Gray vinyl siding is a popular choice for the exterior of many homes due to its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, some homeowners wonder if gray vinyl will fade or discolor over time when exposed to sunlight and other outdoor elements. Here we’ll examine the factors that can impact gray vinyl siding’s color performance and provide tips on choosing a gray shade that will retain its good looks.
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Does Gray Vinyl Siding Fade?
Gray vinyl siding is generally highly colorfast and resistant to fading. The polymers used in quality vinyl siding are designed to be UV stabilized, meaning manufacturers add compounds to help prevent discoloration and degradation from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This makes the siding much more fade-resistant than materials like wood or paint.
However, while quite durable, gray vinyl siding is not completely impervious to fading. Over many years of exposure to sunlight, air pollution, and other environmental factors, some subtle lightening or discoloration can occur. The rate and degree of change depends on the specific gray tone chosen, quality of the vinyl, and geographic location. Darker grays and cheaper vinyl are more susceptible. Places with very sunny and humid climates also accelerate fade.
Properly maintained gray vinyl siding will retain its color quite well. After a decade or more, fading is generally minimal and not visually striking. But for those wanting their siding to look freshly painted for decades to come, some fading is likely over enough time.
Factors That Impact Fading
There are several key factors that determine the amount and speed at which gray vinyl siding may fade:
Color Tone
Darker grays show fading more noticeably than light, pale grays. Deep charcoal or slate gray vinyl will gradually lighten a bit faster than softer, muted gray tones. This is because darker colors absorb and are impacted more by UV exposure. Pastel grays have less pigment to break down and leach out from sunlight.
Vinyl Quality
Higher quality vinyl contains more UV stabilizers and fade-resistant pigments. Budget vinyl tends to have lower concentrations of compounds to resist fading. Thicker vinyl siding is also more durable than thin products. With cheaper vinyl that’s more prone to fading, the color change may be obvious after just 5-7 years, versus barely noticeable after 10+ years on premium products.
Climate Conditions
The level of sun exposure and humidity impacts the rate of vinyl siding fade. Hot, sunny climates like Arizona and Florida will cause more UV damage and accelerate color change compared to cloudier northern regions. Coastal humidity and salt spray also publicity impact vinyl. Siding in continually damp, foggy areas or near oceans may show fading sooner.
Siding Maintenance
Dirt, mildew, pollution, and other accumulated buildup on siding can make it appear faded and dingy. While not true fading, keeping vinyl clean removes surface deposits that dull and discolor it. Avoiding the use of harsh cleaners protects the siding too. Pressure washing must also be done carefully to not damage the vinyl. Proper cleaning is the best way to keep siding looking its original color.
Siding Direction
The cardinal direction siding faces impacts its UV exposure and fade rate. South-facing walls get the most direct sunlight and may show slight color change faster. North walls get the least sun. West walls receive intense afternoon sun, while eastern walls get milder morning sun. Optimizing facings and overhangs can provide shade and minimize fade.
Shade and Shadows
Areas of siding shaded by trees, awnings, patio covers, or other buildings will be protected from UV rays and mostly avoid fading issues. Inconsistent sun exposure leads to uneven fading, where shaded sections look noticeably darker. Maximize shade for better color retention.
Choosing Fade-Resistant Gray Vinyl Siding
To get gray vinyl siding with excellent colorfastness, opt for a high quality product and ideal color selection:
Pick a Premium Vinyl Brand
Invest in a top national brand or specialty vinyl siding company. Avoid cheap off-brands and lightweight products. Inspect siding samples at the store and ensure adequate thickness and rigidness.
Choose Medium to Light Gray Tones
While deep charcoal or pewter gray vinyl has bold curb appeal, lighter hues like pearl, sage, or ash gray will be the most fade-proof. Or select a color with variegated tones like silver-gray for camouflaging fading.
Get Warranties Against Fading
Reputable brands offer long warranties of 20-50 years against excessive fading. This guarantees satisfactory color retention or replacement of any siding that fades too quickly.
Add UV Protectants
Specialized vinyl coatings or films can be applied to enhance UV resistance. Products like Kynar and Hylar 5000 add a protective top layer to reflect sunlight and prevent fading.
Use Darker Colors Sparingly
Use darker gray siding only on shaded facades or as accent sections, not whole walls. Combine it with lighter hues on other sides. Breaking up large areas of dark vinyl will make fading less conspicuous.
