Siding

Siding is your property's front line of protection from the weather, kind of like the skin on your body. Siding needs to be resistant to both sun and water. It should be able to withstand heavy winds and temperature fluctuations. And it should be free of any growths or pests. However, unlike your skin which is able to mostly take care of itself, the siding on your property will eventually need to be renewed or replaced. Poor siding can make your property look low-quality and it can conceal many problems that run deeper than just the property exterior. 

The overall appearance of your property is heavily influenced by your siding and nothing else boosts curb appeal like it. There are also many types of siding and each brings its own distinct architectural style. Historically, builders used primarily wood, stone, or stucco for siding. But now there are more siding types than ever using modern materials such as vinyl, aluminum, and composites of concrete and/or wood. The final choice really comes down to your budget, the climate, and your personal preference. Your property's siding should be a perfect blend of practicality and style.

Advantages of Installing New Siding

If you’re considering new siding, there are many benefits that people often forget. Let's lay out some of the perks of new siding to help you decide if it's a worthwhile investment.

It generates a major improvement in your property's appearance. Replacing old siding, or installing new siding using attractive modern options makes your whole property look top-notch. Plus, it's a great time to add trim or accents that can create a striking appearance when combined with a fresh color scheme. Whatever type of new siding you choose the effect is a true makeover.

The older your property, the more it's at risk of mold, pests, and rot hiding beneath the siding. If these threats are left untreated, they can cause huge amounts of damage, not just to your property's exterior but inside as well. Installing new siding eliminates and protects against these threats. If the new siding is installed correctly, you’ll probably never need to worry about new siding or any of these issues again in your lifetime.

Another more well-known benefit of new siding is your property value will increase markedly. And it is one of the best returns on investments you can hope to see on any renovation project. So not only do you get to enjoy your property's wonderful new look, but if you ever decide to sell, you’ll get your money back.

A lesser-known benefit of new siding is its dramatic improvement of a property's energy efficiency. Most people expect new windows and doors to reduce their electric bills and keep things inside at ideal temperatures, but new siding can have an even greater impact. Siding installation includes new house wrap and sealing problem areas with insulation or foam where air leaks are found. This helps isolate and maintain your temperatures inside from those outside.

How to Choose Siding

With the plethora of beautiful siding types, you will want to pick the one that best fits the style of your home and your budget. Siding repairs and upkeep can sometimes be done by your live-in handyperson, but most siding projects are best left to professionals. We have the equipment and more importantly the experience to do the job quickly and correctly. When choosing your siding it's important to consider how long plan to own your property. If you are planning to sell it soon, it may not make sense to do an overly expensive siding as they will have a slightly lower return on investment during the sale. However, some expensive sidings such as a brick or stone veneer can pay dividends. It's also important to consider your weather and make sure the siding you want is able to handle the climate.

If you think your siding may need to be repaired or you have something new in mind, give us a call. Our team is here to help you select the best siding option and complete the project in a timely manner. Siding material is usually estimated by increments of one hundred square feet. The installation costs can vary dramatically though depending on the type of siding chosen.

Types of Siding

You have more siding choices than ever in today's market which can be daunting. However, depending on where you live and your budget these options can be quickly trimmed down. Furthermore, we can consult with you and weigh the pros and cons of each option. Here are some things to consider with common siding options:

Wood Siding (Shingles, Clapboard, Board and Batten, Tongue and Groove) - Relatively long-lasting, especially if its cedar, wood siding will need to be treated often. Wood siding is an aesthetically pleasing siding option, for obvious reasons. Wood siding can be used on virtually any style of building. Wood siding is also eco-friendly. We can't stress enough though that natural wood siding requires meticulous care. Poorly maintained wood siding is highly susceptible to rot, insects, mold, and fires.

Vinyl and Synthetic Siding - Most often seen resembling clapboards, you can also find it molded as shakes, brick, or stone to gain additional curb appeal at a reduced cost. Vinyl siding is popular because it is durable, low maintenance, and it's the most affordable of any siding type. Old vinyl siding was unpopular due to its plasticky look, but modern vinyl comes in fresh colors and styles that look great. It is not fire-proof though like some other types of siding and does not last as long as other materials. It is fairly easy to repair though if you are willing to put in the work.

Stone or Brick Veneer - These materials have often been used to provide structure for an entire building. Nowadays, a stone finish is mostly found as a veneer installed over a standard wood-frame building. This type of finish is likely to be the most costly option you can choose, but the maintenance is very low with occasional cleaning and a potential mortar repair once in a lifetime. The stones themselves can last hundreds of years. 

Metal Siding - The popular siding type of years gone by, metal siding has been replaced by vinyl on most builds. Metal siding is still a lower-cost, low-maintenance siding option. Metal siding is often used for a more contemporary building style. It’s pretty much impervious to weather, rot, fire, and pests. It is also easy to paint and clean. The downside is if it is damaged or dented it is difficult to repair. Metal siding is environmentally friendly because it can be recycled.

Fiber Cement - Fast becoming the most popular type of siding among builders and property owners due to its durability and its aesthetic versatility. Fiber cement is a higher-end siding material that is usually produced to look like wood, but manufacturers can simulate a variety of textures and finishes. Fiber cement is a combination of clay, sand, cement, and wood pulp. It’s super tough, is inflammable, resists rot, is immune to temperature spikes, and is pest-proof. It’s also very heavy, a little brittle, and requires special tools to cut it. Installing fiber cement siding should be left to professionals and costs more than aluminum or vinyl.

Engineered Wood - Primarily made from the byproducts of milling lumber, engineered wood is stronger than natural wood, and it gives you the look of real wood without all the maintenance. It comes in a variety of styles and is pre-primed. It’s lightweight, won’t split, and is installed just like natural wood products. It has only been around since the early 2000's so the product quality and durability are still being tested. Despite its newness, it is becoming another popular choice with builders and property owners and is seen as comparable to Fiber Cement. Engineered wood is considered environmentally friendly because it is made using recycled wood.

Stucco - An exterior treatment commonly used in dry climates. Stucco is extremely durable but must be prepared and installed carefully to prevent cracks or leaks. It is relatively easy to repair and can have a color integrated into the mixture so it will never need to be repainted. Stucco siding is bug and fire-resistant. Stucco is known to provide an added layer of insulation, sometimes translating to lower electric bills. However, If you have a newer property, foundation shifts will cause stucco siding to crack horribly and may not be the best siding choice if you have any foundation concerns