Everything to Know About Siding Replacement

The Siding on your home does more than enhance its aesthetic appeal. It also helps to protect your home from the elements, and aids in insulating your homes interior. Most materials that can be used for siding purposes are durable by design, though the weather that we experience here in southern Ontario can take its toll over time. Some signs that your siding may be in need of replacement are, loose or cracked boards, areas of rot, water damage that can be noticed from the inside, mold or mildew development, and even higher than normal household energy costs. Having your current siding replaced, or upgraded, is a major home improvement that takes careful consideration. In order to fully benefit from this upgrade, you must be aware of which materials will work best on your home, and they should be installed by a reputable company.

Installation

The level of experience an installer has will play a huge role in the quality of work that you receive. Asking for references from past and present customers will go a long way in ensuring that you are picking the right siding contractor. Whichever siding installer that you choose should posses the proper insurances and certifications. This will ensure that should a problem arise, or damage occur, you as the homeowner will not be liable.

Which Materials Will Work Best on Your Home?

When deciding on which material will work best on your home, it is important to take the climate in your area into account. It is also vital to compare different types of siding materials in terms of durability, and long-term maintenance requirements. The higher quality of material chosen, the longer the siding will last. Having this material installed correctly by a skilled siding contractor will also play a large role in the effectiveness of the product. An established installer will be able to assist you in choosing the best option for your home. Some of your siding options are:

• Vinyl Siding -  This material is one of the most popular choices for home siding. It comes in a plethora of colours and styles, and is one of the easiest materials to install. Vinyl is the most cost-effective siding option available today, which may be why it is such a popular choice. Vinyl is incredibly durable, can perform well in extreme temperatures, and requires very little additional maintenance. Due to the composition of this material, it is not the most eco friendly option. Also, if installed incorrectly you may experience water leaks in the seams, resulting in mold development.
• Fiber Cement – This type of siding material has slowly gained popularity over the years. A mixture of cement, cellulose and sand, this option is popular with homeowners who like the look of wood siding, but who don’t like the maintenance required with the real thing. This product is moisture-resistant, and non-combustible. This attractive siding option does not need to be painted, though that is an option should you choose to change the colour down the road. Fiber Cement siding can be difficult to install, as it requires specialized tools, which may increase the cost significantly. If this is an option that you may consider choosing, it is recommended that you choose an established company to install it.
• Wood Siding – Mostly chosen for its aesthetic improvements, real wood siding has seen a steady decline over the years. The upside of wood siding is that many species of tree can be used. Though this material can be quite costly, you may be able to reduce the cost if you choose a lower quality wood, and cover it with a higher quality stain. Wood Siding requires far more maintenance than the previous two options, as it must be re-stained or covered with an appropriate finish once every couple of years. That being said, with regular maintenance, wood siding can last for decades. Being wood, this of course is one of the most environmentally conscious siding materials available. There are also many wood siding materials that come from sustainable forests only. This tends to add to the appeal for some.

Looks Are Important Too!

The siding that you choose can both improve the curb appeal associated with your home, while also increasing its value. Choosing a material that will work flawlessly with the shape, and structure of your home will also help to increase the return on your investment. Again, choosing a skilled and reputable siding contractor will also help to ensure that the look that you seek, is the one that you receive. When deciding on a siding material, it is best to choose one that is highly durable and long lasting. This will ensure that your home retains its looks for many years to come. Colour matching is also important in terms of looks, and your quality siding contractor should be able to help you make the right decision in that regard.

Quality Siding Can Help with Energy Loss!

When having your siding replaced, you should consider household heat and cool air loss as well. Many siding options are also insulated, and when installed properly can help your home retain that expensive and much needed energy. If the siding material that you’ve chosen does not have a high R-value, you may consider having a house wrap installed, in order to improve your homes energy efficiency.

By taking the time to consider all of the above points, you can ensure that the siding replacement that you choose for your home will be functional, appealing, and a worthwhile investment.