While New England certainly has cloudy days, we also have plenty of sunshine to enjoy throughout the year. However, after several years of sun, you might notice that your siding is fading. But how do you keep your siding from fading in the sun?
Whether your dream home is a cottage on the coast or a real-life Barbie dream house, you can protect the vibrant color of your home. With the right type of siding and color application, you can have your dream home all year long. There’s no need to stress over too much sun on your home’s siding!
Here’s what you need to know to keep your siding from fading in the sun, leading to stunning curb appeal no matter the season. But first, let’s talk about how siding companies measure exterior fading.
How is Siding Vibrancy Measured? Say Hello to Hunter Units
You notice on a sunny day that your siding doesn’t look as vibrant as you do. However, your neighbor claims that it looks the same as when you installed it. Who is to say that your siding is (or is not) fading in the sun?
Enter Hunter Units. The Hunter’s scale is an industry-standard method to measure minute differences in pigment, helping to determine the extent of fading on surfaces like siding. It’s essential for homeowners to understand this scale when considering the warranty of their siding. This is especially true when it comes to potential fading over time.
Vinyl Siding and Sun Exposure
Vinyl siding, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), may exhibit unique reactions to prolonged sun exposure. Darker shades of vinyl siding are especially prone to discoloration when exposed to sunlight.
However, siding companies usually anticipate a certain degree of fading. To address this, they reference Hunter units in their warranties to provide a quantifiable measure of allowable fading.
How to Keep Your Siding from Fading in the Sun: Choose Vinyl with Chromatix™
Did you know that only 5% of the sun’s light is in the form of UV light? Even though 5% sounds small, too much UV light can cause a lot of damage. The good news is that you can install vinyl siding with protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Thanks to Royal’s Chromatix™ technology, our siding is designed to handle both the seen and unseen forces of nature.
- UV Protection: Ultraviolet (UV) light can fade siding color pigments. Our vinyl has a protective UV formulation to combat this fade, warranting the product to maintain its vibrant color within 3 Hunter units of its original shade.
- Heat Protection: Infrared energy, also known as heat, can distort siding. Our innovative pigments reflect some of this energy, reducing heat buildup. This ensures that even our darkest colors remain cool and in pristine shape.
For a color that not only captivates the imagination but also stands up to the elements, choose Vinyl with Chromatix™. Plus, our commitment to you doesn’t stop there! Every product comes with an industry-leading warranty, ensuring the rich, true color that elevates your home’s appeal remains undiminished.
Vibrant Fiber Cement: James Hardie® & ColorPlus® Technology Finishes
Did someone say pink siding? James Hardie® caters to your most vivid curb appeal fantasies with over 700 ColorPlus® Technology finishes. With Hardie®’s Dream Collection, anything is possible!
From siding to trim styles, the choice is endless. And guess what? If a particular shade catches your eye, be sure to ask us to see your home in 3D for FREE!
- Design Your Dream Home: Dive into the world of Hardie® Siding and Trim Solutions. Revel in personalized designs, textures, and an expansive color palette tailor-made to bring your dream design to life.
- Color That Lasts (and Lasts): Our BAKED-ON COLORPLUS® TECHNOLOGY ensures that your siding remains as vibrant as day one. With superior resistance to fading, chipping, and cracking compared to field-applied paint, your maintenance work is drastically reduced.
Can You Protect Wood Siding from Fading in the Sun?
Here in New England, wood siding offers a sense of eras gone by. However, its natural composition makes it more susceptible to the sun’s rays. The natural fibers in the wood are particularly vulnerable to UV rays. Just like synthetic materials, wood will also fade from the sun. While some paint may offer an ounce of protection, it won’t come with a warranty guarantee like James Hardie® or vinyl.
Other issues that may arise with wood siding include:
- Upkeep and Maintenance: Wood siding demands love and attention. To maintain its charm, frequent repainting is essential.
- Insect damage: Your wood siding may be susceptible to termite infestations.
- Moisture damage and rot: Left unprotected, wood can become heavily damaged from moisture with mold growth and rot.
- A Labor of Love: While the aesthetic can be undeniably charming, be prepared for regular maintenance checks to ensure its longevity.
How Much Fading Will Your Warranty Allow?
The level of permissible fade varies according to the company’s policies. This is why it’s important to understand your siding warranty in terms of color protection. Advances in siding technology have led to improved color durability.
For example, some companies employ reflective technology in their vinyl siding to minimize sun-induced wear. A variation of a single unit is almost unnoticeable. However, some warranties might allow up to a four-unit difference. Considering that vinyl siding is challenging to repaint once installed, significant fading might necessitate re-siding your home.
How to Keep Your Siding from Fading in the Sun: The Value of Quality UV-Protected Siding
To ensure vibrant and lasting siding colors, it’s pivotal to invest in quality products with UV-protection applications. This prevents undue discoloration and ensures longevity, particularly for homes in sunny locales.
From UV-protection features to understanding the Hunter units’ significance, New England homeowners can make informed choices and enjoy lasting vibrancy in their home’s exterior.
See Your Dream Home for FREE in 3D
If Barbie were to choose, she’d undoubtedly opt for the vibrant and enduring qualities of Chromatix™ Vinyl siding or the dreamy palette of James Hardie®. But no matter your dream home vision, with the right care and attention, your home can shine as brightly as any Dream House. Contact us today for a FREE in-home design consultation to see your home in 3D!
