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The Daily Insight

Will dark vinyl siding fade

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on April 22, 2026

Vinyl siding will fade after years of being exposed to UV rays, and the elements like rain and snow. The sun’s rays will deteriorate the color off of vinyl siding, and other things like boats or jungle gyms that sit outside for an extremely long time.

Does dark color vinyl siding fade?

Bright and dark colors used to be bad choices for vinyl, but better polymers and manufacturing process have reduced fading, cracking, and expansion. … There is a perception that because of fading, you cannot use dark colors or they will bleach out into a pastel wash.

Is Dark siding a bad idea?

Something as simple as the wrong color choice for the outside of your house could lead to major repairs. … And the darker the color you use, “the chalking, fading, and discoloring will be much more noticeable than with a white paint or a light gray,” he explains.

Does dark siding fade faster?

The lighter the color, the less you’ll notice fading on your vinyl siding. White will certainly fade the least, while dark browns and dark reds begin to fade more quickly and noticeably. In the past, darker colored vinyl siding faded much worse than they do today.

What vinyl siding does not fade?

Mastic Vinyl Siding SolarDefense No Fade Promise: Will not fade more than 1 Hunter Unit for the first 5 years. Will not fade more than 2 Hunter Units from 6 years onward.

Does dark vinyl siding make a house hotter?

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), dark and dull colors on a home’s exterior absorb anywhere between 70 to 90% of the sun’s energy. … So, yes, dark paint makes a house warmer while brighter and lighter colors will reflect more energy for less of an impact on the interior temperature.

Does dark siding make a house look smaller?

A lighter field color will make it look larger; a darker color will visually shrink it. Lighter colors can also make a house look visually flimsy, while darker colors can give it a strong, solid appearance.

What color siding shows less dirt?

White Shows Dirt Easily We usually recommend a shade of off-white if that is the color spectrum you’re leaning toward. Light neutrals like grey, beige, sage and light blue are just as appealing to the eye, and those colors show much less dirt than stark white.

Why is dark vinyl siding more expensive?

Dark coloured siding requires enhanced heat resistance properties to resist the sun’s heat. Kaycan vinyl siding uses HELIOS thermal diffusion technology to resist distortion of the vinyl siding from heat. This technology adds to production costs and explains why darker coloured vinyl siding costs more.

Does dark siding show dirt?

Dark siding certainly makes your home stand out and is a big boost to your curb appeal. Plus, it doesn’t show dirt and debris as easily as lighter colored siding. … For a long time, homeowners avoided dark siding because it was more likely to fade, and it absorbed more heat than light siding.

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How do you lighten a dark exterior house?

For a subtle change, choose paint in the same color family as your brick, but go several shades lighter. Choose white, pale gray, or ivory for a greater effect. If your home doesn’t have a lot of decorative exterior trim, search flea markets for architectural salvage you can add.

Do dark exterior colors fade?

In general, black and other deep hues tend to fade faster than lighter colors. Think about it—exteriors are exposed 24/7 to the sun and the elements. … Dark paint can also be more prone to peeling than lighter colors.

Why vinyl siding is bad?

Vinyl siding, especially dark siding, begins to fade in sunny climates. Painting is a poor option for reviving the color since the paint will likely peel and crack after a short time. Pressure washing can be disastrous if water enters your house through cracks and crevices around the siding.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl siding?

Disadvantages of Using Siding When under high temperatures the material is known to release toxins that can be hazardous to the environment. Vinyl will bend or crack when put under pressure that would require the siding to be replaced to fix. It hides moisture problems that can lead to mold growing in your home.

How do I keep my vinyl siding from fading?

Regularly washing your siding with water or a vinegar wash can also help prevent fading and oxidation. Even sprinklers can leave rust stains and wear away your siding.

What color siding makes house look bigger?

Choose light colors Making the exterior of your home a light color is the best way to make your home look larger, brighter, and more inviting. Light colors such as white, ivory, pale gray, and sage green reflect higher amounts of light than dark colors, tricking the eye into perceiving the home as larger than it is.

Do dark or light colors make a house look bigger?

the design world, it’s well known that light paint colors make a room look bigger and brighter. Light and bright walls are more reflective, making a space feel open and airy, which helps maximize natural light’s effect. Dark shades tend to absorb light, making rooms feel smaller.

How many colors should the exterior of a house have?

Using three colors is a general rule of thumb for selecting an exterior color scheme. Most homeowners assume those hues have to be distinctly different, but this monochromatic house proves otherwise. Here, light gray is the dominant color, while a medium tone accents the wood archway over the front door.

How fast does vinyl siding fade?

All vinyl siding will fade somewhat. After 10 to 15 years, the change can be significant. When that happens, or if you simply want to change its color, vinyl can be painted, as self-defeating as it may seem.

Should exterior trim be lighter or darker?

To create a subtler contrast, choose an exterior trim color that’s a few shades lighter or darker than your siding color. Combining shades from the same color family highlights your home’s architectural details without going too bold.

What is the most expensive siding?

When it comes to cost, stucco siding is among the most expensive siding options. Stucco costs between $6 and $9 per square foot.

What is the best type of siding?

Siding TypeOptionsDurabilityVinylExcellent20-30 yearsAluminum & SteelGood30-50 yearsFiber Cement & CompositeGood35-50 yearsWoodExcellent50+

How much does it cost to put vinyl siding on a 2000 square foot house?

Labor costs will vary depending on the size and shape of your house. Vinyl siding installation on a 2,000-square-foot house with a plain, rectangular shape and no eaves or turrets will run you about $10,000.

Is there a vinyl siding shortage?

Edited on July 6, 2021: Great news! There is no longer a materials shortage for windows, roofing, and vinyl siding. … In 2020, the National Association of Home Builders announced that there is a material shortage for many types of home-improvement products.

Do white exteriors get dirty?

Choose the right whites “However, there are some whites to avoid in the home because it can make a space look dirty,” she says. “Avoid whites that have yellow or brown undertones, unless you are specifically going for a vintage look.”

What colors do vinyl siding come in?

Thankfully, vinyl siding comes in many stylish colors ranging from white to deep red to brown and more, so you can easily customize the appearance of your home. Depending on the style of your home and the region you live in, you may find that one or more colors of vinyl siding work better for your needs.

What exterior colors does Bobby McAlpine use?

Bobby McAlpine is known for architecture that is dramatic, but never ostentatious. His palette is always muted and exceedingly elegant. He favors earth tones of creams, beiges, soothing greens and calming blue-grays.

Can you paint vinyl siding?

Can Vinyl Siding be Painted? Yes: You can paint vinyl siding. Painting your vinyl siding is not only less expensive than replacing it, selecting paint for vinyl siding with our Colors for Vinyl palette gives you the creative freedom that comes with choosing a fresh color scheme for an entirely new look.

Why are black houses popular?

Black painted facades make the most of the lines of a modern home. The angles become crisper, the architectural details more visible. We especially love how black exteriors look alongside wood siding. Many people are concerned that dark colors will fade faster, requiring more frequent painting.

How long does dark exterior paint last?

Darker colors tend to absorb more sunlight, causing them to fade faster. This means you may estimate the sunny side of your home to need to be repainted in three to five years for a dark paint, and five to seven years for a light paint if the sheltered side has a lifespan of ten years.

Which exterior paint colors fade faster?

Red exterior paints tend to fade the fastest based on how their specific pigments interact with UV light. Whites and lighter neutrals are going to get you the most fade-resistant results.