Your home acts as a shield, guarding against the elements, much like how a tree’s bark or our skin protects. It protects your home from rain, snow, UV rays and temperature fluctuations. Not only does it serve a practical purpose, but it also defines your home’s look and feel.
Since siding is so important, it’s important to know the basics, such as the different types available, what to consider when choosing, how to install it, how to maintain it, and how to determine if it needs maintenance or replacement. This guide will equip homeowners with essential knowledge about this crucial exterior component.
The Vital Role of Siding
As mentioned, siding primarily protects from external forces. Choosing the best siding for pacific northwest involves a lot of factors. Let’s delve deeper into why proper siding is so critical:
- Weather Protection: From torrential downpours to heavy snow squalls, siding takes the brunt of mother nature’s blows. It prevents water infiltration and moisture damage.
- Insulation: Quality siding insulates your home, preventing heat loss in winters and cooling loss in summers. This directly translates into energy savings.
- Pest Protection: Siding forms an impenetrable barrier against termites, carpenter ants, and other pests. This preserves your home’s structural integrity.
- Fire Resistance: Noncombustible siding materials like brick and fiber cement resist fire spread. This protects your most valuable asset.
- Curb Appeal: With endless design options, siding can transform your home’s look and significantly boost its perceived value.
Given these benefits, investing in high-quality siding should be a priority for homeowners. Now let’s explore the prevalent types available.
Popular Types of Residential Siding
With a range of options, choosing the right siding involves weighing factors like budget, climate, style, and maintenance needs. Here are the most popular types:
Durable and Affordable Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding comes in various styles, from clapboard panels at $0.80 per square foot to rough textured shakes at $6 – $7 per square foot. People like it because it’s both durable and budget friendly. You can find vinyl siding in many colors and textures, including classic clapboards and stately shakes, making it a great match for different home styles. The best part is that it’s easy to take care of, especially when compared to wood and other materials
Timeless Beauty of Wood Siding
Wood siding is loved for its classic and traditional look, even though it needs more upkeep. You can find wood siding for about $0.75 per square foot for pine and $7 – $8 per square foot for clear red cedar clapboards. Wood needs regular painting or staining to keep it safe from rot, fungi, and bugs. Cedar and redwood siding can naturally resist weather damage. You can also make wood siding special by creating custom profiles that add unique character to your home.
Strength and Longevity of Brick and Stone
Brick and stone siding may be costly, ranging from $1 to $10 per square foot for brick and $10 to $15 per square foot for stone. However, the exceptional durability and security they offer make them a worthwhile investment. Brick and natural stone siding are resistant to fire, rot, and insects, and they can last for decades or even centuries. Additionally, their high thermal mass helps regulate interior temperatures, adding to their value.
RotResistant Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding offers the appearance of wood, minus the maintenance. Composed of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, it’s highly resistant to termites, rot, and fire. These hardy panels cost between $1$2/sq. ft installed. Fiber cement comes factory primed and holds paint well. It provides security with low fuss durability.
Sleek and Modern Metal Siding
Metal siding offers great longevity and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Aluminum, galvanized steel, and other metals resist dents, cracking, and rot for decades. Metal siding costs $1.50 to $5.50/sq. ft. installed. Its natural insulation properties can also slash energy bills. Finishes range from neutral solid panels to eye catching corrugated profiles.
These cover some of the most common siding options. But several factors influence the perfect choice for your exterior.
Key Factors When Selecting Siding
With numerous siding materials and styles available, it’s vital to weigh several factors to make the right selection:
Climate: In wet regions, absorbent wood sidings will demand frequent refinishing without proper moisture barriers. Here, fiber cement, vinyl, or composite sidings fare better. In hot climates, brick and stucco remain cool choices.
Architectural Style: Choose siding that complements your home’s aesthetics. For example, Arts & Crafts bungalows pair well with wood shakes while sidings like brick enhance traditional and colonial styles.
Budget: Cost Effective vinyl and aluminum are ideal for tight budgets. Premium wood, brick, and stone cost much higher but provide commensurate longevity.
Maintenance: Options like vinyl and fiber cement require minimal upkeep compared to wood. Factor in your ability to handle regular siding maintenance before deciding.
HOA Regulations: Homeowners’ associations often restrict certain siding types and colors allowed within the community. Always verify before installation.
