Cover wood trim with aluminum rap or just repaint?

Question

I have been trying to make my rentals more maintenance free. I have a rental that I’ve owned for six years that has lots of exterior wood trim. It is time to repaint. To paint will cost $900, to wrap with aluminum and make it maintenance free will cost $3600. Am I crazy to spend 3600 bucks on this rental house?  I plan on owning it for at least another 10 years .

Michael Redmon · Answer

I am waiting on one more wrap estimate and unless it is in the $2500 range then I will paint. Thanks

Marcia Maynard · Answer

Aluminum siding dents. Holes drilled through are not as easy to fill, so watch what the the cable guy is up to!   But it also would add another layer of insulation, which is a plus.  Eaves can help protect siding from the elements, so wide eaves and covered porches on the sunny side of the home are great to have no matter what kind of siding you have. Also, make sure plant foliage is cut away from any siding and don't allow tenants to stack wood or junk against the house. :-)

Theresa Harris · Answer

How often are you needing to paint it?  If the wood is in good condition and it is just the paint that is the problem and you paint it every 10 years, it isn't worth the extra costs.  On the other hand if you have to paint it every couple of years, then it would be worth it.