The type of siding you choose for your house will affect its appearance and protection. It should also suit the style of your home. For example, Colonial houses look better with cedar than vinyl or fiber cement.
Some siding options, such as brick cladding, can add value to your home and last for over 100 years. However, they require more maintenance than other types of siding. Contact Top Notch Roofing/Siding for professional help.
The cost of siding varies depending on the type and thickness of materials chosen, and how much work is required to install it. It also depends on the size of the house, as more surface area to cover means more labor and materials are needed. The price of siding is also affected by how old the current siding is and if it will need to be removed first.
In general, homeowners should budget for at least $1,500 to side a home of between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet. Some of the more expensive options, such as natural wood or fiber cement, may cost up to $20,000, while others, like vinyl, are significantly cheaper. In addition, homeowners should consider any other costs associated with the project, such as the cost of window flashing and insulation, or in some cases, a permit.
When calculating the amount of siding that is needed, it’s important to measure every wall and include any doors or windows. This will provide an accurate measurement of the area and ensure that enough material is ordered. It is also helpful to divide large areas into standard shapes for easy calculations. For example, a gable wall can be easily calculated using a formula that calculates the area of a triangle: base x height x width.
The installation of new siding is often a major undertaking, and it can be costly for the homeowner or contractor. A handy homeowner can sometimes do the work themselves, but a professional is always recommended to ensure that the job is completed safely and properly. Regardless of the installation method, it is important to choose high-quality siding to ensure that the project is done correctly and that the house is protected from future damage.
While wood siding is relatively inexpensive, it must be maintained regularly to protect the structure from moisture and pests. It must be treated every 4 to 6 years to prevent rot and insect infestation, and it must be painted or stained to protect it from the sun and rain.
Another option for homeowners is composite siding. Made from a mixture of different materials, composites look like natural wood but are more durable and resistant to moisture. James Hardie fiber cement siding, for instance, is designed to resist the problems that plague wood siding. It can withstand freezing temperatures and humidity, and it will not warp or crack as long as the wood beneath it is protected.
Durability
If you’re considering new siding for your home, it is important to consider its durability. The right choice can add a significant amount to the resale value of your house and ensure its longevity. It’s also important to choose a material that is durable enough to withstand the conditions in your climate, including weather, humidity, and pests.
Wood siding is a popular choice because of its natural look and warmth, but it needs to be treated with care. It’s vulnerable to wood rot, termites, and other moisture-related problems. To prevent these issues, it is a good idea to perform regular visual inspections and to re-stain or re-paint every 2 to 5 years.
Other types of siding are also very durable, and may even come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. For example, LP SmartSide is an engineered wood product that is extremely durable. It is treated with zinc borate, which helps resist fungus and termite damage. It also resists damage from wind and impact, and can withstand a 50-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Another very durable type of siding is James Hardie board. It is a concrete-based product that is strong, flexible, and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions. It is available in a wide variety of colors and can be customized to match the exterior of your home. It’s worth pointing out, however, that this type of siding is more expensive than other options.
Metal siding is also very durable. It stands up well to snow and extreme temperatures and doesn’t warp or rot like wood. However, it’s not an effective insulator, so it’s not ideal for cold climates or for homes with sensitive owners. It’s also not soundproof, so it can be noisy in some situations.
The first step to determining the type and amount of siding you need is to measure all the walls on your house. This can be done using a tape measure or calculator. Once you’ve determined the total area of each wall, you can then add up all the areas and determine how much siding is needed. It’s a good idea to add 10% to the final figure to account for wasted materials.
Aesthetics
Siding is a significant investment that impacts the appearance and value of your home. It is essential to evaluate the different materials and textures to determine which one is right for your home. In addition, you should consider the architectural style of your house and how it matches up with the various options.
The material you choose also determines how easy it is to maintain. Some types require more maintenance than others, while some have better insulating properties. Moreover, some materials are more durable than others and can withstand extreme weather conditions. A good siding installation company will provide proper maintenance instructions and advice for the best results.
Wood siding is a classic option for homes that want to make a statement of elegance and class. However, it requires a lot of maintenance and is prone to moisture, insect, and rodent damage. When maintained properly, however, wood siding can last up to 100 years.
Another popular choice for homes is vinyl, which is available in a wide range of colors and styles. It is also lightweight and affordable, making it a great choice for homeowners on a budget. Vinyl is also durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also termite-proof and fire-resistant.
Fiber-cement siding is another option that has gained popularity due to its aesthetic and durability. It is less expensive than vinyl, but it is still a worthwhile investment for homeowners who do not want to sacrifice quality. It is also resistant to rot and pests, and it can withstand high winds.
Stucco is another popular choice for homes that want to add a modern look to their exterior. It is a lightweight and durable material that can be painted in a variety of shades and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Stucco also offers a sleek, contemporary look and can be mixed with other textures to create diverse visual appeal.
Other exterior components, such as the front door, roof, and garage door, can also significantly affect your home’s curb appeal and value. Replacing your front door or installing a new roof can dramatically boost your home’s aesthetics, while a modern garage door will increase the functionality of your home.
Maintenance
There are several factors that determine the maintenance requirements of siding. The type of siding, the material and weather conditions are all important factors to consider. Knowing how to care for your home’s exterior siding can help to protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your siding. Inspecting for damage, cleaning your siding regularly and addressing minor repairs are all important parts of maintenance.
Typically, vinyl siding requires little more than routine cleaning with a hose and mild soap to keep it looking great. Wood siding has more maintenance requirements, and it should be stained or painted at least every four to six years. This protects the wood from moisture, sun and UV rays, and pest infestation.
Mold and mildew can grow on any siding material if it is not washed regularly, especially in areas with a lot of shade or moisture. Using a power washer with a non-abrasive cleaner can blast away the grit and grime that may be stuck to the siding. This prevents the growth of mold and mildew, and it also keeps the siding clean from moss, algae and lichen.
Stucco siding can stain easily if dirt, leaves and grass are allowed to collect at the base of the walls. A degreaser or bleach solution can be used to remove the stains, but it is important to test these materials on a small area before applying them to the entire surface of your siding.
Wood siding should be inspected regularly for signs of rot, termite tunnels and carpenter ant holes. If necessary, these areas should be repaired by a professional. Woodpecker holes can cause significant damage to the structure of your home, and these should be replaced as soon as possible.
Fiber cement and wood-fiber siding should be inspected for cracks, chips or damaged areas. These should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid water infiltration and further damage.
All types of siding require regular cleaning to ensure that the surface remains in good condition and to extend its lifespan. Keeping up with your home’s siding maintenance can protect your investment and add to the curb appeal of your house.