Insulation Needs: Better Insulated siding, like brick and foam backed vinyl and metal panels, help cut energy costs. This pays off long term.
With research and professional guidance, you can select durable, aesthetically pleasing, and budget friendly siding that meets your home’s needs. Next, let’s discuss how to maximize its lifespan through proper installation and maintenance.
Optimal Siding Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and care are vital to ensure your siding survives the elements. Here’s what you need to know:
Hire Trained Professionals
Siding installation is best left to trained professionals. Whole House siding replacement, in particular, requires expertise in assessing moisture barriers, permits, safely working at heights, and more. The additional cost of hiring contractors pays off through enhanced durability and lifespan.
For DIYfriendly minor siding repairs, ensure you use the manufacturer recommended replacement parts and materials.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Inspect siding routinely for cracks, warped panels, loose sections, or holes where water and pests can infiltrate. Also check areas around faucets, sprinklers, and AC units for leakage. Spotting problems early is key to prevent extensive damage.
Follow Maintenance Best Practices
- Wash siding annually with mild, pHbalanced cleansers to prevent mold and mildew growth. Rinse thoroughly.
- Recoat painted wood siding every 57 years to refresh worn paint and seal the surface.
- Trim back vegetation to prevent it from creeping too close and damaging siding.
- Fix dripping outdoor faucets and faulty sprinklers hitting the siding.
- Address pest or termite damage immediately to prevent extensive destruction.
With proper professional installation and regular maintenance, quality siding will stand strong for decades. But wear and tear still take a toll over time. Here are telltale signs your siding needs repair or replacement.
Signals Your Siding Requires Attention
Even the sturdiest siding will eventually demand renewal, repair, or replacement. Watch for these indicators:
Visible Damage
Look for cracked, warped, or missing panels, holes, and large gaps where water and pests can enter. Severe damage demands full siding replacement.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper Indoors
Bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper indoors, especially near ceilings and seams, signal moisture is infiltrating past faulty exterior siding. Address asap to prevent structural damage.
Draftiness and Spikes in Energy Bills
If you suddenly feel cold drafts indoors and notice higher heating/cooling bills, poor insulation from damaged siding may be the culprit. Time to inspect and address vulnerabilities.
Significant Fading
While some fading over time is normal, excessively faded siding indicates the protective finish has worn off, leaving the material vulnerable to damage. Consult a pro about recoating or replacement options.
Pest Infestation
Carpenter ants, termites, or bees around your home signal they may have breached damaged siding areas. Pest entry risks further destruction.
Rotting, Warping, Cracking
Any signs of rotting, cracking, warping, or soft spots in wood, vinyl, or fiber cement siding warrant closer inspection and likely, professional repairs or replacement where needed.
Addressing problems at the first sign preserves your siding’s integrity and shields your home. Contact reputable siding specialists to tackle any major issues.
For further insight, let’s explore some common homeowner questions on siding:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does typical residential siding last?
It varies based on material. Vinyl lasts 3050 years, wood needs recoating every 57 years, fiber cement survives 2530 years, brick/stone is nearly permanent, and metal lasts 50+ years. Proper installation and maintenance extend lifespan.
Can I just paint over my existing siding?
Only if it’s in good condition without rot or cracks. For flawed siding, paint provides only temporary concealment. Damaged areas must be fixed first or moisture will continue seeping beneath the surface. Consult siding specialists.
How do I know if pests have damaged my siding?
Look for sections with visible holes, trails, nests, and hollow spots, which signal infestation. Also watch for carpenter ants, termites, and bees around the home. Pest – damaged siding needs replacement and the home treated for elimination.
What’s more cost – effective siding repair or replacement?
For minor damage in limited areas, targeted repairs may suffice. But if more than 30% of siding is compromised, full replacement is likely the better value, offering improved aesthetics, longevity, and insulation.
Getting authoritative answers to such questions ensures you make informed siding decisions for your unique home.
Maintain Curb Appeal and Weatherproof Your Investment
A home’s siding takes the brunt of the elements day after day to protect families and valuables within. Choosing siding suited to your home’s style, climate, and budget, properly installing and maintaining it, and addressing any damage promptly ensures it continues providing security and enhancing curb appeal for decades to come.
With this foundation of siding basics, you are now equipped to make educated exterior decisions for your most valuable investment your home.