Maintaining Gray Vinyl Siding
While gray vinyl siding resists fading on its own, proper maintenance and cleaning will keep it looking its best:
Wash Annually
Use a soft brush and mild detergent to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that builds up over seasons. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Rinse thoroughly.
Inspect for Damage
Replace any warped, cracked, or broken siding promptly. UV rays can penetrate damaged vinyl worse. Keep walls water-tight and joints sealed.
Clean Stains Quickly
Clean spills or splatters from barbecue smoke, grease, lawn chemicals, etc. as soon as possible before they set. Acidic products can etch light colors.
Remove Organic Growth
Clear off plants, vines, moss, and tree branches contacting the siding to prevent moisture buildup and abrasion. Don’t allow sprinklers to frequently wet walls.
Get Rid of Mold and Mildew
These biological films are not only unsightly but can actually accelerate fading. Control dampness and treat any outbreaks promptly.
Consider Re-Painting after 15-20 Years
If gray vinyl siding does eventually fade noticeably after a decade or more, re-painting it with a quality exterior paint or stain can restore the original appearance.
Does Gray Vinyl Siding Chalk?
In additional to fading, some homeowners report issues with gray vinyl siding “chalking” over time. This refers to a powdery white chalk-like substance that can develop on the surface.
Chalking is actually the vinyl breaking down at the microscopic level as chemicals and pigments erode. Sun exposure, pollution, and moisture degrade the material, causing the chalky powder.
Quality vinyl contains compounds to minimize chalking. Budget siding is more prone to it, appearing dusty or faded. Darker colors also show a chalky buildup visibly sooner than lighter shades.
The chalk can be removed by washing the siding. But extensive chalking may indicate the vinyl is degrading rapidly and nearing the end of its useful life.
Comparison of Fading by Gray Vinyl Siding Brand
Here’s how major brands of gray vinyl siding generally compare for long-term color retention and fade resistance:
| Vinyl Siding Brand | Fade Resistance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| CertainTeed | Excellent | $$$ |
| James Hardie | Excellent | $$$ |
| Royal Building Products | Very Good | $$ |
| LP Building Solutions | Very Good | $$ |
| Mastic | Good | $ |
| Alside | Good | $$ |
| Georgia Pacific | Fair | $ |
| Ply Gem | Fair | $ |
As the table shows, top brands like CertainTeed and James Hardie offer excellent color stability in their gray vinyl siding lines. Royal Building Products and LP Building Solutions are also known for very fade-resistant vinyl.
Lower cost brands generally have lower concentrations of UV inhibitors. But even mid-range products like Mastic and Alside still perform quite well. Basic economy lines from Georgia Pacific and Ply Gem tend to fade sooner, especially darker grays.
Investing in quality gray vinyl siding from a leading manufacturer will provide the most confidence in consistent color retention for decades. Proper installation also helps maximize performance.
How Long Does Gray Vinyl Siding Last?
When shopping for gray vinyl siding, homeowners not only wonder about fading but also how long the siding will last in general. With proper installation and maintenance, quality gray vinyl siding should last a very long time:
Average Lifespan
The expected lifespan for most vinyl siding is 15-50 years or more. Many factors affect longevity such as brand, climate, installation, and maintenance. Follow manufacturer guidelines to maximize durability.
Impact of Fading on Lifespan
Even moderate fading does not degrade the vinyl itself or reduce its lifespan. Siding will still protect and perform the same. Only if severe fading indicates chemical breakdown would replacement be needed sooner.
Signs Siding Needs Replacing
Look for cracking, warping, loosening, gaps, leaks, and chips. Brittleness, peeling paint, and extreme chalking also indicate aging siding. Dark streaks from mildew is mainly an aesthetic issue.
Improving Durability
Filling gaps, re-caulking, replacing damaged sections, keeping walls sealed and paint fresh will all extend the usable life of siding. Vinyl typically lasts on par with fiber cement.
New Technology Increases Lifespan
Some manufacturers now offer vinyl siding with acrylic capstocks, nanoparticle pigments, insulative foam cores, and other innovations that enhance product life. Upgraded materials can last 50% longer.
Conclusion
Gray vinyl siding provides attractive, low-maintenance, durable exterior protection for homes. When shopping for gray vinyl, minimize noticeable fading by selecting lighter colors, reputable brands, premium quality materials, and proper installation. With sensible precautions against sun damage, quality gray vinyl siding will maintain excellent curb appeal and last for decades before needing replacement. Proper cleaning and maintenance will also keep siding looking fresh. While vinyl does carry some risk of fading with time, gray tones can be great choices for long-lasting, economic siding.