Do you want to make a quick and dramatic change to your home's appearance? Just change your siding. From the low-maintenance dependability of vinyl siding to the time-tested, rustic appeal of cedar shakes, there's a material that suits the style of your house and also fits your lifestyle. Following are examples of popular siding options and questions to help you start thinking about possible siding replacements.
Cedar shingles
Cedar shingles, or "shakes," are a classic American building material that blends beautifully with wooded landscapes and waterfronts. Made of natural cedar, the shingles are usually stained brown, gray or other earthen colors. Shakes offer the natural look of real wood but usually require less maintenance than wood clapboard.
Wood clapboard
Although we now have access to many synthetic wood products, solid woods (cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, cypress) remain top choices for fine homes. With periodic staining or painting, wood siding can outlast vinyl and other pretenders. Many wood-frame houses built centuries ago still look beautiful today.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood, or composite wood, is made by combining wood products with binding materials. Oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard and plywood are examples of engineered wood products. Engineered wood often comes in conveniently sized panels that are easy and inexpensive to install. Engineered wood can be molded to create the look of traditional clapboards. Because the textured grain is uniform, engineered wood does not look exactly like real wood.
Fiber cement
Fiber cement siding can have the appearance of wood, stucco or masonry. This durable, natural-looking material is a good, lower-cost alternative to wood. Fiber cement siding is strong, fireproof and termite-proof, and may have a warranty up to 50 years.
Seamless steel
Seamless steel siding is very strong and resists shrinking and bulging with changing temperatures. Steel siding can recreate a wood-like texture. Or, for a modern design, many like the industrial look of corrugated steel.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is made from a PVC plastic. Unlike wood or cedar, it won't rot or flake. Vinyl is also less expensive to purchase and install than most other siding materials. Unfortunately, even the best vinyl siding can crack, split or look dull after a few years. Vinyl produces hazardous byproducts; it will release toxic chemicals when burned.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding is seen by many as an out-of-date option, but some builders still offer it as an alternative to vinyl. Both materials are easy to maintain and fairly durable. Aluminum can dent and fade, but it won't crack the way vinyl will. Also, aluminum is fireproof and not usually considered harmful to your health or the environment.
Before hiring a contractor
Replacing home siding can be a major financial decision, so be sure to choose your contractor carefully. In addition to checking ServiceMagic ratings, before signing any contract:
Check customer references. Many homeowners are hesitant to ask for references, but any eager and trustworthy contractor would be more than happy to have you speak to past satisfied customers.
Verify insurance coverage. Contractors that ServiceMagic prescreens have insurance coverage, but also be sure you have adequate liability coverage on your homeowner's policy.
Demand property protection. Ask for the contractor's agreement to include a promise to clean up all debris daily during construction.
Also specify that the contractor cover bushes and other landscaping before the job starts.
Ask for a warranty. Be sure your contractor guarantees the work for a specified time period.
Check on necessary building permits. As part of your agreement, ask your contractor to obtain and pay for any building permits your local municipality requires.
Obtain competitive estimates. A comprehensive project estimate tells you how much your project will cost and how long it will take to complete. Hold your selected contractor to these plans. Also ask contractors to show how options for different materials may affect the cost.
Common siding questions
What should I do next about failing siding?
Repair or replace worn siding before it causes structural damage. Don't replace it with another product that is likely to fail again.
When is the best time of year to install siding?
Most siding companies work year-round!
Can vinyl siding be painted?
Yes, as long as the paint isn't darker than the original color.
Is it okay to add vinyl siding over existing siding?
Check with a contractor to determine whether you can install vinyl siding over your home's existing siding.
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