Siding is an essential feature of your home’s exterior. It serves as a front-line layer of protection and adds an extra flair to your home. However, installing sliding is not a simple task. It’s a whole new subject to become familiar with, so it’s only natural to have questions and concerns surrounding all aspects of this material
We’re here to answer some common siding questions or concerns to help you get started on this large home improvement job.
Why is Residing Your Home Necessary?
The siding on your home does not just exist to provide aesthetics for your home. It also protects it from any harsh weather elements that can cause water damage in your home. It can also help keep in the heat produced for your home so that you can stay warm and comfortable in the winter. When it is colder, a well-installed siding can protect the home’s interior from the cold weather outside.
A siding that is failing would make it easy for water to infiltrate the frame of your home. When moisture gets trapped there, it can lead to wood rotting, mold growth, and other interior damage, leading to larger problems with the interior walls down the road. Timely siding replacements and fixes can help preserve your home and save you money on repair bills in the long run.
When should I replace my home’s siding?
Siding protects your home against the harsh weather to maintain the integrity of your home. Many types of siding can last for decades, primarily if it’s been adequately maintained. However, it eventually falls victim to the threats it’s meant to repel. Once it’s been damaged, it’s crucial to replace the siding before the harm spreads and causes more expensive structural problems.
Before leaping into it, you need to ensure that your current siding has already reached the end of its lifecycle. If you notice any of the following signs, it probably means that your siding’s days are numbered:
- Dry Rot
- Warped or Rotting Siding
- Skyrocketing Energy Bills
- Loose or Cracked Siding
- Holes, Leaks, and Bubbling in Siding
- Moisture and Mold
How much does a new siding cost?
The cost to replace your siding depends on a lot of factors. This includes the material that will be used, the square footage, design, and special features of your home, as well as the removal and disposal of old siding. The time of year and the labor market can also impact the overall project costs.
The best option for homeowners is to choose the right siding product and ensuring that it is correctly installed. While it is more expensive upfront, but you get the best result.
What is the best siding material?
There are quite various siding materials on the market like vinyl, wood, fiber cement, stucco, engineered wood, synthetic stone, and aluminum. Each one material has its own set of pros and cons. However, one of the most popular among homeowners is vinyl.
Vinyl siding is a durable material and comes in a ton of colors and textures. It can mimic materials like wood but won’t rot, chip, flake, blister, or crack the same way because of its proprietary composition. Additionally, it’s more cost-effective than wood, metal, or other siding materials in the long run.
However, you should take into account factors such as geography when choosing a roofing material. There are roofing materials that are more popular in some places. For instance, vinyl siding is far the most popular type in the Northeast and Midwest and rarely used in the West. Keep the material’s local popularity in mind when deciding whether to install vinyl siding where you’re residing.
How long does siding last?
As with any significant investment, homeowners would want to ensure that their siding lasts. Durability depends on the materials and your ability to give it proper care throughout its lifetime. Take note of what can be anticipated from some of the most popular materials in their expected lifespan.
- Aluminum – 20-40 years
- Wood – 20-40 years, but can be extended with proper maintenance
- Steel – 40 years or more with proper maintenance
- Stucco – lasts 50 to 60 years over a backer board on wood frame wall, and 60-80 years over concrete block.
- Fiber Cement – 60 -100 years with meticulous care and maintenance
- Vinyl Siding – provides 100+ years of functionality and durability
Does siding require any maintenance?
Due to the purpose of the siding, you’ll never find a genuinely maintenance-free material. Most sidings require minimal maintenance at best. However, routine maintenance is essential to even the low-maintenance materials to get the longest possible life out of your siding.
Keep the siding clean and free of moss and mildew by spraying them with a garden hose every 6 to 12 months. Inspect the joints and caulk once a year. Make sure your gutters are cleared regularly, working correctly, and that they point away from your home to prevent deterioration. Any nearby landscape plants should also be trimmed back to avoid brushing up against your house.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We’re also experts with James Hardie siding and other services. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. If you have more questions, visit our website today or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia and (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.