Deciding between types of siding doesn't have to be stressful. New exterior siding or cladding is an excellent choice for improving your home’s curb appeal and insulating properties. Today’s siding materials are also tougher than ever, resisting dents, dings, and other such damage, while also being easy to clean and maintain.
The five major types of siding include:
Each siding material has its own pros and cons and each varies in durability and affordability, ensuring that you can easily find the right types of siding for homes and specific budgets!
If your home’s exterior needs a bit of sprucing up or its interior feels cold and drafty during wintertime and hot and stuffy in summer months, it’s time for new siding! You might also consider new roofing to go with those exterior walls, for maximum energy efficiency and an improved appearance.
To ensure you make the best decision when it comes to your home’s appearance and condition, note some pros and cons of each cladding material option, as well as some indications that it’s time for new exterior walls on your home. Discuss your choices and concerns with a home improvement contractor near you, so you choose the best option and are happy with your decision for many years to come.
Before you start shopping for new siding, it helps to know some added details about your choices. You can then narrow down those choices and know which ones to discuss with your home improvement contractor.
With so many options from which to choose, how do you decide the best siding for your home? One vital tip is to consider maintenance costs as well as the price of installation! Choosing inexpensive vinyl might save you some money now but if you have mature trees on your property or kids who play ball outside, note if you might end up with more maintenance and repair costs down the road.
Never overlook the importance of appearance when choosing outside cladding as well. Vinyl might be affordable but consider if you really enjoy its look or texture. Brick is very warm and traditional, but do you personally find brick walls a bit busy? They might look especially cluttered if your home doesn’t have many windows to break up those long walls. Invest in siding that enhances your home’s appearance and creates a look you love, and you’ll appreciate it for many years to come.
You might also note if you’re the type who likes to change up the look of your home regularly. If so, you might avoid brick and vinyl! Vinyl especially cannot be painted, as said, and it’s difficult to change brick color more than once. Opt for fiber cement or metal siding if you know you’re the type who likes to repaint your home’s exterior often throughout the years.
A quick inspection of your home’s exterior might tell you that it’s time for new outside cladding! Crumbling brick requiring extensive repairs, vinyl pulling away from connectors, rusted metal panels and other damaged materials indicate the need for new exterior walls.
You might also note if your home’s outside walls are getting difficult to clean even with regular power washing, as this is a common sign of extensive damage including dents, dings, and chips. Once those walls are so dented and dinged that they cannot come clean, it’s time for new siding.
Your home’s outside cladding also plays a major role in its interior insulation. Chips, dents, and other gaps allow out your heated and cooled air while allowing in heat, cold, and excess humidity. If you notice your home’s interior suddenly becoming uncomfortable during summer and winter months, or you notice a sudden spike in your utility bills, consider new siding, a new roof installation, and insulation, for a more comfortable interior and lower energy costs.
As with many home improvement projects, siding installation often looks easier than it is! Online tutorial videos also make this project seem simple when, in reality, it’s often best left to a home improvement pro. One reason for this is that siding must be measured precisely, as improper measurements can mean gaps that allow in moisture, cold, and heat, leading to interior water damage and poor insulation.
Corners of siding also need proper sealing and pieces need to be cut around roof eaves, fascias, trim, windows, and other such pieces. Long pieces of siding are also cumbersome to manage on your own or even with just one helper! These small details all make DIY siding installation challenging and cumbersome and tougher than many homeowners realize.
Should you remove old cladding before adding new?
Whether or not a homeowner needs to remove old cladding before installing new depends on the current siding condition. If that siding needs extensive repairs, is pulling away from the home, or otherwise provides a poor base or foundation, it needs removal. Local building codes might also indicate if your contractor can add new siding over existing cladding.
Should you put foam board under new vinyl siding?
Foam board provides an added layer of insulation for a home but it’s best to apply it right to a home’s framework and not over existing siding. If you’ll be adding new siding over existing cladding, forego the foam board and consider new insulation as needed instead.