In some areas of the siding, you’ll notice that it has changed color to a lighter, darker tone, or a different shade than the rest of the house. This is, at times, a feature of older homes, but it may also develop very early, even in relatively new properties.
Uneven color on vinyl siding is a rare occurrence of a single issue. Instead, it is the result of a mix of environmental exposure, moisture patterns, and a gradual surface buildup, which in turn affects some areas more than others. By looking at the root causes, one can see why the siding no longer appears to be a uniform color and which factors play a role in those visible differences.
Sun Exposure and UV Breakdown
One of the most common causes for vinyl siding to change color unevenly is that there is not even sun exposure. Not all sides of a home get the same amount of sun. South- and west-facing walls do, in fact, get stronger, longer periods of direct UV rays, which cause that to happen, while the shaded sides of the home stay cool and a different color.
Over a period of time, ultraviolet light causes the breakdown of pigments in vinyl. This fade-out process is seen in that sun-exposed panels appear lighter than those protected by trees, fences, neighboring homes, or roof overhangs. Also, on the same wall, it may be seen that different areas that get varying degrees of exposure cause patchy fade-out. For instance, some sections that are behind a shrub may keep their original color while the panels around them become sun-bleached.
Protected areas stand out in contrast to exposed ones, which results in an uneven look that only grows more each year.
Sprinkler Patterns and Mineral Deposits
Another issue is that of lawn irrigation. Sprinklers do not always distribute water evenly, which in turn causes some sections of siding to get hit over and over while others stay dry.
When a sprinkler system uses water that has minerals in it, like calcium, magnesium, or iron, what results is deposit buildup. The deposits that are seen are usually white and chalky or, at times, a little darker based on the mineral content and side color.
In most cases, sprinkler heads move in set arcs, which cause the buildup to form in very noticeable patterns. Homeowners may see streaks, horizontal bands, or the same spot marks at lower sections of the siding. Over time, what is seen is some panels appearing stained or faded in comparison to the panels that didn’t get wet.
In areas that have hard water, this issue is brought to light more, which also causes mineral spotting to happen faster and to bind more to the surface.
Environmental Buildup Forms in Patches
Outdoor surfaces every day collect dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, and airborne pollutants. Also, these contaminants do not settle out evenly in the home.
Wind, the way the wind blows, landscape features, proximity to roads, and roof runoff all play a role in where debris ends up. For example, sidings by the driveway may see more of a buildup of dust and car deposits, and walls that are near trees tend to develop pollen films or organic growth. Also, areas that are below the gutters or in the roof valleys will see a collection of runoff marks that darken the vinyl in vertical stripes.
In certain areas, the buildup is present, which in turn causes visible shade variations. What may be seen is one part very dark due to grime and another that is still in the original finish.
This issue of materials coming in and out in patches is what mainly causes that mixed look in new homes, which in turn may see structurally sound products used in a non-uniform way.
Heat Reflection From Nearby Surfaces
Reflected heat also causes some vinyl siding elements to change shade at a different rate. Windows, metal roofs, nearby walls, and also light-colored concrete driveways may reflect sunlight into certain panels.
These areas of concentration, which are observed, are exposed to higher temperatures than other areas around; also, at times, this causes the color to fade or slight warpage. Also, when a small section is hit by reflected heat every day, that section may end up appearing much lighter and more worn out.
This issue is particularly by the side of energy-efficient windows, which at certain times of the day amplify the reflected light.
Differences in Cleaning History
At times, what is seen as total weather wear is in fact due to uneven care. Homeowners may pay more attention to the front of the house when they clean, which leaves other sides, including the back, neglected. Also, areas that are covered by shrubs or outdoor furniture also get left out.
As a matter of fact, some sections remain bright, which in other cases have grown to be a home for years’ worth of grime, which in turn presents a different picture from the original, and sometimes the contrast of these colors, which fade at different rates, presents a similar look of wear and tear even as the base color of the original finish is the same. Also, some areas may be very much intact, while in the meantime, large patches may have collected so much dust and grime that this changes the dynamic of the color play and, therefore, the whole look of the siding. Which also means that what appears to be a fade is, in some cases, a different issue of uneven grime and dust accumulation.
In most cases, homeowners turn to pressure washing services in Coeur d’Alene ID, or other house cleaning solutions in an effort to restore a more uniform look. Though washing performs well at removing surface deposits and organic stains, it does best when the issue is dirt and not permanent UV damage.
Why Does It Get Worse Over Time?
Unequal color distribution is what is noted, as the elements that cause it are repeating. Sunlight is a factor in which exposed areas fade, sprinklers leave behind residue, and shade causes some areas to dry up.
At first, the differences are small. As each environmental element accumulates over the course of months and years, the contrast between sections becomes more marked. In the end, the home’s exterior may present as blotchy, striped, or unevenly aged, although the actual siding is in good condition.
These root causes show that vinyl siding changes shade over time. In most cases, what is happening is not the material breaking down but instead each element of the home playing out different responses to sun, water, air flow, and environmental exposure.
We hope you found this blog post on What Causes Uneven Color on Vinyl Siding Over Time, useful. Be sure to check out our post on 6 Key Advantages of Home Siding Replacement for more great tips!
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