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Siding Installation and Replacement

Home siding installation and replacement can be a great way to give your home’s exterior a facelift. Siding comes in diverse colors, designs, and materials that complement the rest of your home. A quality siding installation can boost your home’s insulation, reducing energy leakage and monthly costs.

Signs of Issues
Benefits
Siding Material Options
What to Expect
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Signs Your Siding Needs a Change

Bubbles, Blisters, Warping

If the surface of your siding has bubbles or blister in the paint, is starting to chip, or you see warping, that is a sure sign that it’s time to call for help. It almost always indicates that water has managed to get underneath the surface. Once that happens, it leads to more serious issues for both the exterior and interior of your home.

Mold or Other Types Growth

It is normal for your siding to show signs of weathering and fading over time. However, once it appears washed out this is a sign that weatherproofing protection is almost gone. Once your siding loses it’s weatherproofing power you’re vulnerable to water damage. It is a sure sign that it will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Energy Bills Getting High

While energy costs are subject to inflation, a bid increase could be a sign that your siding is not doing it’s job. Your siding is a big part of your home’s insulation and is the first line of defense from both heat and cold. As siding ages it provides less of that insulating value and may start to allow gaps which reduce it’s effectiveness.

Benefits of New Siding

Boost Your Property Value

Installing new siding on your home is a big investment that comes with a hefty return. On average siding installation has a return on investment of 81% over time. It makes a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal and also gives you the opportunity to add some additional architectural details at the same time.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Replacing your siding often results in significant upgrades in your home’s energy efficiency. As part of the replacement process you wrap your home or  add additional insulation to greater increase your home’s R-10 value. Even the choice to use a light-color siding majorly impacts your utility bills.

Reduce Maintenance

New siding won’t require a paint job for a long time. Depending on the materials chosen that maintenance can go to nearly zero! Even when the time comes for maintenance, that work will be significantly less expensive and time consuming on professionally installed, newer siding.

Siding 101: All You Need to Know

Options for Siding Materials

Wood Siding

This is the oldest type of siding and remains one of the most attractive wall coats to install. You can get it in four different types: planks, shingles, boards, and panels. And because it’s easily manufactured, replacement is easy and affordable.

However, you will need to apply a finish to your wood siding as it’s prone to rot, insects, and sun. It can also warp or split if not properly maintained. A square foot of wood siding costs between $3-$13 on average.

Vinyl Siding

This siding material is the most affordable on the block. That does not take away from its versatile colors, texture, and durability. Vinyl siding requires low maintenance, thanks to its slick surface. You don’t need to paint or seal as often.

The color remains until its dying days, which can be around 10-15 years if installed in a hot climate. Though resistive to most climate conditions, it can also crack from minute impact in cold weather. It costs $3-$8 per square foot.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is coveted for its extremely low maintenance. Metal siding comes in aluminum and steel and exists in factory-finished hues, styles, and coating (viny or plastic layers). Their finish makes it hard to distinguish them from wood sidings. And with metal siding, you don’t have to worry about insects or fire and lightning.

However, over time, they tend to rust and lose their color. Also, aluminum sidings are prone to dents and noise. They go for $3-$8 per square foot, which can fluctuate depending on market conditions.

Fiber Siding

Fiber cement siding is the latest wall coat for homes. It’s made from recycled materials with natural wood-like hues. This siding material is extremely low maintenance, resistant to weather attacks and fire, and doesn’t warp, crack, or rot. Unlike most residential siding materials, its lifespan is between 50 to 75 years.

That said, fiber siding is expensive and hard to install. It weighs 300 pounds per 100 square feet, making it less than DIY-friendly. You can get fiber cement siding between $6-$11 per square foot.

Siding Replacement versus Siding Repairs

You don’t always have to install new siding when your existing one develops issues. It depends on the material and the kind of problem you’re having. As shown under types of materials and when your siding needs replacement, small challenges often require repairs, while extensive issues indicate a new installation. Always remember to go for the option that best suits your siding needs.

Preparing For Your Siding Project and What to Expect

Are you ready to repair or install new siding for your home? Here are the steps you need to take to prepare and what to expect during a siding project.

Prepare Your Yard

Make sure to clear items away from the house like potted plants, patio furniture, and gardening equipment. Tie back or trim any trees or bushes that are near your siding to allow for easy access. Cut your grass short before installation begins so that contractors can use a magnetic nail finder during cleanup at the end of the project. Your window shutters, downspouts, etc., can also interfere with your installation. So, have them removed before the installation date or make sure your contractor will handle that as part of the job.

Remove pictures and valuables inside

The walls of your home may shake during siding removal, repair, or installation. It is best to remove pictures from the wall and take valuables off any shelves to prevent items from falling and being damaged.

Keep your driveway clear

Typically a dumpster will be needed to collect old siding and debris. It is best to keep your driveway clear to give workers full access and minimize the chance of accidents.

Removal of Old Siding

The first step of the project will be the removal and disposal of your existing siding. The contractor will also look at the walls beneath to assess if there is any damage or concerns. Any issues with the walls will need to be resolved before installation begins.

Insulation and Siding Installation

Installation typically takes two steps; insulation and installation. If there is any insulation work to be done such as home wrapping or additional insulation being added, this will take place before they move to installation. Adding the new siding is actually the last step in the installation process. If your chosen siding requires painting that will be completed after everything has been installed.

Cleanup

The process of replacing or making major repairs to siding can be a bit messy. A professional contractor will spend the time after the job is complete to make sure that nails and other debris has been cleaned up. Often this includes using magnetic nail finders to make sure that your property is clear of hazards to you, your family, and your pets.

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