1. When to Replace Your Siding
Siding materials should never be installed in the height of winter or summer. Since moderate temperatures are ideal, it’s best to plan your siding replacement for the Spring or Fall months.
Before replacing your siding, you should also consider the state of your roof, gutters, and shutters. Many experts recommend performing roof repairs and replacements prior to installing new siding.
2. Which type of siding is best for your home?
There’s a myriad of options when it comes to siding materials so how do you know which is best for your home? Below are some of the more popular siding options.
- Fiber Cement – Cement fiber siding is a highly durable siding composed of sand, cement and wood fibers. It is thicker than regular vinyl and can be shaped into a variety of textures and styles, such as wood grain.
Cement fiber siding advantages:
- Good energy efficiency due to thickness of material
- Can be manufactured into a variety of textures and colors
- Resistant to water and insects
- Non-flammable
Cement fiber siding disadvantages:
- Cement fiber is usually more expensive than vinyl siding, but it is also less expensive than wood siding
- It can be difficult to install due to its weight, so sometimes installation charges are higher than other materials
- Cement fiber siding may require repainting every 15-20 years
- Vinyl – Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices when it comes to siding. It is not only budget friendly, but it also offers an ROI of 77 per cent. Vinyl siding has been around since the mid- 1900s and was created to combat the down-sides of wood and stone siding.
Vinyl siding advantages:
- It is the most inexpensive of all siding materials
- It comes in a variety of colors and styles, and can also mimic wood, stone and slate
- Some vinyl sidings come with a lifetime warranty
- It is easy to clean with just soap and water
- It is not susceptible to insect damage or rot
Vinyl siding disadvantages:
- While cheap to buy, it can be costly to repair
- Vinyl siding can be flammable
- Vinyl siding cannot be painted over once installed
- Cedar – Wood siding is another popular siding choice. Just as its name suggests, it is made from natural wooden planks attached to the sides of the home.
Wood siding advantages:
- Wood siding is extremely eco-friendly because it is made entirely out of a natural material
- It is easy to install
- It can be painted or stained to whatever color you like
Wood siding disadvantages:
- Wood siding is one of the most expensive siding materials
- It does not offer very good insulation
- It is highly susceptible to damage from insects, moisture, humidity and can easily rot
- Wood siding requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep
3. Choosing the Right Color
New siding can completely transform the appearance of your home and elevate its curb appeal to new heights. Not only will this make you feel great every time you pull into your driveway, but it also makes your home more attractive to buyers and boosts its value. In fact, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your home. That being said, the color you choose plays a big role in all of the above.
