An Expert’s Guide on Siding Replacement
Are you contemplating a siding replacement? Are you in the middle of planning a siding replacement and completely overwhelmed? If your answer is yes, then you could use the information in this article. You might also want to consider consulting with a professional contractor, such as Weather Tight in Southeastern Wisconsin. These experts can guide you through the siding replacement process and help you with all of your decisions along the way. Even if you are not ready to bring in the professionals yet, you can still receive the advantage of expert advice. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about siding replacement. Let’s get started.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Siding
The first thing you need to do when considering siding replacement is determine if your siding needs to be replaced. Siding replacement is a costly project, and most homeowners prefer to wait until it is absolutely necessary before committing. Here are the key signs that it is time to consider siding replacement.
● Damage: Siding with visible damage indicates it is time for replacement. The damage could take the form of cracks, splits, or warping.
● Bubbling paint: Siding with bubbling or peeling paint likely has moisture underneath it. Moisture problems are a big deal and mean the siding should be replaced.
● Pest infestations: Pest infestations are the most common in wood siding. However, if you notice woodpecker holes or carpenter bee activity, that tells you to consider siding replacement.
● Visible gaps: No matter the siding material, there should be no gaps between the panels. If you notice gaps or loose panels, your siding’s effectiveness has been compromised. It will likely need to be replaced.
● Increased utility bills: As siding ages, it loses its effectiveness, and damage can harm the insulation underneath. All of these issues compound to cause an increase in your utility bills, which can be solved by siding replacement.
● Outdated appearance: Although there may be nothing physically wrong with your siding, you may just not like its appearance. Changing an outdated style is also a completely valid reason to consider siding replacement.
How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Siding?
As siding reaches the end of its lifespan, you will notice an increase in issues with it. It may require more repairs or start having problems crop up every week or so. In these instances, it is time for siding replacement.
But how long can you expect your siding to last?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the material used, climate conditions, maintenance practices, and the quality of the initial installation. However, to give you a good range of expectations, we will look at the expected lifespans of each popular siding material.
● Vinyl: 20-40 years
● Wood: 20-100 years, depending on the maintenance practices and wood used
● Fiber cement: 25-50 years
● Metal: 40-80 years
● Brick: 100+ years
● Stucco: 50-80 years, depending on installation and climate conditions
Siding Material Options
As you can tell from the previous section, there are six main types of siding material. By far, the most common option is vinyl siding. However, wood and composite wood make up a close second. The other siding materials are less commonly used on residential homes, but we have included descriptions of them to give you a well-rounded view of all of your options. Here are the most important details about each siding material.
● Vinyl: Vinyl has been the most popular siding material choice since the 1960s. It is durable, low maintenance, and cost-effective. Plus, vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and styles. However, the color of vinyl siding may fade over time. It may all need to be replaced if an individual panel gets damaged.
● Wood: Wood is a classic siding material. Depending on the wood used, it may be extremely durable and even pest and rot-resistant. However, wood siding often requires more maintenance than vinyl siding. It may also have a reduced lifespan in places with lots of inclement weather.
● Fiber cement: Fiber cement is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It is resistant to rot, insects, and fire. Yet, this extremely durable material is quite costly to install.
● Metal: Aluminum and steel siding are durable and weather-resistant. However, you will need to clean and maintain it regularly.
● Brick: Brick is the most long lasting siding material available. It can last for well over a century. However, it can be costly to install and does not have many design options.
● Stucco: Stucco homes use a mix of cement, sand, and lime for the siding. It is a durable and fire-resistant material. However, it does not work well in certain climates and requires regular maintenance.
Siding Replacement Costs
Siding costs can vary significantly. So, it can be hard for homeowners to know how to budget for their siding replacement. Some of the factors that affect the cost of siding replacement include the following.
● Location
● Material used
● Size of your home
● Complexity of your home’s exterior
● Accessories
● Labor costs
● Insulation installation
● Permit fees
● Market conditions
That’s a lot! If you are planning on replacing your siding soon and you do not know where to begin, here is a general rule of thumb. Siding replacement usually costs between $2-$20 per square foot depending on the factors above. In general, siding replacement in the U.S. costs around $11,000, so that may be a good number to begin shooting for.
To receive a more specific quote, you should contact a professional contractor. They will determine the exact cost based on your unique home and choice of material. Plus, they will have crucial, up-to-date information about the market factors affecting the price of siding installations in your area.
Finding a Good Contractor
This brings us to our final point: finding a good contractor. These professionals are crucial for the success of any home improvement project. By following these tips, you will be able to determine the best contractor for your next siding replacement job.
● Ask friends and family for recommendations.
● Check online reviews.
● Ask for references and licensing and insurance information.
● Obtain multiple quotes.
● Interview several candidates and assess their communication skills.
● Carefully review all contract terms and conditions.
By following the advice in this guide, you will be well-equipped to plan an efficient and well- executed siding replacement. And don’t forget to ask for help from professionals along the way.
We are happy to answer your questions and ensure you have all the information you need before you commit to this time-consuming and costly home improvement project.
*This guest post is from Weather Tight Corporation, the leading home remodeler in Southeastern Wisconsin. For More information visit their website at https://www.weathertightcorp.com/
