Premier Exterior Remodeling Projects for Every Home – Part 2- Siding Installation

Like your roofing system, siding takes up a large area of your home’s exterior. Aside from helping your home stand out, it also serves as an effective shield against the elements. Have you checked your siding lately? Can you tell for sure whether or not it has sustained considerable wear and tear, which can negatively impact its look and performance? Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

• Holes and gaps that make it easy for water and moisture to seep into your walls.
• Chipping, splitting, or cracks on its surface.
• Fading or peeling colors.
• Mold and mildew formation on the exterior.
• Soft spots underneath the siding, which may indicate rot.

If any or all of these telltale signs are present in your siding, this could render it irreparable. This means that, now might be the perfect time for a more permanent solution–siding replacement. But first, make sure you have all the bases covered, including:

• Your Choice of Siding Material. Vinyl, wood and fiber cement are the most popular siding materials available today. Each of them has distinctive features that make them a worthy choice. Vinyl, for instance, is highly versatile. It comes in a wide selection of colors and designs that make it easy to match your new siding with your home’s design elements. It doesn’t require constant scraping or repainting because it holds color longer than a regular paint job. To improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider insulated vinyl siding, which helps prevent significant energy loss.

Wood siding is a good alternative to those looking for a more traditional choice. It offers a rich, natural look, helping your home make a bigger impression. Wood is also a natural insulator, so you won’t have to worry as much about costly energy escaping your home. When properly treated and routinely maintained, wood siding can last a long time.

Fiber cement siding is probably the best choice among the three. It delivers exceptional durability, effectively resisting damage from the sun, wind, rain and hail. This means reduced potential for mold, rot, impact damage and other issues. There are even fiber cement siding options specially designed for certain regions and climates, ensuring only the best weather performance. In the aesthetics department, fiber cement is just as customizable as vinyl. It comes in a wide array of colors, textures and finishes–in fact, it can even emulate the rich look and feel of authentic wood grain.

• Your Choice of Installer. As with roof replacement, your siding installation success will depend heavily on the contractor you’ve hired. Check for the necessary credentials, such as license, insurance and certifications. Make sure they are trained and experienced for this kind of work, as well. This way, you can be sure your project will be done right from the first.
• The Warranty Included With Your Siding. To make the most of your new siding, make sure it’s covered with a solid warranty. This helps you avoid the stress and additional expenses involved with sloppy workmanship and material defects.

Don’t suffer an old and damaged exterior. With a newer, better siding, you can pave the way toward a sturdier, healthier and more beautiful home.

In the third and final installment of our three-part blog series, we’ll discuss patio and deck construction and how it enhances outdoor living.