Siding 101: Everything You Need To Know
Siding 101: Everything You Need To Know
After investing for years to own a home, adopt efficient strategies to protect your investment from the elements. They say, “Don’t judge a book by the cover.” But most people don’t adhere to this philosophy. How your home looks from the outside can influence its value. If you want to improve aesthetics and durability, install or replace siding on your house. Siding can protect your home from the elements and raise its value. Best of all, it requires low maintenance. Here is everything you need to know about siding replacement, repairs, and costs.
What is Siding?
Siding is any material used on the exterior of residential and commercial buildings as covering or cladding. This protective layer prevents heat loss and keeps out dirt, moisture, and insects. Using high-quality siding, you can create a water-tight barrier to protect exterior walls from rain, snow, wind, and debris. Siding also enhances aesthetics with a visually unified facade. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why homeowners seek siding installation services.
Should You Repair or Replace Siding on Your House?
Siding does a lot more than enhance curb appeal and protection. It also makes a statement about your character and sense of style. A facelift with new siding can make you feel more at home. But deciding between siding repair vs. new installation goes beyond aesthetics and style. You should also consider the condition of the existing siding. So, when do you need a siding replacement?
Fading or discoloration: Siding fade over time due to prolonged exposure to rain, snow, and UV rays from the sun. Chemicals accumulated in rainwater can also lead to staining and discoloration. Severe discoloration and fading undermine aesthetics, reducing the value of your home. To protect your investment, replace severely faded or stained siding material.
Warping: Siding materials shrink and expand due to temperature changes and continuous freezing and thawing. These forces can lead to warping over time. If your siding is misshapen, hire a siding specialist to replace it.
Cracks and peeling: Damaged siding weakens the protective layer, increasing the risk of heat loss and pest infestation. Extensive peeling and cracks can lead to moisture buildup, molds, and wood rot. In this case, you should replace damaged siding.
Molds and rot or rust: Wood and steel siding are susceptible to water damage. If you have wood siding, watch out for molds and rot. Moisture can damage steel siding, leading to rusting. Molds, rot, and rust are health hazards. To protect your family, replace damaged siding.
Pest infestation: Nothing threatens wooden structures like termites. If your siding is infested with pests, siding repairs will not address the underlying issue. You’ll need a new siding installation to get rid of termites.
Conduct a DIY inspection to determine whether you need to repair or replace. However, siding problems like molds, rot, and rust may be invisible to untrained eyes. In this case, hire an expert like American Choice Exteriors for professional siding inspection. As a rule of thumb, you should repair siding if the damage has affected only small portions.
Types of Siding to Consider
There are several types of siding made from different materials. Each option has some advantages and disadvantages, so choose wisely. Here are the most common types of siding:
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- Hardie Plank Siding
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- Wood Siding
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- Metal Siding
Wood siding: This siding is environmentally friendly, durable, and aesthetic. But they are high-maintenance and susceptible to water damage and pests.
Vinyl siding: Vinyl is a low-maintenance and durable material that lasts 20-40 years. This type of siding is cheaper than wood siding and comes in several colors. You can find cutting-edge Vinyl siding with UV protection to slow or prevent fading.
Metal siding: This type of siding uses low-maintenance steel or aluminum with unique styles. Aluminum siding is cheaper than alternatives made from steel. Uncoated steel can rust if exposed to moisture, while aluminum is prone to denting.
Fiber cement siding: Fiber cement is low maintenance and durable. The best fiber cement siding like Hardie Plank Siding is rot-resistant and looks like natural wood.
Analyze different types of siding based on your needs. Wood and fiber cement are aesthetically pleasing, while Vinyl is low-maintenance. Remember, siding contributes to your home’s value.
Cost of New Siding
The cost of new siding installation varies depending on the type of siding material. Vinyl siding is cheaper than alternatives. On average, new siding costs $5-$7 per square foot. But this price tag does not include the installation fee. You can consult with our siding replacement team about the overall cost.
What Siding Installation Services do Contractors Offer?
When acquiring services from a contractor, it is crucial to know what to expect. Here are the three costs included in the siding replacement or repair bill.
Labor costs: Contractors invest their time and expertise to ensure you get the best type of siding and installation service.
Material costs: Experienced siding contractors provide the best siding and installation materials.
Capital costs: This expense covers special equipment used by the contractor to install, replace, or repair siding.
Most contractors provide an accurate breakdown of their quotes. Compare different companies and choose the best option with the highest value for money.
Does Insurance Cover Siding Replacement?
Yes, it does! But there are several exceptions. Homeowners insurance covers siding replacement if the damage is listed in the policy, such as wind, hailstorms, fire, and tornados. During a siding inspection, your insurance adjuster can overlook some areas. Partner with a siding specialist to guide you through the entire process. Your contractor can help you get a fair deal from your insurer.
Do you need to Hire a Professional for Siding Replace?
Although DIY siding replacement can save you money, it is better to hire a specialist. Siding can only protect your home from the elements if installed correctly. Established siding contractors have the expertise and tools to replace siding as quickly as possible. They can diagnose and address underlying issues like molds or rot before siding replacement. To get more out of your investment, hire an experienced company like American Choice Exteriors.
Bottom Line
At American Choice Exteriors, we offer end-to-end home improvement and maintenance services. You can rely on our team of specialists for professional siding replacement and repair. We specialize in Vinyl Siding, Hardie Plank Siding, and Soffit and Trim. Whether you live in Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll, or Harford County, you can rely on our expertise to protect your investment. Give us a call at (301) 687-2345, or schedule online to set up your Free Inspection with our experts today!
