving a dull, faded appearance. A quality paint job on aluminum siding can last eight to twelve years in Metro Vancouver's climate, which is actually longer than paint on wood siding because aluminum does not expand, contract, crack, or rot. The preparation process is critical for a lasting finish. The siding must be thoroughly washed, usually with a pressure washer on moderate setting, to remove the chalky oxidized layer. If you run your hand across the siding and it leaves a powdery residue on your fingers, that oxidation must be completely removed or the new paint will not bond properly. After cleaning and drying, a high-quality bonding primer formulated for metal surfaces is essential. Skip the primer and your paint will peel within a year or two. Follow the primer with two coats of 100 percent acrylic latex exterior paint. Avoid oil-based paints on aluminum as they tend to become brittle and crack. One advantage of painting aluminum siding is that you can change the colour of your home dramatically since you are not limited by the vinyl siding rule of going lighter. Budget approximately $5,500 to $10,000 for a full aluminum siding paint job on a typical East Vancouver two-storey home. As a next step, inspect your aluminum siding for any dented or damaged panels and check that all trim and corner pieces are secure before getting quotes from painters experienced with metal siding.

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